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Elimination of food calories as heat could help redress the excess accumulation of metabolic energy exhibited as obesity. Prior studies have focused on the induction of thermogenesis in beige and brown adipose tissues as the application of this principle, particularly because the β-adrenergic environment associated with thermogenic activation has been shown to have positive health implications. The counterpoint to this strategy is the regulation of heat loss; we propose that mammals with inefficient heat conservation will require more thermogenesis to maintain body temperature. Surface temperature thermography and rates of trans-epidermal water loss were integrated to profile the total heat transfer of genetically-engineered and genetically variable mice. These data were incorporated with energy expenditure data to generate a biophysical profile to test the significance of increased rates of evaporative cooling. We show that mouse skins vary considerably in their heat retention properties, whether because of naturally occurring variation (SKH-1 mice), or genetic modification of the heat-retaining lipid lamellae (SCD1, DGAT1 or Agouti Ay obese mice). In particular, we turn attention to widely different rates of evaporative cooling as the result of trans-epidermal water loss; higher rates of heat loss by evaporative cooling leads to increased demand for thermogenesis. We speculate that this physiology could be harnessed to create an energy sink to assist with strategies aimed at treating metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine if ractopamine (RAC) impacts postmortem muscle metabolism and subsequent pork quality in Halothane (HAL) and Rendement Napole (RN) mutant pigs. All RAC fed pigs had increased (P < 0.04) L* values. HAL and RN mutants muscle had lower (P < 0.01) pH values but RAC feeding had no effect. RN mutants had higher and lower (P < 0.05) muscle pH and temperatures, respectfully at 15 min and RN mutant pigs had greater (P < 0.0001) glycogen initially but lactate levels similar to wild type (WT) pigs at 24 h. RAC lowered (P < 0.05) glycogen in RN mutants but not in HAL mutated or WT pig muscle. These data show RAC feeding changes postmortem energy metabolism but does not change pH and pork quality hallmark of two major pig gene mutations and supports our contention that ultimate meat quality traits and their biochemical drivers may be more complex than originally reasoned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Abdominal aortic calcification (AC) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis patients but is rarely discussed in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We examined the independent predictors and predictive power for survival of AC in prevalent PD patients. Methods and Results: AC was detected by computed tomography (CT) and represented as the percentage of the total aortic cross-section area affected by AC (%AC). The predictors of %AC ≥15 were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios associated with high %AC. A total of 183 PD patients were recruited to receive CT scans and divided into group 1 (%AC < 15, n = 97), group 2 (%AC ≥ 15, n = 41), and group 3 (diabetic patients, n = 45). Group 1 patients had lower osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels than group 2 patients (798 ± 378 vs. 1308 ± 1350 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The independent predictors for %AC ≥ 15 included the atherogenic index, OPG, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The age-adjusted hazard ratios associated with %AC ≥15 were 3.46 (p = 0.043) for mortality and 1.90 (p = 0.007) for hospitalization. Conclusions: %AC can predict mortality and morbidity in non-diabetic PD patients, and 15% is a good cut-off value for such predictions. There are complex associations among mineral metabolism, inflammation, and dyslipidemia in the pathogenesis of AC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geese have a short egg-laying period and a low egg production rate. To induce and maintain egg laying, genes related to generating hepatic lipid for yolk deposition should be adequately expressed. Liver mRNA from 6 laying geese was extracted and used for construction of a full-length enriched cDNA library. About 2,400 clones containing gene sequences were determined and National Center for Biotechnology Information Callus gallus Gene Index databases were used to compare and analyze these sequences. Ten highly expressed genes were selected to determine the differential expression between laying and prelay goose liver. Tissue distribution data showed that very low density apolipoprotein II, liver type fatty acid binding protein, vitellogenin I, and vitellogenin II transcripts were specifically expressed in the liver of laying geese. Ovoinhibitor, preproalbumin, α-2-hs-glycoprotein, and vitamin D binding protein mRNA were highly expressed in the liver and to a lesser extent in other tissues. Ovotransferrin mRNA was expressed in liver, ovary, oviduct, shell gland, brain, and adipose tissues. The concentration of transthyretin mRNA was high in the liver and brain. The mRNA concentrations of liver type fatty acid binding protein, α-2-hs-glycoprotein, and transthyretin in the livers of laying and prelay geese were not different. The concentrations of hepatic ovotransferrin, ovoinhibitor, preproalbumin, very low density apolipoprotein II, vitellogenin I, vitellogenin II, and vitamin D binding protein mRNA were higher in the liver of laying geese than in prelay geese, suggesting that these genes may be involved in laying function or lipid metabolism related to egg formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate (a) the association between Internet addiction and aggressive behaviors, as well as the moderating effects of gender, school, and depression on this association; and (b) to evaluate the association between Internet activities and aggressive behaviors. METHODS: A total of 9405 adolescents were recruited into this study and completed the questionnaires. Their aggressive behaviors, with or without Internet addiction, Internet activities, demographic data, with or without depression, self-esteem, family function, and the watching of violent TV were assessed. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that after controlling for the effects of shared associated factors and watching violent TV programs, adolescents with Internet addiction were more likely to have aggressive behaviors during the previous year. The association was more significant among adolescents in junior high schools than in senior high/vocational schools. Online chatting, adult sex Web viewing, online gaming, online gambling, and Bulletin Board System were all associated with aggressive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that preventive programs for aggressive behaviors should pay attention to Internet addiction among adolescents. Also, intervention to prevent the effects of Internet addiction on aggressive behaviors should be conducted as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to detect differential expression of genes in the livers of laying and prelaying geese. Liver tissues from prelaying and laying geese were dissected for mRNA extraction. The cDNA, reverse transcribed from liver mRNA of prelaying geese, was subtracted from the cDNA generated from the laying geese (forward subtraction). Five hundred seventy-six clones with possible differentially expressed gene fragments were observed by forward subtraction hybridization. After differential screening using the reverse and forward subtraction cDNA, 164 clones were subjected to gene sequence determination and further analysis. Using Northern analysis, 5 known and 8 unknown genes were shown to be highly expressed in the livers of laying geese compared with prelaying geese. Vitellogenin I, apoVLDL-II, ethanolamine kinase, G-protein gamma-5 subunit, and leucyl-tRNA synthase were highly expressed in the livers of laying geese compared with that from the prelaying geese (P < 0.05). The expression of these known genes suggests that their function in the liver of laying geese is primarily involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Several of these differentially expressed genes were found to be responsive to estrogen stimulation, confirming the involvement of these genes in the egg-laying function of the goose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to detect differential expression of genes in the pituitary gland in laying geese by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Pituitary glands from prelaying and laying geese were dissected for mRNA extraction. The cDNA from pituitary glands of prelaying geese was subtracted from the cDNA from the pituitary glands of laying geese (forward subtraction); the reverse subtraction was also performed. We screened 384 clones with possible differentially expressed gene fragments by differential screening. Sixty-five clones from the differential screening results were subjected to gene sequencing and further analysis. We found that at least 19 genes were highly expressed in the pituitary glands of laying geese compared with prelaying geese. Among these, 6 genes (including 4 novel genes) were confirmed by virtual Northern analysis. We found that prolactin and visinin-like protein were highly expressed in the pituitary glands of laying geese compared with prelaying geese (P < 0.05). Further investigation is needed to demonstrate specific functions of the novel genes discovered in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Pim-1 proto-oncogene, encoding a serine–threonine kinase, has been found to play an important role in regulating apoptosis, differentiation, proliferation and tumourigenesis. The present study was conducted to assess the importance of Pim-1 in oral tumourigenesis in vivo. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to study the expression of Pim-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and non-cancerous match tissue (NCMT) sampled from the periphery of the tumours. Pim-1 mRNA expression in OSCC was significantly higher than that in NCMT in 36 tissue pairs (1.33±0.41 versus 0.97±0.29, P =0.03). The percentage of OSCCs exhibiting strong cytoplasmic Pim-1 immunoreactivity was significantly higher than that of NCMT (60% versus 19%, P =0.007). Pim-1 immunoreactivity is higher in the more differentiated components of a tumour. In around 10% of OSCC cases, Pim-1 immunoreactivity was found in the nucleus as well. These results show novel findings of the up-regulation of Pim-1 expression from NCMT to OSCC. The pathogenetic role of Pim-1 expression in oral tumourigenesis deserves further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies of microlasers and micromasers generally assume that at most one atom is present in the resonator and transit times are much shorter than cavity lifetimes. We use quantum trajectory simulations to investigate the behavior of a microlaser/micromaser in which multiple atoms may be present and atom transit times can be comparable to the cavity decay time. Many-atom events are shown to destroy trap state resonances even for a mean intracavity atom number as small as 0.1. Away from trap states, results for mean photon number agree with a single-atom, weak-decay theory. However the variance of the photon number distribution increases relative to micromaser theory by an amount proportional to the product of the interaction time and cavity decay rate. This excess variance is interpreted as resulting from cavity decay during the atomic transit time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The association between areca quid chewing and methamphetamine (MAMP) use in Taiwanese adolescents was examined in 200 MAMP users and 400 non-users. Subjects were interviewed individually regarding the experience of chewing areca quid and the evidence of Lifetime areca quid use disorder. The ages at which they initially chewed areca quid and used MAMP were also evaluated. The results revealed that areca quid chewing and areca quid use disorders were more common in both male and female MAMP users than in non-users. Among those who chewed areca quid and used MAMP, the mean age at initial MAMP use was older than the mean age at initial chewing of areca quid in males but not in females. MAMP users who chewed areca quid were subdivided into three groups according to the sequence of initial MAMP use and chewing areca quid. Although most males and females started chewing areca quid before using MAMP, this pattern was more prevalent in males. Adolescent MAMP users need to be educated about deleterious health sequelae caused by chewing areca quid. Adolescent areca quid chewers need to be monitored for possible progression to MAMP use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) drives the expression of several lipogenic genes, whereas SREBP2 dictates the expression of every gene involved in cholesterolgenesis in mammals. In the current study, we cloned the cDNA fragments for SREBP1, SREBP2, fatty acid synthase (FAS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), and very low density apolipoprotein-II (apoVLDL-II), the genes associated with lipid metabolism. Fifteen ducks immediately before the first egg was laid (18 wk old) and 15 ducks from the same population at an egg production rate of 80% were killed. Total RNA was extracted from liver and used to amplify the targeted genes by reverse transcription-PCR and screening of a cDNA library. The sequence data showed that Tsaiya duck SREBP1, SREBP2, FAS, and HMG-CoA reductase were highly homologous to that of chicken. Tsaiya duck SREBP1 mRNA was expressed in adipose tissue, cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, liver, and ovary. The SREBP2 mRNA concentration was highest in liver and ovary. Concentrations of FAS and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA were high in liver and lower in other tissues. The apoVLDL-II mRNA was specifically expressed in the liver. The differences between mRNA concentrations of SREBP1, SREBP2, and FAS in the livers of laying and prelay ducks were not significant. However, the concentrations of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and apoVLDL-II mRNA were higher in the laying ducks than in prelay ducks. Therefore, laying may affect particular aspects of lipid metabolism, especially biochemical pathways that involved apoVLDL-II and HMG-CoA reductase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for uteri weighing 500 g or more as compared to uteri weighing less than 500 g in the management of benign gynecological diseases. Method: In this prospective comparative study, 189 women with different benign gynecological diseases were scheduled for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. They were divided into two groups, with uterine weight greater than 500 g and uterine weight less than 500 g. Outcome measures for both the groups were studied comparatively in terms of length of operative time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. Results: Length of operation and amount blood loss were significantly greater in the uteri ≥500 g group than in the <500 g at 91.1±28.7 min versus 77.4±26.6 min (P<0.01), and 570.5±503.6 ml versus 262.5±270.0 ml (P<0.001), respectively. However, there was no difference in length of hospital stay and overall incidence of operative complications between the two groups. None of the women had any major complications though 17 minor complications were noted. There was no incidence of switching to abdominal laparatomy during the operation except for one patient who required “minilaparotomy” for removal of large surgical specimen (2400 g). Extreme intra-operative hemorrhage of more than 1000 ml occurred in five patients, however, they made full recovery after blood transfusion. Rate of blood transfusion was significantly lower in the uteri <500 g group (4.8% versus 34.9%, P<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, LAVH can be safely performed for large uterus. However, surgeons need to be aware of the high risk of blood transfusion in these patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The integrated photoluminescence intensity of Ge with GeO 2 micro hemispheres increases by a factor of more than 10 as compared to bare Ge. Decreasing the surface reflectance, the total internal reflection, and the surface recombination velocity by the formation of the micro hemispheres is responsible for the enhancement. The decrease of the surface recombination velocity and the total internal reflection to increase the light extraction by micro hemispheres also enhance the electroluminescence of Ge metal–insulator–semiconductor light emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the effect of the number of risk factors on betel quid chewing in adolescents living in rural Taiwan. It mentions that betel quid chewing has been found to increase the risk of oral cancer and emphasizes the need to prevent and control such practice among rural adolescents. Under the study, 2079 such adolescents were asked about betel chewing, cigarette smoking, family support, depression and sociodemographic factors. Results show that the risk on betel chewing tends to increase along with an increase in risk factors.

Pembrolizumab previously demonstrated robust antitumor activity and manageable safety in a phase Ib study of patients with heavily pretreated, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive, recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The phase III KEYNOTE-122 study was conducted to further evaluate pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in patients with platinum-pretreated, recurrent and/or metastatic NPC. Final analysis results are presented. KEYNOTE-122 was an open-label, randomized study conducted at 29 sites, globally. Participants with platinum-pretreated recurrent and/or metastatic NPC were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to pembrolizumab or chemotherapy with capecitabine, gemcitabine, or docetaxel. Randomization was stratified by liver metastasis (present versus absent). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), analyzed in the intention-to-treat population using the stratified log-rank test (superiority threshold, one-sided P = 0.0187). Safety was assessed in the as-treated population. Between 5 May 2016 and 28 May 2018, 233 participants were randomly assigned to treatment (pembrolizumab, n = 117; chemotherapy, n = 116); Most participants (86.7%) received study treatment in the second-line or later setting. Median time from randomization to data cut-off (30 November 2020) was 45.1 months (interquartile range, 39.0-48.8 months). Median OS was 17.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.7-22.9 months] with pembrolizumab and 15.3 months (95% CI 10.9-18.1 months) with chemotherapy [hazard ratio, 0.90 (95% CI 0.67-1.19; P = 0.2262)]. Grade 3-5 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 12 of 116 participants (10.3%) with pembrolizumab and 49 of 112 participants (43.8%) with chemotherapy. Three treatment-related deaths occurred: 1 participant (0.9%) with pembrolizumab (pneumonitis) and 2 (1.8%) with chemotherapy (pneumonia, intracranial hemorrhage). Pembrolizumab did not significantly improve OS compared with chemotherapy in participants with platinum-pretreated recurrent and/or metastatic NPC but did have manageable safety and a lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events. • No difference was observed in efficacy between pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in advanced platinum-pretreated NPC. • Median OS was 17.2 months with pembrolizumab versus 15.3 with chemotherapy (median PFS, 4.1 versus 5.5 months. • Pembrolizumab had manageable safety and a lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) than chemotherapy. • Grade 3-5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 10.3% of participants treated with pembrolizumab versus 43.8% with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]