Oral Arms Research Articles

Associations between fish and jellyfish in the NW Mediterranean

Fish–jellyfish associations were studied close to Barcelona (NW Mediterranean) during the summer period from 2008 to 2014. Jellyfish and their associate juvenile fish were collected, identified, counted, and measured. Fish behaviour was described by visual field observations and laboratory experiments were performed to determine the survival of the associated fish after being in contact with the jellyfish. In addition, the possible contribution of jellyfish to the dietary composition of the fish was assessed using a combination of biomarkers. Trachurus mediterraneus, Trachurus trachurus, and Caranx rhonchus were associated with the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo and Cotylorhiza tuberculata. Trachurus mediterraneus was the most frequent species and their size during the association ranged between 8.4 and 66 mm standard length. The size and number of T. mediterraneus were slightly correlated with the size of R. pulmo, but not with that of C. tuberculata, although more numerous fish were found swimming with C. tuberculata. Behaviour studies showed that juvenile fish swam around jellyfish and into their oral arms seeking shelter without suffering any pain. This survival capability was corroborated by experimental work in which all the specimens of T. mediterraneus survived after being in contact with both jellyfish species. Stable isotopes and fatty acids also revealed an important contribution of R. pulmo and C. tuberculata to T. mediterraneus diet. Defining better the associations between jellyfish and juvenile fish will help to understand the effects of the association on the survival and recruitment of fish species potentially ecologically and economically relevant.

Comparison of the efficacy of parenteral and oral treatment for nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in children

ABSTRACT Objective: Although, oral replacement for vitamin B12 deficiency has been proved to be effective in adults, it is mainly treated with parenteral therapy. There are only few studies on oral replacement therapy of vitamin B12 with children. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy of oral treatment with intramuscular vitamin B12 injections in pediatric population. Methods: Children with serum cobalamin concentrations less than 300 pg/mL, were treated either with the parenteral therapy or with oral vitamin B12. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were the normalization of serum vitamin B12 and hemoglobin at first month, respectively. Results: Post-treatment vitamin B12 values were significantly higher than pre-treatment values (p-value <.001). Vitamin B12 increased from 183.5 ± 47 pg/mL to 482 ± 318.9 pg/mL in the oral and from 175.5 ± 42.5 pg/mL to 838 ± 547 pg/mL in the parenteral treatment arm (p-value <.001). Before treatment, 82 children had anemia according to age and gender. After treatment, 14/41 and 8/41 patients still had anemia at the first month of treatment in the parenteral and oral arms, respectively. The number of patients who still have anemia at the end of the 1st month of treatment did not significantly changed in the parenteral and oral treatment groups (p-value = .44). Conclusions: In this study, both oral and parenteral formulations were shown to be effective in normalizing vitamin B12 levels. We suggest that oral formulations may be considered to be safe as a first line treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency in children.

Oral versus intravenous hydration in protection against contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral hydration for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Background CIN is related to increased long-term morbidity and mortality. Adequate intravenous hydration has been demonstrated to lessen its occurrence. Oral hydration with water is inexpensive and readily available. However, its role in CIN prevention is yet to be determined. Patients and methods This study included 200 patients (age 55 ± 7.55 years, 98 female/102 male) scheduled for diagnostic coronary angiography, who were divided into two groups. Eligible patients in group I (100 patients) were hydrated orally with 500 ml of water given 4 h before contrast; consumption of water was stopped 2 h before performing coronary angiography and was resumed with 600 ml after the procedure. Group II (100 patients) received intravenous hydration in the form of isotonic saline 0.9% at 3 ml/kg over 1-h before coronary angiography and 1 ml/kg over 6 h after the procedure. During the procedure all patients received contrast medium (Telebrix). The primary endpoint of the study was the evaluation of renal function before and 72 h after contrast medium administration. Results A total of 200 patients were included in the analysis, who were divided into two groups: group I comprised 100 patients who received per-os oral water. Group II comprised 100 patients who received intravenous saline. The incidence of CIN was statistically similar in the oral and intravenous arms (6 and 7%, respectively; P = 0.774). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding serum creatinine elevation 48–72 h after contrast exposure (as P = 0.410). Conclusion Oral hydration with water is as effective as intravenous hydration with saline in preventing CIN. Oral hydration is cheaper and more easily administered than intravenous hydration.

Oral and intravenous steroids for multiple sclerosis relapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Glucocorticoids are the standard of care for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, but the most desirable route of administration is still matter of debate. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous steroids for treatment of acute relapses in patients with MS. Randomized or quasi-randomized, parallel group trials with direct comparison between oral and intravenous steroid treatment in MS patients with acute relapse were identified through a systematic literature search. Six trials were included involving 419 participants, 210 for oral, and 209 for intravenous groups, respectively. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) in the Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score reduction between the oral and intravenous groups were 0.32 [(-0.09 to 0.73); p=0.129] and 0.11 [(-0.12 to 0.33); p=0.355] at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively. The risk ratios (RRs) for improvement by at least one EDSS point were 0.79 [(0.37-1.68); p=0.539] at week 1 and 0.92 (0.76-1.12); p=0.400] at week 4. There were no differences in the relapse rate and relapse freedom at 6 months between groups. The WMDs in the mean percentage reduction of Gadolinium-enhancing lesions between oral and intravenous arms were 0.14 (-0.02, 0.29); p=0.083] and 0.04 (-0.19, 0.28); p=0.705] at 1 and 4 weeks from treatment. Among the adverse events, insomnia was significantly associated with the oral route of steroid administration [RR 1.25 (1.07-1.46); p=0.005]. In adult patients with acute MS relapse, there were no clear-cut differences in the efficacy and overall tolerability between oral and intravenous steroids.

Pseudocallisoma coecum (Holmes, 1908) (Amphipoda, Scopelocheiridae) and Lanceola clausi clausi Bovallius, 1885 (Amphipoda, Lanceolidae) associated with Poralia rufescens Vanhöffen, 1902 (Scyphozoa, Ulmaridae)

Juvenile specimens of the scavenging amphipod Pseudocallisoma coecum (Holmes, 1908) were recorded near the bases of the oral arms of the jellyfish Poralia rufescens Vanhöffen, 1902 in the Japan Trench. Video footage and sampling imply a high infection rate of Poralia, with one to six amphipod specimens occurring on each P. rufescens individual. The hyperiidean amphipod Lanceola clausi clausi Bovallius, 1885 was also found to infect P. rufescens.

First Record of Two Cold-Water Jellyfishes Aurelia limbata and Parumbrosa polylobata (Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae: Ulmaridae) in Korean Coastal Waters

Most scyphomedusae jellyfishes recorded in Korean waters are temperate and subtropical species. In the present study, two cold-water jellyfishes from Korean waters are first described. Scyphomedusae were collected from the coasts of Gangneung and Ulsan of the East Sea, and Boryeong, and the eastern area of the Yellow Sea from June 2006 to May 2015. Scyphomedusae collected in Ulsan and Gangneung were identified morphologically as Aurelia limbata Brandt, 1835. Their umbrella was 250-500 mm in width and 30-50 mm in height; the exumbrella was white and the subumbrella was dark brown in color. The vascular system was complex with anastomosed branches. Individuals of this species lived at about 6.6-9.9°C and 30-50 m depth in Korean waters. Scyphomedusae collected from the center of the Yellow Sea and from Boryeong were identified as Parumbrosa polylobata Kishinouye, 1910. Their umbrella was disc-shaped, 80-200 mm in width and 20-40 mm in height. Its milky white gonads could be seen through the transparent exumbrella. The stomach cavity was round and flat with four interradial cavities connected by subgenital cavities, and the four oral arms were bifurcated and spear-head shaped. Individuals were found at about 6.4-10.0°C and 40-90 m depth in Korean waters. The identities of both species were confirmed by molecular analysis using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences.

Preliminary Study on Nematocyst Types and Venom Isolation of Cassiopea andromeda Forskål, 1775 (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria) from Turkey.

Nematocyst types of Cassiopea andromeda were investigated. Medusae samples were taken from Güllük Bay, Muğla, Turkey. Nematocyst samples from oral arms of C. andromeda were observed on light microscope and photographed. Birhopaloid and a-isorhiza nematocyst types were found in C. andromeda. Moreover, it was seen that nematocyst sizes increased with increasing the bell diameters of the individuals. Also, the venom of the species was isolated and injected intramuscularly to Cyprinus carpio juveniles. Signs of partial paralysis, raking, and immobilized fins were observed in the juveniles consequently. Death was observed for the fishes which were 3-4 g in the range of weight. This study is a preliminary work on nematocysts and venom of C. andromeda. Further studies on neurotoxic effects of nematocyst venoms of this species should follow.

The larvae of Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) (Camarodonta: Diadematidae) from South China Sea

Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) develops from small isolecithal eggs with a diameter of 84 ± 3 μm. Embryonic development took about 6.5–7 h and finished when a blastula left the fertilization envelope and became a larva. At this stage, the first pigment cells had appeared. At 23 h a prism developed; at 44 h a pluteus with one pair of arms had appeared; at 45 h of development plutei had two pairs of arms. The pigment cells colour the pluteus of D. setosum dark red. When 20-day-old larvae were mechanically stimulated, they flared their arms which may be defensive behaviour. During further development, the post oral arms of plutei grew to 1900 μm or more. Metamorphosis took place at about 40–45 days. At this time, five primary ambulacral podia were visible within the larval body. The duration of metamorphosis from the moment of larval settlement until the juvenile sea urchins began to move along the bottom was 40–60 min. The diameter of the test of the newly metamorphosed juvenile sea urchins was about 500 μm.

Primary prevention of beta-cell autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes - The Global Platform for the Prevention of Autoimmune Diabetes (GPPAD) perspectives.

ObjectiveType 1 diabetes can be identified by the presence of beta-cell autoantibodies that often arise in the first few years of life. The purpose of this perspective is to present the case for primary prevention of beta-cell autoimmunity and to provide a study design for its implementation in Europe.MethodsWe examined and summarized recruitment strategies, enrollment rates, and outcomes in published TRIGR, FINDIA and BABYDIET primary prevention trials, and the TEDDY intensive observational study. A proposal for a recruitment and implementation strategy to perform a phase II/III primary prevention randomized controlled trial in infants with genetic risk for developing beta-cell autoimmunity is outlined.ResultsInfants with a family history of type 1 diabetes (TRIGR, BABYDIET, TEDDY) and infants younger than age 3 months from the general population (FINDIA, TEDDY) were enrolled into these studies. All studies used HLA genotyping as part of their eligibility criteria. Predicted beta-cell autoimmunity risk in the eligible infants ranged from 3% (FINDIA, TEDDY general population) up to 12% (TRIGR, BABYDIET). Amongst eligible infants, participation was between 38% (TEDDY general population) and 97% (FINDIA). Outcomes, defined as multiple beta-cell autoantibodies, were consistent with predicted risks. We subsequently modeled recruitment into a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that could assess the efficacy of oral insulin treatment as adapted from the Pre-POINT pilot trial. The RCT would recruit infants with and without a first-degree family history of type 1 diabetes and be based on general population genetic risk testing. HLA genotyping and, for the general population, genotyping at additional type 1 diabetes susceptibility SNPs would be used to identify children with around 10% risk of beta-cell autoimmunity. The proposed RCT would have 80% power to detect a 50% reduction in multiple beta-cell autoantibodies by age 4 years at a two-tailed alpha of 0.05, and would randomize around 1160 infants to oral insulin or placebo arms in order to fulfill this. It is estimated that recruitment would require testing of between 400,000 and 500,000 newborns or infants.ConclusionIt is timely and feasible to establish a platform for primary prevention trials for type 1 diabetes in Europe. This multi-site European infrastructure would perform RCTs, supply data coordination and biorepository, provide cohorts for mechanistic and observational studies, and increase awareness for autoimmune diabetes.

Cotylorhiza erythraea Stiasny, 1920 (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae: Cepheidae), yet another erythraean jellyfish from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

An unfamiliar scyphozoan jellyfish species has been observed along the Mediterranean coast of Israel since 2003. Morphological characters such as the densely anastomosed radial canals and the stalked cupped appendages on the oral arms identified it as closely allied to Cotylorhiza. Comparison with the type of C. erythraea, collected over a century ago in the Suez Canal, shows close similarity. Molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial barcoding gene cytochrome oxidase sub unit I (COI) and 28S ribosomal DNA support its placement among the Cepheidae. This is the fifth-introduced scyphozoan species recorded along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The presence of sexually mature specimens detected as far back as 2003, and the occurrence of the species in the past summer at sites nearly 90 kms apart, indicate the existence of widespread, established populations.

Strategy of continued vs interrupted novel oral anticoagulant at time of device surgery in patients with moderate to high risk of arterial thromboembolic events: The BRUISE CONTROL-2 trial

Patients who require perioperative anticoagulation during cardiac implantable electronic device surgery are at increased risk for bleeding complications. The BRUISE CONTROL trial demonstrated that continuing warfarin was safer than heparin bridging, reducing the incidence of clinically significant pocket hematoma. Novel oral anticoagulants are being increasingly prescribed in place of warfarin. The best perioperative management of these new anticoagulants is unknown. A randomized controlled trial to investigate whether a strategy of continued vs interrupted novel oral anticoagulant (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) at the time of device surgery, in patients with moderate to high risk of arterial thromboembolic events, reduces the incidence of clinically significant hematoma (defined as a hematoma requiring reoperation and/or resulting in prolongation of hospitalization, and/or requiring interruption of anticoagulation). The secondary outcomes include components of the primary outcome, composite of all other major perioperative bleeding events, thromboembolic events, all-cause mortality, cost-effectiveness, patient quality of life, perioperative pain, and satisfaction. Planned analyses include descriptive statistics of all baseline variables. For the primary outcome, interrupted vs continued novel oral anticoagulant arms will be compared using the χ(2) test. If any clinically significant differences are identified, a logistic regression analysis will be conducted. Quality of life will be assessed using EuroQol-5D, and perioperative pain using a visual analog scale. BRUISE CONTROL-2 is a randomized trial evaluating the best strategy to manage novel oral anticoagulants at the time of device surgery. We hypothesize that device surgery can be performed safely without interruption of these medications.

Nutritional composition and total collagen content of three commercially important edible jellyfish

The study aimed to evaluate nutraceutical potential of three commercially significant edible jellyfish species (Acromitus hardenbergi, Rhopilema hispidum and Rhopilema esculentum). The bell and oral arms of these jellyfishes were analyzed for their proximate composition, calorific value, collagen content, amino acid profile, chemical score and elemental constituent. In general, all jellyfish possessed low calorific values (1.0–4.9kcal/g D.W.) and negligible fat contents (0.4–1.8g/100g D.W.), while protein (20.0–53.9g/100g D.W.) and minerals (15.9–57.2g/100g D.W.) were found to be the richest components. Total collagen content of edible jellyfish varied from 122.64 to 693.92mg/g D.W., accounting for approximately half its total protein content. The dominant amino acids in both bell and oral arms of all jellyfish studied includes glycine, glutamate, threonine, proline, aspartate and arginine, while the major elements were sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, sulfur, zinc and silicon. Among the jellyfish, A. hardenbergi exhibited significantly higher total amino acids, chemical scores and collagen content (p<0.05) compared to R. hispidum and R. esculentum. Having good protein quality and low calories, edible jellyfish is an appealing source of nutritive ingredients for the development of oral formulations, nutricosmetics and functional food.

Lipid Profile in Different Parts of Edible Jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum.

Jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum has been exploited commercially as a delicious food for a long time. Although the edible and medicinal values of R. esculentum have gained extensive attention, the effects of lipids on its nutritional value have rarely been reported. In the present of study, the lipid profile including lipid classes, fatty acyl compositions, and fatty acid (FA) positions in lipids from different parts (oral arms, umbrella, and mouth stalk) of R. esculentum was explored by ultraperformance liquid chromatography--electrospray ionization--quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). More than 87 species from 10 major lipid classes including phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), phosphatidylserine (PS), ceramide (Cer), ceramide 2-aminoethylphosphonate (CAEP), and triacylglycerol (TAG) were separated and characterized. Semiquantification of individual lipid species in different parts of R. esculentum was also conducted. Results showed that glycerophospholipids (GPLs) enriched in highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) were the major compenents in all parts of R. esculentum, which accounted for 54-63% of total lipids (TLs). Considering the high level of GPLs and the FA compositions in GPLs, jellyfish R. esculentum might have great potential as a health-promoting food for humans and as a growth-promoting diet for some commercial fish and crustaceans. Meanwhile, LPC, LPE, and LPI showed high levels in oral arms when compared with umbrella and mouth stalk, which may be due to the high proportion of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in oral arms. Moreover, a high CAEP level was detected in oral arms, which may render cell membranes with resistance to chemical hydrolysis by PLA2. The relatively low TAG content could be associated with specific functions of oral arms.

Metal bioaccumulation pattern by Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain).

Coastal lagoons are ecosystems highly vulnerable to human impacts because of their situation between terrestrial and marine environment. Mar Menor coastal lagoon is one of the largest lagoons of the Mediterranean Sea, placed in SE Spain and subjected to major human impacts, in particular the mining of metal sulphides. As a consequence, metal concentration in water column and sediments of this ecosystem is usually higher than in other areas. For monitoring ecosystem health, the present study has assessed the ability of Cotylorhiza tuberculata for bioaccumulating metals from sea water. Up to 65 individuals were sampled at 8 different sampling stations during the summer of 2012. Although the concentration values for different elements considered were moderate (Pb: 0.04-29.50 ppm, Zn: 2.27-93.44 ppm, Cd: 0-0.67 ppm, As: 0.56-130.31 ppm) by dry weight of the jellyfish tissues (bell and oral arms combined), bioconcentration levels in relation to seawater metal concentration were extremely high. In any case, the use or disposal of these organisms should consider their metal content because of their potential environmental and health implications.

Radioactivity in three species of eastern Mediterranean jellyfish

Activity concentrations of 137Cs, 40K, 210Po, 210Pb, 234U and 238U were determined in umbrella and oral arms of three widely distributed jellyfish species; namely Rhopilema nomadica Galil, 1990, Aurelia aurita Linne, 1758 and Aequorea forskalea Péron & Lesueur, 1810 collected from February 2011 to January 2012 in four sampling locations along the Syrian coast (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). The results have shown significant variations in radionuclides activity concentrations amongst the species. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 210Po, 210Pb, 234U and 238U in the umbrella of R. nomadica species were higher than the average activity concentrations in the umbrella of A. aurita species by about 3.2, 1.4, 1.8, 3.2 and 3.2 folds, and A. forskalea species by about 45.5, 15.4, 19, 7.4 and 7.6 folds, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 210Po, 210Pb, 234U and 238U in oral arms of R. nomadica species were higher than the average activity concentrations in oral arms of A. aurita species by about 3.8, 1.7, 1.9, 2.8 and 2.9 folds, respectively. 137Cs activity concentrations were below the detection limit in all measured samples. In addition, activity concentrations of 137Cs, 40K, 210Po, 210Pb, 234U and 238U were also determined in 44 surface seawater samples and the activity concentrations ranged between 10.6 and 11.9 Bq l−1 for 40K, 1.1 and 1.4 mBq l−1 for 210Po, 0.5 and 0.7 mBq l−1 for 210Pb, 40.8 and 44.5 mBq l−1 for 234U, and 36.9 and 38.4 mBq l−1 for 238U, while 137Cs activity concentrations were below the detection limit in all measured samples. Moreover, the umbrella and oral arms readily accumulated 40K, 210Po, 210Pb, 234U and 238U above ambient seawater levels in the sequence of 210Po > 210Pb > 4 K > 234U and 238U. Concentration ratio (CR) values were relatively high for 210Po and 210Pb and reached 103 and 102, respectively for the jellyfish R. nomadica species compared to A. aurita and A. forskalea species. Therefore, R. nomadica can be used as biomonitor for these two radionuclides in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. However, the obtained data can be considered the first reported baseline values for radioactivity in jellyfish.

Use of Pharmacokinetic Data in Novel Analyses to Determine the Effect of Topical Microbicides as Preexposure Prophylaxis Against HIV Infection

Use of Pharmacokinetic Data in Novel Analyses to Determine the Effect of Topical Microbicides as Preexposure Prophylaxis Against HIV Infection

Oral salt and water versus intravenous saline for the prevention of acute kidney injury following contrast-enhanced computed tomography: study protocol for a pilot randomized trial.

BackgroundAlthough intravenous saline is the accepted prophylactic measure for the prevention of contrast- induced acute kidney injury, the oral route could offer an equivalent, practical, and cost saving approach. A systematic review of randomized trials that compared oral versus intravenous volume expansion for the prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in patients receiving arterial contrast reported no significant difference in the risk of contrast induced acute kidney injury between the oral and intravenous arms. Most trials for contrast nephropathy prevention have been in the setting of arterial contrast such as with cardiac catheterization, and not with venous contrast, such as computed tomography. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of a pilot trial comparing the effect of oral salt and water versus intravenous saline on the prevention of Acute Kidney Injury following contrast-enhanced computed tomography.MethodsOur study is a pilot, single-centre parallel randomized controlled trial. To be included, participants must be at stage 4 of chronic kidney disease as defined by a glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, aged greater than 18 years and to undergo an outpatient contrast-enhanced computer tomography of the chest or abdomen. A total 50 patients will be randomised to receive either oral salt and water or intravenous isotonic saline. The primary outcome is feasibility, including estimates of recruitment rate, adherence to intervention and completeness of follow-up to assist in planning the definitive trial. The secondary outcome is safety and includes adverse events with oral salt and water loading as compared to intravenous isotonic saline.DiscussionThe results of this pilot trial will provide critical information to plan a definitive trial to test the efficacy of the route of volume loading regimens in prevention of acute kidney injury after contrast-enhanced CT scans.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT02084771.

Perceptions and Experiences with the VOICE Adherence Strengthening Program (VASP) in the MTN-003 Trial.

The VOICE Adherence Strengthening Program (VASP) was implemented in May 2011 to improve adherence counseling in VOICE (MTN-003), a multisite placebo-controlled trial of daily oral or vaginal tenofovir-based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Anonymous baseline (N = 82) and final follow-up (N = 75) surveys were administered to counselors and pharmacists at 15 VOICE sites, and baseline (N = 18) and final (N = 26) qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected counseling staff at 13 VOICE sites. Qualitative interviews with VOICE participants (N = 38) were also analyzed for segments related to counseling. Behavioral and biological measures of product use collected in the 6 months prior to VASP implementation were compared to those collected during the 6 months following implementation. Results show that the majority of staff preferred VASP and thought that participants preferred VASP over the previous education and counseling strategy, although there was no evidence to suggest that participants noticed modifications in the counseling approach. No meaningful changes were observed in pre/post levels of reported use or drug detection. Interpretation of results is complicated by mid-trial implementation of VASP and its proximity to early closure of oral and vaginal tenofovir study arms because of futility.

동남아시아산 염장해파리의 이화학적 성분 특성 비교

The study investigated the chemical composition, pH, and texture of salted jellyfish processed in Indonesia, Thailand, and China as a pilot study for processing the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai, which occurs in Korean coastal waters. The 14 samples of salted jellyfish included processed umbrella and oral arms and consisted of 68.4-78.3 g/100 g moisture, 1.79-4.37 g/100 g crude protein, and 0.07-0.41 g/100 g crude lipid. The total amino acid content was 2.30-4.69 g/100 g and glycine accounted for 20.07-37.37% of the total amino acids. Salting jellyfish reduces the possibility of microbial growth and enhances the shelf life because the samples have a pH of 3.77-4.35, salinity of 18.53-24.02%, and lower water activity of 0.77-0.80. The lightness (L), redness (a), and yellowness (b) of the samples were 53.98-61.32, 1.76-6.26, and 14.08-29.0, respectively. The springiness, strength, and hardness of the salted jellyfish differed significantly among the products. The sample processed in Indonesia had the highest springiness. While the chemical composition, pH, water activity, and color differed significantly among the products, there were no significant effects of the country of manufacture. These results will enable the determination of quality index parameters for salted processed Nemopilema nomurai caught in Korean coastal.

Second-Line Oral Chemotherapy (Lomustine, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide) Versus Intravenous Therapy (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine) in Patients With Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Phase II Study of GFPC 0501

BackgroundNo reference second-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer is available. The aim of the present phase II randomized trial (Groupe Français de Pneumo-Cancérologie 0501) was to compare, in patients with progressive small-cell lung cancer after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, oral multidrug chemotherapy (lomustine, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) and intravenous therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (CAV) in terms of efficacy and tolerance. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, response rate, and tolerance. Patients and MethodsThe study randomized 131 patients (76.7% male; median age, 61 ± 8.1 years, 85.5% with a performance status of 0-1), 65 to oral therapy and 66 to the CAV arm. No statistically significant differences were found in the baseline patient characteristics. ResultsThe OS and PFS was 6.1 and 3 months for the oral arm and 5.8 and 3.1 months for the CAV arm, respectively. The control disease rate was 61.6% and 45.5% in oral and CAV arms, respectively. No unexpected adverse events occurred, and no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 arms in terms of toxicity (grade 4 hematologic adverse events in 32.3% and 31.8% of patients in the oral and CAV arms, respectively). ConclusionCompared with CAV, oral therapy in this setting appears as feasible as, but not superior to, the efficacy in the CAV arm.