Occupation Ratios Research Articles

Comparison of anterior decompression and fusion versus laminoplasty in the treatment of multilevel cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PurposeA meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes, complications, reoperation rates, and late neurological deterioration between anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) in the treatment of multilevel cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).MethodsAll related studies published up to August 2015 were acquired by searching PubMed and EMBASE. Exclusion criteria were case reports, revision surgeries, combined anterior and posterior surgeries, the other posterior approaches including laminectomy or laminectomy and instrumented fusion, non-English studies, and studies with quality assessment scores of <7. The main end points including Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, recovery rate of JOA, cervical lordosis, complication rate, reoperation rate, and late neurological deterioration were analyzed. All available data was analyzed using RevMan 5.2.0 and Stata 12.0.ResultsA total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean surgical level of ADF was 3.1, and the mean preoperative occupation ratios of ADF and LAMP group were 55.9% and 51.9%, respectively. No statistical difference was observed with regard to preoperative occupation ratio and preoperative JOA score. Although LAMP group had a higher preoperative cervical lordosis than ADF group (P<0.05, weighted mean difference [WMD] =−5.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] =−9.67–−1.80), significantly decreased cervical lordosis was observed in LAMP group after operation. ADF group had higher postoperative JOA score (P<0.05, WMD =2.18, 95% CI =0.98–3.38) and neurological recovery rate (P<0.05, WMD =27.22, 95% CI =15.20–39.23). Furthermore, ADF group had a lower late neurological deterioration rate than the LAMP group (P<0.05, risk difference =0.16, 95% CI =0.04–0.73). The complication rates of both groups had no statistical difference. However, LAMP group had a significantly lower reoperation rate than ADF group. The reoperation rate of ADF group (20.5%) was almost six times that of LAMP group (3.5%).ConclusionOur meta-analysis suggested that ADF was associated with better postoperative neurological function, neurological recovery rate, and less late neurological deterioration than LAMP in the treatment of multilevel cervical OPLL with a high mean occupation ratio. LAMP was associated with a decreased postoperative cervical lordosis, which might be a cause of late neurological deterioration. The complication rates of both groups showed no statistical difference. However, the reoperation rate was significantly higher in ADF group compared with LAMP group. Benefits and risks should be balanced when ADF or LAMP is selected.

Distribution of bone and tissue morphological properties related to subacromial space geometry in a young, healthy male population.

Particular bone and tissue morphological features of the scapula and humerus often exist disproportionately in persons with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) and/or rotator cuff pathology. However, the origins of morphological variation, genetic or mechanistic, remain unclear. This research evaluated the distribution of and correlation between several bone and tissue characteristics associated with these pathologies amongst a baseline cohort population consisting of young, healthy, males. As well, the predisposition to SAIS was estimated by calculating the ratio (occupation ratio) of subacromial tissue thickness to minimum subacromial space width (SAS). Anterior-posterior and trans-scapular radiographs and musculoskeletal ultrasound were used to measure morphological characteristics related to the subacromial space. Each bone morphological characteristic was classified as healthy or unhealthy based on previous definitions. Supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa thicknesses were used to calculate the occupation ratio from both radiographic and ultrasonic measures of the SAS. Each characteristic demonstrated considerable variability, with some participants having 'unhealthy' variants for each bone characteristic examined. The percentage of the population with bone characteristics classified as "unhealthy" ranged from 15 to 55% across characteristics evaluated. The strongest correlation existed between the acromion index and the minimum subacromial space width (-0.59) suggesting that a larger lateral extension of the acromion may predispose an individual to SAIS. The average occupation ratio was 65.3% with a 1-99% confidence interval ranging from 21.6 to 108.9%. The distributions of both morphological characteristics and occupation ratios indicate that individuals within this healthy, baseline population have a highly differential predisposition for subacromial tissue compression solely based on inherent morphological variation. This suggests that while mechanistic and/or age-related degenerative changes may contribute to SAIS and eventual rotator cuff pathology, intrinsic predisposing geometry should not be discounted.

The morphological and clinical significance of developmental cervical stenosis.

To investigate the difference of intra-dural space for spinal cord in magnetic resonance imaging between patients with and without developmental cervical stenosis and its clinical significance. 445 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who had decompression surgeries were recruited. Based on their lateral radiographs, they were divided into stenosis and non-stenosis groups. On the magnetic resonance images, the ratio of the sagittal diameter of the dural sac to that of the vertebral body was measured and calculated as MRI Pavlov ratio at mid-vertebral level on sagittal images, and the ratio of the transverse area of the spinal cord to that of the dural sac was measured and calculated as occupation ratio on axial images from C3 to C7. The two ratios were compared between the two groups. We examined the correlations of the Pavlov ratio and the MRI Pavlov ratio between different vertebral levels. The correlation between the Pavlov ratio of each level and its corresponding MRI Pavlov ratio was also examined. The stenosis group was further divided into space-reserving and non-space-reserving subgroups based on their occupation ratios; then, clinical parameters were compared between the two subgroups to determine the clinical significance of the reserving space. The MRI Pavlov ratio of the stenosis group was significantly smaller at C3-C7 (P < 0.001), while the occupation ratio was larger without significance. The Pavlov and MRI Pavlov ratios were correlated significantly at different levels (P < 0.001). The Pavlov ratio correlated significantly with its corresponding MRI Pavlov ratio at each level (P < 0.001). For space-reserving subgroup, the recovery rate was lower (P < 0.05) than that for non-space-reserving group, and was higher in anterior approach than that in posterior approach (P < 0.05). Developmental cervical stenosis is associated with a smaller sagittal diameter of dural sac, but does not lead to a significant decrease of intra-dural space available for the cord. For patients with normal intra-dural space, the recovery after anterior decompression surgery was better.

Influence of developmental cervical stenosis on dural sac space

Background This retrospective study aimed to investigate the difference of the intra-dural reserving space for spinal cord in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with and without developmental cervical stenosis and its clinical significance. Methods A total of 264 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who had decompression surgeries were recruited. The average follow-up was 29 months. Based on their lateral radiographs, they were divided into stenosis group and non-stenosis group. On the magnetic resonance images, the ratio of the sagittal diameter of the dural sac to that of the vertebral body was measured and calculated as MRI Pavlov ratio at the mid-vertebral level on T2-weighted sagittal images from C3 to C7. The ratio of the transverse area of the spinal cord to that of the dural sac was measured and calculated as occupation ratio on T2-weighted axial images at the same levels. The MRI Pavlov ratio and occupation ratio were compared between the two groups. The stenosis group was further divided into space-reserving and non-space-reserving subgroups based on the occupation ratios; then clinical parameters were compared between the two subgroups to determine the clinical significance of the reserving space. Results The MRI Pavlov ratio of the stenosis group was significantly smaller than that of the non-stenosis group at C3-C7 (P &lt;0.01), while the occupation ratio was significantly larger only at C7 (P &lt;0.05). For the space-reserving subgroup, the postoperative recovery rate was lower (P &lt;0.05). The postoperative recovery rate was (23±6)% in anterior approach, larger than (-23±15)% in posterior approach (P &lt;0.05). Conclusions Developmental cervical stenosis is associated with a smaller sagittal diameter of the dural sac, but does not lead to a significant decrease in intra-dural space available for the cord. For patients with normal intra-dural space, the recovery after anterior decompression surgery was better than posterior approach.

지역특성을 고려한 수질오염총량관리 안전부하량 적용

The allocation of margin of safety (MOS) at a uniform rate to all areas of the unit watershed makes it very difficult to keep the load allotment stable in the area for lack of reduction measures like forest land. This study developed an equation to calculate margin of safety differentially according to the regional characteristics. The equation was formulated on the basis of the regional characteristic factors such as a load contribution factor for land use type and a site conversion factor for the unit watershed. The load contribution factor represents a contribution of loads from a particular land use. The site conversion factor was derived from the site conversion ratio of a unit watershed. Margin of safety for the non-point pollution load in the land use sector decreased by 20~25% in three river basins. The margin of safety in the unit watersheds with low site occupation ratios decreased in high rate, while in the unit watersheds with large urban area decreased in low rate. With the application of the differential margin of safety considering regional characteristics, not only the reduction of pollution loads can become lighter but also it can be easier to develop plans for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) even where the reduction measures are not available.

총량관리 단위유역의 토지이용 변화 및 오염물질 배출형태 분석

The land use of the unit watersheds should be maintained appropriately in order to keep the load allotment stable for the management of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). This study classified the land area in four types and analyzed the use of each land type and its changing pattern by calculating the occupation and conversion ratios for the unit watersheds in three river basins. The forest land showed the greatest occupation ratio with 63.0%, followed by the farm land with 23%, the other area with 8.0% and the site area with 6.0% in 2003. The occupation ratio of the site and the other area increased by 0.4% and 0.2% respectively, and that of the farm and the forest land decreased by 0.4% and 0.2% respectively in 2007. The conversion ratio for the site area ranged from 1.65% to 1.97%, for the farm land from -0.47% to -0.33%, for the forest land from -0.10% to -0.04% and for the other area from 0.17% to 1.97%. It can be inferred that the decrease in the farm and the forest land contributed to the increase in the site area and that the increase in the other area was mainly made by the decrease in the forest land. It could be more effective to take into account the changes in the site area and in the forest land in the process of developing the TMDL plans.

Xylitol Affects the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism of Daidzein in Adult Male Mice

This study examined the effects of xylitol on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol and used as a food additive. The intestinal microbiota seems to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. Xylitol feeding appears to affect the gut microbiota. We hypothesized that dietary xylitol changes intestinal microbiota and, therefore, the metabolism of isoflavonoids in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 5% xylitol diet (XD group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein-containing control diet (CD group) for 28 days. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). Urinary amounts of equol were significantly higher in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). The fecal lipid contents (% dry weight) were significantly greater in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.01). The cecal microbiota differed between the two dietary groups. The occupation ratios of Bacteroides were significantly greater in the CD than in the XD group (p < 0.05). This study suggests that xylitol has the potential to affect the metabolism of daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota and/or gut environment. Given that equol affects bone health, dietary xylitol plus isoflavonoids may exert a favorable effect on bone health.

Analysis of vacuum ultraviolet electronic spectra of Ce3+ and Pr3+ ions in Ca9Lu(PO4)7: crystal-field calculations and simulation of optical spectra

The 4f–5d excitation and emission spectra of Ce3+ and Pr3+ ions in Ca9Lu(PO4)7 as recently reported (2012 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 24 385502) were further analyzed and simulated by employing the effective Hamiltonian model for the 4fN and 4fN−15d electronic configurations of impurity lanthanide ions and the exchange charge model of crystal-field theory. The multi-site effect on the 4f–5d transition spectra was explicitly discussed from the points of view of the local structure and site occupation ratios of lanthanide ions in Ca9Lu(PO4)7. An excellent agreement between the predicted and measured spectra confirms the validity of the performed calculations. Based on these energy level and intensity calculation results, the radiative lifetimes of the 5d–4f emissions of Ce3+ and Pr3+ ions have been modeled to show nearly independent temperature trends. Comparison with the measured lifetimes suggests the nonradiative relaxation process in this host is probably related to the intrinsic defect states. In addition to the studies of the 4f–5d transitions, a general theoretical scheme to calculate the lowest 4f–6s transition energy of the Ce3+ ion was proposed for the first time on the basis of the ligand polarization model. The predicted 6s energy position of the Ce3+ ion in Ca9Lu(PO4)7 is solid evidence corroborating our previous spectroscopic assignment.

Evaluation and analysis of Li-air battery using ether-functionalized ionic liquid

Li-air battery using ionic liquids, N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide (DEME-TFSA) and N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (PP13-TFSA), as the solvents for electrolyte have been studied. A significant improvement of discharge capacity has been observed for DEME-TFSA (4315 mAh g−1-electrode at current density of 0.1 mA cm−2), compared with PP13-TFSA. As a discharged product, aggregates reaching 4 μm diameter in size are formed on the surface of cathode, almost 80% of the products are decomposed after charge. By using Raman spectroscopy, two typical peaks attributed to Li2O2 were detected from the discharged aggregates. From the cross sectional SEM images, vacancy occupation ratios of discharged and charged electrodes are estimated, and they are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. The discharged products formed inside of the cathode are not decomposed completely by charge.

Is the Supraspinatus Muscle Atrophy Truly Irreversible after Surgical Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears?

BackgroundAtrophy of rotator cuff muscles has been considered an irreversible phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether atrophy is truly irreversible after rotator cuff repair.MethodsWe measured supraspinatus muscle atrophy of 191 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative multidetector computed tomography images, taken at least 1 year after operation. The occupation ratio was calculated using Photoshop CS3 software. We compared the change between pre- and postoperative occupation ratios after modifying the preoperative occupation ratio. In addition, possible relationship between various clinical factors and the change of atrophy, and between the change of atrophy and cuff integrity after surgical repair were evaluated.ResultsThe mean occupation ratio was significantly increased postoperatively from 0.44 ± 0.17 to 0.52 ± 0.17 (p < 0.001). Among 191 patients, 81 (42.4%) showed improvement of atrophy (more than a 10% increase in occupation ratio) and 33 (17.3%) worsening (more than a 10% decrease). Various clinical factors such as age tear size, or initial degree of atrophy did not affect the change of atrophy. However, the change of atrophy was related to repair integrity: cuff healing failure rate of 48.5% (16 of 33) in worsened atrophy; and 22.2% (18 of 81) in improved atrophy (p = 0.007).ConclusionsThe supraspinatus muscle atrophy as measured by occupation ratio could be improved postoperatively in case of successful cuff repair.

Effects of Rice Bran Oil on the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism of Isoflavones in Adult Mice

This study examined the effects of rice bran oil (RBO) on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Dietary RBO affects intestinal cholesterol absorption. Intestinal microbiota seem to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. We hypothesized that dietary RBO changes the metabolism of isoflavonoids and intestinal microbiota in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 10% RBO diet (RO group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 10% lard control diet (LO group) for 30 days. Urinary amounts of daidzein and dihydrodaidzein were significantly lower in the RO group than in the LO group. The ratio of equol/daidzein was significantly higher in the RO group (p < 0.01) than in the LO group. The amount of fecal bile acids was significantly greater in the RO group than in the LO group. The composition of cecal microbiota differed between the RO and LO groups. The occupation ratios of Lactobacillales were significantly higher in the RO group (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlation (r = 0.591) was observed between the occupation ratios of Lactobacillales and fecal bile acid content of two dietary groups. This study suggests that dietary rice bran oil has the potential to affect the metabolism of daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota.

Comprehensive characterization of the N-glycosylation status of CD44s by use of multiple mass spectrometry-based techniques

The CD44 family are type-1 transmembrane glycoproteins which are important in mediating the response of cells to their microenvironment, including regulation of growth, survival, differentiation, and motility. All these important functions have been reported to be regulated by N-glycosylation; however, little is known about this process. In the CD44 family, the most prolific isoform is CD44 standard type (CD44s). In this work, an integrated strategy combining stable isotope labeling, chemical derivatization, hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC) separation, and mass spectrometric (MS) identification was used to perform a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative survey of the N-glycosylation of recombinant CD44s. Specifically, the occupation ratios of the N-glycosites were first determined by MS with (18)O labeling; the results revealed five glycosites with different occupation ratios. Next, N-glycans were profiled by chemical derivatization and exoglycosidase digestion, followed by MALDI-TOF-MS and HILIC-ESI-MS-MS analysis. Interestingly, the quantitative analysis showed that non-sialylated, fucosylated complex-type glycans dominated the N-glycans of CD44s. Furthermore, the site-specific N-glycan distributions profiled by LC-ESI-MS(E) indicated that most glycosites bore complex-type glycans, except for glycosite N100, which was occupied by high-mannose-type N-glycans. This is the first comprehensive report of the N-glycosylation of CD44s. Figure Strategies for characterization of the N-glycosylation status of CD44s.

Effect of Dietary l-arabinose on the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism of Dietary Daidzein in Adult Mice.

This study examined the effects of L-arabinose on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein–2.5% L-arabinose diet (AR group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein control diet (CO group) for 28 days. The amounts of daidzein detected in urine were significantly lower in the AR group than in the CO group. The ratio of equol/daidzein was significantly higher in the AR group (p<0.01) than in the CO group. The composition of caecal flora differed between the AR and CO groups. The occupation ratios of Prevotella and Lactobacillales were significantly lower in the AR group. This study suggests that dietary L-arabinose has the potential to affect the metabolism of equol from daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota.

Resistant starch promotes equol production and inhibits tibial bone loss in ovariectomized mice treated with daidzein

Daidzein is metabolized to equol in the gastrointestinal tract by gut microflora. Equol has greater estrogenic activity than genistein and daidzein, with its production shown to be promoted by dietary fiber. It is known that resistant starch (RS) is not absorbed in the proximal intestine and acts as dietary fiber in the colon. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of daidzein and RS intake on equol production, bone mineral density, and intestinal microflora in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Female mice of the ddY strain, aged 8 weeks, were either sham operated (n = 6) or OVX. The OVX mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: OVX control (n = 6), OVX fed 0.1% daidzein-supplemented diet (OVX + Dz, n = 8), OVX fed 0.1% daidzein- and 12% RS-supplemented diet (OVX + Dz + RS, n = 8), OVX fed 12% RS-supplemented diet (OVX + RS, n = 8), and OVX who received daily subcutaneous administration of 17 β-estradiol (n = 6). After 6 weeks, urinary equol concentration was significantly higher in the OVX + Dz + RS group than in the OVX + Dz group. The bone mineral density of the whole tibia was higher in the OVX + Dz +RS group compared with the OVX + Dz group. The occupation ratios of Bifidobacterium spp in the cecal microflora in groups fed RS were significantly higher than those in the other groups. The present study demonstrated that RS may increase the bioavailability of daidzein.

Effects of New Dietary Fiber from Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) on Gut Function and Intestinal Microflora in Adult Mice

Much attention has been focused recently on functional foods. Ume, the Japanese name for the apricot of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc., is an example of a Japanese traditional functional food. There are, however, few reports on the effects of fiber from this fruit on bowel function. With this objective, we prepared ume fiber to test the hypothesis that it can change gut function and intestinal flora in mice. Mice were fed an ume fiber (UF) or cellulose (CF) diet (control) for 40 days. The fecal weight, fecal lipids, plasma lipids and cecal composition of the microflora were analyzed. The amount of feces was significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). The fecal lipids content (% DW) of the feces sampled on the final day of the experiment were significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations tended to be lower in the UF compared to the CF group (p = 0.058). Occupation ratios of Bacteroides and Clostridium cluster IV were significantly greater in the cecal flora of the UF group. Our results suggest that ume fiber possesses the fecal lipid excretion effects and feces bulking effects.

OS2202 α鉄中の転位と結晶粒界の水素トラップ挙動に及ぼす炭素とひずみの影響(OS22-2 水素と材料ミクロ挙動,OS-22 水素環境の材料強度特性への影響)

To improve the susceptibility of hydrogen embrittlement, it is important to identify hydrogen trapping site, binding energies, and occupation ratios at various lattice defects in metals. Thermal desorption spectrometer heated from lower temperature (L-TDS) which we have developed enables us to analyze them, In the present study, the influence of carbon and carbide on peak temperatures of hydrogen desorption, binding energies and occupation ratios in iron was examined. The specimens including 6ppm, 0.005%, 0.01% and 0.1% carbon in iron were prepared. For dislocation trapping, the peak at 283K desorbed from dislocation decreases with increasing carbon content. The binding energy between dislocation and hydrogen decreases with increasing carbon content from 24.9kJ/mol to 17.7kJ/mol. The hydrogen occupation ratio at dislocations also decreases with increasing carbon content. These finding indicate that carbon in iron causes significant influence on trapping behavior, since interstitial atoms such as carbon occupy lattice defects instead of hydrogen.

Dihydrodaidzein-producing Clostridium-like intestinal bacterium, strain TM-40, affects in vitro metabolism of daidzein by fecal microbiota of human male equol producer and non-producers.

Much attention has been focused on the biological effects of equol, a metabolite of daidzein produced by intestinal microbiota. However, little is known about the role of isoflavone metabolizing bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. Recently, we isolated a dihydrodaidzein (DHD)-producing Clostridium-like bacterium, strain TM-40, from human feces. We investigated the effects of strain TM-40 on in vitro daidzein metabolism by human fecal microbiota from a male equol producer and two male equol non-producers. In the fecal suspension from the male equol non-producer and DHD producer, DHD was detected in the in vitro fecal incubation of daidzein after addition of TM-40. The DHD concentration increased as the concentration of strain TM-40 increased. In the fecal suspension from the equol producer, the fecal equol production was increased by the addition of strain TM-40. The occupation ratios of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillales were higher in the equol non-producers than in the equol producer. Adding isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria to the fecal microbiota should facilitate the estimation of the metabolism of isoflavonoids by fecal microbiota. Studies on the interactions among equol-producing microbiota and DHD-producing bacteria might lead to clarification of some of the mechanisms regulating the production of equol by fecal microbiota.

Hierarchical clustering-based assessment of telephone-audible noise: time- and frequency-domains-based approach

This study presents a hierarchical clustering-based assessment of audible noises at telephone terminals. In discriminating the electromagnetic interference (EMI) patterns of telephone-audible noises, both the time- and frequency-domains-based approaches are applied. Here, signal occupation ratios for several amplitude intervals (such as from −0.1 to 0.1, from −0.2 to 0.2, etc. compared to the normalised maximum amplitude) of the noises were calculated for time-domain assessment; compositions of multiple energy spectra for divided frequency bands (such as 1–100 Hz, 100–200 Hz, etc.) of the noises were derived for frequency-domain assessment. In evaluating our method, the authors measured 12 kinds of telephone-audible noises (e.g. due to radio waves etc.) and then input their properties into the hierarchical clustering scheme. As a result, the authors visually confirmed that measured telephone-audible noise data sets could be classified into several groups for both cases. The result for time-domain assessment clearly reflected EMI effects of each EMI source, while frequency-domain assessment tended to classify data sets more clearly according to the kind of EMI source. The proposed method can deal with multi-dimensional parameters, projecting its results onto a tree-like structure in which data categories give us an effective depiction of EMI sources that cause disturbances at telephone terminals.

Dietary cholesterol lowers plasma and cecal equol concentrations in mice

This study examined the effects of cholesterol on mouse intestinal microflora and on isoflavonoids in the cecum and plasma. Dietary cholesterol affects bile acid metabolism and bile acids can influence the intestinal microorganisms. Intestinal microflora appear to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. We hypothesized that dietary cholesterol changes the metabolism of isoflavonoids and intestinal microorganisms in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups, which were fed a cholesterol-daidzein (CDA) or daidzein (DA) diet (control diet) for 60d. Plasma equol and cecal equol concentrations were significantly higher in the DA group (control group) than in the CDA group. However, plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in the CDA group compared to the DA group. The composition of cecal microorganisms differed between the two dietary groups. The occupation ratios of Clostridium cluster XI, Clostridium subcluster XIVa, and Lactobacillales were significantly higher in the CDA group. The occupation ratio of Bifidobacterium was significantly lower in the CDA group. This study suggests that dietary cholesterol has the potential to affect the metabolism of equol from daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of the intestinal microorganisms and gut physiological function.

Tracking spin-glass barriers versus field and temperature ina-Gd0.19Si0.81

Detailed signatures of the states of the low-temperature spin-glass phase in $a\text{-GdSi}$ films were followed using resistance fluctuations. Two-state switches between different spin-glass configurations were unambiguously identified by the field dependences of the occupation ratios of the states. The temperature dependences of the rates and occupation ratios were tracked in order to determine thermodynamic parameters of the switchers and the temperature dependences of barriers. A reasonable distribution of energy and entropy differences between states was found. Most importantly, the kinetic barriers were found to show no sign of divergence with lowering temperature, contrary to expectations based on prior theoretical and experimental works.