Complete chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species: Comparative analysis, molecular identification, and phylogenetic analysis.

Artemisia L. is the largest genus in the Asteraceae, and well known for its high medicinal value. The morphological features of Artemisia species are similar, making taxonomic identification and evolutionary research difficult. We sequenced chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species, all of which are common adulterants of A. argyi. We used novel genetic data and compared these data to the published A. argyi chloroplast genome in to develop molecular markers for species identification and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia species. The eight chloroplast sequences were highly similar in gene order, content, and structure, encoding a total of 114 genes (82 protein-coding genes, 28 tRNAs, and four rRNAs). All species harboured similar repeat sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), ranging from 47 to 49 and 38 to 40 repeats, respectively. In addition, we identified five hypervariable regions (rpl32-trnL, rps16-trnQ, petN-psbM, trnE-rpoB, and atpA-trnR) and ten variable coding genes (ycf1, psbG, rpl36, psaC, psaI, accD, psbT, ndhD, ndhE, and psbH), which can be used to develop chloroplast molecular markers. Finally, phylogenetic reconstructions based on six datasets produced similar topologies, revealing A. argyi is closely related to species often found as adulterants, as expected. Our research provides valuable new information on the evolution and phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia chloroplast genomes and identifies valuable molecular makers to distinguish it from closely related species.

Molecular cloning and yeast two-hybrid provide new evidence for unique sporophytic self-incompatibility system of Corylus.

The Corylus genus contains several important nut producing species and exhibits sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SSI in Corylus remain largely unknown. To clarify whether Corylus and Brassica share the same SSI molecular mechanism. We cloned ChaTHL1/2, ChaMLPK, ChaARC1, ChaEX70A1 genes from Ping'ou hybrid hazelnut using RACE techniques and tested the interaction between the ChaARC1 and ChaSRK1/2. We also examined the pistil-pollen interactions using scanning electron microscopy. We found no differences in the stigma surface within 1 h after compatible or incompatible pollination. Compatible pollen tubes penetrated the stigma surface, while incompatible pollen did not penetrate the stigma 4 h after pollination. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ChaTHL1/2, ChaMLPK, ChaARC1 and ChaEX70A1 have corresponding functional domains. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that ChaTHL1/2, ChaMLPK, ChaARC1 and ChaEX70A1 were not regularly expressed in compatible or incompatible pollination. Furthermore, the expression patterns of ARC1, THL1/2, MLPK and Exo70A1 were quite distinct between Corylus and Brassica. According to yeast two-hybrid assays, ChaSRK1/2 did not interact with ChaARC1, confirming that the SRK-ARC1 signalling pathway implicated in the SSI response of Brassica was not conserved in Corylus. These results further reinforce the conclusion that, notwithstanding the similarity of the genetic basis, the SSI mechanism of Corylus does not conform in many respects with that of Brassica. Our findings could be helpful to better explore the potential mechanism of SSI system in Corylus.

Neural and physiological relations observed in musical beat and meter processing.

INTRODUCTION: Music is ubiquitous and powerful in the world's cultures. Music listening involves abundant information processing (e.g., pitch, rhythm) in the central nervous system and can also induce changes in the physiology, such as heart rate and perspiration. Yet, previous studies tended to examine music information processing in the brain separately from physiological changes. In the current study, we focused on the temporal structure of music (i.e., beat and meter) and examined the physiology, neural processing, and, most importantly, the relation between the two areas. METHODS: Simultaneous MEG and ECG data were collected from a group of adults (N = 15) while they passively listened to duple and triple rhythmic patterns. To characterize physiology, we measured heart rate variability (HRV), indexing the parasympathetic nervous system function (PSNS). To characterize neural processing of beat and meter, we examined the neural entertainment and calculated the beat-to-meter ratio to index the relation between beat-level and meter-level entrainment. Specifically, the current study investigated three related questions: (a) whether listening to musical rhythms affects HRV; (b) whether the neural beat-to-meter ratio differed between metrical conditions, and (c) whether neural beat-to-meter ratio is related to HRV. RESULTS: Results suggest that while at the group level, both HRV and neural processing are highly similar across metrical conditions, at the individual level, neural beat-to-meter ratio significantly predicts HRV, establishing a neural-physiological link. CONCLUSION: This observed link is discussed under the theoretical "neurovisceral integration model," and it provides important new perspectives in music cognition and auditory neuroscience research.

Neural processing of musical meter in musicians and non-musicians.

Musical sounds, along with speech, are the most prominent sounds in our daily lives. They are highly dynamic, yet well structured in the temporal domain in a hierarchical manner. The temporal structures enhance the predictability of musical sounds. Western music provides an excellent example: while time intervals between musical notes are highly variable, underlying beats can be realized. The beat-level temporal structure provides a sense of regular pulses. Beats can be further organized into units, giving the percept of alternating strong and weak beats (i.e. metrical structure or meter). Examining neural processing at the meter level offers a unique opportunity to understand how the human brain extracts temporal patterns, predicts future stimuli and optimizes neural resources for processing. The present study addresses two important questions regarding meter processing, using the mismatch negativity (MMN) obtained with electroencephalography (EEG): 1) how tempo (fast vs. slow) and type of metrical structure (duple: two beats per unit vs. triple: three beats per unit) affect the neural processing of metrical structure in non-musically trained individuals, and 2) how early music training modulates the neural processing of metrical structure. Metrical structures were established by patterns of consecutive strong and weak tones (Standard) with occasional violations that disrupted and reset the structure (Deviant). Twenty non-musicians listened passively to these tones while their neural activities were recorded. MMN indexed the neural sensitivity to the meter violations. Results suggested that MMNs were larger for fast tempo and for triple meter conditions. Further, 20 musically trained individuals were tested using the same methods and the results were compared to the non-musicians. While tempo and meter type similarly influenced MMNs in both groups, musicians overall exhibited significantly reduced MMNs, compared to their non-musician counterparts. Further analyses indicated that the reduction was driven by responses to sounds that defined the structure (Standard), not by responses to Deviants. We argue that musicians maintain a more accurate and efficient mental model for metrical structures, which incorporates occasional disruptions using significantly fewer neural resources.

Efficacy of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in Managing Overweight and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVE: Studies in rodents and humans have indicated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may reduce weight. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate evidence for the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in managing overweight and obesity. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until May 2015. Two reviewers independently determined the eligibility of studies and assessed the reporting quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs involving 617 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Based on the meta-analysis of nine studies, a statistically nonsignificant difference was revealed in weight loss between n-3 PUFA and placebo (p=0.99; weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.42 to 0.43), whereas n-3 PUFA was superior to placebo in reducing serum triglyceride levels (p=0.0007; standard median difference [Std MD]: -0.59; 95% CI -0.93 to -0.25). Based on meta-analysis of seven studies, the analysis of aggregated data showed a significant reduction in waist circumference (p=0.005; WMD: -0.53; 95% CI -0.90 to -0.16). There were no significant differences in body mass index, total serum levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from RCTs showed that n-3 PUFA might effectively reduce waist circumference and triglyceride levels in overweight and obese adults, but n-3 PUFA may not effectively reduce body weight. Given the small number and poor quality of RCTs included in the meta-analysis, these results are inconclusive. A large-scale, well-designed RCT is needed to further address this issue.

Vitamin E promotes breast cancer cell proliferation by reducing ROS production and p53 expression.

OBJECTIVE: The role of antioxidant in cancer cell proliferation is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the effects of antioxidant vitamin E on the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the possible underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthotopic breast cancer model was established by inoculating MCF7 cells in mice and in vitro MCF7 culture system. CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence probe and Western blot analysis were used to detect ROS changes and p53 expression. p53 knockdown in MCF7 cells by siRNA transfection was also used to determine the combination effect of vitamin E and p53 on MCF7 cell proliferation. RESULTS: Vitamin E supplement in the chow significantly accelerated breast cancer cell growth in vivo. ROS level and p53 expression were decreased in tumor tissues. Water-solvable vitamin E Trolox significantly promoted MCF7 cell proliferation in vitro, while reducing intracellular ROS level and p53 expression. p53 knowdown by p53-siRNA transfection inMCF7 cells significantly reduced p53 expression and increased MCF7 cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E accelerated breast cancer growth by reducing ROS production and p53 expression.

Selective Inhibition of SIRT2 Improves Outcomes in a Lethal Septic Model.

BACKGROUND: Seven isoforms of histone deacetylase Class III have been reported - Sirtuin (SIRT) 1-7. We recently demonstrated that EX-527, an inhibitor of SIRT1, reduces mortality in a mouse model of lethal-cecal-ligationand- puncture (CLP)-induced septic shock. Our present study was aimed at determining whether selective inhibition of SIRT2, with AGK2, would decrease animal death and attenuate the inflammatory response in a septic model. METHODS: Experiment I: C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally given either AGK2 (82 mg/kg) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or DMSO alone, and 2 h later subjected to CLP. Survival was monitored for 240 hours. Experiment II: mice treated the same way as Experiment I, were grouped into (i) DMSO vehicle, and (ii) AGK2, with sham mice (operating but without any treatment) serving as controls. Peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood were examined at 24 and 48 hours for cytokine production. Samples of blood at 48 h were also allocated to assess coagulability using Thrombelastography (TEG). Morphological changes of bone marrow were evaluated from long bones (femurs and tibias) with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Bone marrow atrophy was quantified by a blinded pathologist. Experiment III: cytokines in supernatant of the cultured normal primary splenocytes were measured after the cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide and treated with or without AGK2 (10 µM) for 6 hours. RESULTS: AGK2 significantly reduced mortality and decreased levels of cytokines in blood (TNF-α: 298.3±24.6 vs 26.8±2.8 pg/ml, p=0.0034; IL-6: 633.4±82.8 vs 232.6±133.0 pg/ml, p=0.0344) and peritoneal fluid (IL-6: 704.8±67.7 vs 391.4±98.5 pg/ml, p=0.033) compared to vehicle control. Also, AGK2 suppressed the TNF-α and IL-6 production in the cultured splenocytes (TNF-α: 68.1±6.4 vs 23.9±2.8 pg/ml, p=0.0009; IL-6: 73.1±4.2 vs 49.6±3.0 pg/ml; p=0.0051). The TEG data showed that the mice subjected to CLP displayed prolonged fibrin formation and fibrin cross-linkage time, slower clot formation, decreased platelet function, and clot rigidity. AGK2 treatment was associated with dramatic improvements in fibrin cross-linkage and clot formation times, without a significant impact on the clot initiation parameters or platelet function. Additionally, AGK2 significantly attenuated the bone marrow atrophy (58.3±6.5 vs 30.0±8.2%, p=0.0262). CONCLUSION: Selective inhibition of SIRT2 significantly improves survival, and attenuates sepsis-associated "cytokine storm", coagulopathy, and bone marrow atrophy in a mouse model of lethal septic shock.

Effect of musical experience on learning lexical tone categories.

Previous studies suggest that musicians show an advantage in processing and encoding foreign-language lexical tones. The current experiments examined whether musical experience influences the perceptual learning of lexical tone categories. Experiment I examined whether musicians with no prior experience of tonal languages differed from nonmusicians in the perception of a lexical tone continuum. Experiment II examined whether short-term perceptual training on lexical tones altered the perception of the lexical tone continuum differentially in English-speaking musicians and nonmusicians. Results suggested that (a) musicians exhibited higher sensitivity overall to tonal changes, but perceived the lexical tone continuum in a manner similar to nonmusicians (continuously), in contrast to native Mandarin speakers (categorically); and (b) short-term perceptual training altered perception; however, there were no significant differences between the effects of training on musicians and nonmusicians.

Effects of acarbose on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Whether or not acarbose benefits patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to synthesize the literature regarding the therapeutic effects of acarbose on PCOS. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using terms, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, ovary polycystic disease, PCOS, hyperandrogenemia, acarbose, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in the following bibliographic databases: Medline; Embase; and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The identified reference lists were checked manually. RESULTS: 6 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Based on the meta-analysis of 3 studies, acarbose was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing serum levels of testosterone (Std MD = - 3.38, 95% CI:-5.97~-0.78, P = 0.01) and acarbose caused a significantly higher incidence of side effects, such as abdominal distention and diarrhea (OR = 23.78, 95% CI: 5.67~99.75, P < 0.0001). The changes in Ferriman-Gallwey score or body mass index (BMI) were not significant. Based on the meta-analysis of 2 studies, acarbose were superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing triglycerides (TG; WMD = -18.18, 95% CI:-36.30~-0.06, P = 0.05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (WMD = - 6.49, 95% CI:-9.14~-3.84, P < 0.00001), and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (WMD = 5.14, 95% CI:1.73~8.55, P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between acarbose and metformin with respect to improvements in ovulation rate, menstrual patterns, or changes in serum levels of testosterone, adverse events, or BMI. Heterogeneities were detected during the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the role that acarbose plays in the treatment of PCOS. The currently available data showed that acarbose can reduce testosterone, TG, and VLDL, and increase HDL. Acarbose caused a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal disturbance. Given the small RCTs and poor quality of RCTs included, these results are not conclusive. A large-scale, randomized controlled study is needed to ascertain this uncertainty.

A double-blind comparative study of Chinese herbal medicine Jinlianqingre Effervescent Tablets in combination with conventional therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Chinese herbal medicine Jinlianqingre Effervescent Tablets (JET) are the recommended control measure for uncomplicated hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) by the Ministry of Health of China. However, high-quality evidence to support this recommendation is limited. A total of 288 patients ranging in age from 1 to 13 years were randomly assigned to JET in combination with conventional therapy (mainly including the reduction of temperature by applying physical cooling paste or warm bathing), or conventional therapy with placebo group for 7 days. The objective was to test the hypothesis that JET combination therapy is more effective than conventional therapy for uncomplicated HFMD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed. Our study showed that, compared with conventional therapy, the median time to fever resolution was significantly shorter in the JET combination therapy (8 vs. 80 h; p < 0.0001); the risk of fever resolution increased in the JET combination therapy [hazard ratio, 19.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 12.8 to 30.7]; the median healing time of rash or oral ulcer was significantly shorter in the JET combination therapy (14 vs. 74 h; p < 0.0001); and the median symptom score for skin or oral mucosa lesions improved more rapidly in the JET combination therapy during the follow-up period. The median duration of hospital stay was 6 days in the JET combination therapy and 7 days in the conventional therapy (p < 0.0001). No significant adverse events and complications were found in both groups. The addition of JET to conventional therapy reduced fever clearance time, healing time of skin or oral mucosa lesions, and duration of hospital stay in children with uncomplicated HFMD.

Glycidyl fatty acid esters in food by LC-MS/MS: method development.

An improved method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the analysis of glycidyl fatty acid esters in oils was developed. The method incorporates stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) for quantifying the five target analytes: glycidyl esters of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). For the analysis, 10 mg sample of edible oil or fat is dissolved in acetone, spiked with deuterium labelled analogs of glycidyl esters and purified by a two-step chromatography on C18 and normal silica solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges using methanol and 5% ethyl acetate in hexane, respectively. If the concentration of analytes is expected to be below 0.5 mg/kg, 0.5 g sample of oil is pre-concentrated first using a silica column. The dried final extract is re-dissolved in 250 µL of a mixture of methanol/isopropanol (1:1, v/v), 15 µL is injected on the analytical C18 LC column and analytes are eluted with 100% methanol. Detection of target glycidyl fatty acid esters is accomplished by LC-MS/MS using positive ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization operating in Multiple Reaction Monitoring mode monitoring 2 ion transitions for each analyte. The method was tested on replicates of a virgin olive oil which was free of glycidyl esters. The method detection limit was calculated to be in the range of 70-150 µg/kg for each analyte using 10 mg sample and 1-3 µg/kg using 0.5 g sample of oil. Average recoveries of 5 glycidyl esters spiked at 10, 1 and 0.1 mg/kg were in the range 84% to 108%. The major advantage of our method is use of SIDA for all analytes using commercially available internal standards and detection limits that are lower by a factor of 5-10 from published methods when 0.5 g sample of oil is used. Additionally, MS/MS mass chromatograms offer greater specificity than liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry operated in selected ion monitoring mode. The method will be applied to the survey of glycidyl fatty acid esters in food products on the Canadian market.

Classification and differentiation of the genus Peganum indigenous to China based on chloroplast trnL-F and psbA-trnH sequences and seed coat morphology.

The genus Peganum (Zygophyllaceae) consists of six species and one subspecies; three of which are distributed in China, P. harmala Linn, P. nigellastrum Bunge and P. multisectum (Maxim.) Bobr. A probable new or intermediate species, Peganum sp., has been suggested in the wild in northwest China. Traditional classification in genus Peganum has focused on hairs on the plant surface. In this study, seed coat characteristics of Peganum species were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, demonstrating clear differences in morphology between species. In addition, DNA sequence data from two sequences (chloroplast: trnL-F, psbA-trnH) were used to differentiate Peganum sp. and study polygenetic relationships. Diversity in DNA sequences among Peganum species was found, with inter-specific sequence divergence ranging from 0.6% to 5.6% in psbA-trnH, and 0.0% to 1.8% in trnL-F. The variations within species were low: from 0.0% to 0.4% in psbA-trnH and 0.0% to 0.4% in trnL-F. Therefore, Peganum species can now be easily identified as separate entities based on variations in DNA sequences. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from the combined data set for the two gene fragments, and the results indicate that Peganum sp. is monophyletic and sister to P. harmala and P. nigellastrum, while P. multisectum is also monophyletic. DNA data further confirmed that P. multisectum is an independent species and that a new species, Peganum sp., exists within the genus Peganum growing wild in China.

Muscle infarction involving muscles of abdominal and thoracic walls in diabetes.

AIMS: This paper presents two cases of muscle infarction involving four major muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (case 1) and pectoralis major (case 2) in individuals with diabetes. METHODS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured and Doppler ultrasound, an open muscle biopsy (case 1) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (case 2) were performed. RESULT: The diagnosis of muscle infarction was made by histological findings and MRI images with hyper-intensive signals on a gadolinium-enhanced T2-weighted sequence, respectively. Both patients were treated with bed rest, immobilization of the involved extremities, analgesia and intensive insulin therapy. In addition, anticoagulant drugs such as low molecular weight heparin sodium and cilostazol, and some traditional Chinese medicines such as ligustrazine and salvia miltiorrhiza were administered. The symptoms of both patients resolved gradually after 3 weeks. However, muscle infarction reoccurred in case 1 on the opposite side of the abdomen and recovered after 40 days. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of muscle infarction involving the muscles of anterior abdominal walls and pectoralis major in diabetes. MRI is the best non-invasive technique and T2-weighted imaging is the most valuable method for the diagnosis. In addition to supportive therapy, administration of anticoagulant agents and some Chinese traditional medicine may be useful in symptom relief.

Chinese bittersweet alkaloid III, a new compound from Celastrus angulatus.

A novel skeleton alkaloid named Chinese Bittersweet Alkaloid III from the leaves of C. angulatus was reported. The structure and its stereochemistry were established by IR, ID and 2DNMR (1H-1HCOSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY), MS and elemental analysis.

[Authentication of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHM) by fingerprints of characteristic general constituents].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the theory, scientific significance, distinguishing features and authentication feasibility of TCHMs by spectral fingerprints of characteristic general constituents. METHOD: Previous relevant investigations and literatures were summed up in the field, and the present situation on the authentication of TCHMs at home and abroad was analysed. RESULT: The characteristic general constituents of TCHMs can be obtained by an appropriate procedure. Their compositions and structures can be determined by spectral fingerprints, especially the 1HNMR fingerprint. The species of TCHMs can be identified accurately by these fingerprints. Besides, the quality of TCHMs can be evaluated by the contents of their GCEs. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint authentication of characteristic general constituents of TCHMs has profound significance for the species identification and quality evaluation of TCHMs.

[Assignments of 1HNMR fingerprint of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus].

AIM: To assign the 1HNMR finger-print of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus. METHODS: Silica gel column chromatography was used to separate the chemical constituents of CGE A of the root bark of C. angulatus. The characteristic signals of the 1HNMR finger-print were assigned after determining the structures of the compounds isolated from CGE A. RESULTS: 1HNMR finger-prints of the samples of C. angulatus collected from different regions showed highly characteristic features and reproducibility. Three compounds predominant in CGE A were isolated and their structures were determined by spectral analysis as: angulatin A (1), angulatin B (2) and angulatin C (3). CONCLUSION: Compound 3 is a new compound. Compound 2 was isolated from C. angulatus for the first time. The 1HNMR finger-print of CGE A of the root bark of C. angulatus showed mainly the characteristic signals of the above three compounds and might be utilized for the original authentication of this plant.

Production of monoclonal antibody to deltorphin-I and its immunocytochemical application to adult rat brain and cultured rat brain neurons.

A monoclonal anti-deltorphin-I antibody specifically recognizing its NH2-terminal region was produced. In the adult rat brain sections, it recognized immunoreactive nerve fibers mainly in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, central nucleus of amygdala, lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus, substantia nigra, periaqueductal gray and locus ceruleus. Occasionally, positive somata were localized in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, central nucleus of amygdala, supraoptic and periventricular nuclei. In primarily cultured neurons from various brain regions of new-born rats, the antibody immunostained strongly neuronal somata and processes. The abundant DADTI-immunoreactive substance in the cultured neurons promises to provide an alternative pathway to search for the counterpart of deltorphins in mammals.

Fate of Campylobacter jejuni in butter.

An outbreak of Campylobacter enteritis was associated with a restaurant in Louisiana during the summer of 1995. Thirty cases were identified, and four required hospitalization. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from the patients, and epidemiologic studies revealed illness associated with eating garlic butter served at the restaurant. Three batches of garlic butter prepared by the restaurant associated with the outbreak and a C. jejuni isolate obtained from a patient involved in the outbreak were used for studies to determine the fate of C. jejuni in garlic butter. Studies also were done to determine the efficacy of the heat treatment used by the restaurant to prepare garlic bread to kill C. jejuni. Garlic butter was inoculated with approximately 10(4) and 10(6) CFU/g of C. jejuni and held at 5 or 21 degrees C. Results revealed that the survival of C. jejuni differed greatly, depending on the presence or absence of garlic. At 5 degrees C, C. jejuni populations decreased to an undetectable level (<10 CFU/g) within 3 h for two batches and within 24 h for another batch. In contrast, C. jejuni could survive at 5 degrees C for 13 days in butter with no garlic. At 21 degrees C, C. jejuni populations decreased to an undetectable level within 5 h for two batches and to 50 CFU/g in 5 h for another batch. In contrast, C. jejuni was detected at 500 CFU/g at 28 h after inoculation but was undetectable at 3 days in butter with no garlic held at 21 degrees C. The heating procedure (135 degrees C, 4 min) used to make garlic bread by the implicated restaurant was determined not to be sufficient for killing C. jejuni, with the internal temperature of the buttered bread after heating ranging from 19 to 22 degrees C. This study revealed that C. jejuni can survive for many days in refrigerated butter, but large populations (10(3) to 10(5) CFU/g) are killed within a few hours in butter that contains garlic. Furthermore, the heat treatment used by the restaurant to melt garlic butter in making garlic bread was not adequate to kill C. jejuni.

Comparative effectiveness and molecular pharmacological mechanisms of antiallergic agents on experimental conjunctivitis in mice.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of antiallergic agents in the treatment of experimental murine ragweed conjunctivitis. SWR/J mice were divided into eight groups: 1; normal controls (unmanipulated); 2, untreated; 3, lodoxamide; 4, cromolyn; 5, livocarbastine; 6, nedocromil; 7, buffer solution (BS); and 8, tetrandine (TDR). Groups 2-8 were exposed to ragweed pollen through topical application to conjunctival and nasal mucosa, followed by conjunctival challenge with the allergen. Allergic conjunctivitis was evaluated by scoring of the clinical signs and histopathology. mRNA gene expression of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in conjunctiva was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. Exposed mice developed allergic conjunctivitis clinically and histologically that was modulated by topical lodoxamide, cromolyn, livocarbastine, or nedocromil eye drops or TDR intraperitoneally injected. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that the drugs and TDR significantly reduced conjunctival eosinophil infiltration and the number of intact and degranulating mast cells. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA gene expression in conjunctiva of treated mice was inhibited compared with untreated and BS-treated controls. No IL-6 mRNA expression was observed even on the conjunctiva of the untreated mice. The antiallergic drugs and TDR exerted a similar action on the murine model of allergic conjunctivitis and demonstrated pharmacologic effectiveness on the conjunctival mRNA expression of cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

[Clinical analysis of laser prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of laser prostatectomy for benign hypertrophy of prostate by transurethral noncontact laser ablation. METHOD: 204 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated by transurethral noncontact laser ablation. RESULT: 163 patients resumed urination in a week, and 37 in two weeks. Four patients were treated by open procedure. Patients were followed up for 14 months. Symptomatic scores (I-PSS) exceeded the middle rank in 90% patients and the maximum urinary flow rate was 89%. CONCLUSION: It is an effective method for adjusting the strength, direction, range and frequency of laser to prevent bleeding, perforation and long-term urethral stricture.