Hy Groups Research Articles

Assessment of pulmonary physiological changes caused by aging, cigarette smoking, and COPD with hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance.

To comprehensively assess the impact of aging, cigarette smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on pulmonary physiology using 129Xe MR. A total of 90 subjects were categorized into four groups, including healthy young (HY, n = 20), age-matched control (AMC, n = 20), asymptomatic smokers (AS, n = 28), and COPD patients (n = 22). 129Xe MR was utilized to obtain pulmonary physiological parameters, including ventilation defect percent (VDP), alveolar sleeve depth (h), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), total septal wall thickness (d), and ratio of xenon signal from red blood cells and interstitial tissue/plasma (RBC/TP). Significant differences were found in the measured VDP (p = 0.035), h (p = 0.003), and RBC/TP (p = 0.003) between the HY and AMC groups. Compared with the AMC group, higher VDP (p = 0.020) and d (p = 0.048) were found in the AS group; higher VDP (p < 0.001), d (p < 0.001) and ADC (p < 0.001), and lower h (p < 0.001) and RBC/TP (p < 0.001) were found in the COPD group. Moreover, significant differences were also found in the measured VDP (p < 0.001), h (p < 0.001), ADC (p < 0.001), d (p = 0.008), and RBC/TP (p = 0.032) between the AS and COPD groups. Our findings indicate that pulmonary structure and functional changes caused by aging, cigarette smoking, and COPD are various, and show a progressive deterioration with the accumulation of these risk factors, including cigarette smoking and COPD. Pathophysiological changes can be difficult to comprehensively understand due to limitations in common techniques and multifactorial etiologies. 129Xe MRI can demonstrate structural and functional changes caused by several common factors and can be used to better understand patients' underlying pathology. Standard techniques for assessing pathophysiological lung function changes, spirometry, and chest CT come with limitations. 129Xe MR demonstrated progressive deterioration with accumulation of the investigated risk factors, without these limitations. 129Xe MR can assess lung changes related to these risk factors to stage and evaluate the etiology of the disease.

Effects of Surface Textures Created Using Additive Manufacturing on Shear Bond Strength Between Resin and Zirconia.

This investigation aimed to assess the impact of additive manufacturing-generated surface textures on zirconia bond strength. Zirconia samples (n = 144) fabricated using digital light-processing (DLP) technology were categorized into 6 groups according to the type of surface conditioning (group NN: no designs, no air abrasion; group NY: no designs, with air abrasion; group GN: groove designs, no air abrasion; group GY: groove designs with air abrasion; group HN: hexagon grid, no air abrasion; group HY: hexagon grid, with air abrasion). Composite resin cylinders were cemented to the treated zirconia surfaces with dual-curing, self-adhesive resin cement (Clearfil SA Luting). The shear bond strength (SBS) was tested after water storage for 3 days or 3 days with an additional 10,000 thermocycles. The zirconia samples fabricated using DLP technology have high accuracy. The SBS of the NY, GY, and HY groups did not significantly differ after 3 days, and neither did the SBS of the NN, GN, and HN groups. The NN, NY, and HY groups exhibited reduced SBS compared to their initial values following artificial aging, while the SBS of the remaining three groups were not diminished. The GY group obtained the highest SBS value after aging. Printing grooves with air abrasion can improve the bond strength.

Hatha yoga is more effective in improving kinesiophobia and subjective well-being when combined with self-compassion meditation in people with CLBP: a randomized control trial.

The present study aims to examine whether combining hatha yoga practice with self-compassion meditation could influence kinesiophobia, emotions, perceived stress, and perceived disability among individuals with chronic low back pain when compared with hatha yoga alone. The randomized controlled study included 70 participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who were randomly assigned to a Hatha yoga group (HY; n = 35) or a Hatha yoga group plus self-compassion meditation (HYSCM; n = 35). Participants followed a protocol for 8 weeks, and the assessments were carried out before and after the intervention, with a follow-up evaluation conducted after one month. The participants completed the PANAS, PSS, TSK, and RMQ questionnaires. A Generalized Estimating Equation was used to explore the effect of interventions. Both HY and HYSCM groups improved kinesiophobia, perceived disability, and stress at the follow-up. However, the HYSCM group shown a more significant reduction in kinesiophobia compared to the HY group. Moreover, significant improvement in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect over time in the HYSCM group were observed. Hatha yoga practice when combined with self-compassion meditation led to extra benefits by exhibiting a prolonged effect, especially on kinesiophobia positive and negative effects.

May Autogenous Grafts Increase the Effectiveness of Hyalonect Membranes in Intraosseous Defects: An Experimental In Vivo Study.

Background and Objectives: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) surgeries are used for dental implant placements with insufficient bone volume. Biomaterials used in GBR are expected to produce sufficient volume and quality of bone swiftly. This study aims to histologically evaluate the effectiveness of the use of Hyalonect membranes alone or with autogenous grafts in intraosseous defects. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study on sheep. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia in accordance with ethical rules. Five 10 mm defects were surgically created in each ilium of six sheep. One defect was left empty in each ilium (group ED). The defects in the experimental group were covered with Hyalonect membrane while unfilled (group HY) or after being filled with autogenous bone grafts (ABG) (group G+HY). In the control group, the defects were either covered with collagen membrane while unfilled (group CM) or after being filled with the ABG group (G+CM). The sheep were histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated after being postoperatively sacrificed in the third and sixth week (three animals in each interval). Results: All animals completed the study without any complications. No difference was found between groups in the third and sixth weeks regarding the inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis scores. The G+CM (52.83 ± 3.06) group was observed to have a significantly higher new bone formation rate than all the other groups in the third week, followed by the G+HY group (46.33 ± 2.25). Similar values were found for HY and CM groups (35.67 ± 4.55 ve 40.00 ± 3.41, respectively, p = 0.185), while the lowest values were observed to be in group ED (19.67 ± 2.73). The highest new bone formation was observed in group G+CM (82.33 ± 4.08) in the sixth week. There was no difference in new bone formation rates between groups G+CM, G+HY (77.17 ± 3.49, p = 0.206), and CM (76.50 ± 2.43, p = 0.118). The insignificant difference was found ED group and group HY (55.83 ± 4.92, 73.50 ± 3.27, respectively, p = 0.09). The residual graft amount in the G+CM group was found to be statistically significant at 3 weeks (p = 0.0001), compared to the G+HY group, and insignificantly higher at the 6th week (p = 0.4). Conclusions: In this study, close values were observed between G+HY and G+CM groups. Further experimental and clinical studies with different graft materials are required to evaluate the effectiveness of HY in GBR.

Quad-helix compression to decompensate molar inclination prior to skeletal expansion.

To demonstrate that patients without posterior crossbite (PCB) but with maxillary transverse deficiency, not previously observed due to an increased curve of Wilson, can benefit from the same palatal expansion as patients with PCB, after correction of the buccal inclination. A total of 41patients presenting amaxillary skeletal transverse deficiency were treated: 26 without PCB and 15 with PCB. In the non-PCB group, quad-helix compression was followed by aHyrax expander (QH+HY), whereas the PCB group only underwent Hyrax expander treatment (HY). The maxillary intercanine, interpremolar, intermolar widths (cusp tips and gingival level) and molar inclination were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment in both groups. No significant differences were found between groups at the end of treatment, and no PCBs remained. The same maxillary expansion was achieved in the QH+HY and HY groups in the region of the canines, at both the gingival (3.4 ± 2.0 vs. 3.4 ± 2.7 mm; P = 0.999) and cusp tip levels (4.5 ± 3.1 vs. 3.8 ± 2.2 mm; P = 0.981). The molar inclination in the QH+HY group decreased, while there was a slight increase in the HY group (-6.50° ± 5.34° vs. 2.3° ± 4.1°; P < 0.001). Some patients with maxillary transverse deficiency do not present with PCB, due to an increased curve of Wilson. However, these patients require skeletal expansion similar to that of patients with abilateral PCB. The curve of Wilson should be flattened prior to expansion in order to increase the amount of maxillary skeletal expansion.

Effect of hyperoside on cervical cancer cells and transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes

BackgroundHyperoside (Hy) is a plant-derived quercetin 3-d-galactoside that exhibits inhibitory activities on various tumor types. The objective of the current study was to explore Hy effects on cervical cancer cell proliferation, and to perform a transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes.MethodsCervical cancer HeLa and C-33A cells were cultured and the effect of Hy treatment was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. After calculating the IC50 of Hy in HeLa and C-33A cells, the more sensitive to Hy treatment cell type was selected for RNA-Seq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing gene expression between the Hy and control groups. Candidate genes were determined through DEG analysis, protein interaction network (PPI) construction, PPI module analysis, transcription factor (TF) prediction, TF-target network construction, and survival analysis. Finally, the key candidate genes were verified by RT-qPCR and western blot.ResultsHy inhibited HeLa and C33A cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as determined by the CCK-8 assay. Treatment of C-33A cells with 2 mM Hy was selected for the subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 754 upregulated and 509 downregulated genes were identified after RNA-Seq. After functional enrichment, 74 gene ontology biological processes and 43 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were obtained. According to the protein interaction network (PPI), PPI module analysis, TF-target network construction, and survival analysis, the key genes MYC, CNKN1A, PAX2, TFRC, ACOX2, UNC5B, APBA1, PRKACA, PEAR1, COL12A1, CACNA1G, PEAR1, and CCNA2 were detected. RT-qPCR was performed on the key genes, and Western blot was used to verify C-MYC and TFRC. C-MYC and TFRC expressions were lower and higher than the corresponding values in the control group, respectively, in accordance with the results from the RNA-Seq analysis.ConclusionHy inhibited HeLa and C-33A cell proliferation through C-MYC gene expression reduction in C-33A cells and TFRC regulation. The results of the current study provide a theoretical basis for Hy treatment of cervical cancer.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic hybrid nanomaterials via RAFT polymerization: A pH sensitive drug delivery system.

Herein, a facile and versatile method for the synthesis of a novel magnetic nanocarrier via surface- initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is introduced. At first, RAFT agent was successfully attached to the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and, then, poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains were grown and anchored onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. At the end, hydrazine (Hy) groups were introduced to the PGMA chains via reaction between epoxy rings and hydrazine molecules. Doxorubicin (DOX) was covalently conjugated to the prepared nanocarrier (Fe3O4@PGMA@Hy) through a hydrazone linkage. The in vitro drug release of Fe3O4@PGMA@Hy@DOX examined in buffers with pH 7.4 and pH 5.4 exhibited a strong pH-sensitive behavior. The results showed that Fe3O4@PGMA@Hy@DOX successfully performed the delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) anticancer drug.

Low intensity vibration of ankle muscles improves balance in elderly persons at high risk of falling.

In our study we examined postural performance of young healthy persons (HY), elderly healthy persons (HE), and elderly persons at high risk of falling (FR). Anterio-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) ankle and hip angular deviations, as well as linear displacements of the center of mass (COM) were assessed in persons standing with eyes either open or closed, while none, and 40 and 30 Hz vibrations were applied bilaterally to the ankle muscle gastrocnemius. During quiet standing with eyes open, balance parameters in FR group differed from those in healthy groups. ML ankle and hip angular deviations, as well as COM linear displacements were noticeably larger in FR group. During quiet standing with eyes closed, all balance parameters in participants of all groups had a clear trend to increase. During standing with eyes open, 40 Hz vibration increased all but one balance parameter within HY group, ankle angular deviations in HE group, but none in FR group. In response to 30 Hz vibration, only ankle angular deviations and COM linear displacements increased in HY group. There were no changes in both elderly groups. During standing with eyes closed, 40 and 30 Hz vibrations did not produce consistent changes in balance parameters in HY and HE groups. In FR persons, 40 Hz vibration did not change balance parameters. However, in FR groups, 30 Hz vibration decreased ankle and hip angular deviations, and COM linear displacements. The major result of the study is a finding that low intensity vibration of ankle muscles makes balance better in elderly persons at high risk of falling. This result is clinically relevant because it suggests that applying mild vibration to ankle muscles while standing and walking might benefit elderly persons, improving their postural performance and reducing a risk of unexpected falls.

The impact of daily disposable soft contact lens wear on tear film surface quality over a three month period

PurposeTo study the changes in Tear Film Surface Quality (TFSQ) on a Silicon Hydrogel (SiHy) and a Hydrogel (Hy) daily contact lens (CL), during a follow‐up period of three months.MethodsForty‐six subjects aged 25.5 ± 4.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years with a refractive error limited to ±4.50 spherical and ±0.75 cylindrical dioptres were recruited. Based on a pre‐clinical analysis which took into account visual acuity (VA), comfort, and fitting, 31 subjects were fitted with SiHy and 13 with Hy lenses. TFSQ was studied based on measurements of the first and the mean non‐invasive keratography tear break up time (F/M–NIKBUT). All measurements were acquired at baseline, post four hours (4 h) and three months (3 m) of CL lens wear. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was also completed.ResultsThe results of the OSDI questionnaire showed an average improvement of 3.09 and 4.16 units for 3 m visit for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively. Nevertheless, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.144 and p = 0.215). For F‐NIKBUT, there was no significant difference between 4h and 3m measurements (p=0.490 and p = 0.588 for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively). For M‐NIKBUT, there was no significant difference for SiHy and Hy groups between baseline and 4 h (p = 0.052 and p = 0.110, respectively). However, there was a significant difference between baseline and 3 m for SiHy group (p = 0.009) but not for the Hy group (p = 0.376). Lastly, no significant differences were observed between 4 h and 3 m M‐NIKBUT measurements for both lenses (p = 0.746 and p = 0.273 for SiHy and Hy lens, respectively).ConclusionsThe results indicate that estimates of 4 h of lens wear NIKBUT can be used to predict those at a 3 m visit. Also, Hy lens appeared to have less impact on TFSQ than the SiHy lens.

HSP70 Is Increased in Circulating Extracellular Vesicles from Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia Patients: Potential Biomarker for Ineffective Erythropoiesis

Heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a chaperone protein involved in cellular protein homeostasis. It protects proteins from, or targets them for degradation, regulates the cellular response against stress injury, and has a key role in erythropoiesis. In β-thalassemia (β-TM) erythroblasts, HSP70 is retained in the cytoplasm by free α-globin chains; the transcription factor GATA1 is unprotected in the nucleus and therefore degraded, resulting in erythroblast apoptosis, which further aggravates the ineffective erythropoiesis observed in β-TM (Arlet et al, Nature 2014). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from cells and are involved in intercellular communication and transport of biologically active molecules. The current study aimed to explore HSP70 in EVs as a potential biomarker in β-TM.EVs of 35 transfusion-dependent β-TM children and adults and matched healthy controls were characterized. Patients were treated under a standard protocol at Emek Medical Center. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from patients' files.EV count, cellular origin and membrane antigens were evaluated in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) by nanoparticle tracking analysis to assess concentration and size distribution of particles in the diameter range of 50-1000 nm, and by FACS to visualize >500 nm particles.Protein content was evaluated in EV pellets (obtained from centrifugation of PPP for 1 h, 18,000g at 4°C, washing in PBS and recentrifugation). Human protein antibody arrays for angiogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis were used to evaluate pooled EV pellets obtained from controls and patient subgroups: hypersplenism (Hy), No-Hy and splenectomized (Sp). The level of HSP70 was evaluated by ELISA.Nanoparticle tracking analysis demonstrated a sharp increase in EV concentration in patients vs. controls (2.15 ± 1.1 vs. 0.66 ± 0.2 E+9 particles/μl; P< 0.001), with mean sizes of 91.9 ± 22 nm and 80.1 ± 6.4 nm, respectively. The concentration of annexin-V-labeled EVs was slightly higher in patients than in controls (7.5 ± 11 vs. 2 ± 0.6 E+5 particles/μl), with mean sizes of 261.6 ± 74 nm and 295.6 ± 140 nm, respectively.FACS analysis showed significantly lower RBC (CD235+) EV and CD14+ EV levels in patients vs. controls. Similar percentages of platelet EVs (CD41+), activated platelet EVs (CD62P+), endothelial cell EVs (CD31+41-) and leukocyte EVs (CD11+) were found in patients and controls.We found significant differences in several angiogenic/inflammatory proteins between the patients and controls. Increased levels (over 200%) of 11 proteins were observed in the Sp group, among them growth-regulated oncogene and platelet-derived growth factor BB, while levels of only 3 proteins were increased in Hy and No-Hy groups. Levels of 14 proteins seemed to decrease (less than 75%) in Hy and No-Hy groups, whereas 5 proteins decreased in the Sp group. Several differences in the apoptotic protein profile were found between patients and controls; however a uniform pattern was observed in the patient subgroups. Increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP) 2 and caspase 8, decreased levels of IGFBP 3 and 6, and a high increase in HSP70 were found.The increased HSP70 levels were validated in the study cohort: patients (n = 32) 3.46 ± 3 ng/ml vs. healthy controls (n = 11) 1.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml; P< 0.0001. HSP70 showed a moderate positive correlation with patients’ reticulocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase (n = 31, R = 0.47 and n = 32, R = 0.43, respectively) and a moderate negative correlation with hemoglobin (Hb) levels (study Hb n = 32, R = -0.4 and mean 5-yr Hb n = 31, R = -0.51) and annual transfusion requirement (mL /kg weight) (n = 29, R = -0.48). Thus HSP70 reflects the degree of ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis and severity of anemia in patients. However, no correlation was found with iron-overload parameters (iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin).Overall, important differences were found between the properties of patient and control EVs, probably reflecting and affecting the pathophysiology of β-TM. We show that circulating EVs in β-TM contain high levels of HSP70 that are correlated with hematological disease severity but not with iron-overload status. These results create a foundation for the potential use of HSP70 in circulating EVs as a novel biomarker for monitoring ineffective erythropoiesis in β-TM. Further studies are required to explore the consequences of high HSP70 in β-TM EVs. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Age- and Parkinson's disease-related evaluation of gait by General Tau Theory.

The degeneration of postural control in the elderly and patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be debilitating and may lead to increased fall risk. This study evaluated the changes in postural control during gait affected by PD and aging using a new method based on the General Tau Theory. Fifteen patients with PD, 11 healthy old adults (HOs), and 15healthy young adults (HYs) were recruited. Foot trajectories of each participant were monitored during walking by a three-camera Optotrak Certus(®) motion capture system. The anteroposterior direction of foot movement during stepping was analyzed by tau-G and tau-J guidance strategies. Two linear regression analyses suggested that the tau of the step-gap was strongly coupled onto the tau-J guidance during walking. The regression slope K could estimate the coupling ratio in the tau-coupling equation which reflects the performance of postural control during gait. The mean K value for the PD group, which was highest among the three groups, was approximately 0.5. Therefore, participants in the PD group walked with the poorest postural control and exhibited a relatively hard contact with the endpoint during stepping when compared with those in the HO and HY groups. The HY and HO groups obtained mean K values significantly lower than 0.5, which indicated that the gait was well controlled and ended at low speed with low deceleration. However, the HO group showed a decreased tendency for postural control, in which the mean K value was significantly higher than that of the HY group. The K value was moderately positively correlated with the double support time and negatively correlated with the stride length and walking speed. The tau-J coupling ratio can provide additional insight into gait disturbances and may serve as a reliable, objective, and quantitative tool to evaluate dynamic postural control during walking.

Breeding and Domestication of Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Lines for Culture in the Mid-Atlantic, Usa: Line Development and Mass Selection for Disease Resistance

A selective breeding program for Crassostrea virginica was established in 1997 as part of an initiative in Virginia to address declining oyster harvests caused by the two oyster pathogens Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo). Housed in the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC), the objective of the program was to develop and disseminate disease-resistant lines that would enable an oyster culture industry. Today, culture of disease-resistant cultivars accounts for more than 90% of oyster production in the state, where 28.1 million half-shell oysters and 2 billion eyed larvae were sold in 2012. Results of our line development program as of 2006 are reported. Eight ABC lines from 3 genetic groups—East Coast (EC), Louisiana (LA), and hybrids between the 2 (HY)—and 1 wild control line, were produced and tested. These 9 groups were deployed in 4 replicates across 4 Virginia sites characterized by low (Kinsale (KIN)), medium (York River (YRK) and Lynnhaven (LYN)), and high (Wachapreague (WAC)) salinity regimes. Groups were sampled routinely for survival, growth, and disease diagnosis between November 2004 and December 2006. At KIN, where salinity was low and below the threshold for MSX and Dermo, survival was 41%-46% greater than survival at the other 3 sites by the end of the trial. Where the diseases were present (LYN, YRK, and WAC), ABC lines in general had greater survival than the control, but this varied by genetic group. The EC groups had 52%- 82% greater survival, the HY groups had as much as 40% greater survival, and the LA groups performed worse than the control. Poor performance of the LA groups was a result of their susceptibility to MSX, and the majority of them died before the end of the study. The genetic effects varied with site, and the rank of the lines was inconsistent, such that the best line in one site was, in some cases, one of the worst in another. Genotype-by-environment interaction is clearly driven by disease and salinity. Growth was also influenced by site, genetic group, and an interaction between them. Compared with the wild control, ABC lines were 31%, 20%, 42%, and 24% heavier at the end of the trial in the KIN, YRK, LYN, and WAC sites, respectively. However, unlike survival, the best performers were those from the LA and HY groups. Again, line rankings changed across sites. For this reason, a salinity-specific breeding strategy to develop lines that perform optimally within a salinity range has been adopted.

Effects of Chinese herbal recipes on immunity in immunosuppressive mice.

The Chinese herbal formula consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Epimedium brevicornum, Paeoniae Alba Radix and Radix Ophiopogonis in proper proportions were adopted in order to investigate the immunoenhancing properties of the herbal formula. Fifty ICR mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (NS- NS+Hy-L+Hy-M+Hy-H+Hy ). The mice in hydrocortisone (Hy) groups were injected with hydrocortisone i.p. to induce the immunosuppressive condition. The mice in group NS were administered with normal saline as controls. The mice in groups NS+Hy-L+Hy-M+Hy-H+Hy were administered with normal saline, low, moderate and high dose of the herbal prescription respectively by gavage for 6 days. The level of serum hemolysin, the function of antibody function cell-AFC-and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell ratio were measured at the end of experiments. The results showed that the level of serum hemolysin, the function of AFC and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell ratio in L+Hy-M+Hy-H+Hy groups increased significantly compared with those in NS or NS+Hy groups. These results indicate that Chinese herbal medicine prescription can enhance humoral immunity and cellular immune function of the immunosuppressive mouse.

Can vitamins C and E restore the androgen level and hypersensitivity of the vas deferens in hyperglycemic rats?

Diabetic neuropathy can affect the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate whether antioxidant (vitamins C and/or E) treatment could attenuate reproductive dysfunctions in hyperglycemic adult male rats. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: hyperglycemic control (Hy), hyperglycemic + 150mg/day vitamin C (HyC), hyperglycemic + 100mg/day vitamin E (HyE) or hyperglycemic + vitamins C and E (HyCE). The normoglycemic group (n=10) received only the vehicles. The testosterone level and noradrenergic response of the vas deferens were analyzed. Both vitamins significantly decreased the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive species) level in the hyperglycemic groups. There was a significant reduction in the testosterone level in the Hy and HyE groups when compared to the normoglycemic group. However, the testosterone levels were partially recovered in the HyC and HyCE groups. In addition, an increased sensitivity of the α-1 adrenoceptor in the vas deferens of the hyperglycemic control group was observed. Treatment with vitamins partially restored (vitamin E or in combination with vitamin C) or totally (vitamin C alone) this dysfunction. Moreover, the maximum response values to norepinephrine were similar among all groups. Thus, we concluded that vitamin C is more efficient than vitamin E in attenuating the effects of hyperglycemia on the male reproductive system of adult rats.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Melissa officinalis and combination of Achillea millefolium and Crataegus oxyacantha on broiler growth performance, fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation of chicken meat

This experimental study investigated the effect of feeding of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and combination of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) on growth performance of chicken, meat composition, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability. Ninety one-day-old commercial broiler chicks (ROSS 308) were divided into 3 groups, and fed 41 days, as follows: control (C) with standard diet without antioxidants supplementation; second group (L) with standard diet supplemented with ground lemon balm (2%) and third group (HY) with standard diet supplemented with ground hawthorn (1%) and yarrow (1%). Final body weight and total feed intake were not influenced by plant supplementation. However, feed conversion ratio was the lowest (P<0.05) at HY. Carcass yields were not affected (P>0.05) by plants supplementation, but the proportions of various carcass parts (breast and leg) were higher in L and HY groups. Feeding of plants had no effect on the chemical composition of thigh meat. However, in breast meat fed by HY diet higher content of dry matter and crude protein (P<0.05) was found. In breast (L) the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportion was increased compared with control group (P<0.05). In thigh HY the proportion of saturated fatty acids was increased and PUFA was decreased compared with control. Results of thiobarbituric value method showed that supplementation with lemon balm, and mainly combination of hawthorn and yarrow in the diet significantly influenced reduction of lipid oxidation processes in thigh during chilling storage (4°C, 11 days).

Effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in hypercholesterolemic rabbits: a randomized double-blind study

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in natural treatments to control dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of soy yogurt fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and of dietary isoflavones on the lipid profile. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt, fermented with E. faecium CRL183, on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia.MethodsForty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups fed on the following diets for 60 days: C - control; IY - isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; H - hypercholesterolemic (1.0% cholesterol wt/wt diet); HY - hypercholesterolemic plus soy yogurt; HIY - hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; HP - hypercholesterolemic plus placebo; HI - hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone and HE - hypercholesterolemic plus pure culture of E. faecium CRL 183. Serum lipids and autoantibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment.ResultsSoy yogurt, soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones and placebo promoted significant reductions in total cholesterol level (38.1%, 27.0% and 26.6%, respectively). Significant increases in serum HDL-C concentration relative to group H were detected in animals that ingested soy yogurt, with or without the isoflavone supplement (55.2%), E. faecium culture (43.3%) or placebo (35.8%). Intake of soy yogurt and soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones prevented the rise of oxLDL Ab during the study period. The extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic and abdominal aortas was reduced in the HIY, HY and HP groups. However, when the whole aorta was analyzed, animals treated with soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones exhibited the greatest reduction (51.4%, P < 0.05) in atherosclerotic lesion area, compared to group H.ConclusionSoy yogurt could be consumed as an alternative means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving the lipid profile and inhibiting oxLDL Ab formation. Our findings also suggest that isoflavone supplementation may enhance the antiatherosclerotic effect of soy yogurt.

Metabolism and Udder Health at Dry-Off in Cows of Different Breeds and Production Levels

The effects of milk yield at dry-off (DO), different calving intervals (CI; 12 and 15 mo) and breed on metabolism and udder health were studied in 56 primiparous and multiparous cows of the Swedish Red and White (SRB) and Swedish Holstein (SH) breeds. The cows were dried off 55±5 d prior to expected parturition. They were fed 4kg of DM as silage and wheat straw ad libitum for 5 d, and were milked in the morning of d 2 and 5. Depending on their daily milk yield, the cows were divided into 3 numerically equal groups on 2 d during the week prior to DO: low (LY; 5.0 to 11.4kg of milk/d, n=19), medium (MY; 11.5 to 17.7kg of milk/d, n=19), and high (HY; 17.8 to 29.5kg of milk/d, n=18). The plasma cortisol concentration increased during DO only in MY and HY cows. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids increased during DO in all groups, but the maximum nonesterified fatty acid concentration was related to the milk yield prior to DO. The plasma glucose level during the DO period was not significantly affected by yield, but the insulin concentration decreased after DO, with a more pronounced drop in the HY group. The CI 15-mo group had a higher glucose level and tended to have a higher insulin level in plasma than the CI 12-mo group before DO. They also had a higher body condition than the CI 12-mo group. The results indicate that the CI 15-mo cows had a more positive nutrient balance. There were no effects of CI on milk production or composition during DO. The SRB and SH breeds did not differ in any of the measured plasma parameters or milk production. However, the lower somatic cell counts in SRB than in SH observed before and during DO, as well as after parturition, were attributed to being an effect of breed. The proportion of cows with intramammary infections (IMI) was significantly lower just after calving in the LY group than in the other yield groups. At 2 and 3 wk after DO, significantly fewer cows in the LY group had open teat canals compared with the HY and MY groups, respectively, but teat-end condition did not differ between yield groups. The yield before DO did not significantly influence the somatic cell counts during the first 4 wk after parturition or the presence of IMI 4 wk after parturition. We concluded that in the present study, higher milk yield prior to DO gave rise to a more pronounced metabolic response and a higher risk of contracting IMI during the dry period, at calving, or both, but yield at DO did not have any long-term effects on udder health. A prolonged CI did not facilitate a rapid decrease in milk production. The SRB and SH breeds responded equally in decreasing the milk production during DO, but the SRB breed had lower somatic cell counts.

Efficacy of dose and contingency management procedures in LAAM-maintained cocaine-dependent patients

Opioid- and cocaine-dependent participants ( N = 140) were randomly assigned to one of the following in a 12-week clinical trial: LAAM (30, 30, 39 mg/MWF) with contingency management (CM) procedures (LC); LAAM (30, 30, 39 mg/MWF) without CM (LY); LAAM (100, 100, 130 mg/MWF) with CM (HC); LAAM (100, 100, 130 mg/MWF) without CM (HY). Urine samples were collected thrice-weekly. In CM, each urine negative for both opioids and cocaine resulted in a voucher worth a certain monetary value that increased for consecutively drug-free urines. Subjects not assigned to CM received vouchers according to a yoked schedule. Vouchers were exchanged for mutually agreed upon goods and services. Groups generally did not differ on retention and baseline characteristics. Overall opioid use was least in the HC and HY groups; opioid use decreased most rapidly over time in the HC group relative to the HY, LC and LY groups. Overall cocaine use was least in the HC group relative to the HY, LC, and LY groups; cocaine use decreased over time most rapidly in the HC and LY groups. Abstinence from both was greatest in the HC group. Opioid withdrawal symptoms decreased most rapidly in the high-dose groups relative to the low-dose groups. These results suggest that an efficacious maintenance dose is necessary for contingencies to be effective in facilitating both opioid and cocaine abstinence.

Sexing in vitro produced bovine embryos, at different stages of development, using rat H-Y antiserum

The male-specific H-Y antigen is present on mammalian cell membranes and has been identified by various methods, including antiserum cytotoxicity. The objective of the present study was to determine the sex of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos, at varying stages of development, by culturing in the presence of rat monoclonal H-Y antibodies. Embryos derived from IVM/IVF were classified according to the interval after IVF (48, 96 or 120 h) as Category 1, 2 or 3 if they had 4 to 8, <32, and >32 cells, respectively. Embryos of each category were cultured for 24 h in TCM-199 supplemented with bovine oviductal epithelial cells, fetal calf serum (FCS), and antibiotics (Control group), to which the following had been added: guinea pig serum (GPS; C′ group); H-Y antiserum (HY group); or GPS and H-Y antiserum (C′+HY group). After culture, embryos were designated as “affected” when development was arrested or one or more blastomeres was degenerate; embryos lacking these changes were designated “unaffected.” The sex of each embryo was subsequently determined by chromosome analysis. After 48 h of IVF (Category 1), within each of the four treatments, the proportion of unaffected embryos was higher than the proportion of unaffected embryos (81% versus 19%, P<0.05). Similarly, the Control, C′ and HY groups of Categories 2 and 3 embryos had different proportions of unaffected versus affected embryos (75% versus 25%, P<0.05). In all these groups, the male:female ratio did not significantly differ from 1:1. In contrast, in the C′+HY group of Categories 2 and 3 embryos, the ratio of unaffected versus affected embryos was 41% versus 59% ( P<0.05) and the male:female ratio differed ( P<0.05) from the expected 1:1 ratio (approximately 0.3:1 and 4.5:1 for unaffected versus affected, respectively). In conclusion, when bovine embryos were cultured in the presence of rat monoclonal H-Y antibodies and compliment, alterations occurred in embryos that were beyond the 8-cell stage; we inferred that the antibodies cross-reacted with H-Y antigens.

MMPI correlates of sleep and respiratory disturbance in obstructive sleep apnea.

To evaluate associations between polysomnographic variables in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a variety of psychological responses (including depressive symptoms) as assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Cross-sectional. University sleep disorders center. One-hundred seventy eight consecutive clinical OSA patients. Not applicable. Patients completed the MPI prior to overnight diagnostic polysomnography. Fifty-eight percent demonstrated at least one MMPI elevation (mean = 1.8 elevations), with Depression (D) elevated for 32%, Hypochondriasis (Hs) for 30%, and Hysteria (Hy) for 21%. Thirty-eight percent demonstrated two or more elevations, with several variations of Hs-D and Hs-D-Hy configurations evident. "Conversion V" profiles were fairly rare, and a large number of miscellaneous configurations occurred once. Significant correlations were detected between several MMPI scale scores and total sleep time, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) during REM, and particularly arterial oxygen saturation, even when partialling out variance related to body mass index (BMI). In contract, D scores were not correlated with any polysomnographic parameters. Based upon MMPI configuration, the sample was subdivided into the following seven profile groups: Nonelevated (n = 74); Single D (n = 11); Single non-D (n = 25); Combined D plus (a) HS or HY (n = 7), (b) Hs and Hy (n = 10), or (c) other (n = 29); and Multiple non-D (n = 22). Multivariate analysis controlling for age and gender indicated higher AHI in the Single non-D, Combined D plus other, and Multiple non-D groups, compared to the Single D group. Also, there was lower average oxygen saturation in the Multiple non-D group, compared to Single D, Single non-D, and Nonelevated groups. The Combined D plus HS and/or Hy groups did not differ from each other or from other groups, even when merged. The Multiple non-D findings were unattributable to any specific scale or overall number of elevations. OSA patients who have core depressive symptoms (as measured by MMPI scale D) without significant psychological symptoms in other areas tend to have less severe OSA, whereas those with a diverse set of other psychological symptoms overshadowing depressive symptoms (e.g., somatic focus, emotional reactivity, family/marital problems, cognitive problems, etc.) tend to have greater AHI and lower oxygen saturation. Although it seems probable that these MMPI differences primarily reflect OSA effects, prospective research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.