1st Mo Research Articles

Right hemicolectomy combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis for hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum: A single-center case series.

Hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum is not common in clinical practice. Surgical treatment of colonic hepatic cancer that invades the duodenum is difficult, and the surgical risk is high. To discuss the efficacy and safety of duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis for the treatment of hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum. From 2016 to 2020, 11 patients from Panzhihua Central Hospital diagnosed with hepatic colon carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Clinical and therapeutic effects and prognostic indicators were retrospectively analyzed to determine the efficacy and safety of our surgical procedures. All patients underwent radical resection of right colon cancer combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The median tumor size was 65 mm (r50-90). Major complications (Clavien-DindoI-II) occurred in 3 patients (27.3%); the average length of hospital stay was 18.09 ± 4.21 d; and only 1 patient (9.1%) was readmitted during the 1st mo after the surgery. The 30-d mortality rate was 0%. After a median follow-up of 41 m (r7-58), the disease-free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90.9%, 90.9% and 75.8%, respectively; the overall survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90.9%. In selected patients, radical resection of right colon cancer combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis is clinically effective, and the complications are manageable. The surgical procedure also has an acceptable morbidity rate and mid-term survival.

Medium-term efficacy of arthroscopic debridement vs conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III.

BACKGROUNDArthroscopic debridement is a mature treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Due to the differences in the research subjects, methods, and efficacy evaluation indexes, there are great differences in the surgical efficacy reported in the literature.AIMTo compare the medium-term efficacy of arthroscopic debridement and conservative treatment for KOA of Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III.METHODSPatients with KOA of Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III who were admitted to the orthopedic clinic of our hospital from July 2018 to December 2018 and agreed to undergo arthroscopic surgery were included in an arthroscopic debridement group, and those who refused surgical treatment were included in a conservative treatment group. Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), side of KOA, American hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS score) before treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) score during walking and rest before treatment, conservative treatment content, and surgical procedure were recorded. Outpatient visits were conducted at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo after treatment in the two groups. The changes of HSS score and VAS score in each group before and after treatment were statistically analyzed, and the differences of HSS score and VAS score in different treatment stages between the two groups were also compared.RESULTSIn the conservative treatment group, there were 80 patients with complete follow-up data, including 20 males and 60 females, aged 58.75 ± 14.66 years old. And in the knee arthroscopic debridement group, there were 98 patients with complete follow-up data, including 24 males and 74 females, aged 59.27 ± 14.48 years old. There was no statistically significant difference in the general data (gender, age, BMI, side of KOA, Kellgren-Lawrence grade distribution, HSS score, and VAS score) between the two groups before treatment. The HSS scores of the conservative treatment group at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo after treatment were significantly higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in HSS score of the conservative treatment group among the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo (P > 0.05). The HSS score of the knee arthroscopic debridement group at the 1st mo after surgery was significantly higher than that before surgery (P < 0.05). HSS scores of the knee arthroscopic debridement group at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo were significantly higher than those before surgery and at the 1st mo after surgery (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in HSS scores at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo after surgery (P > 0.05). HSS scores at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th mo were significantly higher in the arthroscopic debridement group than in the conservative treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in HSS scores between the two groups before treatment and at the 1st mo of follow-up (P > 0.05). VAS scores during walking and rest were significantly decreased in both groups, and the VAS score during rest was significantly lower in the arthroscopic debridement group than in the conservative treatment group, but there was no significant difference in the VAS score during walking between the two groups after treatment.CONCLUSIONCompared with conservative treatment, arthroscopic debridement can significantly improve the knee resting pain and knee functional status of patients with KOA of Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III within 2 years after treatment.

Warm ischemia time and elevated serum uric acid are associated with metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation with donation after cardiac death.

AIMTo describe the prevalence of posttransplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) after donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT) and the pre- and postoperative risk factors.METHODSOne hundred and forty-seven subjects who underwent DCD LT from January 2012 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study. The demographics and the clinical characteristics of pre- and post-transplantation were collected for both recipients and donors. PTMS was defined according to the 2004 Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria. All subjects were followed monthly for the initial 6 mo after discharge, and then, every 3 mo for 2 years. The subjects were followed every 6 mo or as required after 2 years post-LT.RESULTSThe prevalence of PTMS after DCD donor orthotopic LT was 20/147 (13.6%). Recipient’s body mass index (P = 0.024), warm ischemia time (WIT) (P = 0.045), and posttransplant hyperuricemia (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with PTMS. The change in serum uric acid levels in PTMS patients was significantly higher than that in non-PTMS patients (P < 0.001). After the 1st mo, the level of serum uric acid of PTMS patients rose continually over a period, while it was unaltered in non-PTMS patients. After transplantation, the level of serum uric acid in PTMS patients was not associated with renal function.CONCLUSIONPTMS could occur at early stage after DCD LT with growing morbidity with the passage of time. WIT and post-LT hyperuricemia are associated with the prevalence of PTMS. An increased serum uric acid level is highly associated with PTMS and could act as a serum marker in this disease.

MP05-04 ANATOMICAL BENCHMARKS IN PREOPERATIVE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PREDICT EARLY CONTINENCE RECOVERY FOLLOWING ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Localized: Surgical Therapy I1 Apr 2018MP05-04 ANATOMICAL BENCHMARKS IN PREOPERATIVE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PREDICT EARLY CONTINENCE RECOVERY FOLLOWING ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY Lucas Regis, Merce Cuadras, Enric Miret, Ricardo Lopez, Aina Salazar, Sarai Roche, Ana Celma, David Lorente, Jose Placer, Jacques Planas, Enrique Trilla, and Juan Morote Lucas RegisLucas Regis More articles by this author , Merce CuadrasMerce Cuadras More articles by this author , Enric MiretEnric Miret More articles by this author , Ricardo LopezRicardo Lopez More articles by this author , Aina SalazarAina Salazar More articles by this author , Sarai RocheSarai Roche More articles by this author , Ana CelmaAna Celma More articles by this author , David LorenteDavid Lorente More articles by this author , Jose PlacerJose Placer More articles by this author , Jacques PlanasJacques Planas More articles by this author , Enrique TrillaEnrique Trilla More articles by this author , and Juan MoroteJuan Morote More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.175AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most distressful complications of radical prostatectomy. Recently, several variations in the reconstruction technique aimed to change the final anastomosis position and virtual angles between anatomical benchmarks. The aim of the present study is to elucidate anatomical characteristics assessed preoperatively using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that contribute to early recovery of urinary continence (UC) after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS We prospectively analyzed 72 consecutive patients that had undergone for RARP due prostate cancer diagnose and posterior rhabdosphinter reconstruction was performed as the standard technique. All patients underwent 3-T mpMRI (3.0 T Trio® Siemens) before surgery due to the study protocol. Functional outcomes were assessed with EPIC26 questionnaires (1, 6 and 12mo after surgery) and with self-reported first continence date. Membranous urethral length (MUL) and the angle between MUL and prostatic axis (aMUP) were assessed in T2-weighted sagittal preoperative images. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed with STATA v13.1. RESULTS The median age was 63years (47-75), rate of abnormal DRE was 31.94%, and median PSA was 6.5ng/ml (1.5-22.8). UC median assessed with self-reported continence date was 4 weeks after catheter removal (0-32). Date-based UC rates were 81.48% and 90.48% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. When considering UC as need of <=1 PAD/day, those rates were 67.21%, 92.59% and 95.24% at 1, 6 and 12mo respectively. Patients with lower aMUP parameters achieved UC early: 1 month after catheter removal continents had preoperative mean aMUP of 107.21°(95%CI 90.28-124.15), while among those with UI it was 118.53° (95%CI 117.72-133.98); p=0.014. At 6 months aMUP was 114.24° (95%CI 104.62-123.85) and 141.99° (95%CI 126.49-157.59), respectively; p=0.015. At 12mo, continents had greater preoperative MUL 16.06mm (95%CI 13.85-18.28), while patients with UI had 10.03mm (95%CI 8.72-12.13) p=0.048. No differences in aMUP were found at 12mo, neither in MUL at the 1st or 6th mo according UC status. Multivariate analyses were performed including prostate volume, BMI, clinical stage, imaging stage, aMUP and MUL. Only aMUP was an independent predictor of UC at 6 months OR 0.007 (95%CI: 0.002-0.012), p= 0.012. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of virtual angles between anatomical benchmarks as aMUP before procedure may help define which patients will recovery UC early, helping in treatment decision make. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e43 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Lucas Regis More articles by this author Merce Cuadras More articles by this author Enric Miret More articles by this author Ricardo Lopez More articles by this author Aina Salazar More articles by this author Sarai Roche More articles by this author Ana Celma More articles by this author David Lorente More articles by this author Jose Placer More articles by this author Jacques Planas More articles by this author Enrique Trilla More articles by this author Juan Morote More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Kte-C19 (anti-CD19 CAR T Cells) Induces Complete Remissions in Patients with Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results from the Pivotal Phase 2 Zuma-1

Kte-C19 (anti-CD19 CAR T Cells) Induces Complete Remissions in Patients with Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results from the Pivotal Phase 2 Zuma-1

(686) - Large Airway Oximetry and Hypoxia Related Gene Expression in Bronchial Epithelium in Early Post-Lung Transplantation

Central airways stenosis following lung transplant has been attributed to chronic ischemia of the large airways, however little is known about airway perfusion in the early post-transplant period. We examined airway oximetry and expression of genes associated with hypoxia in the bronchial epithelium in the 1st mo after lung transplant and correlated these findings with clinical outcomes.

Comparement of anterior cervical discectomy fusion techniques: bladed and non bladed peek cages

The aim of this study is to compare the different types of fusion materials known as PEEK cages used during anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) surgery. A total of 67 patients were operated and evaluated retrospectively under two groups (group A: 35 PEEK cage patients, group B: 32 bladed PEEK cage patients) between 2009 and 2013. Preoperative and postoperative (postoperative first day, postoperative 1st, 3rd and 12-24th mo) images were obtained. The cervical disc heights, cervical and segmental lordotic angles of the operated levels were calculated. Pain assessment was performed and fusion rates were also compared. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the outcomes. The pain scores (especially for arm pain) were decreased significantly in both groups after surgery regardless of the type of operation technique (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between both groups at the disc height measurements of operated levels in postoperative periods (P > 0.05). In addition to these; there was no significant difference between both groups of segmental and cervical lordodic angles in postoperative periods (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the fusion rates and pain scores of both groups (P > 0.05). The PEEK cage and bladed PEEK cages can be used safely to obtain fusion after ACD.

AB1172 Safety and efficacy of a 12-MO canakinumab administration in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Data from the greek national registry

BackgroundTargeted treatments are becoming the mainstay for many autoinflammatory diseases, including the systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Canakinumab (CAB), a fully human anti-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) antibody, has recently been shown to...

Selective estrogen receptor modulator promotes weight loss in ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by decreasing food intake and increasing activity

The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on body weight in postmenopausal women is controversial, with studies reporting an increase, a decrease, and no change in body weight. To examine estrogen receptor actions on body weight, we investigated the effects of treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) on body weight, food intake, and activity and metabolic rate in a nonhuman primate model. Eighteen ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys were treated with a nonsteroidal SERM (GSK232802A, 5 mg/kg po) for 3 mo. GSK232802A decreased lutenizing hormone (P < 0.0001) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.0001), consistent with the estrogenic action of the compound. GSK232802A treatment produced a small but sustained weight loss (4.6 ± 1.0%, P < 0.0001) and reduced adiposity (P < 0.0001), which was due at least in part to a suppression of food intake (3.6 ± 3.7%, P < 0.0001). Physical activity increased during the 3rd mo of treatment (P = 0.04). Baseline activity level and the change in activity due to treatment were correlated, with the most sedentary individuals exhibiting increased physical activity during the 1st mo of treatment (P = 0.02). Metabolic rate did not change (P = 0.58). These results indicate that GSK232802A treatment reduces body weight and adiposity in ovariectomized nonhuman primates by suppressing food intake and increasing activity, particularly in the most sedentary individuals. These findings suggest that SERM treatment may counteract weight gain in postmenopausal women.

Vasopressin V1a receptor polymorphism and adherence to long‐term interval walking training in middle‐aged and older people

We assessed whether single nucleotide polymorphism rs1042615 of the vasopressin V1a receptor alters adherence to long-term exercise training in middle-aged and older people. Subjects (65±7(SD) yr) with CC, CT, and TT genotypes of rs1042615 (30, 88, and 49 men; 86, 189, and 104 women, respectively) performed interval walking training (IWT); 5 sets of 3-min fast walking at ≥70% peak aerobic capacity for walking (VO2peak) and 3-min slow walking at 40% VO2peak/day, ≥4 days/wk, for 29 mo. About 50% of men and women dropped out during the 29-mo IWT period; however, in men, the dropouts showed significantly higher T allele frequency than non-dropouts after the 11th mo (P<0.05). Moreover, even in TT men who had accomplished 29-mo IWT, although their energy expenditure during fast walking (EEfast)/wk was similar to other genotype men until the 17th mo, it decreased thereafter (vs. the 1st mo, P<0.001), whereas that in other genotype men remained unchanged (P>0.33), resulting in 38% lower EEfast/wk in TT men after the 18th mo (P<0.001). Depressive and orthopedic symptoms were similar between groups throughout IWT (P>0.19). On the other hand, for women, these measurements were similar between groups. Thus, TT men had lower adherence to IWT but this was not found for women. Therefore, special consideration might be needed for TT men to continue a long-term exercise training program.

2069 FIVE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE MODIFY STUDY (MODIFICATION OF DOSES TO IMPROVE FUNCTION THROUGH THE YEARS) SHOWS BENEFIT OF LOW TACROLIMUS AND REGULAR MMF DOSES

2069 FIVE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE MODIFY STUDY (MODIFICATION OF DOSES TO IMPROVE FUNCTION THROUGH THE YEARS) SHOWS BENEFIT OF LOW TACROLIMUS AND REGULAR MMF DOSES

Morphological analysis of maxillary sinus septum using computed tomography

Introduction: The current study examined the morphological characteristics of maxillary sinus septum by computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Two hundred and four patients (408 maxillary sinuses) who visited dental clinic were evaluated. CT were examined. The height of the septum measured from the sinus floor to the apex of the septum more than 3 mm was defined as “sinus septum” . Results: The prevalence of sinus septa was 21.3% (87/408), and 31.4% (64/204) of patients had more than 1 sinus septum. Females showed h igher and thinner sinus septa than males. The anatomic location of the septa were distributed in the 2nd molar region (43.7%), 1st mo lar region (31.0%), 2nd premolar region (21.8%) and 1st premolar region (3.5%). In 57 patients with chronic disease, there was no significant differenc e between sinus disease and the presence of sinus septa. The loss of remaining teeth and teeth adjacent to the sinus septum area was not related to the presence of sinus septa. Older subjects showed a reduced height and length of the septum, and a thicker septum. Conclusion: These results show that the maxillary sinus septum undergoes atrophy with age.

Metabolism and synthesis of arginine vasopressin in conscious newborn sheep

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is an important regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis in the fetus, but its role after birth is unclear. Although infused AVP increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the 1st mo after birth, pressor responses are unchanged, suggesting that vascular responsiveness is also unchanged. Alternatively, this could reflect increases in AVP metabolic clearance rate (MCR(AVP)). However, newborn AVP metabolism and synthesis are poorly studied. Therefore, we examined the pressor responses to infused AVP and the pattern of circulating AVP, AVP production rate (PR(AVP)), and MCR(AVP) in conscious newborn sheep (n = 5) at 9-38 days after birth. Basal MAP rose and heart rate (HR) fell during the study period (P < or = 0.02), while circulating AVP was unchanged (P > 0.1), averaging 3.01 +/- 0.86 pg/ml. Infused AVP elicited steady-state responses at 10-40 min, increasing plasma AVP and MAP and decreasing HR (P < 0.001). Although pressor responses were unchanged between 9 and 38 days, the rise in MAP correlated with increases in plasma AVP (R = 0.47, P = 0.02, n = 24). MCR(AVP) was unchanged throughout the 1st mo (P > 0.2), averaging 205 +/- 17 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), and was associated with an elevated PR(AVP), 973 +/- 267 pg.kg(-1).min(-1), which also was unchanged (P > 0.1). After birth, MCR(AVP) and PR(AVP) are elevated, probably accounting for the stable plasma AVP levels. The former is also likely to account for the stable pressor responses to infused AVP during the 1st mo. The reason for the elevated PR(AVP) is unclear but may relate to increases in vascular volume associated with postnatal growth.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss After Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Tumors

In the treatment of head and neck cancers, the cochlea may be damaged if it is within the radiotherapy (RT) area; however, the severity and mechanism of such damage have yet to be clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to analyze the rates of early- and late-stage sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients receiving RT due to head and neck cancer and to investigate the reliability of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) measurements and audiometric evaluation. Prospective. The study included 38 ears of 19 patients scheduled for RT due to head and neck cancer diagnoses. The patients received RT at a fractioned dose of 200 cGy (5 d/wk) and were evaluated pretreatment and posttreatment (1st and 12th mo), both audiometrically and with DPOAE measurement. Any decrease greater than 10 dB was considered SNHL. The amplitudes of DPOAE measurements were statistically compared. The audiometric evaluation performed in the 1st posttreatment month showed no SNHL in any of the patients, whereas in the 12th month, 47% of the ears had SNHL. In all the patients that developed SNHL, the amplitudes obtained in DPOAE measurements in the first posttreatment month were statistically significantly lower. The results of the present study show that DPOAE measurement is a reliable method for determining which patients are at risk of developing SNHL in the early post-RT period.

Effect of a Fermented Formula on Thymus Size and Stool pH in Healthy Term Infants

To investigate the effects of fermented formula (FF) with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065 on thymus size and stool pH of healthy term infants, ultrasound examinations and evaluations of thymus sizes and thymus indices (TI) and measurements of stool pH were performed in the same 90 term neonates on the 3rd d of life and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mo of life. Thirty newborns were exclusively breast-fed while the remaining 60 were randomly assigned to receive either a FF or a standard formula (SF). The fecal pH of the breast-fed group was lower than the SF group (p < 0.05), although it was similar to that of the FF group on the third postnatal day, persisting for the entire 4 mo of the study. The difference in TI was statistically significant over repeated measurements among the groups. The FF infants showed a TI similar to the breast-fed newborns. Probiotic fermentation products have effects comparable to those of the bacteria composing the intestinal microflora supporting the idea that intestinal bacterial balance plays an important role in improving host immune responses.

Comparison of three different recombinant hepatitis B vaccines: GeneVac-B, Engerix B and Shanvac B in high risk infants born to HBsAg positive mothers in India

To evaluate a low cost Indian recombinant hepatitis B vaccine GeneVac-B for its immunogenicity and safety in comparison to Engerix B and Shanvac B vaccine in high risk newborn infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers. A total of 158 infants were enrolled in the study. Fifty eight infants were enrolled in the GeneVac-B group while 50 each were included for Engerix B and Shanvac B groups. A three-dose regimen of vaccination; at birth (within 24 h of birth), 1st mo and 6 mo. were adopted with 10 mug dosage administered uniformly in all the three groups. Clinical and immunological parameters were assessed for safety and immunogenicity of the vaccines, in all the enrolled infants. Successful follow up until seven months of age was achieved in 83% (48/58) for GeneVac-B, 76% (38/50) and 64% (32/50) for Engerix B and Shanvac B groups respectively. 100% seroconversion and seroprotection was achieved in all the three groups of infants. The geometric mean titers of anti-HBs one month after the completion of three dose of vaccination were 90.5, 80.9 and 72.5 mIU/mL in GeneVac-B, Engerix B and Shanvac B vaccine group respectively. Furthermore the level of anti-HBs increases with age of babies who were born to HBsAg positive mothers. The GMT values of anti-HBs were 226.7, 193.9 and 173.6 mIU/mL respectively in GeneVac-B, Engerix B and Shanvac B groups one year after the completion of the three doses of vaccine. No systemic reactions were reported in infants during the entire vaccination process of GeneVac-B and the other two vaccines. Clinical safety parameters remained within the normal limits throughout the study period. The study concludes that there is no significant difference between the three recombinant hepatitis B vaccines. Administration of these vaccines within 24 h of birth to babies, born to HBsAg positive mothers will reduce the incidence of HBV infection.

Superoxide dismutase prevents development of adenocarcinoma in a rat model of Barrett’s esophagus

To test whether antioxidant treatment could prevent the progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma. In a rat model of gastroduodenoesophageal reflux by esophagojejunal anastomosis with gastric preservation, groups of 6-10 rats were randomized to receive treatment with superoxide dismutase (SOD) or vehicle and followed up for 4 mo. Rat's esophagus was assessed by histological analysis, superoxide anion and peroxinitrite generation, SOD levels and DNA oxidative damage. All rats undergoing esophagojejunostomy developed extensive esophageal mucosal ulceration and inflammation by mo 4. The process was associated with a progressive presence of intestinal metaplasia beyond the anastomotic area (9% 1st mo and 50% 4th mo) (94% at the anastomotic level) and adenocarcinoma (11% 1st mo and 60% 4th mo). These changes were associated with superoxide anion and peroxinitrite mucosal generation, an early and significant increase of DNA oxidative damage and a significant decrease in SOD levels (P<0.05). Exogenous administration of SOD decreased mucosal superoxide levels, increased mucosal SOD levels and reduced the risk of developing intestinal metaplasia beyond the anastomotic area (odds ratio = 0.326; 95%CI: 0.108-0.981; P = 0.046), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (odds ratio = 0.243; 95%CI: 0.073-0.804; P = 0.021). Superoxide dismutase prevents the progression of esophagitis to Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma in this rat model of gastrointestinal reflux, supporting a role of antioxidants in the chemoprevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Undegraded intake protein supplementation: II. Effects on plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations in periparturient beef cows fed low-quality hay during gestation and lactation.

Hereford x Angus cows (n = 36; initial wt 568+/-59 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of undegradable intake protein (UIP) supplementation on plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations. Treatments were control (unsupplemented) or one of three protein supplements. Supplements were fed at 1.3 kg DM/d and included UIP at low, medium, or high levels (53, 223, or 412 g UIP/kg supplement DM, respectively). Supplements were formulated to be isocaloric (1.77 Mcal NEm/kg) and to contain equal amounts of degradable intake protein (DIP; 211 g DIP/kg supplement DM). Prairie hay (5.8% CP) was offered for ad libitum consumption. Jugular blood samples were collected daily from each cow during six 7-d collection periods (corresponding to mo 7, 8, and 9 of gestation and to mo 1, 2, and 3 of lactation). Plasma glucose concentrations were similar between control and supplemented cows during mo 2 and 3 of lactation; however, the low UIP treatment group had consistently higher plasma glucose (P< or =.02) than cows fed medium or high UIP supplements during gestation and the last month of lactation. During gestation, cows fed the high UIP supplement had higher (P< or =.08) plasma glucose than cows fed the medium UIP supplement. During gestation, plasma insulin concentration was increased (P = .01) by supplementation; insulin also increased (P<.01; mo 8 and 9) as supplemental UIP increased. During lactation, plasma insulin was greater (P = .01) in supplemented than in control cows. During mo 2 and 3 of lactation, insulin was lower (P< or =.04) in cows fed low UIP supplement compared with cows fed medium or high UIP supplements. Growth hormone concentration was higher (P< or =.03) in control cows than in supplemented cows in all periods measured except mo 7 of gestation. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were higher (P< or =.03) in control cows than in supplemented cows in all periods measured except the 1st mo of lactation. These data are interpreted to suggest that protein supplementation and level of UIP can alter plasma concentrations of hormones and metabolites in gestating and lactating beef cows consuming low-quality hay.

Observations on ploidy of cells and on reproductive performance in parthenogenetic turkeys

Using flow cytometry, the ploidy levels of parthenogenetic turkeys were quantified from blastodisc stage to adulthood. Eggs were collected from noninseminated hens of the Beltsville Small White flock, known for their high degree of parthenogenesis, and the blastodermal cells from developing embryos were compared with those of embryos produced by hens inseminated with semen from males of the same flock. Erythrocytes of parthenogens from Day 10 of incubation to 27 mo of age were also used for ploidy determination. Sperm and erythrocyte preparations from normal males of the above flock served as haploid and diploid standards, respectively. In parthenogenetically developing blastoderms, 40.3 +/- 14.5% of the cells were haploid and 48.9 +/- 11.9% diploid; blastoderms from fertilized eggs had no haploid cells. The haploid cell content of parthenogens declined from the blastodermal stage to adult life, with 1.9 +/- 2.3% at 10 to 20 d of embryonic development, 1.5 +/- 1.4% at 21 to 29 d of development, 1.4 +/- 2.6% at 4 wk posthatch, and 1.3 +/- 1.9% in adulthood, although changes between the 1st mo after hatch and adult stage were not significant. It is possible, therefore, that parthenogenetic embryos with a low proportion of haploid cells could be the ones that survive to Day 10 of development and beyond, whereas those with a higher proportion of haploid cells fail to develop. The semen volume of male parthenogens was significantly lower than that of normal males, although the concentration of spermatozoa and their fertilizing capacity did not vary significantly between groups, suggesting that the germ cells of these parthenogens are capable of normal meiosis and sperm maturation leading to a normal fertility.

Persistent increases in cerebral lactate concentration after birth asphyxia.

In this prospective study proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) was used to test the hypothesis that lactate can be detected later than 1 mo after birth in the brains of infants who display severe neurodevelopmental impairment 1 y after transient perinatal hypoxia-ischemia. Data were obtained from three groups of infants: 1) eight infants suffering birth asphyxia followed by perinatal encephalopathy and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 y of age (defined as major neurologic impairment, Griffiths quotient <85%, and low optimality score); 2) 10 infants with signs of perinatal hypoxia-ischemia but normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 y; and 3) six control infants with uneventful perinatal courses and normal neurodevelopment at 1 y. Between one and four examinations (median 1) were performed at median (range) 11 (4-68) wk after birth, and the cerebral concentration ratio of lactate to creatine plus phosphocreatine (Cr) calculated from each spectrum. Lactate was detected later than the 1st mo after birth in seven of eight infants with abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome [maximum detected lactate/Cr was median (range) 0.44 (0.24-0.67)]. No lactate was detected later than the 1st mo after birth in infants with normal neurodevelopmental outcome, nor in five of six control subjects, although a small amount of lactate was detected in one control infant (lactate/Cr=0.04). These results suggest that the pathologic postasphyxial process, indicated by persistent cerebral lactate, may not be confined to the period immediately after injury.