Blood profile and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian steers finished on total mixed ration or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellet mixed with reed canary grass haylage.

Holstein-Friesian steer beef production is renowned globally as a secondary product of the milk industry. Grass feeding is a common practice in raising Holstein steers because of its low cost. Furthermore, grass feeding is an alternative way to produce beef with a balanced n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio. However, the performance and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian cattle is more likely to depend on a high-quality diet. The aim of this study was to observe whether feeding two mixed diets; a corn-based total mixed ration (TMR) with winter ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets with reed canary grass haylage (n-3 mix) provided benefits on carcass weight, meat quality and FA composition compared with cattle fed with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) haylage alone. In all, 15 21-month-old Holstein-Friesian steers were randomly assigned to three group pens, were allowed free access to water and were fed different experimental diets for 150 days. Blood samples were taken a week before slaughter. Carcass weight and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter. Plasma lipid levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined. Diet did not affect plasma triglyceride levels and GGT activity. Plasma cholesterol levels, including low-density and high-density lipoproteins, were higher in both mixed-diet groups than in the haylae group. The highest activities of plasma AST, CK and ALP were observed in the haylage group, followed by n-3 mix and TMR groups, respectively. Carcass weight was lower in the haylage group than in the other groups and no differences were found between the TMR and n-3 mix groups. Although the n-3 mix-fed and haylage-fed beef provided lower n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio than TMR-fed beef, the roasted beef obtained from the TMR group was more acceptable with better overall meat physicochemical properties and sensory scores. According to daily cost, carcass weight and n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio, the finishing diet containing flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets and reed canary grass haylage at the as-fed ratio of 40 : 60 could be beneficial for the production of n-3-enriched beef.

Onion extract structural changes during in vitro digestion and its potential antioxidant effect on brain lipids obtained from low- and high-fat-fed mice.

This study investigated the effects of onion (Allium cepa, L.) extract on the antioxidant activity of lipids in low-and high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids and its structural change during in vitro human digestion. The onion extracts were passed through an in vitro human digestion model that simulated the composition of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine juice. The brain lipids were collected from low- and high-fat-fed mouse brain and then incubated with the in vitro-digested onion extracts to determine the lipid oxidation. The results confirmed that the main phenolics of onion extract were kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and quercitrin. The quercetin content increased with digestion of the onion extract. Antioxidant activity was strongly influenced by in vitro human digestion of both onion extract and quercetin standard. After digestion by the small intestine, the antioxidant activity values were dramatically increased, whereas the antioxidant activity was less influenced by digestion in the stomach for both onion extract and quercetin standard. The inhibitory effect of lipid oxidation of onion extract in mouse brain lipids increased after digestion in the stomach. The inhibitory effect of lipid oxidation of onion extract was higher in the high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids than that in the low-fat-fed mouse brain lipids. The major study finding is that the antioxidative effect of onion extract may be higher in high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids than that in low-fat-fed mouse brain lipids. Thus, dietary onion may have important applications as a natural antioxidant agent in a high-fat diet.

Tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma: results of SMC NB-2004 study.

From January 2004 to December 2008, 50 consecutive patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were assigned to receive tandem HDCT (high-dose chemotherapy)/auto-SCT after nine cycles of induction chemotherapy. CEC (carboplatin + etoposide + cyclophosphamide) regimen and TM (thiotepa + melphalan)-TBI regimen (or TM regimen for stage 3 patients) were the first and second HDCT regimens. Local radiotherapy, differentiation therapy with 13-cis-retinoid acid and immunotherapy with interleukin-2 were given after tandem HDCT/auto-SCT. Of the 50 patients, 49 underwent a first HDCT/auto-SCT and 47 underwent a second HDCT/auto-SCT. The tumor relapsed or progressed in 14 patients, secondary malignancy developed in one patient and one patient died from chronic lung disease. Therefore, 34 patients remained event free with a median follow-up of 54.5 months (range, 14-94 months) from diagnosis. The probabilities of 5-year OS and EFS for all 50 patients were 77.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 63.7-90.3) and 71.4% (95% CI, 58.7-84.1), respectively. However, all patients who remained event free for >3 years after tandem HDCT/auto-SCT experienced late adverse effects. Chemotherapeutic dose-escalation strategy using tandem HDCT/auto-SCT was very encouraging for survival. However, further studies incorporating newer treatment modalities are needed to reduce late adverse effects without jeopardizing the survival rate.

Effect of fulminant hepatic failure porcine plasma supplemented with essential components on encapsulated rat hepatocyte spheroids.

The development of bioartificial liver (BAL) systems has required detailed information about the functional capabilities of cultured hepatocytes during blood or plasma passage. In this study we investigated the effects of porcine plasma and various supplements on the viability and function of adult rat hepatocytes in vitro. Primary rat hepatocytes cultured in porcine plasma supplemented with various substances showed albumin synthesis rates and viability equal to or higher than those of controls. Supplementation with calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, trace elements, amino acids, insulin, and epidermal growth factor were essential to maintain viability and high albumin synthesis. Especially, trace elements showed significantly higher and longer albumin secretion. Isolated rat hepatocytes were cultured in Spinner flasks for 24 hours to form spheroids that were harvested and encapsulated with chitosan-alginate solution before transfer to the bioreactor in the BAL system. Encapsulated rat hepatocyte spheroids cultured with porcine plasma including trace elements showed higher viability (57%) than controls (40%) after 24 hours, with ammonia removal values of 30.92 µg/10(6) cells versus the control 9.04 µg/10(6) cells. After 24 hours of operation the urea secretion value of encapsulated rat hepatocyte spheroids cultured in porcine plasma in the presence versus absence of trace elements was 76.73 µg/10(6) cells and 18.80 µg/10(6) cells, respectively. We concluded that encapsulated hepatocyte spheroids in a packed-bed bioreactor operated with human plasma including trace elements enhanced cell viability and liver function as a bases for an in vivo clinical trial of the BAL system.

Live cell-imaging perfusion culture system of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to mimic stem cell engraftment in liver.

Hepatocyte and various hepatic stem cell transplantations have been studied as alternative therapies to orthotopic liver transplantation for liver injury. The engraftment of transplanted cells into the parenchyma requires transmigration through sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), the only cellular barrier. In this study, we constructed a SEC-imaging perfusion culture system that mimics sinusoids with respect to hemorheologic properties. SECs were successfully maintained for 24 hours. Human liver stem cells (HLSCs) were used as a model of transplanted cells for in vitro engraftment to SECs under perfusion culture conditions. Conditions of high shear stress perfusion with 0.34 dyne/cm(2) significantly reduced cell adhesion in contrast to lower shear stress conditions of 0.1 and 0.03 dyne/cm(2). Among the biologic perfusion fluids, namely, fetal bovine serum (FBS), pig plasma, and 5% human albumin solution, HLSCs showed significantly greater attachment to SECs when perfused with FBS, which is well known to contain abundant amounts of adhesion molecules. This biomimetic SEC perfusion culture system may provide a useful tool to study engraftment mechanisms and to evaluate the effects of various enhancers as an alternative to animal models.

Effect of dietary zinc proteinate supplementation on growth performance, and skin and meat quality of male and female broiler chicks.

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary zinc proteinate (ZP) supplementation on growth performance and on skin and meat quality of male and female broiler chicks. 2. A total of 240 1-d-old male and 240 1-d-old female broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 24 floor pens (12 replicate pens/sex; 20 birds/pen) and were given either 0 (Control diet) or 40 mg/kg ZP (ZP 40), resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. 3. The growth performance of male and female broiler chicks was not affected by the ZP supplementation, but the males showed significantly higher growth performance than did females. 4. ZP supplementation increased the total thickness of skin in both sexes, and males had thicker skin than females. It also increased the collagen content of skin, but not that of meat. Males had higher skin collagen contents than did females, but no sex difference was found in the meat collagen contents. 5. ZP supplementation did not affect the shear force values of skin and meat; however, males had higher shear force values of back skin than females. ZP supplementation increased the zinc contents of thigh meat and plasma in both sexes. Males had higher zinc contents in back skin than females. 6. It is concluded that dietary ZP supplementation could increase the skin quality of broiler chicks in both sexes, particularly in female broilers, without any effect on growth performance. Male broilers have better growth performance and skin quality than females.

Conductivity and permittivity imaging at 3.0T.

Tissue conductivity and permittivity are critical to understanding local radio frequency (RF) power deposition during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These electrical properties are also important in treatment planning of RF thermotherapy methods (e.g. RF hyperthermia). The electrical properties may also have diagnostic value as malignant tissues have been reported to have higher conductivity and higher relative permittivity than surrounding healthy tissue. In this study, we consider imaging conductivity and permittivity using MRI transmit field maps (B1+ maps) at 3.0 Tesla. We formulate efficient methods to calculate conductivity and relative permittivity from 2-dimensional B1+ data and validate the methods with simulated B1+ maps, generated at 128 MHz. Next we use the recently introduced Bloch-Siegert shift B1+ mapping method to acquire B1+ maps at 3.0 Tesla and demonstrate conductivity and relative permittivity images that successfully identify contrast in electrical properties.

Effect of sex and dietary organic zinc on growth performance, carcass traits, tissue mineral content, and blood parameters of broiler chickens.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral for animal development and function. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sex and dietary organic zinc (OZ) on growth performance, carcass traits, tissue mineral content, and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old male and 240 female broiler chicks (Cobb × Cobb) were assigned to two dietary levels of OZ (2 × 2 factorial) with six replicates per treatment (20 birds/replicate pen). The OZ supplementation levels were 0 and 25 ppm. Results showed that OZ supplementation did not affect the growth performance of male and female broilers, but the males showed significantly better (P < 0.05) growth performance than females did. Similarly, OZ supplementation did not affect the thickness of both the back and thigh skin of male and female broilers; however, males had thicker skin than females. Dietary OZ supplementation did not affect collagen contents in the skin and meat samples. Male broilers had higher skin collagen contents than females, but no sex difference was found in meat collagen contents. OZ supplementation did not affect the shear force values of skin and meat samples. Male broilers had higher shear force values of back skin than females, but not in the meat samples. Dietary OZ supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the thigh meat Zn content in both sexes. The plasma Ca content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by dietary OZ supplementation; however, other blood parameters were not affected by dietary OZ supplementation. Males had higher plasma glucose and cholesterol content than females. It is concluded that dietary OZ supplementation at the level of 25 ppm does not affect the growth performance and skin quality of broiler chickens but increases the Zn content in thigh meat and Ca content in plasma of broiler chickens. Male broilers had better growth performance and skin quality than females.

Supplementation of graded levels of organic zinc in the diets of female broilers: effects on performance and carcase quality.

Zinc is an essential trace element. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of various levels of organic zinc (OZ) supplementation on growth performance and carcase quality of female broiler chickens. A total of 3200 1-d-old female broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 16 floor pens with 200 birds per pen. A maize-wheat-soyabean meal basal diet (Control) was formulated and 20 mg/kg OZ (20 OZ), 40 mg/kg OZ (40 OZ), and 80 mg/kg OZ (80 OZ) were added to the basal diet to form 4 dietary treatments with 4 replicates per treatment. The OZ source was zinc proteinate which contained 15% zinc. Results showed no significant difference between the treatments in growth performance. A significant increase in thigh skin epidermis and dermis thickness was shown in the OZ supplementation groups; however, no effect was found on the thickness of back skin epidermis and dermis. Collagen contents in breast and thigh meats were not influenced by OZ supplementation but a significant increase in collagen content was found in the back and thigh skin. This increase in collagen content was significantly greater in the back and thigh skin of OZ 80 than with OZ 20. Shear force value and zinc concentration in skins and meat were not significantly influenced by supplementation with OZ. It is concluded that dietary OZ does not improve growth performance of broilers; however, it could increase skin thickness by increasing collagen content in skin, thereby improving carcase quality.

Effects of antenatal, postpartum and post-weaning melatonin supplementation on blood pressure and renal antioxidant enzyme activities in spontaneously hypertensive rats

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Although melatonin lowers blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), its effect following antenatal and postpartum supplementation on the subsequent development of hypertension in SHR pups remains unknown. To investigate this, SHR dams were given melatonin in drinking water (10 mg/kg body weight/day) from day 1 of pregnancy until day 21 postpartum. After weaning, a group of male pups continued to receive melatonin till the age of 16 weeks (Mel-SHR), while no further melatonin was given to another group of male pups (Maternal-Mel-SHR). Controls received plain drinking water. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured at 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, after which the kidneys were collected for analysis of antioxidant enzyme profiles. SBP was significantly lower till the age of 8 weeks in Maternal-Mel-SHR and Mel-SHR than that in the controls, after which no significant difference was evident in SBP between the controls and Maternal-Mel-SHR. SBP in Mel-SHR was lower than that in controls and Maternal-Mel-SHR at 12 and 16 weeks of age. Renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) activities, levels of total glutathione and relative GPx-1 protein were significantly higher in Mel-SHR. GPx protein was however significantly higher in Mel-SHR. No significant differences were evident between the three groups in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase. In conclusion, it appears that while antenatal and postpartum melatonin supplementation decreases the rate of rise in blood pressure in SHR offspring, it however does not alter the tendency of offspring of SHR to develop hypertension (AU)

Effects of antenatal, postpartum and post-weaning melatonin supplementation on blood pressure and renal antioxidant enzyme activities in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Although melatonin lowers blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), its effect following antenatal and postpartum supplementation on the subsequent development of hypertension in SHR pups remains unknown. To investigate this, SHR dams were given melatonin in drinking water (10 mg/kg body weight/day) from day 1 of pregnancy until day 21 postpartum. After weaning, a group of male pups continued to receive melatonin till the age of 16 weeks (Mel-SHR), while no further melatonin was given to another group of male pups (Maternal-Mel-SHR). Controls received plain drinking water. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured at 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, after which the kidneys were collected for analysis of antioxidant enzyme profiles. SBP was significantly lower till the age of 8 weeks in Maternal-Mel-SHR and Mel-SHR than that in the controls, after which no significant difference was evident in SBP between the controls and Maternal-Mel-SHR. SBP in Mel-SHR was lower than that in controls and Maternal-Mel-SHR at 12 and 16 weeks of age. Renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) activities, levels of total glutathione and relative GPx-1 protein were significantly higher in Mel-SHR. GPx protein was however significantly higher in Mel-SHR. No significant differences were evident between the three groups in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase. In conclusion, it appears that while antenatal and postpartum melatonin supplementation decreases the rate of rise in blood pressure in SHR offspring, it however does not alter the tendency of offspring of SHR to develop hypertension.

Bortezomib attenuates murine collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a major regulator of pivotal proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Bortezomib inhibits NF-kappaB activation by blocking the degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitor, I-kappaB. In this study, the efficacy of bortezomib on murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was investigated. METHODS: Thirty-five male DBA/1 mice were divided into five groups. All mice except controls were injected with type II collagen. Mice in the bortezomib-treated groups were injected intraperitoneally with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg bortezomib twice a week for 2 weeks. Controls and mice in the untreated group were also injected intraperitoneally with phosphate-buffered saline in the same manner. Arthritis score and paw thickness were measured and histopathological assessment of joint sections was performed. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Joint destruction was confirmed using three-dimensional micro-computerised tomography (CT). Blood cells were counted and liver and kidney functions were monitored. RESULTS: Bortezomib significantly attenuated the severity of arthritis and histopathological findings in CIA mice. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase 3, cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase decreased in bortezomib-treated mice compared with untreated mice. In addition, micro-CT confirmed that bortezomib reduced joint destruction. No adverse effects in blood cells, liver or kidneys were observed with bortezomib treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that bortezomib may play an anti-inflammatory role in the pathophysiology of RA and serve as a new therapeutic modality for RA.

Antioxidative potential of raw breast meat from broiler chicks fed a dietary medicinal herb extract mix.

This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidative potential and quality of the breast meat of broiler chickens fed a dietary medicinal herb extract mix (MHEM, consisting of mulberry leaf, Japanese honeysuckle, and goldthread at a ratio of 48.5:48.5:3.0). A total of 480 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 12 pens, with 40 birds per pen (replicate), and reared for 35 d. Dietary treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal basal diet (control); a basal diet with 0.3% MHEM (T1); and a basal diet with 1% (T2) MHEM. At the end of the feeding trial, breast meat samples were excised and stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C to be analyzed at d 0, 3, and 7. The MHEM did not affect proximate composition of the breast meat. Total phenols content of the breast meats in the T1 and T2 diets was approximately 2 times greater than that of the control diet (P < 0.05). 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhy-drazyl radical-scavenging activity and 2,2-azinobis-(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation-reduction activity were greater in the T2 diet at d 0 and in the T1 diet at d 3 compared with the control diet (P < 0.05). 2-Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance values in the T1 and T2 diets were lower than in the control diet at d 3 and 7 and did not increase during storage, whereas the value in the control diet increased significantly. The pH of the T1 diet was significantly greater than that of the control diet at d 0 and 3. In a sensory test, panelists preferred the T1 breast meat throughout the 7-d storage period. This research indicates that dietary MHEM could increase the antioxidative potential and overall preference of breast meat during cold storage.

Direct comparison of optical frequency combs using a comb-injection-lock technique.

This paper demonstrates a direct comparison of optical frequency combs (OFCs) with different repetition rates without a stable intermediate laser using a single-mode comb-injection-lock technique. Two OFCs based on Ti:Sapphire mode-locked lasers were compared utilizing a single-mode diode laser for the selection and the amplification of one mode of an OFC by comb-injection, which makes the direct comb comparison possible. The frequencies of the two combs were found to agree within 0.019 Hz at 352 THz with the uncertainty of 0.25 Hz (7.1 x 10(-16) ). This is one of the best results among the comparisons of combs referenced to a microwave frequency. This technique simplifies the comb comparison utilities and can be applied even when repetition rates differ.

Safety and feasibility of intra-arterial nicardipine for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage-associated vasospasm: initial clinical experience with high-dose infusions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed cerebral ischemia from vasospasm is a major complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but complications and/or low efficacy are associated with current therapy. We report our initial experience with intra-arterial use of a calcium channel blocker, nicardipine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with clinical and angiographic vasospasm treated with intra-arterial nicardipine was performed. Standard criteria for definition of significant, intractable vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH were used. After catheter angiographic confirmation of vasospasm, arteries showing severe narrowing were targeted for superselective catheterization. Nicardipine was infused at a high dose rate (0.415-0.81 mg/min). Contrast injections were performed at 2-5-mg intervals to assess effective response (a 60% increase in arterial diameter of the most severely decreased in caliber vessel compared with the very first angiographic run). RESULTS: Eleven consecutive patients underwent a total of 20 procedures; most had SAH with high Hunt and Hess grades (III or IV). All had depressed level of consciousness; others had paresis (7/20, 35%), aphasia (1/20, 5%), and facial nerve palsy (1/20, 5%). Between 10 and 40 mg of nicardipine was used. A 60% increase in diameter of the main affected artery compared with the initial diameter measured in the initial angiographic run was achieved in all procedures. Clinical improvement (resolved focal symptoms or increased Glasgow Coma Score) occurred in 10 of 11 patients (91%). One patient died from complications of the initial hemorrhage. No complications occurred after 16 of 20 procedures (80%); minor complications without sequelae occurred after the remaining procedures. Follow-up of at least 2 months in 10 survivors revealed minor or no deficits in most patients with a Glasgow Outcome Score of 1 or 2 in 9 of 10 patients (90%). CONCLUSION: In this small series, high-dose intra-arterial nicardipine infusion to treat SAH-associated vasospasm seems to be safe and effective.

Tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue in patients over 1 year of age with stage 4 neuroblastoma.

From June 1997 to August 2005, 52 consecutive newly diagnosed stage 4 neuroblastoma patients over 1 year of age were assigned to receive tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue (HDCT/ASCR) as consolidation therapy. Fifty of the 52 patients underwent a first HDCT/ASCR and 44 patients underwent a second HDCT/ASCR. Eight patients (15.4%) died from treatment-related toxicity (seven during the second HDCT/ASCR). Total body irradiation (TBI) in the first HDCT/ASCR and a shorter interval (< 12 weeks) between the first and second HDCT/ASCR were associated with a higher rate of treatment-related death in the second HDCT/ASCR (P = 0.032 and 0.095, respectively). The tumor relapsed or progressed in 11 patients, and 33 patients remained event free with a median follow-up of 53 months (range 19-117) from diagnosis. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) (+/- 95% confidence interval) for all 52 patients was 62.1+/-13.7%. The application of TBI and local radiotherapy, and a longer interval between the first and second HDCT/ASCR were independently associated with a better EFS (P = 0.026, 0.007 and 0.020, respectively). However, further studies will be needed to decrease the toxic death rate in the second HDCT/ASCR while reducing the relapse rate.

Healthy-side dominance of middle- and long-latency neuromagnetic fields in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Any lesion along the neural axis may induce a subsequent functional reorganization at the level above. The present study used magnetoencephalography to investigate auditory-evoked magnetic fields [a component of the middle-latency auditory evoked fields peaking at approximately 50 ms (P50m) and a component of the long-latency auditory evoked fields peaking at approximately 100 ms (N100m)] on stimulation of both healthy and affected ears in patients with acute unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) of moderate degree in order to elucidate the functional plasticity of the auditory system. Sixteen right-handed, previously untreated adult patients with acute unilateral left (n = 8) or right (n = 8) ISSNHL of moderate degree were studied. Sixteen right-handed healthy volunteers with normal hearing served as control. Auditory neuromagnetic responses, measured by a whole-head 306-channel neuromagnetometer, were detected by monaural tone stimulation applied to affected and healthy ears, respectively, in different sessions. Intragroup and intergroup interhemispheric differences of peak dipole strengths and latencies of P50m and N100m, respectively, to monaural tones were evaluated. Healthy-side amplitude dominance of both P50m and N100m was found in ISSNHL, i.e. contralateral dominance was preserved on affected-ear stimulation but ipsilateral dominance was seen on healthy-ear stimulation. The phenomena could be attributed to the combined contralateral attenuation and ipsilateral enhancement of P50m and N100m activity in response to healthy-ear stimulation. Our findings confirmed that functional modulation can occur within the first few tens of milliseconds of evoked response at the auditory cortex in ISSNHL. The mechanisms of healthy-side dominance might be ascribed to a functional retune of auditory pathways, i.e. conjoined contralateral inhibition and ipsilateral excitation of the auditory pathway in response to healthy-ear stimulation. The effect could be registered in cortical responses.

In vitro immunomodulatory activities of a newly concocted traditional Chinese medicine formula: VI-28.

Previous studies have suggested that Vigconic VI-28, an anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula containing Radix Ginseng and Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, possesses immunological efficacy. This in vitro study further investigated the immunomodulatory effects of the hot water extracts of VI-28. The study included (1) colorimetric 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine proliferation ELISA for estimating mitogenicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), (2) immunofluorescence staining for measuring the expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25) on lymphocytes, (3) cytometric bead array (CBA) for quantifying cytokine liberation from PBMC, and (4) intracellular immunophenotyping for macrophage phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production from monocytes. The results demonstrated that VI-28 (1) could dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-activated PBMC but enhanced the proliferation of phytohemagglutinin-activated PBMC at concentrations of <1 mg/mL, (2) significantly augmented the expression of CD25 on lymphocytes at concentrations of 0.4 mg/mL or above (p < 0.05), (3) dose dependently (0.1-1.0 mg/mL) activated macrophage phagocytosis and monocyte synthesis of H(2)O(2) and (4) significantly increased the production of cytokines IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-1beta at various concentrations of VI-28 (p < 0.05). The results suggest that VI-28 is a potential immunomodulator which probably acts through the activation of lymphocytes and monocytes.

In vitro anti-allergic activities of a newly concocted traditional Chinese medicine--the wheeze-relief formula.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Western medications such as glucocorticoids are effective therapeutic agents but may be associated with side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treating allergic diseases with observable clinical benefits. The present study investigated whether a novel TCM concoction, the wheeze-relief formula (WRF), possesses in vitro anti-allergic activities. We measured the effects of WRF on the release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) by human eosinophils using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay, expression of chemokine receptor CCR3 and adhesion molecule CD49d on eosinophils using immunophenotyping, cytokine induction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using cytometric bead array (CBA), and the gene expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors using cDNA expression array. Results demonstrated that WRF dose-dependently and significantly: (1) suppressed ECP release from eosinophils activated with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and platelet activating factor (PAF); (2) inhibited the expression of CCR3 and CD49d on PAF-activated eosinophils; and (3) attenuated the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and gene expression of IL-2 receptor chain alpha (CD25) on house dust mite (Der p 1) activated PBMC. The above results suggest a possible anti-allergic role of WRF and provide a biochemical basis for further clinical trial on human subjects.