VA Groups Research Articles

Magnetism in monolayer InSe by nonmetal doping: First-principles study

To develop InSe-based spintronics devices, introducing magnetism into monolayer InSe is essential. In this work, the electronic and magnetic properties of nonmetal (NM) doped (H, B, C, Si, N, P, As, O, S, Te, F, Cl, Br and I) monolayer InSe were investigated by first-principles calculations. The results indicate that atoms from VA, VIA and VIIA groups are possible to substitute Se atoms under In-rich condition. Second, we have found that only the InSe doped with NM acceptors with odd number of valence electrons possesses magnetism. Especially B doped InSe is a half-metal. However, VIIA group doped InSe does not exhibit magnetism due to the In-In covalent bond. This work provides an important guidance for developing spintronic devices on monolayer InSe.

Compulsory admission is associated with an increased risk of readmission in patients with schizophrenia: a 7-year, population-based, retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of psychiatric readmission in patients with schizophrenia, compare it between patients prescribed compulsory admission and those consenting to voluntary admission, and determine risk factors for psychiatric readmission. This 7-year (2007-2013), population-based, cohort study retrospectively compared data of 2038 schizophrenic inpatients who initially underwent compulsory admission (the CA group) and of 8152 matched controls with schizophrenia who initially underwent voluntary admission (the VA group). During the study period, there were 1204 and 3806 readmissions in the CA and VA groups, respectively. Compared with the VA group, the CA group was associated with a greater risk of psychiatric readmission [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.765; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.389-2.243; P < 0.001]. Stratified analyses showed that the CA group was associated with a higher risk of subsequent compulsory (AHR = 1.307; 95% CI 1.029-1.661; P < 0.001) and voluntary (AHR = 1.801; 95% CI 1.417-2.289; P < 0.001) readmissions compared to the VA group. Sensitivity analyses, after excluding data from the first year of observation, also provided significant findings with respect to compulsory and voluntary readmissions. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that cumulative survival rates of psychiatric readmissions, compulsory and voluntary readmissions were significantly lower in the CA group than in the VA group among patients with schizophrenia (log-rank test, P < 0.001). CA was associated with higher subsequent psychiatric readmissions, compulsory, and voluntary readmissions. Clinicians would need to focus on patients undergoing CAs to reduce readmissions.

Acupuncture improves symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: A randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of a definitive trial investigating the effects of acupuncture on atopic dermatitis symptoms including itching. DesignA randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial with three arms with a 4-week intervention period and a 4-week follow-up. InterventionsThirty participants were allocated to three arms (the verum acupuncture group 1 [VA1, 3 times weekly for 4 weeks], the verum acupuncture group 2 [VA2, twice weekly for 4 weeks], and the sham acupuncture group [SA, twice weekly for 4 weeks]) at a 1:1:1 ratio. Main outcome measuresWe determined the visual analogue scale (VAS) for itching and insomnia, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores over the course of the study. Baseline index score (BIS) comparison according to general symptom was performed. ResultsThe SCORAD, VAS (Pruritus), VAS (Insomnia), POEM, DLQI, and EASI were significantly improved in the VA groups. Significant BIS mean differences were observed most predominantly in epigastric tenderness and dyspepsia. There was no significant difference between VA1 and VA2 groups in all the main evaluation indices. ConclusionsFor the following research, the authors suggest SCORAD (Total) as primary outcome and SCORAD (objective), VAS (Itch), VAS (insomnia), EASI, POEM, and DLQI as secondary outcomes. Thirty six participants should be conducted a 4-week acupuncture period (twice weekly) and a 4-week follow-up. It is necessary to compare the differences of general symptoms according to presence of epigastric tenderness or dyspepsia at the screening level.

Clinical Effect of Water-Soluble Contrast Agents for Small Bowel Obstruction in the Virgin Abdomen.

Several studies have investigated the diagnostic and therapeutic role of water-soluble contrast agents (WSCAs) in adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO). However, the clinical effect of WSCA for SBO without previous intraabdominal operation (i.e., virgin abdomen, VA) is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical effect of WSCA for SBO in the VA. Between January 2008 and December 2015, 838 consecutive patients with SBO were initially managed with WSCA and were included in the study. Abdominal X-rays were taken 5h after administration of 100ml WSCA and classified into complete/incomplete obstruction groups. The medical records of the patients with SBO were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups of patients with VA or non-VA. A total of 44 and 794 VA and non-VA patients were identified, respectively. Six VA patients (13%) and 121 non-VA patients (15%) were classified with complete obstruction (p=1.000) and subjected to operative exploration on the same day. There were no significant differences in the duration of nasogastric tube decompression (2.2 versus 2.5days, p=0.400) and intervals until the initiation of oral intake (2.4 versus 2.6days, p=0.553) between the VA and non-VA groups. The overall operative rate was 16% in the VA and 17% in the non-VA groups (p=1.000). Compared with non-VA, VA was associated with shorter hospital stays (9.6 versus 11.3days, p=0.006). WSCA for SBO in the VA is as effective as in non-VA patients in terms of a therapeutic strategy.

Comparison of antioxidant activity of insulin, Ocimum gratissimum L., and Vernonia amygdalina L. in type 1 diabetic rat model

ObjectiveDiabetes mellitus (DM) is known to be associated with increase of oxidative stress products. The direction of effect of any treatment on these products could therefore be a reliable measure of its efficacy on DM. So the aim of this study was to investigate the activity of insulin, Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) and Vernonia amygdalina L. (VA) on oxidative stress products. MethodsThirty-six female Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. Thirty rats were induced for type 1 DM (DM1) with a single intraperitoneal administration of 65 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. Group 1 was normal control and was administered distilled water while Group 2 served as DM1 control group; Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were diabetic rats treated with 208 mg/kg OG (DM1 + OG), 52 mg/kg VA (DM1 + VA), 208 mg/kg OG + 52 mg/kg VA (DM1+OG +VA) and 0.16 IU insulin (DM1 + insulin) respectively. Determination of methemoglobin and sulfhemoglobin was achieved by the absorption spectrum principle. Red blood cell (RBC) catalase was assayed by continuous spectrophotometric method. ResultsThe RBC catalase concentration was significantly decreased in the DM1 and DM1+VA groups when compared with the normal control. DM1 + OG significantly increased RBC-catalase when compared to DM1. The methemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in the DM1, DM1 + VA, DM1 + OG + VA and DM1 + insulin groups when compared to the normal control group. The sulfhemoglobin concentration was significantly increased in the diabetic control and the diabetic treated groups when compared to the normal control. DM1 + OG reduced the sulfhemoglobin concentration when compared to DM1. The blood glucose concentration of all the diabetic groups was significantly raised compared to normal control. OG, VA and insulin significantly reduced the blood glucose concentration with the efficacy of OG and VA higher than insulin. ConclusionAdverse alteration of oxidative indices were observed in type 1 DM model. Treatment with OG and insulin showed potent antioxidant activity, while the hypoglycemic efficacy of OG and VA were higher than insulin.

Short-Term Daily Consumption of Provitamin A Carotenoid–Biofortified Maize Has Limited Impact on Breast Milk Retinol Concentrations in Zambian Women Enrolled in a Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial

Background: Provitamin A carotenoid–biofortified maize is a conventionally bred staple crop designed to help prevent vitamin A deficiency. Lactating women are a potential target group, because regularly eating biofortified maize may increase vitamin A in breast milk—a critical source of vitamin A for breastfeeding infants.Objective: We assessed whether daily consumption of biofortified orange maize would increase the retinol concentration in the breast milk of Zambian women.Methods: Lactating women (n = 149) were randomly assigned to receive orange maize delivering 600 μg retinol equivalents (REs)/d as carotenoid plus placebo (OM), low-carotenoid white maize plus 600 μg REs/d as retinyl palmitate (VA), or white maize plus placebo (WM). Boiled maize (287 g dry weight/d) was served as 2 meals/d, 6 d/wk for 3 wk. We measured initial and final breast milk plasma retinol and β-carotene concentrations, and plasma inflammatory protein concentrations.Results: Groups were comparable at enrollment, with an overall geometric mean milk retinol concentration of 0.95 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.86, 1.05 μmol/L); 56% of samples had milk retinol <1.05 μmol/L. Median capsule and maize intake was 97% and 258 g dry weight/d, respectively. Final milk β-carotene did not vary across groups (P = 0.76). Geometric mean (95% CI) milk retinol concentration tended to be higher in the OM [1.15 μmol/L (0.96, 1.39 μmol/L)] and VA [1.17 μmol/L (0.99, 1.38 μmol/L)] groups than in the WM group [0.91 μmol/L (0.72, 1.14 μmol/L); P = 0.13], and the proportion of women with milk retinol <1.05 μmol/L was 52.1%, 42.9%, and 36.7% in the WM, OM, and VA groups, respectively (P-trend = 0.16).Conclusions: Daily biofortified maize consumption did not increase mean milk retinol concentration in lactating Zambian women; however, there was a plausible downward trend in the risk of low milk retinol across intervention groups. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01922713.

Improving Oral Bioavailability of Sorafenib by Optimizing the "Spring" and "Parachute" Based on Molecular Interaction Mechanisms.

Sorafenib is a clinically important oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of various cancers. However, the oral bioavailability of sorafenib tablet (Nexavar) is merely 38-49% relative to the oral solution, due to the low aqueous solubility of sorafenib and its relatively high daily dose. It is desirable to improve the oral bioavailability of sorafenib to expand the therapeutic window, reduce the drug resistance, and enhance patient compliance. In this study, we observed that the solubility of sorafenib could be increased ∼50-fold in the coexistence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate) (PVP-VA) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), due to the formation of PVP-VA/SLS complexes at a lower critical aggregation concentration. The enhanced solubility provided a faster initial sorafenib dissolution rate, analogous to a forceful "spring" to release drug into solution, from tablets containing both PVP-VA and SLS. However, SLS appears to impair the ability of PVP-VA to act as an efficient "parachute" to keep the drug in solution and maintain drug supersaturation. Using 2D (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and FT-IR analysis, we concluded that the solubility enhancement and supersaturation of sorafenib were achieved by PVP-VA/SLS complexes and PVP-VA/sorafenib interaction, respectively, both through molecular interactions hinged on the PVP-VA VA groups. Therefore, a balance between "spring" and "parachute" must be carefully considered in formulation design. To confirm the in vivo relevance of these molecular interaction mechanisms, we prepared three tablet formulations containing PVP-VA alone, SLS alone, and PVP-VA/SLS in combination. The USP II in vitro dissolution and dog pharmacokinetic in vivo evaluation showed clear differentiation between these three formulations, and also good in vitro-in vivo correlation. The formulation containing PVP-VA alone demonstrated the best bioavailability with 1.85-fold and 1.79-fold increases in Cmax and AUC, respectively, compared with the formulation containing SLS only, the poorest performing one. Despite its forceful "spring", the formulation containing both PVP-VA and SLS showed a moderate bioavailability enhancement, due to the lack of an efficient "parachute".

Cardioprotective effects of Viscum album L. ssp. album (Loranthaceae) on isoproterenol-induced heart failure via regulation of the nitric oxide pathway in rats.

Objective:Viscum album L. has favorable cardiovascular effects including antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activity, and the nitric oxide (NO) pathway upregulation has been proposed to be the underlying mechanism. NO also plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, its effects on cardiac systolic function are unclear.Methods:A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups: control, isoproterenol-induced heart failure group (ISO), and isoproterenol-induced heart failure + V. album treatment group (VA) groups (n=10 in each group). V. album was orally given at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day by gavage. Parameters of heart failure were compared among the groups. Tamhane’s T2 test, paired sample t-test, and Bonferroni methods were used for statistical analysis.Results:V. album resulted in an improvement in all parameters of heart failure including left ventricular diameters (6.34±0.23 mm, 6.98±0.35 mm, and 6.71±0.10 mm for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in control, ISO, and VA groups, respectively, p<0.05), ejection fraction (73.3±3.1%, 56.7±2.6%, and 65.2±1.5% for control, ISO, and VA groups, respectively, p<0.05), serum NT-proBNP levels, and histopathological changes. V. album treatment resulted in a statistically significant attenuation of increased levels of NO and iNOS (p<0.0001). The levels of hs-CRP were also found to be lower in the VA group compared with the controls and ISO groups (p<0.01).Conclusion:V. album exerted favorable effects on left ventricular function in isoproterenol-induced heart failure rats. Upregulation of the NO pathway seems to be the possible pathophysiological mechanism. Favorable vascular outcomes can also be speculated considering the reduction in serum hs-CRP levels.

Long-term outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in a well defined region of the UK

AimsTo study long-term, whole population ‘real-world’ clinical outcomes of ranibizumab therapy in treatment-naïve eyes for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.MethodsData collected prospectively from a single centre serving a defined population using...

Formation of Corrosion‐Resistant Thermal Diffusion Boride Coatings

The corrosion related issues in oil production can be significantly reduced using the coatings based on the compounds from the metals of the IVb–VIb and VIII groups and the non‐metallic elements of the IIIa–Va groups with strong covalent bonds and high thermodynamic potentials. Iron boride‐based coatings with consolidated structures are successfully applied through the thermal diffusion process to protect large production components from steels and ferrous alloys. The principles of the thermal diffusion coating formation are reported. The Fe‐B‐based coatings successfully withstand high temperature – high pressure water steam contained H2S, CO + CO2, hydrocarbons, chlorides in simulating oil field conditions tested in the autoclave and in the pressurized Atlas cell, and in strong acidic environments.

Primary soft tissue reconstruction after transoral laryngeal tumor resection.

Primary reconstruction by endoscopic buccal mucosal grafting can be considered in cancer patients with large defects and in patients with bilateral disease. We present our case series of primary endoscopic buccal grafting after cancer surgery. Seventeen cases in 16 patients treated with buccal primary reconstruction (PR) are compared to 26 subjects without reconstruction (SO) and to 18 radiation patients (RO). The Voice Handicap Index, voice grade, and acoustic analysis were used to compare voice outcomes between groups. Case-control study. There were more European Laryngological Association type II, III, and type Va resections in the PR group. Acoustic analysis, Voice Handicap Index short form, and perceptual ratings by three expert listeners showed no differences in voice outcomes between groups. There were voice-related differences between surgical patients, with the European Laryngological Association type I patients having better voices than European Laryngological Association type II, III, and Va groups combined. Voice outcomes showed mild to moderate dysphonia in all three groups. The presence of the buccal graft did not hinder tumor surveillance. Primary reconstruction appears to be safe in patients with large soft tissue defects. There were no detectable functional differences between the PR, SO, and RO groups. 3b

Current aspects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a tertiary referral centre: determinants of survival at follow-up

To describe the clinical results (both early and at follow-up) of patients currently receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. To assess the effect of indications, clinical presentations and ECMO modalities on early/late clinical outcomes. To identify baseline factors associated with worse survival at follow-up. We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 325 patients receiving ECMO therapy at a tertiary referral centre during the 2005-2013 period. Follow-up was prospectively conducted by dedicated personnel (average: 84 ± 86 days, 100% complete). Survival was analysed by stratified Kaplan-Meier curves. Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO was employed in 80% of cases (due to early graft failure (EGF) in 13% of cases, post-cardiotomy in 29%, primary cardiogenic shock in 42% for miscellaneous aetiologies, other indications in 15.4%) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO in the remainders (adult respiratory distress syndrome). In the VA and VV groups, weaning rates were 59 and 53%, survival at 30th postimplantation day was 44 and 45% and survival at the end of the follow-up was 41 and 45%, respectively. Implantation under advanced life support (ALS) occurred in 15% of cases (26% survival at 30 days). VA patients had a higher rate of thrombotic/haemorrhagic complications and of transfusion of blood products and shorter ventilation time. Worse early and follow-up survival were observed among patients aged ≥65 years, having pH ≤ 7, lactates >12 mmol/l, creatinine >200 μmol/l at implantation or receiving ECMO under ALS. No difference in survival was noted among VA vs VV patients. Patients receiving ECMO for EGF displayed better early and late survival (64% at 30 days and 53% at 6 months) than post-cardiotomy (36 and 34%, respectively), post-acute myocardial infarction (48 and 40%) and the remaining patients (46 and 45%). Despite most critical baseline conditions, ECMO therapy is confirmed useful for the treatment of patients with acute cardiopulmonary failure refractory to conventional treatments. The ECMO modality (VA vs VV), as well as indications to support, identifies different patient profiles and dissimilar outcomes. Preimplantation markers of gravity and end-organ damage are useful in the stratification of expected survival. These may facilitate clinical decision-making and appropriate allocation of hospital resources.

Active maternal phenotype is established before breeding and leads offspring to align growth trajectory outcomes and reflex ontogeny

The main goals of this study were to classify dams according to the level of voluntary physical activity before breeding and during pregnancy/lactation and to evaluate the effects on growth trajectory and reflex ontogenesis of offspring. Voluntary physical activity was ranked by traveled distance, time and daily estimated calorie burned. Thirty-five female Wistar rats were classified as control (C, n=5), inactive (I, n=10), active (A, n=8) and very active (VA, n=12). During 30d before breeding, traveled distance, average speed, time and calorie burned were daily recorded for active and very active groups. Traveled distance was recorded each 2h every day of adaptation. Body weight, food intake and fasting glycemia were measured throughout the experiment. During lactation, litters were evaluated in terms of physical features and reflex ontogeny. VA showed a progressive increase in the traveled distance and time while A dams presented constant values. VA rats showed lower body weight and higher food intake. During pregnancy, both groups performed less than 1km/day. Pups from A and VA dams showed higher lateral–lateral axis of the skull, longitudinal axis, tail length, and anticipation of the pavilion and auditory canal opening, and erupting incisors. I, A and VA groups showed a delay of righting, cliff aversion and vibrissae placing reflexes. In conclusion, active maternal phenotype is established before breeding allowing mothers to fit ecological and influencing growth trajectory outcomes and reflex ontogeny of the offspring based on matrilineal experience.

Effects of vitrification cryoprotectant treatment and cooling method on the viability and development of buffalo oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

In vitro matured (IVM) buffalo oocytes at the metaphase of the second meiotic division (MII) were vitrified in 20% Me(2)SO: 20% EG (v/v) and 0.5M sucrose (VA), or 35% EG (v/v), 50mg/mL polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and 0.4M trehalose (VB), either on cryotops or as 2μL microdrops. The viability was assessed after warming by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining and all surviving oocytes were subjected to ICSI and ethanol activation. All vitrified groups had similar recovery rates but both VA groups had significantly higher survival and pronuclear formation rates than either of the VB groups. Non treated control oocytes and non cryopreserved oocytes exposed to FDA had significantly higher survival, 2nd polar body extrusion, PN and blastocyst formation rates than any of the four vitrified groups (P<0.05). In conclusion The cryotop and microdrop methods are equally effective for buffalo oocyte vitrification, and although vitrification in VA solution yielded higher rates of survival and formation of 2 pronuclei than VB, the rate of blastocyst formation was comparable for both solutions. A detailed analysis of oocytes that extruded the second polar body after ICSI and activation revealed that only a minority (7-20% of the vitrified and 46-48% of the control oocytes) also had two pronuclei, indicating that normal activation is compromised by vitrification.

포화 용액 개념 학습에서 비유 표현 방식과 언어적 학습 양식에 따른 비유 사용 수업의 효과

이 연구에서는 포화 용액 개념 학습에서 비유 표현방식과 언어적 학습 양식에 따른 비유 사용 수업의 효과를 대응 관계 이해도, 대응 오류, 수업에 대한 인식 측면에서 조사했다. 1개 초등학교 5학년 학생 123명을 선정하여 VA 집단(n=63)과 VPA 집단(n=60)으로 배치했다. 사전 검사로 언어적 학습 양식 검사를 실시했다. VA 집단의 학생들은 글로만 표현된 비유로 목표 개념을 학습했고, VPA 집단의 학생들은 글과 그림으로 표현된 비유로 목표 개념을 학습했다. 목표 개념 학습 후, 대응 관계 이해도 검사를 실시했다. VPA 집단 학생들에게는 수업에 대한 인식 검사도 실시했으며, 일부 학생들을 대상으로 심층 면담도 실시했다. 연구 결과, 언어적 학습 선호 학생들의 경우 VPA 집단의 점수가 VA 집단의 점수보다 낮았으며, 그 차이가 통계적으로 유의미했다. 반면, 언어적 학습 비선호 학생들의 경우에는 두 집단 간 점수 차이가 통계적으로 유의미하지 않았다. 대응 불이행, 부적절한 대응, 무분별한 대응, 불가능한 대응, 표면적 속성 대응의 다섯 가지 대응 오류 유형이 나타났다. 언어적 학습양식에 따라 두 집단의 대응 오류 유형별 발생 빈도가 다른 양상을 보였다. 언어적 학습 양식에 관계없이 VPA 집단의 많은 학생들이 글과 그림으로 표현된 비유를 통해 학습하는 것에 대해 다양한 인지적 동기적 측면에서 긍정적으로 인식했으나, 일부 학생들은 몇 가지 어려움을 지적하기도 했다. 이에 대한 교육학적 함의를 논의했다. This study investigated the effects of the instructions using analogies in learning the concept of saturated solution by the analogy presentation types and the verbal learning styles upon the mapping understanding, the mapping errors, and the perceptions of the instruction. Fifth graders (N=123) at an elementary school were selected and assigned to VA (n=63) and VPA (n=60) groups. As a pretest, a test on the verbal learning style was administered. The students in the VA group learned the target concept with a verbal analogy, while those in the VPA group learned it with a verbal/pictorial analogy. After the students learned it, a mapping understanding test was administered. The students in the VPA group also administered the test on the perceptions of the instruction and some of them were interviewed in depth. The results revealed that the scores of the students with strong verbal learning preference in the VPA group were significantly lower than those in the VA group in the mapping understanding test. However, the scores of the students with weak verbal learning preference were not significantly different between the two groups. Five types of mapping errors were identified: failure to map, mismapping, rash mapping, impossible mapping, and mapping of a surficial feature. According to students' verbal learning styles, there were some differences in the frequencies of mapping errors in the two groups. Many students in the VPA group, regardless of their verbal learning styles, had positive perceptions of the instruction in various cognitive and motivational aspects. However, some of them also pointed out a few difficulties of the instruction. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.

Effects of short-term venous augmentation on the improvement of flap survival–An experimental study in rats

Flap necrosis due to blood circulation disorders is a serious problem in reconstructive surgery. Methods to achieve both arterial and venous microvascular augmentation at the flap periphery have therefore been developed to prevent post-surgical circulation problems, especially for large pedicle flaps and free flaps containing three more vascular territories. Moreover, the benefits of microvascular venous augmentation (VA; superdrainage) alone have been established, but the optimal duration of post-surgical venous drainage has not yet been determined. The surviving flap area was compared after standard and short-term VA in the extended island flap model of the rat abdomen. A flap model using the left superficial inferior epigastric artery/vein as the vascular pedicle was used as a control group (n = 6). The lateral branch of the right superficial inferior epigastric vein remained unresected at the end of the flap in the VA group (n = 7), but was ligated at 24 h post-surgery in the temporary venous augmentation (TVA) group (n = 7). The flap survival rates on postoperative day 7 in the control, VA and TVA groups were 74.8 ± 8.4%, 90.1 ± 3.7% and 89.9 ± 3.5%, respectively. The surviving areas were significantly improved in the VA and TVA groups in comparison to the control group (p ＜ 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the VA and TVA groups. The short-term venous drainage from the flap end after surgery was as effective as long-term VA. Flap transplantation could therefore be clinically easier and more reliable when starting short-term venous drainage during surgery.

Exogenous Testosterone and Estrogen Affect Bladder Tissue Contractility and Histomorphology Differently in Rat Ovariectomy Model

Changes in sex hormone levels may play a role in the etiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction of aging women where the possible role of testosterone is overlooked. To determine the effect of testosterone with/without estrogen replacement on histological and functional deterioration in ovariectomized rat bladder tissue. A total of 54 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Except sham operated (control group), all others underwent bilateral ovariectomy. No further treatment was given to the ovariectomy-only group (OVX group). At the third week of ovariectomy treatments were started; vehicle agent (VA group), estradiol (E2 group), testosterone undecanoate (T group), and estradiol + testosterone undecanoate combination (E2 + T group) in physiological doses. Nine weeks after ovariectomy, bladder strips were harvested for isometric tension and histopathological studies. To assess the effect of testosterone/estradiol on ovariectomized rat bladder tissue function and histomorphology. OVX and VA groups showed statistically significant histological changes such as urothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, increase in collagen fibers and muscular atrophy compared with the control group. Both E2 and T reversed these changes but best histomorphological restoration was observed in E2 + T group. In isometric tension studies, ovariectomy tended to increase contractile responses which were normalized after E2 treatment. In contrary to E2, T significantly increased contractile responses that were normalized with combination treatment. During relaxation studies statistically significant higher relaxation responses were observed in ovariectomized rats. Although both exogenous testosterone and estradiol tended to reverse this effect, a statistically significant difference was found only after testosterone treatment. Either estradiol or testosterone replacement alone or in combination prevents significant alterations in bladder tissue histology following ovariectomy whereas both affect the bladder tissue contractility. Thus, combination treatment appears to be the best method to restore both contractility and histomorphology of bladder tissue after ovariectomy.

택사와 겨우살이 급여가 육계의 생산성 및 면역성에 미치는 영향

택사와 겨우살이가 육계의 생산성 및 면역성에 미치는 영향을 규명하기 위하여 실시하였으며, 공시동물은 육계 초생 추 140수를 4처리구 5반복 반복당 7수씩 공시하여 5주간 사양 시험을 실시하였다. 처리구는 무항생제 사료 급여구를 대조구로 하고 항생제 처리구(기초 사료+ OTC 0.05%), 택사 처리구(기초 사료+ 택사 0.5%) 및 겨우살이 처리구(기초 사료+겨우살이 0.5%)로 하였다. 증체량과 사료 섭취량은 처리구간에 유의적인 차이는 없었으며, 사료 요구율은 택사 처리구가 겨우살이 및 기타 처리구에 비해 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). 도체의 지방산 분석에서<TEX>${\omega}$</TEX>3 및<TEX>${\omega}$</TEX>6 계열의지방산인linolenic acid, <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-linolenic acid 및 arachidonic acid의 함량은 겨우살이 및 택사 급여구에서 항생제 처리구에 비해 비교적 높았으며, SFA, USFA 및 USFA/SFA의 함량은 처리구 간에 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 혈중의 IgG의 농도는 처리구 간에 유의적인 차이는 없었으나, 택사와 겨우살이 처리구가 높았으며, IL2의 농도는 택사와 겨우살이 처리구에서 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). IL6는 검출되지 않았다. 겨우살이 첨가구에서 GOT, GPT 및 T-billirubin이 유의적으로 높게 검출됨으로써 간장의 손상을 일으킬 수 있는 것으로 판단되었다(P<0.05). 결론적으로 육계 사료에 택사 0.5%와 겨우살이 0.5% 첨가 급여는 생산성은 항생제 첨가와 유사한 효과가 있고 면역성은 증가시켰다. 따라서 항생제 대체제로 사용 가능성이 높은 것으로 사료된다. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplement of Alisma canaliculatum and Viscum album on the growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty Ross broiler chicks (1 day old) were assigned to 4 treatments in 5 replications with 7 birds per replication. The dietary treatments were NC group (without antibiotics), PC group (basal + 50 ppm Oxytetracycline), AC group (basal + Alisma canaliculatum 0.5%), and VA group (basal + Viscum album 0.5%). The results revealed that body weight gain and feed intake were not significantly different among the treatments. Addition of AC to the diet showed significantly higher feed conversion ratios than the VA addition diet and other treatments (p<0.05). The concentration of linolenic acid, <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in the AC and VA treatment were relatively higher than that in the antibiotic treatment, while there was no difference in the concentration of SFA, USFA, and USFA/SFA. The serum IgG concentration in chickens tended to increase in the AC and VA treatment groups compared to NC group. The IL2 concentration in AC and VA groups was significantly higher than in other group (p<0.05). IL6 was not detected, however. GOT, GPT, and T-billirubin in the VA group were significantly higher than in other groups (p<0.05). Thus, the VA additives can result in the damage of liver and kidney. In conclusion, the dietary supplement of a 0.5% of AC and VA showed a similar growth performance and increased immunity response comparable to supplementing a 50 ppm Oxytetracycline. Therefore, it can be said that the AC and VA are possible alternates of antibiotics.

Abstract 567: Ivabradine Improved Cardiac Function, Fibrosis And Hyperexcitability In Rat Post-myocardial Infarction Severe Heart Failure.

The selective sinus node I f current inhibitor Ivabradine (Iva) reduces heart rate (HR) without any other hemodynamic effects. We investigated in a rat model of post-MI severe heart failure, the effects of a chronic Iva administration on LV function, structure and electrical remodelling. Methods . MI was induced by coronary artery ligation in adult rats: echocardiography and Holter ECG were performed 2 months (m) after MI i.e. before randomization (n=12/group) into MI and MI+Iva (10 mg/kg/d) groups, and 3 m later. In ventricles, collagen was quantified after Sirius red staining of section and ACE and AT1-receptor mRNA expression (normalized to GAPDH) was assayed by RT-PCR. Results : 2m-post MI, all rats displayed severe decreased LVEF, and increased LVEDP compared to sham-operated (28%±3 vs 66%±5 and 32±2 vs 10±1 mmHg, respectively; p&lt;0.05). In 5m-post-MI, LVEF and LVEDP were stabilized with Iva (31±1% and 24±2 mmHg), while they were worsened in MI groups (21±3% and 38±2mmHg). Blood pressure, body and heart weights were similar in MI and MI+Iva. Iva reduced HR (RR: 201±5 vs 179±3 ms in MI; p&lt;0.05) and ventricular premature beats (514±152 vs 4717±1363/day for MI; p&lt;0.05), and improved HR variability (SDRR: 5±1.5 vs 3.9± 0.6 for MI; p&lt;0.05). There were no effects of Iva on duration (ms) of PR (45±3 vs 44±3), QRS (51±3 vs 46±3) and QT (106±7 vs 99±6, for MI and MI+Iva, respectively). The increased ventricular collagen in MI (4.0±0.1 vs 0.8±0.2 % in sham; p&lt;0.05) was markedly reduced in MI+Iva (1.8±0.1%, p&lt;0.0001 vs MI). The increases in ventricular gene expression of ACE and AT-1 receptor in MI rats (2.5 and 6 folds versus sham operated, respectively, p&lt;0.05) were completely blunted by Iva treatment. Conclusion: Iva treatment of the post-MI heart failure: 1- markedly reduced HR and ventricular excitability and without harmful effects on conduction; 2- prevented worsening of LV dysfunction and remodelling, and 3- induced a downregulation of cardiac RAAS transcripts. Thus, through its negative chronotropic effects, Iva allowed the maintenance of cardiac function below the threshold for a tissular RAAS stimulation even in severe post-MI cardiac failure. Such beneficial effects of Iva on cardiac remodelling open new perspectives for the treatment of severe heart failure

Fatty acid profiles in tissues of mice fed conjugated linoleic acid

The incorporation of vaccenic acid (VA, 0.5 and 1.2%), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, mixture of primarily c9,t11- and t10,c12-CLA, 1.2%), linoleic acid (LA, 1.2%) and oleic acid (OA, 1.2%) into different tissues of mice was examined. The effects on the fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) in kidney, spleen, liver and adipose tissue were investigated. VA and CLA (c9,t11- and t10,c12-CLA) were primarily found in TAG, especially in kidney and adipose tissue, respectively. Conversion of VA to c9,t11-CLA was indicated by our results, as both fatty acids were incorporated into all the analyzed tissues when a diet containing VA but not c9,t11-CLA was fed. Most of the observed effects on the fatty acid profiles were seen in the CLA group, whereas only minor effects were observed in the VA groups compared with the OA group. Thus, CLA increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in PL from kidney and spleen and lowered the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in these tissues. Furthermore, CLA increased C22 PUFA in the PL fraction of kidney, spleen and liver, but reduced the level of arachidonic acid in PL of liver and spleen and lowered the Δ9-desaturation indexes in all analyzed tissue TAG.