Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide in diet on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers.

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers. A total of 600, one-day-old AA broilers randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds per cage received dietary supplementation with GCP (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg) for 42 d. The supplementation of GCP linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate on day 22 to 42. Dietary supplementation with GCP reduced (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol on day 21 and 42 and linearly improved (P < 0.05) albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on day 21 and 42 and reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content on 21 d. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly improved (P < 0.05) interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressions in liver on day 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment, we randomly selected 20 broilers from 3 treatment groups (0, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg), respectively, to perform an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute stress experiment. The 60 broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups with 10 birds per cage. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with GCP (0, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1 mg/kg body weight) levels as treatments. When the grouping was finished, the broilers were immediately intraperitoneally injected with LPS or normal saline. Six hours after challenged, serum antioxidant and liver immunity were analyzed. The results showed that dietary GCP prevented LPS-induced reductions in T-SOD activity and increases in malonaldehyde content (P < 0.05). Also, dietary GCP supplementation mitigated the LPS-induced increase in IL-1ß and IFN-γ in the liver. Supplementation with 1,500 mg/kg GCP showed the most optimal effect in broilers. GCP has the potential to be used as feed additive in broilers.

Electromagnetic thermotherapy using fine needles for hepatoma treatment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma can be treated with heat-based therapies, especially radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, RFA has limited efficacy and is quite expensive. We designed a new system using fine needles combined with an alternating magnetic field to generate hyperthermia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat hepatoma model. Our aims are to assess the efficacy of our method and determine survival up to 30 days. METHODS: An N1-S1 cell line was inoculated into the livers of Sprague-Dawley rats, generating tumors after 14 days. The animals were randomized into 5 groups and treated after laparotomy either with normal saline (group I), iron oxide nanoparticles (group II), fine needles (group III), fine needles and iron oxide nanoparticles combined (group IV) or self-designed two-part needles placed under ultrasonographic guidance percutaneously (group V). Every rat was placed in an alternating magnetic field. The temperature in the treatment area was maintained between 55 and 60 °C. At day 30 after treatment, tumor volumes and mortality were assessed and histology samples were studied. RESULTS: Tumor volumes were significantly reduced and survival rate was prolonged in groups III, IV and V versus groups I and II (P < 0.05). On pathological examination, groups III, IV and V presented obvious necrosis, apoptosis, calcifications and inflammatory changes in the treatment area. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that hyperthermia generated by fine stainless-steel needles combined with an alternating magnetic field effectively inhibits hepatoma growth in rats and prolongs their survival. Further, this method can be applied percutaneously under ultrasonographic guidance.

Vitamin B(6) supplementation improves pro-inflammatory responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether vitamin B(6) supplementation had a beneficial effect on inflammatory and immune responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a single-blind co-intervention study performed at the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. Patients were diagnosed with RA according to the 1991 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: control (5 mg/day folic acid only; n=15) or vitamin B(6) (5 mg/day folic acid plus 100 mg/day vitamin B(6); n=20) for 12 weeks. Plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), serum folate, inflammatory parameters (that is, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)) and immune parameters (that is, white blood cell, total lymphocyte, T-cell (CD3), B-cell (CD19), T-helper cell (CD4), T-suppressor (CD8)) were measured on day 1 (week 0) and after 12 weeks (week 12) of the intervention. RESULTS: In the group receiving vitamin B(6), plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels significantly decreased at week 12. There were no significant changes with respect to immune responses in both groups except for the percentage of total lymphocytes in the vitamin B(6) group when compared with week 0 and week 12. Plasma IL-6 level remained significantly inversely related to plasma PLP after adjusting for confounders (beta=-0.01, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A large dose of vitamin B(6) supplementation (100 mg/day) suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (that is, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) in patients with RA.

Determination of flavonoids and saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, a traditional Chinese herb possessing antitumor and antioxidant activities, has been shown to contain several functional components like saponins and flavonoids. However, their identities remain uncertain. The objectives of this study were to develop an appropriate extraction, purification and HPLC-MS method to determine saponins and flavonoids in G. pentaphyllum. Both flavonoids and saponins were extracted with methanol, followed by purification with a C18 cartridge to elute the former with 50% methanol and the latter with 100% methanol. A total of 34 saponins were separated within 40 min by a Gemini C18 column and a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water, in which 18 saponins were identified by LC-MS with ESI mode and Q-TOF (LC/MS/MS). Similarly, a total of eight flavonoids were separated within 45 min by the same column and a gradient solvent system of methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water, with identification being carried out by a post-column derivatization method and LC-MS with ESI mode. The amounts of flavonoids in G. pentaphyllum ranged from 170.7 to 2416.5 mug g(-1), whereas saponins were from 491.0 to 89,888.9 mug g(-1).

Treatment of osteoporosis with TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells: a study in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate parathyroid function at monthly intervals following the implantation of TheraCyte-encapsulated live human parathyroid cells into ovariectomized rats and to determine the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) 4 months after ovariectomy ( 3 months after implantation). METHODS: Parathyroid tissues were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism. In total, 21 Sprague-Dawley rats divided randomly into three groups were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) implanted with TheraCyte A-encapsulated 4x10(6) live parathyroid cells; (2) implanted with TheraCyte B-encapsulated 4x10(5) live parathyroid cells; (3) a sham operation; the control group. Rats were ovariectomized 1 month prior to the implantation of the TheraCyte. Blood was drawn at the time of implantation and at monthly intervals thereafter for 3 months to check the levels of calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) and of the left femoral bone was measured with dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) 1 month after ovariectomy and 3 months after implantation of the TheraCyte (4 months after ovariectomy). RESULTS: We found that the viability ratio of cryopreserved tissues was between 55 and 79% after thawing. In the control group, the BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) had not decreased significantly (p=0.237) nor had the BMD of the left femoral bone increased significantly (p=0.063) 3 months after implantation. In the TheraCyte A group, the BMD of both the lumbar spine (p=0.018) and left femoral bone (p=0.018) had increased significantly 3 months after implantation. In the TheraCyte B group, the BMD of both the lumbar spine (p=0.017) and the left femoral bone (p=0.025) had also increased significantly 3 months after implantation. Serum iPTH levels were higher in the TheraCyte A group than in the TheraCyte B group (p=0.006), and higher in the TheraCyte B group than in the control group (p=0.040). Serum calcium levels were not significantly higher in the TheraCyte group A than in the TheraCyte B group or in the control group. Serum phosphorus levels were not significantly different between the TheraCyte A and TheraCyte B groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of TheraCyte A-encapsulated 4x10(5) live parathyroid cells and TheraCyte B-encapsulated 4x10(6) cells can increase the BMD of ovariectomized rats within 3 months of implantation. Neither cause high serum calcium and low phosphorus concentrations.

Cerebral metabolism in major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder occurring separately and concurrently.

BACKGROUND: The frequent comorbidity of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests a fundamental relationship between them. We sought to determine whether MDD and OCD have unique cerebral metabolic patterns that remain the same when they coexist as when they occur independently. METHODS: [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans were obtained on 27 subjects with OCD alone, 27 with MDD alone, 17 with concurrent OCD+MDD, and 17 normal control subjects, all in the untreated state. Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was compared between groups. RESULTS: Left hippocampal metabolism was significantly lower in subjects with MDD alone and in subjects with concurrent OCD+MDD than in control subjects or subjects with OCD alone. Hippocampal metabolism was negatively correlated with depression severity across all subjects. Thalamic metabolism was significantly elevated in OCD alone and in MDD alone. Subjects with concurrent OCD+MDD had significantly lower metabolism in thalamus, caudate, and hippocampus than subjects with OCD alone. CONCLUSIONS: Left hippocampal dysfunction was associated with major depressive episodes, regardless of primary diagnosis. Other cerebral metabolic abnormalities found in OCD and MDD occurring separately were not seen when the disorders coexisted. Depressive episodes occurring in OCD patients may be mediated by different basal ganglia-thalamic abnormalities than in primary MDD patients.

Regional brain metabolic changes in patients with major depression treated with either paroxetine or interpersonal therapy: preliminary findings.

BACKGROUND: In functional brain imaging studies of major depressive disorder (MDD), regional abnormalities have been most commonly found in prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and temporal lobe. We examined baseline regional metabolic abnormalities and metabolic changes from pretreatment to posttreatment in subjects with MDD. We also performed a preliminary comparison of regional changes with 2 distinct forms of treatment (paroxetine and interpersonal psychotherapy). METHODS: Twenty-four subjects with unipolar MDD and 16 normal control subjects underwent resting F 18 ((18)F) fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning before and after 12 weeks. Between scans, subjects with MDD were treated with either paroxetine or interpersonal psychotherapy (based on patient preference), while controls underwent no treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, subjects with MDD had higher normalized metabolism than controls in the prefrontal cortex (and caudate and thalamus), and lower metabolism in the temporal lobe. With treatment, subjects with MDD had metabolic changes in the direction of normalization in these regions. After treatment, paroxetine-treated subjects had a greater mean decrease in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (61.4%) than did subjects treated with interpersonal psychotherapy (38.0%), but both subgroups showed decreases in normalized prefrontal cortex (paroxetine-treated bilaterally and interpersonal psychotherapy-treated on the right) and left anterior cingulate gyrus metabolism, and increases in normalized left temporal lobe metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with MDD had regional brain metabolic abnormalities at baseline that tended to normalize with treatment. Regional metabolic changes appeared similar with the 2 forms of treatment. These results should be interpreted with caution because of study limitations (small sample size, lack of random assignment to treatment groups, and differential treatment response between treatment subgroups).

A study on pruritus after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The effective therapy for uremic pruritus remains a clinical challenge, and the factors affecting the pruritus before and after parathyroidectomy have not been defined. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients were operated on for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Their ages ranged from 14 to 73 years, and the duration of dialysis from 12 to as long as 168 months. Indications for surgery were skin itch in 22 patients and other reasons in 15 patients. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, intact PTH (i-PTH), and alkaline phosphatase were checked at two different intervals-before surgery and 1 week after operation. Immunohistochemical stain of mast cells, antihuman macrophage (CD68), antihuman dendritic reticulum cell (CD35), and i-PTH (IHPTH) were performed on skin specimens. Skin samples were prepared into tissue homogenates and analyzed for concentrations of interleukin-2 (II-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). II-2 and TNF-alpha were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The extent of pruritus was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10 and a behavior rating scale (BRS) ranging from 0 to 5, at a preoperative stage and 1 week after operation. RESULTS: Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, the product of calcium and phosphorous (Ca x P), alkaline phosphatase, and i-PTH changed significantly after parathyroidectomy. The VAS decreased from 5.4 +/- 3.2 to 1.8 +/- 1.5 (p < 0.001). Significant improvement of BRS was achieved 1 week after surgery (p < 0.001), and in the followup period. Before surgery, there was no correlation between serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Ca x P, alkaline phosphatase, i-PTH, number of mast cells, CD68, CD35, and IHPTH, and the scale of itch estimated with either VAS or BRS. The tissue levels of Il-2 and TNF-alpha were not detectable in any of them. We noted that high levels of phosphorus and Ca x P affected the postoperative extent of pruritus. But a linear regression test showed Ca x P was the only factor affecting postoperative itch. CONCLUSIONS: Pruritus in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism can be reduced by parathyroidectomy. Apparently, high-level Ca x P is the only factor that seems to affect the postoperative extent of pruritus.

Effect of electrical stimulation on callus maturation during callus distraction in rabbits.

Callus distraction is currently the most widely used technique for limb lengthening. Prolonged treatment time is its main shortcoming. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of electrical stimulation during various stages of lengthening in order to decrease the treatment time. Seventy-five New Zealand white rabbits, about 2 kg in body weight, were divided into five groups. All groups received single level tibial lengthening of 1 cm by callotasis using a mini-lengthener. Group 1 rabbits did not receive electrical stimulation and could move freely in their cages. Group 2 rabbits (sham control), with electrodes on their left legs, were restrained on a wooden frame for 8 hours every day without electrical stimulation. Group 3 rabbits received capacitively coupled electrical stimulation, 60 kHz, 500 mV, on the left leg for 8 hours every day during the distraction period. Group 4 rabbits received electrical stimulation during the neutralization period. Group 5 rabbits received electrical stimulation during both the distraction and neutralization period. All rabbits were restrained during electrical stimulation. Weekly radiographs were taken to determine the time of appearance of at least three neocortices in the lengthening callus. At that time, the fixators were removed. The healing indexes (total time in fixator divided by length gained, days/cm) in the five groups of rabbits were compared. The range of motion of the ipsilateral knees and ankles and complications of treatment were recorded. The results showed that electrical stimulation applied during leg lengthening by callus distraction can significantly reduce the treatment time and the healing indexes, but the electrical stimulation may contribute to decreased motion in the ipsilateral knee and ankle joints.

The value of human growth hormone as an adjuvant for ovarian stimulation in a human in vitro fertilization program.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the combined treatment of growth hormone (GH) and gonadotropins can improve ovulation stimulation in previously poor responders. Twelve patients who, had suboptimal responses in previous in vitro fertilization cycle were enrolled. They underwent 1 cycle with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-a) and gonadotropins and another cycle with GnRH-a, gonadotropins, and GH. Serum gonadotropins, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and sex steroids, including estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), testosterone, and androstenedione were measured on Day 2 and during ovulation induction. The serum IGF-1 level was higher in the GH cycle. There were no significant differences in the levels of the serum luteinizing hormone, E2, P4, testosterone, and androstenedione between the 2 cycles, so was IGF-1, E2 and P4 in follicular fluid. Co-treatment with GH did not improve the ovarian response. However, the GH cycles had better performance in terms of the number of oocytes fertilized and the pregnancy rate.

Carbazole alkaloids from Clausena excavata and their biological activity.

Five new carbazole alkaloids, clausines B, E, H, I and K, as well as 22 known compounds, were isolated from the stem bark of Clausena excavata. The structures were established from spectral data and chemical transformation. These compounds showed significant inhibition of rabbit platelet aggregation and caused vasocontraction. The crude methanol extract, partitioned layers and chromatographic fractions revealed the presence of promotive and inhibitive constituents, simultaneously. These results might explain the philosophy of use in Chinese medicine, in that the dose and content variation in a prescription produced different, promotive or inhibitive, effects on therapy.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption during treatment of maple syrup urine disease: report of one case.

We describe a Chinese infant with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) who had acrodermatitis enteropathica-like skin manifestations, edema, anemia, and diarrhea due to inadequate intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). A BCAA supplementation resulted in resolution of the eruption. This observation suggested the importance of monitoring plasma amino acids' levels for infants with metabolic disease on special formula.

Effects of Gastrodia elata and its active constituents on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats.

The effects of the rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae) (abbreviated as GE) and its active constituents on learning and memory by using the one-trial passive avoidance task were studied in rats. At the 1.0 g/kg dose administered for one week, the methanol extract of GE significantly prolonged the shortened step-through latency induced by scopolamine in the passive avoidance task. Furthermore, at the 50.0 mg/kg dose administered for one week, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of the methanol extract prolonged the shortened step-through latency induced by scopolamine in rats. Gastrodin, isolated from the n-butanol fraction of the methanol extract, and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract, also significantly prolonged the shortened step-through latency induced by scopolamine on the passive avoidance task. These results suggested that gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol may be the active constituents of GE.

Absence of infection in breast-fed infants born to hepatitis C virus-infected mothers.

The role of breast-feeding in perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was explored in 15 HCV-infected mothers and their infants. The 15 carrier mothers had anti-HCV titers ranging from 1:80 to 1:40,000 and also had HCV-ribonucleic acid with concentrations ranging from 10(4) to 2.5 x 10(8) copies/ml. Both anti-HCV antibody and HCV-ribonucleic acid were present in colostral samples in much lower levels, but none of the 11 breast-fed infants had evidence of HCV infection for up to 1 year of age. Thus breast-feeding seems safe for these infants.

A study on the usefulness of local anaesthesia for the laser vaporization of conizations in the uterine cervix.

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the need to use anaesthesia during laser ablation treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in populations of Asian women. Forty patients who were to undergo the ablation of CIN grade 1 or 2 were randomly divided into two groups. One group of patients was treated without any anaesthesia and the other group was treated using a paracervical block with lidocaine. The patients' experience of pain during the procedure was measured. These evaluations included an objective assessment made by the surgeons during the procedure using an objective pain scoring system, and a subjective estimation made by the patients themselves after the procedure using a visual analogue scale. Patients' feelings concerning the acceptability of either procedure were also elicited. Our results show that the case distribution of objective pain scores between the two groups of patients is not statistically different (p > 0.05). The mean visual analogue score of the patients who were not given anaesthesia (24.1%, SD 9.4) does not differ statistically from that of the patients who were administered a paracervical block (25.0%, SD 10.0, p > 0.05). Further, the acceptability rates of both groups are high (85% with paracervical block, 90% without anaesthesia), and the overall rates of the two groups are not statistically different (p > 0.05). These results imply that there may be differences in pain perception between Eastern and Western women. We conclude that in populations of Asian women, it is unnecessary to use anaesthesia during cervical laser ablation.

[Studies on cultivation techniques for Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. in summer].

Through many years' research, a set of cultivation techniques for Rehmannia glutinosa in summer has been found out as "selecting necks in autumn; growing seedlings with plastic films in early spring; culturing around summer solstice and reaping after autumn". A Study has also been made on the scope feasible for spreading the application of these techniques.

Enrichment of omega-3 fatty acids in suckling pigs by maternal dietary fish oil supplementation.

This study was designed to determine whether substituting menhaden fish oil (FO) for lard (LA) in a practical sow diet was a suitable method for enriching newborn pigs with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). On d 107 of gestation, 18 crossbred sows were randomly allotted to one of three experimental diets, in which FO was substituted for LA at 0, 3.5, and 7% of the diet. On d 1, 7, 14, and 21 after farrowing samples of milk and serum from the sows and pig serum were collected for fatty acid analysis. The content of n-3 PUFA in the serum of sows fed FO increased six-fold over that in serum of LA-fed sows P < .0001). Feeding FO decreased the levels of arachidonic acid in maternal serum by approximately 50% (P < .0001). Similar changes were reflected in the fatty acid profiles of sow's milk. Pig serum n-3 PUFA levels were elevated over 5- and 10-fold within 24 h of birth in those litters born to sows fed 3.5 and 7% fish oil, respectively. Eicosapentaenoic acid levels in pig serum increased linearly (P < .01) during the first 2 wk postnatally in pigs suckling FO-feds sows and accounted for as much as 12% of the total fatty acids present on d 21. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that feeding FO to sows during late gestation and lactation enriches the newborn pig with n-3 PUFA.

Infantile panthalamic infarct with a striking sonographic finding: the "bright thalamus".

A "bright thalamus" is not uncommonly observed in cranial sonograms of asphyxiated neonates, but not those of older infants. Three infants, aged 9-14 months, developed acute onset of seizures and disturbance of consciousness after a minor prodromal illness. Bilateral thalamic infarcts were demonstrated by ultrasonography and CT. One patient expired from causes not directly related to the infarcts; the other two survived with severe neurological sequelae.

Dietary (n-3) fatty acid and vitamin E interactions in rats: effects on vitamin E status, immune cell prostaglandin E production and primary antibody response.

To examine the interaction between dietary fat and vitamin E at the level of the rat immune system, a 2 x 3 factorial study was designed. Weanling female Sprague Dawley rats were fed for 8-9 wk diets that contained either corn oil (CO diet) or fish oil (FO diet) and one of three levels (30, 300, 900 mg/kg) of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. At the lowest level of dietary vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol content of splenocytes from FO-fed rats was approximately 40% lower (P less than 0.05) than in those from CO-fed rats. Supplementation with all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate elevated alpha-tocopherol in splenocytes from FO-fed rats but not in those from CO-fed rats, and reduced the relative proportion of arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the serum of CO-fed and FO-fed rats, respectively. Prostaglandin E production by isolated immune cells was not affected by all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation. However, feeding the FO diet consistently reduced prostaglandin E synthesis by 70-80% as compared with the CO diet. Antibody production against sheep RBC was highest in rats fed the FO diet supplemented with 900 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of diet. However, antibody response was not directly correlated to diet-induced changes in immune cell prostaglandin E production or alpha-tocopherol content. Our data suggest that there are significant interactions between vitamin E and (n-3) fatty acids that affect the immune system and that further research in this area is warranted.