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.

CONTEXTE: La diarrhée aiguë est une cause significative de morbidité et de mortalité chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans, en particulier en Afrique subsaharienne. L'OMS recommande l'utilisation de la solution de réhydratation orale (SRO) et de la thérapie au zinc pour sa prise en charge, mais le goût métallique du zinc entrave souvent l'observance. MÉTHODE: L'étude d'intervention prospective à ciel ouvert a eu lieu dans trois établissements de santé à Lagos, dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria, impliquant des enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë. Des données sociodémographiques et liées à la diarrhée ont été obtenues. La palatabilité a été évaluée à l'aide d'une échelle hédonique à 5 points, et l'observance a été déterminée par la proportion de comprimés de sulfate de zinc prescrits consommés. Les aidants ont reçu une provision de 10 jours du médicament de l'étude et des sachets de SRO pour chaque enfant, ainsi que des journaux de suivi pour noter la prise du médicament, les scores de palatabilité et les événements indésirables. Un suivi a été effectué aux jours 3 et 7, et les journaux ont été collectés entre les jours 10 et 14. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 294 participants, la plupart des aidants étaient des mères (86,0%), avaient au moins une éducation secondaire (88,1%), et étaient employées (70,7%). La majorité des enfants étaient de sexe masculin (54,2%) et avaient moins de 18 mois (52,2%). La note moyenne de palatabilité était de 2,65 (±0,78), sans différences significatives en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. L'observance moyenne était de 93,03%, avec 89,3% atteignant une observance ≥ 80%, et l'observance ne différait pas de manière significative en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. Le seul événement indésirable signalé, les vomissements, est passé de 18,8% le jour 1 à 0,5% le jour 10. CONCLUSION: L'étude indique que le comprimé de sulfate de zinc dispersible à l'arôme d'orange est bien accepté par les enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë à Lagos, au Nigeria. MOTS-CLÉS: Diarrhée, moins de cinq ans, Enfants, Arôme d'orange, Comprimés de zinc, Palatabilité, Acceptabilité, Échelle hédonique, 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.

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.

Assessing changes in oral health-related quality of life following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) improved oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in pre-school children, to evaluate the sensitivity and responsiveness of the Turkish version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and to examine parental satisfaction with the care received. STUDY DESIGN: The parents/caregivers of 120 pre-school children receiving dental treatment under GA, were asked to complete the ECOHIS before and after treatment. Participants were also asked a global transition judgement concerning change in their child's condition after treatment. Global transition judgement and distribution changes in ECOHIS scores were used to assess the sensitivity and responsiveness. RESULTS: 98 children completed the follow-up survey. Between pre- and post-treatment ECOHIS scores, significant reduction was observed (p < 0.001). The effect sizes were moderate and large (0.36 to 1.63). Global transition rating groups were compatible with statistical differences between pre- and posttreatment scores, supporting the responsiveness of the ECOHIS. 91% of parents regarded the experience to be positive. CONCLUSIONS: Children's OHRQoL showed significant improvement after treatment. The majority ofparents reported a high degree of satisfaction. Also, Turkish version of the ECOHIS was sensitive to dental treatment under GA for pre-school children and responsive to treatment-associated changes.

[Dynamics of indices of the carbohydrate metabolism in patients with morbid obesity after conservative and surgical methods of treatment].

The dynamics of indices of the carbohydrate metabolism was studied in 164 patients, suffering morbid obesity (MO) (body mass index--BMI over 40 kg/M2), before and in 6 mo after conservative and surgical treatment. In 81 patients (I group) for treatment of MO a diet and medicine "Styfimol" were used, and in 83 (II group)--bariatric operations (gastric banding or shunting). In 6 mo after the treatment in patients of both groups a trustworthy reduction of body mass and BMI was observed, including in a group I--by 5.5 kg (4.6%), and in a group II--by 35 kg (22.8%). As a consequence of this a level of insulin and a HOMA index was noted, what have had promoted a reduction of a revealing rate of glucose tolerance violation (GTV) and diabetes mellitus (DM) type II. More essential changes in carbohydrate metabolism were observed in a group II, including a rate of revealing of HGTV--by 41%, DM type II--by 75%.

Detoxification and mineralization of Acid Blue 74: study of an alternative secondary treatment to improve the enzymatic decolourization.

Many reports describe the decolourization of dyes by fungal enzymes. However, these enzymes do not contribute to dye mineralization but only to its biotransformation into less coloured or colourless molecules persisting in solution. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the identity of the metabolites produced during enzymatic treatments and its biodegradation into an appropriate system. The present work examines the decolourization/detoxification of a simulated effluent (containing Acid Blue 74) by fungal enzymes and proposes a secondary treatment using an anaerobic system to improve the enzymatic decolourization through the complete mineralization of the dye. Ligninolytic enzymes were produced by solid culture using the thermo-tolerant fungus Fomes sp. EUM1. The enzymes produced showed a high rate of decolourization (>95 % in 5 h) and were stable at elevated temperature (40 °C) and ionic strength (NaCl, 50 mM). Isatin-5-sulphonic acid was identified via (1)H-NMR as oxidation product; tests using Daphnia magna revealed the non-toxic nature of this compound. To improve the enzymatic degradation and avoid coupling reactions between the oxidation products, the effluent was subjected to an anaerobic (methanogenic) treatment, which achieved high mineralization efficiencies (>85 %). To confirm the mineralization of isatin-5-sulphonic acid, a specific degradation study, which has not been reported before, with this single compound was conducted under the same conditions; the results showed high removal efficiencies (86 %) with methane production as evidence of mineralization. These results showed the applicability of an anaerobic methanogenic system to improve the enzymatic decolourization/detoxification of Acid Blue 74 and achieve its complete mineralization.

Revascularization/Regeneration performed in immature molars: case reports.

These 3 case reports the outcome of revascularization treatment in necrotic immature molars. During treatment, a tri antibiotic mix was used to disinfect the pulp for 2 weeks. Then a blood clot was created in the canal, over which mineral trioxide aggregate was placed. After 24 months, the immature molars showed continuation of root development. The patients were asymptomatic, no sinus tracts were evident and apical periodontitis was resolved Results from these cases show that revascularization/regeneration using 3Mix-MP method could be effective for managing immature permanent molar teeth with pulpal necrosis.

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.

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.

ANTECEDENTES: La duodenopancreatectomía (pancreaticoduodenectomy, PD) con resección de la vena porta (portal vein resection, PVR) es una operación estándar para el adenocarcinoma ductal pancreático (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) con invasión de la vena porta (portal vein, PV); sin embargo, las tasas de margen positivo siguen siendo altas. Nuestra hipótesis fue que la duodenopancreatectomía regional (regional pancreaticoduodenectomy, RPD) en la que el tejido blando alrededor de la PV se reseca en bloque podría mejorar el resultado oncológico y la supervivencia. MÉTODOS: Este estudio retrospectivo incluyó pacientes consecutivos que se sometieron a PD con PVR entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2016 en un solo centro de alto volumen. En la PD estándar (SPD) con PVR, la PV se esqueletizó disecando el tejido blando circundante. En la RPD, el segmento retropancreático de la PV se resecó en bloque con el tejido blando circundante. La extensión de la linfadenectomía fue similar en ambos procedimientos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 268 pacientes (177 sometidos a SPD y 91 a RPD). Los pacientes sometidos a SPD presentaron con mayor frecuencia tumores resecables (35 (38%) versus 107 (61%), P = 0,014)) y recibieron con mayor frecuencia terapia neoadyuvante (23 (25%) versus 14 (8%), P < 0,001)) que los pacientes sometidos a RPD. La resección R0 se logró en 73 (80%) pacientes pertenecientes al grupo RPD, en comparación con 117 (66%) pacientes sometidos a SPD (P = 0.011), aunque los resultados perioperatorios fueron comparables entre los grupos. La mediana de supervivencia libre de recidiva (recurrence-free survival, RFS) y de supervivencia global (overall survival, OS) fueron 17 meses y 31 meses, respectivamente, en pacientes sometidos a RPD, en comparación con 11 meses y 21 meses en pacientes sometidos a SPD, (P = 0,003 para RFS y P = 0,004 para la OS). CONCLUSIÓN: La RPD es tan segura y factible como la SPD y puede aumentar la supervivencia de pacientes con PDAC con invasión de la PV.

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.

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.

Prevalence of breath malodour in 7- 11-year-old children living in Middle Anatolia, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of breath malodour and to assess the relationships between breath malodour parameters such as dental caries, habitual mouth breathing, tooth-brushing, and the frequency of upper respiratory-tract infection. METHODS: A total of 628 healthy children (327 boys, 301 girls) ranging in age from 7 to 11 who were living in Kirikkale, Middle Anatolia, Turkey were included. Subjects who were taking antibiotics, having any suspicion of upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis or tonsillitis at the time of survey were excluded from the study. Oral malodour assessment was carried out by organoleptic method. The DMFT/S was used to record caries. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the association of each clinical variable to organoleptic oral malodour rating. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the degree of association between oral malodour and various dental-habitual parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of halitosis was 14.5%. Organoleptic oral malodour ratings were significantly higher in older age groups. Gender, frequency of tooth brushing, habitual mouth breathing did not influence oral malodour ratings. D(T), DMF(T), d(s) played the most significant role in higher oral malodour ratings, followed by d(t) and df(s). The frequency of tooth brushing, habitual mouth breathing did not contribute to the prevalence of halitosis. CONCLUSION: Age, prevalence and severity of dental caries were significantly related to breath malodour.

Effect of mouthwashes on the discolouration of restorative materials commonly used in paediatric dentistry.

AIM: This was to investigate the effects of Klorhex, Tantum Verde, Kloroben, and Listerine on the discolouration of composite resin, compomer, giomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer. METHODS: Fifty disc-shaped specimens from each restorative material (n = 50) were prepared; initial colour values were measured with a spectrophotometer. Forty specimens from each group were placed in the four different types of mouthwashes (n = 10), while the remaining 10 specimens were immersed in distilled water for 2 min, twice a day for a period of 3 weeks. Colour change (ΔE*) values were obtained and the results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The ΔE* of composite resin in Klorhex (0.84 ± 0.37) was significantly lower than that of the other mouthwash groups. Moreover, composite resin showed the least colour change when compared with the other materials in all four mouthwashes. Resin-modified glass ionomer values were significantly higher in Tantum Verde (6.36 ± 2.82) when compared with the other mouthwashes (p < 0.05). Clinically appreciable discolourations were observed in the resin-modified glass ionomer specimens placed in Tantum Verde and Listerine. CONCLUSIONS: Nano-filling composite resins are the most successful aesthetic restorative materials, whereas the commonly used resin-modified glass ionomers exhibit more aesthetically divergent results following the use of mouthwashes.

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.

Doxycycline-induced staining of permanent adult dentition.

BACKGROUND: Doxycycline is the most effective antibiotic for managing brucellosis. Although it is relatively free from side effects, complications involving the skin, nails and teeth may rarely be encountered. METHODS: Four patients with brucellosis developed yellow-brown discolouration of teeth following a 30-45 day course of doxycycline therapy during summer at a dose of 200mg/day. RESULTS: All four patients were diagnosed as having doxycycline-induced staining of the permanent dentition. In all cases, the staining completely resolved and the teeth recovered their original colour following abrasive dental cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: These observations indicate that the incidence of staining of the permanent dentition, as a complication of doxycycline, may be much higher than the literature indicates, especially if treatment is administered during summer months. Fortunately, this complication is reversible and does not require termination of doxycycline therapy. Complete resolution following abrasive cleaning may suggest that an extrinsic mechanism within the dental milieu may be involved in its pathogenesis. Strict avoidance of sunlight exposure during high-dose, long-term doxycycline therapy might prevent the development of this complication.

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.

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+.

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.