Effect Of Different Sites Research Articles

Vagal nerve and sympathetic nerve activity in response to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor stimulation in conscious rats

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a type of gastrointestinal hormone that plays an integral role in regulating glucose homeostasis and appetite control. GLP-1 receptors are expressed throughout the body, and it has been suggested that GLP-1 can be detected by vagal afferent nerve activity, leading to changes in sympathetic nerve activity. However, the details of the effects of GLP-1 receptor stimulation on autonomic nerve activity have not been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of different sites of GLP-1 receptor stimulation on autonomic nerve activity by administering GLP-1 receptor agonists via three routes: intravenous (IV), intraportal vein (iport), and intraperitoneal (iperi). Male Wistar rats were chronically implanted with electrodes, catheters for measuring cervical vagal activity, renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity, electroencephalogram, electromyogram, electrocardiogram, arterial pressure, sensors for tissue fluid glucose concentration, and catheters for drug administration in the vein, portal vein, and abdominal cavity. Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, was administered to conscious rats via one of the following routes: intravenous, intra-portal vein, or intra-abdominal. Cervical vagal activity was increased in all routes of Exendin-4 administration. Renal sympathetic nerve activity was rapidly decreased by Exendin-4 administration and gradually recovered to pre-administration levels. There were no significant differences in renal sympathetic nerve activity among the different routes of Exendin-4 administration. On the other hand, lumbar sympathetic nerve activity increased slowly after Exendin-4 administration through the iperi and iport routes, while it decreased initially, then gradually increased following administration through the IV route. These results demonstrate that stimulation of GLP-1 receptors by Exendin-4 increases vagal nerve activity, decreases renal sympathetic nerve activity, and produces regionally different responses in lumbar sympathetic nerve activity depending on the site of stimulation. JST (JPMJMS2023). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Development of a prognostic nomogram for patients with malignant mesothelioma with bone metastasis

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare aggressive tumor, and bone metastasis often occurs in later stages of this disease. This study aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the prognosis of bone metastasis of patients with MM. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were screened and retrieved. This study included 311 patients with MM with bone metastases. Prognostic factors were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. A nomogram for overall survival (OS) was established and evaluated using statistically significant prognostic factors, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) analysis was performed to investigate its prognostic factors. In addition, the metastasis patterns of patients with MM were investigated, and the effects of different sites of metastasis on survival were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Age, sex, histological type, and chemotherapy were identified as the independent risk factors for OS. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year areas under the curve of the nomogram were 0.792, 0.774, and 0.928, and 0.742, 0.733, and 0.733 in the training and validation sets, respectively. Compared to OS, histological type, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent risk factors for CSS. Different metastatic sites in MM have significantly different effects on prognosis.

Dynamic Change Characteristics of Soil Moisture and Its Relationship with Precipitation in Hani Rice Terraces Water Source Area

Precipitation in the Hani Rice Terraces water source area is redistributed through the soil, providing a continuous water flow to the terraces downstream and keeping a healthy regional ecosystem. The dynamic characteristics of soil moisture and its relationship with precipitation need to be further investigated. In this study, we examined the dynamics of soil moisture content (SMC) in different site types (based on vegetation), at varying depths, and at varying time scales from 2012 to 2016, using time-series data. Fitting and fuzzy query methods were used to determine the greatest positive correlation between daily/accumulated precipitation and SMC. The results showed that: (1) the dynamic characteristics of soil moisture at depths between 0–100 cm substantially varied between three site types; (2) the relationship graphs of Pearson’s coefficient r between SMC and prior 0–360 day’s daily precipitation were sine curves in three site types; the daily precipitation in the half a year before the test day has a positive effect on SMC at 0–100 cm depth, and the 2–3 month’s daily precipitation has the greatest effect from the test day’s SMC; (3) the influence of daily precipitation on SMC is limited, while cumulative precipitation is the main factor affecting SMC; and (4) there is a linear relationship between accumulated precipitation and SMC. A linear equation was constructed using the strongest correlation and was used to predict SMC. These models are useful to assess the sustainability of the water supply to the terraces downstream, and also to provide a basic understanding of the effect of different sites (by vegetation type) on soil moisture. This study is of great significance for the protection and sustainable utilization of Hani Rice Terraces.

Multivariate analysis of the effect of Chalazia on astigmatism in children

BackgroundChalazion may affect visual acuity. This study aimed to evaluate refractive status of chalazia and effect of different sites, sizes, and numbers of chalazion on astigmatism.MethodsThree hundred ninety-eight patients aged 0.5–6 years were divided into the chalazion group (491 eyes) and the control group (305 eyes). Chalazia were classified according to the site, size, and number. Refractive status was analyzed through the comparison of incidence, type, mean value and vector analysis.ResultsThe incidence, type, refractive mean and of astigmatism in the chalazion group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). For comparison of the incidence, the middle-upper eyelid (50%) was highest, followed by 41.77% in the medial-upper eyelid, both higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In medium (54.55%) and large groups (54.76%) were higher than that in the control group (27.21%) (P < 0.05). In multiple chalazia, the astigmatism incidence for chalazion with two masses was highest (56%), much higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant in chalazion with ≥3 masses (P > 0.05). For comparison of the refractive mean,the medial-upper eyelid, middle-upper eyelid and medial-lower eyelid were higher than the control group (P < 0.05) (P < 0.05). The 3-5 mm and >5 mm group were higher than those in the control group and <3 mm group(P < 0.05), and the>5 mm group was larger than the 3-5 mm group，suggesting that the risk of astigmatism was higher when the size of masses > 5 mm. Astigmatism vector analysis can intuitively show the differences between groups, the results are the same as refractive astigmatism.ConclusionChalazia in children can easily lead to astigmatism, especially AR and OBL. Chalazia in the middle-upper eyelid, size ≥3 mm, and multiple chalazia (especially two masses) are risk factors of astigmatism. Invasive treatment should be performed promptly if conservative treatment cannot avoid further harm to the visual acuity due to astigmatism.

Cover Feature: Role of V and W Sites in V2O5−WO3/TiO2 Catalysts and Effect of Formaldehyde during NH3−SCR of NOx (ChemCatChem 15/2022)

The Cover Feature illustrates the effect of different sites in V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalysts on the conversion of NOx and HCHO in vehicle exhaust gas. In their Research Article, A. Brückner and co-workers show that two vanadyl sites coexist in those catalysts. Only the highly redox-active V-O-W moiety can convert NOx completely to eco-friendly N2 and H2O. Unfortunately, HCHO is transformed to toxic HCN on both sites. More information can be found in the Research Article by A. Brückner and co-workers.

Abundance and Diversity of Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Degradation Genes of Roseobacter Group in the Northern South China Sea

Bacterial degradation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) plays a significant role in ecosystem productivity and global climate. In this study, the abundance and diversity of Roseobacter group DMSP degradation genes were explored in spatial scale of the South China Sea (SCS). Quantitative PCR showed that a higher abundance of dmdA (DMSP demethylase) and dddP (DMSP lyase) genes was detected above 75 m than deep water, especially in surface water. A high ratio of dmdA/dddP existed in all sites and increased with water depth, indicating that demethylation was the main degradation pathway in the Roseobacter group. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that distribution of dmdA gene had a significant layering structure in the northern SCS, and high taxonomic diversity of dmdA gene was observed in near-surface waters (25 and 50 m). DmdA gene in the Roseobacter group, such as Leisingera, Nioella, Roseobacter, Roseovarius, Donghicola, Phaeobacter, and Tateyamaria, had remarkable specificity due to the effect of different sites and water depths. Different ecological strategies of DMSP degradation may be used by members of the bacterial community harboring demethylation genes. In addition, many dmdA sequences were affiliated with unidentified bacteria, indicating that the SCS reserved high diversity of DMSP-degrading bacteria. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) suggested that temperature and depth were the most important factors to determine the taxonomic distribution of DMSP degradation genes in the Roseobacter group, as well as their abundance. This study highlighted the understanding of the role of Roseobacter group in DMSP degradation in the tropical ocean.

Site selection for the validation of wide-swath interferometric altimeter in the South China Sea

ABSTRACT Altimetry is widely used in the research of oceanic phenomena. Particularly, wide-swath interferometric altimetry (WIA) can be used to measure sea surface height (SSH) with sufficiently high resolution. Although it has provided that the steric height can be used to validate the SSH by the theoretical and the observation data, validating sea-level variability in the two dimensions of WIA remains a difficult task. Site selection and influencing factor analysis are important in the validation process. In this paper, we analyze the validation process at three sites (Panyu site, DJxxxx site, and Wanshan site) in the South China Sea and discuss the effects of different sites on the validation of SSH variability. On this basis, we analyze the influencing factors, which include significant wave heights, wind, and currents, at three sites. Based on the results, we discuss how site selection for the validation process of WIA can be improved. At DJxxxx site, greater water depth and more equipment layout schemes have emerged with better performance in wavenumber. At the same time, the performance under the tidal, wave, wind and current is different for the other two sites. However, further analysis is necessary for the site selection.

Rapid and nondestructive determination of qualities in vacuum‐packaged catfish (Clarias leather) fillets during slurry ice storage

This study investigated the effect of different site and vacuum package on catfish quality during slurry ice storage and feasibility of rapid detection of fillet quality using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRs). The results showed the nutrients content of fillet had significant difference (p < .05) between front and rear mid-line site in catfish (using the ventral back end as the mid-line). After 30 days slurry ice storage, drop loss and ΔΕ significantly increased to 6.04% and 5.92, respectively. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), pH, and total viable count (TVC) of fillet were over acceptable limit for fish at day 30. The accuracy (R2) for TVB-N, TBA, drip loss, L*, ΔE, and whiteness detection by partial least squares regression (PLSR) models was 0.86–0.90 and residual predictive deviation (RPD) was 2.66–3.19, indicating that NIRs technology combined with PLSR calibration analysis had great capability for qualitative and quantitative of catfish freshness. Practical applications The development of rapid freshness detection method is important to meet the requirements of quality evaluation and grading of fish products. In this study, using chemometrics method to fit infrared spectra data with freshness of catfish, the optimal infrared quantitative prediction model of catfish fillets could be established to evaluated freshness of catfish, which will provide a simple, rapid, viable, and not destructive method for freshness determination in the process of production and circulation.

Analysis of Biomechanical Effects of Different Sites and Modes of Orthodontic Loading On Arch Expansion in a Preadolescent Mandible: An FEA Study.

The aim of commencing treatment in younger age is to rectify the developing dento-alveolar, skeletal and muscular imbalances. With growing dependence on arch development and expansion, the pendulum is oscillating more towards the non-extraction treatment lately, in resolving constriction and crowding issues. Since, a limited number of attempts have been made for mandibular expansion, this study aimes to evaluate the effect of different modes and sites of loading on the expansion of preadolescent mandible using biomechanics. To address the research purpose, a total of 9 Finite Element models were simulated. Biomechanical response of the mandibular bone and dentition was analyzed under different loading conditions including site and mode, using the simulated FE models. The values of displacement envisaged by the FE models, predict hybrid mode to offer substantial expansion of the mandibular bone as compared to tooth borne and bone borne. In addition, biomechanical effect of site II on mandibular expansion in terms of displacement on X-axis, was significant. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest hybrid mode at site II to be better option for true bony expansion in preadolescent mandible.

PERBEDAAN KETINGGIAN TEMPAT TERHADAP PERTAMBAHAN BOBOT BADAN KAMBING PERANAKAN ETAWA (PE) JANTAN LEPAS SAPIH

Etawa Cross Goat (PE) is a kind of a goat. It is a cross breed between Etawa and Kacang goat. Climate, Temperature and Humidity are the important factors to increase the weight of a goat. Some kinds of goat are spread in a mountain range or plateau because the goat is like it. Problem of research is the effect of different site in increasing the weight of weaned male Etawa Cross Goat. Objective of study: To investigate the effect of different site to the weight of weaned male Etawa cross Goat. Method of study: This study is using Experimental design. It is intended to find out the effect of different site to the weight of weaned male Etawa Cross Goat. The technique of data analysis is using T-Test. The finding of study was that the t count = (0,11). Standard deviation of the goat on the plateau is and the standard deviation on the goat on lowland is. This means that there was not significant different weight of weaned male Etawa Cross goat which is live on plateau and on lowland.Key words: Etawa Cross Goat, Different Site, Animal Weight

PERBEDAAN KETINGGIAN TEMPAT TERHADAP PERTAMBAHAN BOBOT BADAN KAMBING PERANAKAN ETAWA (PE) JANTAN LEPAS SAPIH

Etawa Cross Goat (PE) is a kind of a goat. It is a cross breed between Etawa and Kacang goat. Climate, Temperature and Humidity are the important factors to increase the weight of a goat. Some kinds of goat are spread in a mountain range or plateau because the goat is like it. Problem of research is the effect of different site in increasing the weight of weaned male Etawa Cross Goat. Objective of study: To investigate the effect of different site to the weight of weaned male Etawa cross Goat. Method of study: This study is using Experimental design. It is intended to find out the effect of different site to the weight of weaned male Etawa Cross Goat. The technique of data analysis is using T-Test. The finding of study was that the t count = (0,11). Standard deviation of the goat on the plateau is and the standard deviation on the goat on lowland is. This means that there was not significant different weight of weaned male Etawa Cross goat which is live on plateau and on lowland.Key words: Etawa Cross Goat, Different Site, Animal Weight

Screening and Optimization of Nerve Targets and Parameters Reveals Inhibitory Effect of Pudendal Stimulation on Rat Bladder Hypersensitivity.

Neuromodulation has been reported to reliably improve symptoms of bladder overactivity and sometimes pain. The effect of electrical stimulation of several nerve pathways demonstrated to alter cystometric responses to bladder distension was examined on nociceptive responses in models of bladder hypersensitivity. Bladder hypersensitivity was produced by several published methods including neonatal inflammation, acute inflammation, and chronic stress. Effects of different sites of stimulation (L6 and T13 nerve roots, proximal and distal pudendal nerves [PNs]) on nociceptive reflex responses to urinary bladder distension in urethane-anesthetized female rats were assessed and a parametric analysis of parameters of stimulation was performed. Bilateral biphasic stimulation of the proximal PNs resulted in statistically significant inhibition of visceromotor and cardiovascular responses to bladder distension in rats made hypersensitive by neonatal bladder inflammation. We found a range of optimal stimulation frequencies (5-10 Hz) which produced robust inhibitory effects when using short pulse widths (100-240 μs). Onset of inhibition was within minutes and persisted for several minutes after the stimulus was discontinued. Use of bilateral PN stimulation in acute inflammation and stress-induced hypersensitivity models as well as unilateral stimulation, very distal PN cutaneous branch stimulation, and stimulation of the T13 and L6 nerve roots all proved ineffective with the parameters used. This study suggests that inhibitory effects of bilateral PN stimulation can be evoked in a rodent hypersensitivity model at relatively low frequencies with short pulse widths. The onset of effect is rapid, which suggests the potential for treating episodic pain in painful bladder disorders.

Phrenic nerve block caused by interscalene brachial plexus block: breathing effects of different sites of injection

BackgroundInterscalene brachial plexus (ISB) block is often associated with phrenic nerve block and diaphragmatic paresis. The goal of our study was to test if the anterior or the posterior ultrasound guided approach of the ISB is associated with a lower incidence of phrenic nerve blocks and impaired lung function.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized and single-blinded study of 84 patients scheduled for elective shoulder surgery who fullfilled the inclusion and exclusion critereria. Patients were randomized in two groups to receive either the anterior (n = 42) or the posterior (n = 42) approach for ISB. Clinical data were recorded. In both groups patients received ISB with a total injection volume of 15 ml of ropivacaine 1 %. Spirometry was conducted at baseline (T0) and 30 min (T30) after accomplishing the block.Changes in spirometrical variables between T0 and T30 were investigated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test for each puncture approach. The temporal difference between the posterior and the anterior puncture approach groups were again analyzed by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.ResultsThe spirometric results showed a significant decrease in vital capacity, forced expiratory volume per second, and maximum nasal inspiratory breathing after the Interscalene brachial plexus block; indicating a phrenic nerve block (p <0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank). A significant difference in the development of the spirometric parameters between the anterior and the posterior group could not be identified (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Despite the changes in spirometry, no cases of dyspnea were reported.ConclusionA different site of injection (anterior or posterior) did not show an effect in reducing the cervical block spread of the local anesthetic and the incidence of phrenic nerve blocks during during ultrasound guided Interscalene brachial plexus block. Clinical breathing effects of phrenic nerve blocks are, however, usually well compensated, and subjective dyspnea did not occur in our patients.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS number 00009908, registered 26 January 2016).

Phytochemical Evaluation of Pummelo Fruits (Citrus grandis) in India for Enhancing Marketing Opportunities

Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is a nutrient-rich citrus fruit that helps to preserve human health and provide nutritional security. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of different sites on the phytochemicals content in eight accessions collected across India. Different varieties of pummelo were collected and analysed for their physico-chemical, biochemical and phytochemical properties, mainly total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, total phenols, limonoids, hesperidin and naringin. Results revealed that individual phytochemicals, flavonoids showed unique characteristics. Considerable differences were observed regarding the naringin (51.42-129.66 mg/l) and hesperidin (0.44-3.35 mg/l) contents among the different accessions. Naringin the predominant flavonone glycoside along with hesperidin was recorded highest in Pummelo from Salem (Tamil Nadu) as compared to the other accessions.

Potential contribution of dopaminergic gene variants in ADHD core traits and co-morbidity: a study on eastern Indian probands.

Association of dopaminergic genes, mainly receptors and transporters, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been investigated throughout the world due to the importance of dopamine (DA) in various physiological functions including attention, cognition and motor activity, traits. However, till date, etiology of ADHD remains unknown. We explored association of functional variants in the DA receptor 2 (rs1799732 and rs6278), receptor 4 (exon 3 VNTR and rs914655), and transporter (rs28363170 and rs3836790) with hyperactivity, cognitive deficit, and co-morbid disorders in eastern Indian probands. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-IV was followed for recruitment of nuclear families with ADHD probands (N = 160) and ethnically matched controls (N = 160). Cognitive deficit and hyperactive traits were measured using Conner's parents/teachers rating scale. Peripheral blood was collected after obtaining informed written consent and used for genomic DNA isolation. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-based methods followed by population- as well as family-based statistical analyses. Association between genotypes and cognitive/hyperactivity traits and co-morbidities was analyzed by the Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) software. Case-control analysis showed statistically significant difference for rs6278 and rs28363170 (P = 0.004 and 1.332e-007 respectively) while family-based analysis exhibited preferential paternal transmission of rs28363170 '9R' allele (P = 0.04). MDR analyses revealed independent effects of rs1799732, rs6278, rs914655, and rs3836790 in ADHD. Significant independent effects of different sites on cognitive/hyperactivity traits and co-morbid disorders were also noticed. It can be summarized from the present investigation that these gene variants may influence cognitive/hyperactive traits, thereby affecting the disease etiology and associated co-morbid features.

Abnormalities Of FAM46C, AHCYL1, CDC14A and CDKN2C Genes Located At Chromosome 1p Detected By QM-FISH Identifies Deletion Of 1p32.3 Covered CDKN2C Is An Independent Adverse Prognostic Marker In Multiple Myeloma

SNP arrays and FISH showed Chromosome 1 appeared as a critical region in MM pathogenesis and was associated with adverse survival, such as: 1q gain and 1p deletion. Recent years, some studies found deletions of some genes in the common minimum deletion regions on 1p were related to adverse prognosis, such as FAM46C at 1p12, CDC14A at 1p21.2, CDKN2C at 1p32.3. However, these studies were limited to one or two regions and lacked the comparison among the effects of different sites on prognosis. The characteristics of chromosome 1p abnormalities are not clear and no uniform consensus has been obtained that which locus is the best prognostic factor suitable for clinical routine detection. In addition, there's lack of data on the impact of 1p abnormalities on homogeneous group of patients. We investigated the abnormalities of FAM46C, AHCYL1, CDC14A, CDKN2C genes located at chromosome 1p12, 1p13.3, 1p21.2 and 1p32.3 by quantitative multicolor-fluorescence in situ hybridization (QM-FISH) using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones in 230 previously untreated myeloma patients. FAM46C, AHCYL1, CDC14A, CDKN2C genes were labeled with Green-dUTP (green), promoFluor-555-aadUTP (orange), PF590-dUTP (Red) and PF415-dUTP (Blue) and used as a FISH probe. The results demonstrated the deletion rates of 1p12, 1p13.3, 1p21.2 and 1p32.3 were 13.0%, 18.7%, 20.8% and 9.06% respectively. The deletion rate of 1p was 24.2%. Amplifications of 1p with 3.04%, 2.60%, 3.77% and 4.15% respectively in 1p12, 1p13.3, 1p21.2 and 1p32.3 were detected in some patients. These amplifications were significant lower than those of deletions (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.021). Interestingly, we found chromosome 1p abnormalities were complex, various in forms. Among 57 patients with del(1p), 26.3% of patients presented with one locus deletion, 22.8% with two loci loss, 35.1% with three loci loss, 15.8% with four loci loss. Most (73.7%) of del (1p) were large size of deletion (≥ two regions). Del (1p) was positively correlated with high LDH (≥220U/L) (P=0.026), del (13q14) (P=0.023), and high percentage of plasma cells in bone Marrow (≥ 50%) (P=0.001). 108 patients were homogeneously treated with thalidomide-based chemotherapy (TAD/MPT). Survival analysis showed the median progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with and without del (1p) were 13.0 vs.26 months (P=0.002), median overall survival (OS) were 15.5 vs. 39.5 months (P=0.000). In addition, we found patients with sole del (1p) involving 1p12 or/and 1p13 had no worse prognosis. Patients with del (1p32.3) had shorter PFS (9.0 vs. 23.0, P=0.001) and OS (9.0 vs. 39.0, P=0.000). In multivariate analyses, 1p32.3 deletion appeared as an independent negative prognostic factor regarding to complex karyotype, LDH≥220U/L and del (17p13) in thalidomide-based chemotherapy group. Hazard ratio showed that the progression risk and death risk in patients with 1p32.3 were increased 5.64 (P=0.031) and 8.314 times respectively (P=0.011). Conclusionour datas show that chromosome 1p abnormalities are complex, various in forms, mainly with large size of deletion, rarely amplification. 1p deletions are negative prognostic factors for PFS and OS in MM patients receiving thalidomide-based chemotherapy. 1p32.3 deletion is the most important 1p deletion and is an independent poor factor. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

788 Long-Term Quality of Life After Oesophagectomy for Cancer - Comparison of Cervical Versus Mediastinal Anastomoses

Introduction With improvements in neoadjuvant therapy and earlier diagnosis, long-term survival after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma is becoming more frequent. With longer survival the quality of life (QOL) of patients post resection has become a greater priority. There has been extensive debate focusing on the long term effects of different sites for anastomosis. We aimed to examine if post-oesophagectomy QOL is affected by the site of the surgical anastomosis. Methods QORTC C-30 and OG-25 QOL questionnaires were analysed from post-oesophagectomy patients surviving >3 years. Data were available both from a prospective database and questionnaires sent to post-oesophagectomy patients. Surgery was completed by two surgical teams and data were analysed in subsets dependant on the site of oesophago-gastric anastomosis—either thoracic or cervical. No patients underwent formal pyloroplasty. Data were analysed using the Student t test on SPSS statistical software. QORTC C-30 data were compared against the reference tables for oesophageal cancer pre-treatment and a cohort of pre-surgical patients awaiting oesophagectomy. Ethical approval was granted by the local MREC. Results A total of 60 patients responded (82%, anastomosis: thoracic n=29, cervical n=31) with a median time post-surgery of 6.1 years (range 3–12 years). Cervical and thoracic anastomosis subgroups were equivalent in terms of age at time of surgery, time post op and cancer stage. No significant QOL difference was noted between cervical or chest anastomosis groups for any functional or symptom score, especially focusing on dysphagia (OG25, p=0.24), odynophagia (OG 25, p=0.68) and swallowing problems (OG25, p=0.73). The patients9 overall general health (QL2) score was 72.0±19.43 (mean±SD) compared with 74.8±20.57 for a cohort of 53 NNUH pre-op oesophagectomy patients and 71.2±22.4 for the QORTC general population reference data. Functional indices and symptom scores are improved for our cohort compared to the QORTC oesophageal cancer reference baseline except symptom scores for diarrhoea and dyspnoea which worsen post-operatively. Conclusion There is no significant difference in QOL scores between oesophagectomy patients with cervical or thoracic anastomosis at >3 years post-surgery when analysed using the QORTC C-30 and OG25 questionnaires. QOL in long-term survivors after oesophagectomy compares favourably with QORTC reference data for both pre-treatment oesophageal cancer and baseline general population data in our cohort, possibly due to the absence of pylorplasty. Further prospective QOL data collection is required to elucidate any long-term differences between the two anastomosis sites. Competing interests None declared.

PTU-187 Long-term quality of life after oesophagectomy for cancer: comparison of cervical vs mediastinal anastomoses

IntroductionWith improvements in neoadjuvant therapy and earlier diagnosis, long-term survival after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma is becoming more frequent. With longer survival the quality of life (QOL) of patients post resection...

Effect of site and storage conditions on quality of industrial fresh pepper

The commercial expansion of roasted pepper as a high market value product have made that the period of time in which canning industries process the fresh pepper fruits needs to be extended. Fresh sweet pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) destined for industry grown in different sites was cold stored in order to analyse the effect of different sites and storage conditions on the quality of the product at harvest and during storage. Storage during 10 days at 8 °C was the best storage condition to improve quality of pepper destined for industry, because colour was improved, weight loss (1–1.6%) was lower than maximum permissible and decay incidence was only between 0% and 2.3%. Harvest should be delayed until pepper reaches the red state in order to increase the quality of the fruit. However, these results suggest that pepper growers should assure a high content of Ca (>0.6 g kg −1) in the soil to avoid a high incidence of decay during storage when a late harvest is needed to guarantee the enhancement of colour in pepper fruit destined for industry. These storage conditions are in accordance with those found to improve the sensory quality of roasted pepper.

Cortical representation of the human hand assessed by two levels of high‐resolution EEG recordings

Increasing interest in cortical plasticity has prompted the growing use of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to estimate changes in the cortical representation of body regions. Here, we tested the effect of different sites of hand stimulation and of the density of spatial sampling in the quality of estimation of somatosensory sources. Sources of two SEP components from the primary somatosensory cortex (N20/P20 and P45) were estimated using two levels of spatial sampling (64- vs. 128-channel) and stimulation of four distal sites in the upper limbs, including single digits (first vs. fifth) and distal nerves with comparable cortical projection (superficial branch of the radial nerve and distal ulnar nerve). The most robust separation of somatosensory sources was achieved by comparing the cortical representations of the first digit and the distal ulnar nerve territories on the N20/P20 component of SEPs. Although both the 64- and the 128-electrode montages correctly discriminated these two areas, only the 128-electrode montage was able to significantly separate sources in the other cases, notably when using first versus fifth digit stimulation. Trustworthy distinction of cortical representations was not obtainable when using the P45 component, probably because of greater activation volume, radial orientation of sources in areas 1-2 and increased variability with attention and vigilance. Assessment of tangential SEP components to stimulation of first digit versus ulnar nerve appears the best option to assess plastic somatosensory changes, especially when using relatively low-electrode sampling.