[Chaihu Guizhi decoction produces antidepressant-like effects via sirt1-p53 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu Guizhi decoction (CGD). OBJECTIVE: Chaihu Guizhi decoction at the daily dose of 17 g/kg and solvent vehicle were administered by gavage in 12 and 14 male C57BL/6J mice for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, open field test (OFT) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSF) were performed to assess the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and motor ability of the mice. We further used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and social interaction test to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CGD in comparison with the solvent vehicle. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to detect the expressions of sirt1, p53, acetylated p53, and the neuron plasticity-related genes including synapsin I (Syn1), Rab4B, SNAP25 and tubulin beta4b in the hippocampus of the mice. OBJECTIVE: In FST, the immobility time of CGDtreated mice was decreased significantly (P < 0.05); no significant differences were found in the performances in EPM, NSF and OFT tests between the two groups. In social interaction test, the mouse models of CSDS treated with CGD showed significantly increased time in the interaction zone (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the vehicle group, the CGD-treated mouse models exhibited significantly increased protein level of SIRT1 and decreased p53 acetylation (P < 0.05) with up-regulated synapsin I mRNA expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05); no significant difference were found in Rab (P=0.813), SNAP (P=0.820), or Tubb mRNA expressions (P=0.864) between the two groups. OBJECTIVE: CGD produces antidepressant-like effects in mice possibly through the sirt1-p53 signaling pathway and synaptic plasticity.

Supplemental iodine-containing prenatal multivitamins use and the potential effects on pregnancy outcomes in a mildly iodine-deficient region.

PURPOSE: The use and contribution of prenatal multivitamins (PMV) as iodine source for pregnant women in China, especially in mildly iodine-deficient region, have not been well studied. This study aimed to explore the association between PMV intake during pregnancy and thyroid function in mothers and newborns. METHODS: We performed a study involving women with a history of taking PMV during pregnancy between January 2013 and October 2015, in Shanghai, a mildly iodine-deficient region. Maternal thyroid function in early and late pregnancy, and neonatal TSH on postnatal d 3 were obtained from medical records. We compared the outcomes in pregnant women who took exclusively iodine-containing PMV (I + PMV) with those who took exclusively non-contained PMV (I- PMV). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify women with similar baseline characteristics. RESULTS: After PSM, 1280 women in I + PMV and 2560 in I- PMV had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyses. Introduction of I + PMV to women was associated with slightly higher maternal thyroid hormone production (higher maternal FT4, p = 0.01, non-significantly lower TSH, p = 0.79) and lower neonatal TSH levels (p < 0.0001). The frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes or thyroid dysfunctions did not differ between groups in late pregnancy. Mothers received I + PMV (0.2 SD) had a stronger association of maternal TSH with neonatal TSH than those who received I- PMV (0.1 SD). These effects were only shown in TPOAb-negative mothers, not in TPOAb-positive mothers. CONCLUSION: TPOAb-positive women display an impaired iodine transport in thyroid and placenta, and this may explain the lack of changes in maternal and neonatal thyroid parameters with I + PMV supplementation in these women. This phenomenon might suggest that these women require different iodine doses or treatment approach in comparison with TPOAb-negative women.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor and E-selectin on coronary artery flow.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), E-selectin and coronary artery flow following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model (IR) in Yorkshire pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Establishment of IR model in pigs. Following the injury model, Experiment group was administrated intravenously Shenfu injection solution (SFI, 1 mL/kg). The control group received the same amount of saline. After 30 min of blood reflux, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) was recorded following surgery. TNF-α, E-selectin expression was determined by ELISA in the venous sheath, coronary sinus, artery sinus, and proximal segment of the coronary artery. RESULTS: After the blood reflowing, TFC in both groups were upregulated, and TFC increased more than the control group. The difference is statistically significant (p<0.05) at the time of 30 min. TNF-α, E-selectin expression increased after IR. After reperfusion, TNF-α, E-selectin levels further increased and the myocardial injury was aggravated. SFI inhibited inflammation in the experimental group. TNF-α, E-selectin levels at coronary sinus, artery sinus, and distal segment of coronary artery after surgery was positively correlated with TIMI in the experimental group (p<0.05). TNF-α, E-selectin levels significantly increased after reperfusion (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The result demonstrated that TNF-α, E-selectin levels were positively correlated with coronary artery reflow only in the experimental group but not in the control group.

Correlation study between interleukin-6 levels and coronary reflow.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between local interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in different parts of blood vessel and the record of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Establishment of IR model in Yorkshire pigs, the pigs were divided into two groups (n=6). Experiment group pigs were administrated with Shenfu injection (SF) intravenously (1 mL/kg), control group was given saline injection. The blood reflowed after 30 min. TIMI was recorded to evaluate the coronary blood flow and myocardial perfusion. IL-6 levels in venous sheath, coronary sinus, artery sinus, and proximal coronary artery were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The records of TIMI in experimental group were higher than that in control group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The level of IL-6 increased obviously compared with control group after reperfusion (p < 0.05). Shenfu injection reduced the level of IL-6. IL-6 level at the coronary sinus was positively correlated with TIMI in experimental group (p = 0.03, R2 = 0.97) but not in control group. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 levels were significantly increased after reperfusion, which aggravated myocardial injury. IL-6 may be associated with coronary reflow, but further study is needed.

The reduction of circulating levels of IL-6 in pregnant women with preeclampsia by magnesium sulphate and nifedipine: In vitro evidence for potential mechanisms.

INTRODUCTION: Women with preeclampsia have elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6. IL-6, which is known to activate endothelial cells and induce the production of necrotic trophoblastic debris from the placenta, may be important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. MgSO4 is a major therapy for the prevention of seizures in preeclampsia but it has been suggested to also have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. METHODS: 22 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 68 normotensive controls were recruited and circulating IL-6 levels in these women were measured before MgSO4 and nifedipine treatment and after delivery. In addition, endothelial cells were treated with IL-6 or necrotic trophoblastic debris, generated from first trimester placental explants in the presence or absence of MgSO4in vitro, and cell-surface ICAM-1 was measured by ELISA. The levels of IL-6 in the culture medium were also measured. Furthermore nitric oxide synthetase activity in endothelial cells that had been treated with IL-6 was measured using l-NAME. RESULTS: Circulating levels of IL-6 in preeclampsia were reduced significantly following administration of MgSO4. In vitro, MgSO4 reversed the activation of endothelial cells induced by IL-6 but not by necrotic trophoblastic debris. The effect of MgSO4 in reversing the IL-6 induced activation of endothelial cells was not dependent upon nitric oxide synthetase. Treating placental explants with MgSO4 prevented the production of necrotic trophoblastic debris induced by IL-6. DISCUSSION: we demonstrated that IL-6 levels drop following treatment with MgSO4 and nifedipine in vivo, and have identified several mechanisms by which this positive effect on IL-6 may occur in vitro.

miR-20a regulates adipocyte differentiation by targeting lysine-specific demethylase 6b and transforming growth factor-ß signaling.

BACKGROUND: Several types of microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been defined as important regulators in adipocyte differentiation, the role of other miRNAs in the processes and the mechanisms involved remain to be explored. METHODS: miR-20a expression was quantified in primary cultured marrow stromal cells and adipogenic cell lines after adipogenic treatment. Effects of miR-20a on adipocyte differentiation were studied following supplementing or depleting miR-20a in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, ST2 stromal cells and C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells. Bioinformatics prediction of miRNA targets was performed, and potential targets of miR-20a were verified by using dual luciferase activity assays. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies were performed to examine the effects of the target genes on adipocyte differentiation. RESULTS: miR-20a was induced in primary cultured marrow stromal cells and established adipogenic lines after adipogenic treatment. Supplementing miR-20a activity suppressed the growth of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and induced 3T3-L1, ST2 and C3H10T1/2 cells to differentiate into mature adipocytes, along with the induction of adipocyte-specific transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBPα), C/EBPß and the marker gene adipocyte protein 2 (aP2). Conversely, inhibition of the endogenous miR-20a repressed 3T3-L1, ST2 and C3H10T1/2 cells to fully differentiate. Transforming growth factor-ß receptor II (Tgfbr2) and lysine-specific demethylase 6b (Kdm6b) were shown to be direct targets of miR-20a. Supplementing miR-20a activity in ST2 reduced levels of KDM6B and TGFBR2 proteins, while suppression of endogenous miR-20a increased KDM6B and TGFBR2. While TGF-ß signaling is a well-documented inhibitor of adipogenesis, the effects of Kdm6b on adipocyte formation need to be clarified. We demonstrated that overexpression of Kdm6b inhibited, while knockdown of Kdm6b promoted the differentiation of the ST2 cells into mature adipocytes. CONCLUSION: The present work provides evidence that mouse miR-20a promotes adipocyte progenitor cells to differentiate and this function may depend upon its inhibitory effects on Kdm6b and TGF-ß signaling.

CREB/TRH pathway in the central nervous system regulates energy expenditure in response to deprivation of an essential amino acid.

BACKGROUND: In the central nervous system (CNS), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has an important role in regulating energy balance. We previously showed that dietary deprivation of leucine in mice increases energy expenditure through CNS-dependent regulation. However, the involvement of central TRH in this regulation has not been reported. METHODS: Male C57J/B6 mice were maintained on a control or leucine-deficient diet for 7 days. Leucine-deprived mice were either third intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injected with a TRH antibody followed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of triiodothyronine (T3) or i.c.v. administrated with an adenovirus of shCREB (cAMP-response element binding protein) followed by i.c.v. injection of TRH. Food intake and body weight were monitored daily. Oxygen consumption, physical activity and rectal temperature were assessed after the treatment. After being killed, the hypothalamus and the brown adipose tissue were collected and the expression of related genes and proteins related was analyzed. In other experiments, control or leucine-deficient medium incubated primary cultured neurons were either infected with adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Ad-shERK1/2) or transfected with plasmid-overexpressing protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3C (PPP1R3C). RESULTS: I.c.v. administration of anti-TRH antibodies significantly reduced leucine deprivation-stimulated energy expenditure. Furthermore, the effects of i.c.v. TRH antibodies were reversed by i.p. injection of T3 during leucine deprivation. Moreover, i.c.v. injection of Ad-shCREB (adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting CREB) significantly suppressed leucine deprivation-stimulated energy expenditure via modulation of TRH expression. Lastly, TRH expression was regulated by CREB, which was phosphorylated by ERK1/2 and dephosphorylated by PPP1R3C-containing protein Ser/Thr phosphatase type 1 (PP1) under leucine deprivation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a novel role for TRH in regulating energy expenditure via T3 during leucine deprivation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that TRH expression is activated by CREB, which is phosphorylated by ERK1/2 and dephosphorylated by PPP1R3C-containing PP1. Collectively, our studies provide novel insights into the regulation of energy homeostasis by the CNS in response to an essential amino-acid deprivation.

The effect of pre-treatment with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery after ambulatory breast surgery: a prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective at alleviating pain and postoperative side-effects. Our aim was to investigate whether transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation, a low-skill alternative to needle-based electroacupuncture, could improve the quality of recovery after ambulatory surgery. Seventy-two women scheduled for cosmetic breast surgery were randomly allocated to transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation or sham groups. Patients in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group received 30 min of electrical stimulation at three acupoints located on the hand and forearm before the induction of general anaesthesia. We found significant mean (SD) differences between the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation and sham groups in the mean (SD) length of recovery room stay (35.6 (12.9) min vs 48.3 (16.3) min, p = 0.01), time to removal of the laryngeal mask airway (10.2 (2.5) min vs 17.8 (4.4) min, p = 0.01), and time to reorientation of the patient (14.6 (3.2) min vs 26.5 (5.0) min, p = 0.01). Further, postoperative pain scores and the incidence of side-effects were all lower in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group. In conclusion, transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation can significantly improve the quality of recovery and decrease the incidence of anaesthesia-related side-effects for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.

First Report of Streptomyces galilaeus Associated with Common Scab in China.

During a survey of potato scab pathogens in China from 2003 to 2012, a new pathogen was found in Shanxi and Neimenggu provinces. The incidence was approximately 20% of all recovered strains. The lesions caused by the pathogen were slightly raised and similar to those caused by Streptomyces scabies (3). Lesions were excised (approximately 10 mm3) from 40 infected tubers, surface-disinfested with 0.3% NaOCl for 30 s, rinsed in sterile water three times, cut into 5 mm3, then sliced into 1-mm pieces, and plated on water agar amended with ampicillin (50 µg/ml). Plates were incubated at 28°C in the dark for 4 days. The spores of Streptomyces sp. strains growing from the tuber pieces were collected from single bacterial colonies and cultured on oatmeal agar. To fulfill Koch's postulates, one strain, CPS-2, was grown at 28°C for 10 days and the spores were washed from the plates as inoculum. One hundred milliliters of inoculum (1 × 105 CFU/ml) was mixed with autoclaved soil and vermiculite (1:1) in each pot (15 cm in diameter). Cut tubers were planted in the pots (potato cv. Favorita, one plant per pot, five replicates) and grown under greenhouse conditions (22 ± 5°C). Typical common scab symptoms consisting of small, brown, raised lesions developed on potato tubers 12 weeks after planting. The same strain was re-isolated from the lesions of the new scabby tubers. Non-inoculated plants, treated as described above, but without strain CPS-2, remained healthy. The CPS-2 strain was identified based on morphological and physiological characterization and 16S rDNA sequence. On yeast-malt extract agar, the test strain produced grayish-white aerial hypha, reddish brown substrate mycelium and pigments, and loose spiral spore chains. Spores were smooth and were 0.8 to 0.9 × 1.1 to 1.2 µm in size (diameter and length). The ability of the strain to use single sources of carbon and nitrogen was verified according to the International Streptomyces project (4). The strain grew in media supplemented with L-arabinose, D-fructose, D-glucose, rhamnose, raffinose, meso-inositol, sucrose, and D-xylose, but not D-mannitol. It used L-hydroxyproline, L-methionine, and L-histidine, and produced melanin on tyrosine and peptone yeast extract agar. The strain did not grow at a pH less than 5.0 and was sensitive to streptomycin (20 µg/ml), phenol (0.1%), and crystal violet (0.5 µg/mL), but not to penicillin (10 IU/ml). The strain also produced hydrogen sulfide. The biological characteristics of strain CPS-2 were in accord with Streptomyces galilaeus. CPS-2 produced thaxtomin A in oatmeal liquid medium and the txt AB gene fragment was successfully amplified using specific primers (2). The 16S rDNA sequence of CPS-2 was amplified by PCR with primers 16S1-F: 5'-CATTCACGGAGAGTTTGATCC-3' and 16S1-R: 5'-AGAAAGGAGGTGATCCAGCC-3' (1) and sequenced. A BLAST search of the 16S rDNA sequence for CPS-2 was conducted using the NCBI GenBank database, resulting in 99.8% similarity to S. galilaeus (NR_040857). The 16S rDNA sequence for CPS-2 (1,388 bp) was deposited in GenBank (AY621378). To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. galilaeus causing common scab of potato in China. References: (1) R. A. Bukhalid et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68:738, 2002. (2) R. Flores-González et al. Plant Pathol. 57:162, 2008. (3) D. H. Lambert and R. Loria. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 39:387, 1989. (4) E. B. Shirling and D. Gottlieb. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 16:313, 1966.

Differential expression of hypothalamic fear- and stress-related genes in broiler chickens showing short or long tonic immobility.

The serotonin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis play important roles in modulating fear and stress-coping characteristics. Tonic immobility (TI) is a fear-related phenotype, and previously we have shown that broiler chickens showing short TI (STI) duration experience better growth performance and higher adaptability to stress. Here, we sought to further elucidate the central mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences between chickens showing STI and long TI duration, by comparing the hypothalamic expression of genes in the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and corticosterone-exposed situations. The STI broilers had significantly lower (P < 0.01) hypothalamic expression of serotonin reuptake transporter and serotonin receptor 1A. Moreover, 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was expressed significantly lower in STI chickens at the level of both mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05). Hypothalamic expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA tended to be higher (P < 0.059) in long TI chickens, but the protein content was approximately 2 times higher (P < 0.01) in STI chickens. The uncoupled expression of GR mRNA and protein was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.05) expression of gga-miR-181a, gga-miR-211, and gga-miR-22, which are predicted to target GR, in STI chickens. Corticosterone administration reduced the mRNA expression of postsynaptic serotonin receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (P = 0.059) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (P < 0.05), yet significantly increased the protein content of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that broilers of different TI phenotypes have a distinct pattern of hypothalamic expression of fear- and stress-related genes.

Histidine supplementation improves insulin resistance through suppressed inflammation in obese women with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic disorders. Serum histidine levels are lower and are negatively associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of histidine supplementation on IR, inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in obese women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A total of 100 obese women aged 33-51 years with BMI ≥ 28 kg/m² and diagnosed with MetS were included following a health examination in the community hospital in this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were allocated to interventions by an investigator using sequentially numbered sealed envelopes and received 4 g/day histidine (n = 50) or identical placebo (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Participants then attended the same clinic every 2 weeks for scheduled interviews and to count tablets returned. Serum histidine, HOMA-IR, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, serum NEFA, and variables connected to inflammation and oxidative stress were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Participants, examining physicians and investigators assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. In addition, the inflammatory mechanisms of histidine were also explored in adipocytes. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, a total of 92 participants completed this trail. Compared with the placebo group (n = 47), histidine supplementation significantly decreased HOMA-IR (-1.09 [95% CI -1.49, -0.68]), BMI (-0.86 kg/m² [95% CI -1.55, -0.17]), waist circumference (-2.86 cm [95% CI -3.86, -1.86]), fat mass (-2.71 kg [95% CI -3.69, -1.73]), serum NEFA (-173.26 µmol/l [95% CI -208.57, -137.94]), serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, -3.96 pg/ml [95% CI -5.29, -2.62]; IL-6, -2.15 pg/ml [95% CI -2.52, -1.78]), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, 17.84 U/ml [95% CI 15.03, 20.65]; glutathione peroxidase, 13.71 nmol/ml [95% CI 9.65, 17.78]) and increased serum histidine and adiponectin by 18.23 µmol/l [95% CI 11.74, 24.71] and 2.02 ng/ml [95% CI 0.60, 3.44] in histidine supplementation group (n = 45), respectively. There were significant correlations between changes in serum histidine and changes of IR and its risk factors. No side effects were observed during the intervention. In vitro study indicated that histidine suppresses IL6 and TNF mRNA expression and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein production in palmitic acid-induced adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and these changes were diminished by an inhibitor of NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Histidine supplementation could improve IR, reduce BMI, fat mass and NEFA and suppress inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women with MetS; histidine could improve IR through suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, possibly by the NF-κB pathway, in adipocytes.

Effects of methionine hydroxy copper supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine hydroxy Cu [(HMTBA)(2)-Cu] supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows. Thirty lactating Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a randomized block design: (1) Cu sulfate only (S): 12 mg of Cu provided by CuSO(4) per kilogram of concentrate; (2) Cu sulfate and (HMTBA)(2)-Cu (SM): 6 mg of Cu provided by CuSO(4) and 6 mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)(2)-Cu per kilogram of concentrate; or (3) (HMTBA)(2)-Cu only (M): 12 mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)(2)-Cu per kilogram of concentrate. The level of dietary Cu was determined according to the NRC (2001) requirement. This experiment lasted for 120 d, with the first 20 d for adaptation and with sample and data collection beginning on d 21. The milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk yield of cows in the SM treatment tended to increase compared with those in the S and M treatments. Cows fed SM also tended to have higher NDF and ADF apparent digestibility values than did cows fed S or M. Plasma Cu concentration significantly increased for the SM treatment compared with the S and M treatments. Cows fed S had higher plasma K concentration than did cows in the other 2 treatments. In conclusion, replacing one-half of the dietary Cu sulfate with (HMTBA)(2)-Cu increased plasma Cu concentration and tended to improve the neutral and acid detergent fiber apparent digestibility values and the lactation performance of lactating dairy cattle.

Influence of organic zinc supplementation on the antioxidant status and immune responses of broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of Zn supplementation on the performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses of broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella. A total of 384 male broilers (1 d old) were assigned to 8 treatments consisting of 8 replicates of 6 chicks each. A basal corn-soybean meal diet (29.6 mg of Zn/kg) was supplemented with methionine hydroxyl analog-Zn chelate at 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg of diet. At 21 d of age, birds were orally gavaged with 1.5 × 10(4) sporulated E. tenella oocysts. Dietary Zn supplementation had no effect on growth performance of either the challenged or nonchallenged birds. Activities of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were increased (P < 0.001) with increasing Zn levels in both the challenged and nonchallenged groups. Lipid peroxidation tended to be reduced (P = 0.08) at Zn inclusion of 20 and 40 mg/kg. In vitro lymphocyte proliferation responses to mitogen concanavalin A and LPS were not influenced by dietary Zn or challenge. The main effects of Zn level and challenge were significant for secretory IgA on d 28 (P < 0.01) and 35 (P < 0.001). During both periods, secretory IgA of birds receiving dietary Zn supplementation was higher (P < 0.05) than that of those receiving no Zn supplementation. Birds fed Zn supplementation excreted fewer oocysts in the excreta than those receiving no Zn supplement (P < 0.001). Results indicated that organic Zn supplementation reduced oxidative stress and improved some immune responses irrespective of whether birds were healthy or challenged with E. tenella.

GaN thin films growth and their application in photocatalytic removal of sulforhodamine B from aqueous solution under UV pulsed laser irradiation.

Single-crystalline Gallium Nitride (GaN) thin films were fabricated and grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method on c-plane sapphire substrates and then characterized by high resolution-X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The photocatalytic decomposition of Sulforhodamine B (SRB) molecules on GaN thin films was investigated under 355 nm pulsed UV laser irradiation. The results demonstrate that as-grown GaN thin films exhibited efficient degradation of SRB molecules and exhibited an excellent photocatalytic-activity-stability under UV pulsed laser exposure.

An unusual burn caused by hot argy wormwood leaf water.

An unusual burn case caused by hot wormwood leaf water is discussed. A 29-yr-old woman sustained a 7% seconddegree burn on both buttocks and the left thigh. This case report highlights a rare cause of chemical burn that may become more common with increasing use of this method of traditional Chinese medicine. Measures for preventing this type of burn injury are also presented.

Effect of different rumen-inert fatty acids supplemented with a dietary antioxidant on performance and antioxidative status of early-lactation cows.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of diets supplemented with fatty acids of different degrees of saturation, in the absence or presence of an antioxidant (AOX; Agrado Plus, Novus International Inc., St. Charles, MO), on dairy cow lactation performance. Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids were supplemented as a source of lower saturation fatty acid, and a palm acid product was supplemented as the higher saturation fatty acid source. Sixty early-lactation Chinese Holstein cows (100+/-23 d in milk) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design: (1) lower saturation fatty acid (LS), (2) LS and AOX, (3) higher saturation fatty acid (HS), and (4) HS and AOX. The Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids and palm acid product were supplied at 1.8 and 1.5% on a dry matter basis, respectively, to form isoenergetic diets. The AOX was added at 0.025% in the ration. The experiment lasted 9 wk, including 1 wk for adaptation. Lactation performance was recorded and milk was sampled and analyzed weekly. Blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein to determine metabolism parameters on d 16, 36, and 56 during the experiment. Neither fatty acid type nor AOX supplementation showed a significant effect on dry matter intake during the study. Milk yield was lower in the LS-fed cows compared with the cows fed HS. Milk fat and milk protein concentrations were not affected by fatty acid type or AOX supplementation. Adding AOX increased the yield of milk in the LS-fed cows, but did not affect those fed HS. Activity of plasma superoxide dismutase was significantly lower, plasma glucose tended to be lower, and plasma malondialdehyde was higher in the LS-fed animals compared with those fed HS. Addition of AOX decreased both plasma nonesterified fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide contents and increased total antioxidant capacity across the fatty acid types. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate was not affected by fatty acid type or AOX treatment. Cows fed LS had higher cis-9C(18:1) and trans-10, cis-12C(18:2) in milk at the expense of C(18:0), whereas AOX addition increased milk cis-9C(18:1) at the expense of milk C(12:0), C(16:0), and trans-10, cis-12C(18:2). It is inferred that feeding LS resulted in inferior lactation performance, whereas addition of antioxidant partially alleviated these negative effects.

An exploration of the meanings and experiences of cancer of Chinese people living and working in London.

This paper investigates the meanings and experiences of cancer of Chinese people living and working in London, in order to help the future development of culturally sensitive cancer information for Chinese people in the United Kingdom. A focus group interview method was used. Five focus groups (n = 35) were conducted in 2003 in London; these included Chinese health professionals, asylum seekers, immigrants with unknown status, Chinese young adults and Chinese elders. We found that the participants' understanding of cancer reflected Chinese cultural beliefs about health and illness. There are some misunderstandings and lack of knowledge and information about cancer treatments, but they understand cancer to be life threatening. There is also a great reluctance to talk about cancer. The participants suggested that as well as receiving appropriate and early treatment, by either biomedicine or traditional Chinese medicine, or preferably, a combination of the two, an individual's chances of surviving cancer could be enhanced by being provided with spiritual guidance and by being in a happy, positive mood. There is a need to improve knowledge about cancer in the Chinese community through the provision of culturally appropriate and accessible information on a variety of topics, including healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and treatments, and by encouraging openness about cancer issues.

Coccidiosis immunization: effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides on immune responses of chickens infected with Eimeria tenella.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of polysaccharide extracts (E) of two mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and an herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE), on the immune responses of chickens infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 180 broiler chickens were assigned to nine groups: three groups were fed with each of the extracts (LenE, TreE, and AstE), three groups were fed with the extracts and immunized with live oocyst vaccine (LenE+V, TreE+V, and AstE+V), a group was immunized with the vaccine only, and there were two controls (E. tenella-infected and noninfected groups). The oocyst vaccine was given at 4 days of age, and the extracts (1 g/kg of the diet) were supplemented from 8 to 14 days of age. At 18 days of age, all birds except those in the noninfected group were infected with 9 x 10(4) sporulated oocysts. The results showed that at 7 days postinfection (p.i.), birds fed the extracts without vaccination had lower body weight (BW) gain than those given the vaccine only. However, the extracts in conjunction with the vaccine significantly enhanced BW gain of the infected chickens compared with the vaccine group. Of the three extracts, LenE and TreE showed a better growth-promoting effect. The extracts largely increased oocyst excretion of droppings during the primary response postvaccination. The cecal peak oocyst output and lesion scores measured at 7 days p.i. were higher in the groups fed the extracts than in the group immunized with the vaccine only, whereas those of the groups fed with the extracts and immunized with the vaccine were not significantly different from the vaccine group. Of the three extracts, both LenE- and AstE-fed groups showed lower cecal oocyst output. Thus, as compared with the extracts, the live, attenuated vaccine showed better results with significantly increased immune response in coccidial infected birds. The polysaccharide extracts may prove useful against avian coccidiosis, and, particularly when they are used in conjunction with vaccine, they have shown preliminary promise against the experimental coccidial infection.

Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides, as alternatives for an antibiotic, on growth performance of broilers.

(1) This in vivo trial was conducted to study the effects of polysaccharide extracts of two mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and a herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE) on growth performance, and the weights of organs and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens. (2) Three extracts (LenE, TreE and AstE) were supplemented at inclusion rates of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g/kg from 7 to 14 d of age and compared with an antibiotic treatment group (20 mg/kg, virginiamycin (VRG) as well as a group of non-supplemented birds. (3) Body weight (BW) gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the extract-supplemented groups were not significantly different from those of the antibiotic group. Significant effects of type of extract and concentration on growth performance were found from 7 to 28 d of age. Generally, birds fed with LenE showed higher BW gain and lower FCR from 7 to 28 d of age than those fed with TreE and AstE and 2 g/kg LenE was considered the optimal inclusion rate for enhanced broiler growth. However, the extracts had no significant effect on the relative weights of organs and GIT compared with the antibiotic group. (4) The birds fed the extracts showed better growth performance than the non-supplemented birds, but were not significantly different from those fed VRG. Of the three extracts, LenE appeared to be a potential growth promoter. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the extracts can be used as alternatives for antibiotic growth promoters in challenged birds, and to elucidate the mechanisms for potentially enhanced growth performance in poultry.

Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens.

We investigated the effects of polysaccharide extracts from 2 mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and an herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE), on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens. A total of 150 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups: 3 groups were infected with E. tenella and fed with extracts (LenE, TreE, and AstE), and 2 control groups were infected with or without E. tenella. The 3 extracts were given at the level of 1 g/kg of the diet from 8 to 14 d of age. Specific systemic and cecum mucosal antibody production, proliferation of splenocytes, and peripheral T and B lymphocytes were measured during the 3 wk following Eimeria infection. A significantly higher production of specific IgA, IgM (at d 14 and 21 postinfection), and IgG (at d 21 postinfection) were detected in the Eimeria-infected groups fed with the extracts than in the infected group not fed with the extracts. Of the 3 extracts, TreE stimulated a slightly higher production of specific IgM (P = 0.052), and a significantly higher IgG production at 21 d postinfection. The cecal antibody production showed a similar trend to that of serum antibodies. The overall mean levels of cecal-specific IgA and IgG of the groups fed with extracts were significantly higher at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with extracts. Of the 3 extracts, the AstE-fed group showed the highest IgG production at d 7 postinfection. Both TreE- and LenE-fed groups had significantly higher IgM and IgG levels compared with the AstE group at d 21 postinfection. The extract-fed groups also showed a significantly higher antigen-specific proliferation of splenocytes at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with the extracts. The overall mean of erythrocyte rosette-forming cells (ERFC %) (at d 14 and 21) and erythrocyte-antibody-complement cells (EAC %) (at d 14) of the groups fed with the extracts was significantly higher compared with the group not fed the extracts. It is concluded from this study that supplementation with mushroom and herb extracts resulted in enhancement of both cellular and humoral immune responses in E. tenella-infected chickens.