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Data underlying the findings described in this manuscript may be obtained in accordance with AstraZeneca's data sharing policy described at https://astrazenecagrouptrials.pharmacm.com/ST/Submission/Disclosure. Lack of effect of benralizumab on signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from the phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled HILLIER trial Ninety-six patients (including 26 adolescents) and 98 patients (27 adolescents) were randomized into the benralizumab and placebo groups, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

The article responds to concerns raised about the association between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy. The study primarily focuses on the impact of PPI use on HCC survival and recurrence, with limited evidence on how prolonged PPI use may influence hepatic carcinogenesis. The authors acknowledge the importance of monitoring for adverse events, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of PPI therapy, and addressing potential confounding factors in future research. They appreciate feedback on antiviral therapy but emphasize the need to observe the correlation of PPI use and HCC outcomes in their primarily Taiwanese cohort. [Extracted from the article]

Variations in concentrations of PM2.5, particulate matters of diameters below 2.5 μm, vary following both meteorological conditions and emissions controls. Meteorological conditions particularly affect short‐term high PM2.5 episodes through accumulations, transports, and secondary formations. This study quantifies the meteorological impacts on high PM2.5 episodes in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), Korea, for the period 2016–2018 using empirical and statistical methods. Synoptic weather maps of 77 high PM2.5 episodes in 2016 are grouped into two synoptic types: onshore winds associated with migratory pressure systems over the SMA and offshore winds from continental high pressure extending toward the SMA. We applied principal component analysis and regression to extract the dominant synoptic types controlling PM2.5 variability. It identifies two major principal components (PCs) from 12 surface and upper‐air meteorological variables for 2017–2018. Weather patterns in 49 examples of the high‐positive PCs show that the two PCs are capable of reproducing the synoptic weather patterns relevant for high PM2.5 episodes. To quantify the relationship between the synoptic weather patterns and PM2.5 levels, the two PCs are further classified into four groups according to their signs. Positive‐ and negative‐PC groups are associated with about 82% and 73% of high‐ and low‐PM2.5 episodes, respectively, suggesting that most of the high/low PM2.5 episodes in the SMA can occur under the two PCs‐dominant weather conditions. The results can be utilized as a reference for daily predictions of high PM2.5 episodes, as well as for quantitative analysis of the climatic influence on the long‐term PM2.5 variability. Key Points: Offshore flow from continental high pressure and onshore flow from traveling pressure are synoptic types raising PM2.5 in Seoul, KoreaSynoptic weather systems on high PM2.5 days dominated by two main principal components match well with offshore and onshore weather typesTwo synoptic weather types with positive principal components explain more than four‐fifth of high PM2.5 episodes occurred in 2017–2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Babraham pig is a highly inbred breed first developed in the United Kingdom approximately 50 years ago. Previous reports indicate a very high degree of homozygosity across the genome, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, but confirmation of homozygosity at the specific MHC loci was lacking. Using both direct sequencing and PCR‐based sequence‐specific typing, we confirm that Babraham pigs are essentially homozygous at their MHC loci and formalise their MHC haplotype as Hp‐55.6. This enhances the utility of the Babraham pig as a useful biomedical model for studies in which controlling for genetic variation is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To determine the feasibility of using three‐dimensional printed Biodentine/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds for orthopaedic and dental applications. The physicochemical properties and the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were investigated. Methodology: Biodentine was well‐suspended in ethanol and dropped slowly into molten polycaprolactone with vigorous stirring. The Biodentine/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds were then fabricated into controlled macropore sizes and structures using an extrusion‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printer. The mechanical properties, bioactivity, and the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) cultured on the scaffolds were evaluated. Results: Biodentine/polycaprolactone scaffolds had uniform macropores 550 μm in size with established interconnections and a compressive strength of 6.5 MPa. In addition, the composite scaffolds exhibited a good apatite‐forming ability and were capable of supporting the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs. Conclusion: The composite scaffolds fabricated by an extrusion‐based 3D printing technique had similar characteristics to Biodentine cement, including bioactivity and the ability to promote the differentiation of hDPCs. These results indicate that the composite scaffold would be a candidate for dental and bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent advances in technology have enabled the development of various non-invasive skin imaging tools to aid real-time diagnosis of both benign and malignant skin tumours, minimizing the need for invasive skin biopsy. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) is a recently developed non-invasive imaging tool, which offers the unique capacity for high resolution three dimensional (3D) optical mapping of tissue by further delivering highly specific optical contrast from a depth of several millimetres to centimetres in living tissues. MSOT enables volumetric, spectroscopic differentiation of tissue, both in vivo and in real time, with and without the application of biomarker-specific probes, and is further able of providing spatial maps of skin chromophores, as well as underlying blood vasculature. Methods Three patients with suspicious skin tumours consented to have their lesions imaged with MSOT prior to excision. The histological findings and measurements were compared. Results We demonstrated the first in vivo clinical use of MSOT for 3D reconstruction of skin tumours in three patients with good histological correlation. Conclusion Our findings confirm the potential benefit of the new imaging method in guiding surgical intervention to achieve a more precise excision with better clearance and lower relapse rates. It can also potentially help to shorten the duration of Mohs' micrographic surgery. Further large-scale studies are necessary to ensure correlation between MSOT and histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on the pitfalls and accuracy in HbA2 determination and its significance and on hemoglobinopathy testing.

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the clinical significance of GP. Mur antigen-negative blood selection for transfusion in patients with anti-'Mia' records. Background The GP. Mur RBC phenotype is prevalent (7·3%) in Taiwan. Antibodies against GP. Mur (anti-'Mia') are identified in 1·24% of our population, and anti-'Mia' screening using GP. Mur RBC has been routine for Taiwan's blood banks. However, due to the lack of commercial antibodies, only cross-matching was used to prevent transfusion of GP. Mur-positive blood to patients with anti-'Mia' in most hospitals. There is still a risk of GP. Mur-positive RBC exposure and subsequent anti-'Mia'-related transfusion reactions. Methods Since February 2014, GP. Mur antigen-negative RBCs identified by reaction with anti-'Mia'-positive serum were selected for blood recipients with anti-'Mia' records. The transfusion reactions between January 2013 and January 2014 were compared with those that occurred between February 2014 and July 2015. Results The transfusion reaction rate was significantly higher in anti-'Mia'-positive blood recipients compared to total subjects receiving an RBC transfusion before GP. Mur-negative donor RBC selection. After antigen-negative RBC selection, the transfusion reaction frequency in subjects with anti-'Mia' became similar to total blood recipients. IgG form anti-'Mia' antibodies were present in all cases of probable anti-'Mia'-related transfusion reactions. The time required for anti-'Mia' boosting after transfusion was around 4-21 days. Conclusion Selection of GP. Mur-negative RBC for transfusion to patients with anti-'Mia' records could decrease the rate of transfusion reaction and antibody boosting. This procedure should be incorporated into blood bank routines in areas where anti-'Mia' is prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsequent Doppler assessment of MCA-PSV, UA pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and UV waveform were all normal. Repeat ultrasound examination revealed a hypoplastic left umbilical artery (UA) associated closely with the echogenic nodule, which encompassed the umbilical vein (UV). (b) Two-dimensional power Doppler image showing the vascular architecture of the hemangioma: the hypoplastic left umbilical artery (LUA) ran close to the tumor and branched off to supply it; the umbilical vein (UV) was encompassed by the tumor and received venous return from it; the right umbilical artery (RUA) was normal and separated from the hemangioma. [Extracted from the article]

Panicum maximum (guinea grass), a native grass of Africa, has invaded and displaced the native Miscanthus sinensis grassland at Dadu terrace in central Taiwan. The Dadu terrace has distinct wet and dry seasons and is prone to fire during the dry seasons. We compared photosynthesis and growth, as well as the growth response to two water treatments, between P. maximum and M. sinensis plants to understand ecophysiological factors contributing to the successful invasion of the grass. In comparison with M. sinensis, P. maximum had a significantly higher photosynthetic rate, larger specific leaf area and a higher leaf area/total biomass ratio, and thus grew faster and higher, and accumulated more biomass under well-watered conditions. The growth of P. maximum was more susceptible than M. sinensis to drought stress. Faster growth of seedlings and more biomass accumulation of mature plants would give P. maximum a highly competitive advantage over M. sinensis for resource acquisition in the Dadu terrace during the wet season, which might contribute to the successful invasion of P. maximum into the grassland of M. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex ( MHC) class I molecules of pigs has not been well characterized. Therefore, the influence of MHC genetic diversity on the immune-related traits of pigs, including disease resistance and other MHC-dependent traits, is not well understood. Here, we attempted to develop an efficient method for systemic analysis of the polymorphisms in the epitope-binding region of swine leukocyte antigens ( SLA) class I genes. We performed a comparative analysis of the last 92 bp of the 5′ untranslated region ( UTR) to the beginning of exon 4 of six SLA classical class I-related genes, SLA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and - 9, from 36 different sequences. Based on this information, we developed a genomic polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) and direct sequencing-based comprehensive typing method for SLA-2. We successfully typed SLA-2 from 400 pigs and 8 cell lines, consisting of 9 different pig breeds, and identified 49 SLA-2 alleles, including 31 previously reported alleles and 18 new alleles. We observed differences in the composition of SLA-2 alleles among different breeds. Our method can be used to study other SLA class I loci and to deepen our knowledge of MHC class I genes in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Few studies have investigated the relationship between sleep disorders ( SD) and erectile dysfunction ( ED). Therefore, this study explored whether patients with SD in an Asian population are at an increased risk of developing ED. Methods This longitudinal nationwide population-based cohort study investigated the incidence and risk of developing ED in 34,548 men newly diagnosed with SD between 2002 and 2008 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 138,192 controls without SD were randomly recruited from the general population and frequency matched according to age and sex. The follow-up period began from the date of entering the study cohort until the date of an ED event, censoring, or 31 December 2010. We conducted Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to estimate the effects of SD on the risk of ED. Results The SD cohort had a 2.11-fold adjusted hazard ratio ( HR) of subsequent ED development compared with the non- SD cohort [95% confidence interval ( CI) = 1.89-2.37]. The incidence of ED increased with age for both cohorts and was higher for the patients in the SD cohort. Compared with the participants without SD or comorbidities, the patients without SD with any comorbidity exhibited a 1.79-fold risk of developing ED (95% CI = 1.54-2.09); the highest risk was for those with both SD and any comorbidity ( HR = 3.34, 95% CI = 2.82-3.95). Furthermore, SD patients who had a particular number of comorbidities showed the dose-response effect of developing ED. Conclusion This nationwide cohort study determined that ED risk evidently increased in SD patients compared with the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate a novel fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay for detecting the high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) DNA and signal pattern in cervical cytology specimens and for identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions. One hundred and ninety-six liquid-based cytology specimens with CIN were recruited. The signal pattern (punctate, mixed punctate and diffuse, and diffuse) detected by FISH was compared with E6 mRNA and correlated with histological classification. FISH and E6-type specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) had fair to good agreement for detecting HPV DNA across all grades of CIN (kappa coefficient, 0.37-0.73). Among 44 samples of negative FISH and positive E6 type-specific PCR in HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 52 and 58, 82% (36/44) of E6 mRNA were not detected, in contrast to 41% (48/118) of positive FISH and positive E6 type-specific PCR (p <0.0001). Among HR-HPV DNA positive cases tested by the FISH assay, the specificity of predicting CIN3 using the punctuate pattern is higher than that using E6 mRNA (96.3% vs. 44.8%). The punctate pattern was 0% in patients with

Two swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) class I (SLA-1 and SLA-2) and three class II (DRB1, DQB1 and DQA) genes were investigated for their diversity in Asian wild boars using a sequence-based typing method. A total of 15 alleles were detected at these loci, with eleven being novel. The findings provide one of the first glimpses of the SLA allelic diversity and architecture in the wild boar populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of rosuvastatin (ROS) and N-desmethyl rosuvastatin (NOR-ROS) in human plasma using deuterium-labeled internal standards. The plasma samples were prepared using liquid-liquid extraction with diethyl ether. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on an Xterra MS C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of a gradient mixture of 15 µmol/L ammonium acetate in water and in methanol, maintained at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Mass spectrometric detection was carried out in negative electrospray ionization mode and monitored by quantification and qualification transitions for each analyte. Using 300 μL plasma samples, the lower limits of quantification of ROS and NOR-ROS were 0.05 and 0.02 µg/L respectively. The linearity of ROS and NOR-ROS ranged from 0.05 to 42 and 0.02 to 14 µg/L respectively. The relative standard deviations of ROS and NOR-ROS were <13 and 9%, respectively, while the deviations from expected values were within −4.7-9.8 and −5.2-4.6%, respectively. The present method offered high sensitivity and was successfully applied to a 24 h pharmacokinetic study of ROS and NOR-ROS in healthy subjects receiving a single dose of 10 mg ROS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is already known about this subject Associations between concentrations of uric acid and cardiovascular risk factors are known., The associations between gamma-glutamyltransferase ( GGT) levels and cardiovascular disease are also known., But no study has ever investigated the combined effects of both GGT and uric acid in cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents., What this study adds Our study is the first to date reporting a significant combined effect of uric acid and GGT in association with cardiovascular risk factors in the youth populations., The results of our study add to our knowledge regarding the relationship between uric acid, GGT and cardiovascular risk factors., Based on our results, measurements of these biochemical markers should be considered in the cardiovascular risk stratification in children and adolescents., The results of our study also raise the alertness of clinicians in identifying at-risk young individuals for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases., Background The combined effect of uric acid, gamma-glutamyltransferase ( GGT) and cardiovascular risk factors clustering in the youth remains under-explored. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the association between uric acid, GGT, obesity and the individual components of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Methods We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 2067 children and adolescents (875 boys and 1192 girls) aged 6-20 years who were healthy volunteers and were recruited from primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2008. Subjects were divided into two strata (75th percentile as cut-off) for comparison between odds of cardiovascular risk factors. Results After adjustment by multivariable logistic regression, subjects in upper stratum, i.e. >75th percentile, of either serum uric acid or GGT levels were associated with obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL- C) level and high blood pressure (adjusted odds ratios [ AOR] ranged from 1.63 to 5.82, all P < 0.005) compared with those in the lower stratum. There were combined effect for upper stratum of both uric acid and GGT in the association with obesity, low HDL- C and high blood pressure ( AOR ranged from 2.60 to 10.69, all P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index z-score (except for obesity status) as well as body height (for high blood pressure). Conclusion Uric acid and GGT have combined effect in association with obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Poor adherence to gastroprotective agents ( GPAs) is common among users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) or low-dose aspirin ( ASA). There are little data on the utilization of GPAs among NSAID and ASA users complicated by ulcer bleeding. Aim To study the utilization of GPA among NSAID and ASA ulcers before the onset of ulcer bleeding. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the exposure to NSAIDs, ASA, and GPAs within 4 weeks before endoscopically confirmed ulcer bleeding. Sensitivity analysis was performed to study how improving adherence to GPA use would reduce the risk of ulcer bleeding in high-risk users. Results Between 2000 and 2009, 1093 and 2277 patients had NSAID- and ASA-associated ulcer bleeding respectively. The incidence of NSAID-associated ulcer bleeding declined by 40%, whereas that of ASA-associated ulcer bleeding increased by 46%. Thirty-nine per cent of NSAID users and 75% of ASA users belonged to high ulcer risk category. Although GPA prescription rate has increased over time, only 41.6% and 30.6% of high-risk NSAID and ASA users received GPAs before ulcer bleeding respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that if GPAs could reduce bleeding risk by 50%, improving adherence would prevent up to 35% of ulcer bleeding in high-risk users. Conclusions A substantial proportion of high-risk NSAID and ASA users had not received prophylaxis with gastroprotective agents before ulcer bleeding. These bleeding episodes may be preventable with better adherence to gastroprotective agent use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass transfer in mass exchangers, such as membrane extractors and dialysers, can be analogous to heat transfer in heat exchangers with correction-factor analysis. In present study, the expressions of mass-transfer rate and correction-factor charts for mass transfer in parallel-flow double-pass rectangular membrane modules were modified by the modified correction-factor analysis, instead of the conventional correction-factor analysis. They are explicit, instead of implicit in the conventional correction-factor analysis. The results can be readily calculated without using trial-and-error method. Experimental results confirm the predicted values for membrane extraction of acetic acid from aqueous solution by methyl isobutyl ketone, as well as for dialysing from aqueous solution, in the double-pass devices. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling equations for the temperature distribution and temperature polarization profiles in a laminar concurrent-flow parallel-plate direct-contact membrane distillation (DCMD) module were developed theoretically. The analytical solutions for such conjugated Graetz problems in DCMD systems were obtained using the variable separation method with an orthogonal expansion technique extended in power series. A description of the average Nusselt number variations and temperature distributions of both the hot and cold feed streams is given. The feed velocity effect on the temperature profiles and average Nusselt number was examined and is reported by employing the computed eigenvalues and the relevant constants. The analytical results show that the initial saline temperature effect on the hot feed stream regarding the pure water productivity is more significant than that of the hot and cold feed stream velocity variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine modifiable risk factors for anastomotic leak in patients undergoing low anterior resection. Method In total 233 patients undergoing low anterior resection for benign and malignant disease over a 10-year period at a single surgical unit were identified from a prospective database. The relationships between anastomotic leak and 17 variables were examined, including patient demographics, operative technique, tumour pathology, preoperative physiological function and smoking status. Results The majority (91%) of operations were carried out for rectal cancers, and 24 procedures (10%) were performed with laparoscopic assistance. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 14% (33/233). Patients with anastomotic leak had higher 30-day mortality (6% vs 1%, P < 0.05) and stayed significantly longer in hospital (median 23 vs 10 days, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, current smokers (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.38-9.82, P = 0.009) and patients with evidence of metastatic malignant disease (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.29-9.13, P =0.013) were at increased risk of anastomotic leak. Conclusion Smoking and the presence of metastatic disease are major risk factors for the development of anastomotic leak following low anterior resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shrub Iva frutescens, which occupies the terrestrial border of U.S. Atlantic Coast salt marshes, supports a food web that varies strongly across latitude. We tested whether latitudinal variation in plant quality (higher at high latitudes), consumption by omnivores (a crab, present only at low latitudes), consumption by mesopredators (ladybugs, present at all latitudes), or the life history stage of an herbivorous beetle could explain continental-scale field patterns of herbivore density. In a mesocosm experiment, crabs exerted strong top-down control on herbivorous beetles, ladybugs exerted strong top-down control on aphids, and both predators benefited plants through trophic cascades. Latitude of plant origin had no effect on consumers. Herbivorous beetle density was greater if mesocosms were stocked with beetle adults rather than larvae, and aphid densities were reduced in the "adult beetle" treatment. Treatment combinations representing high and low latitudes produced patterns of herbivore density similar to those in the field. We conclude that latitudinal variation in plant quality is less important than latitudinal variation in top consumers and competition in mediating food web structure. Climate may also play a strong role in structuring high-latitude salt marshes by limiting the number of herbivore generations per growing season and causing high overwintering mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple measurements of depression symptoms over time were more predictive of cardiovascular mortality than a single time measurement performed at baseline. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of the course of depression symptoms, based on repeated assessments of depression symptoms over time, with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients on haemodialysis (HD). The level of depression symptoms in 61 patients on HD were prospectively assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and at three intervals (5, 10, 15 months). Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed at the end of follow up. At the end of follow up, the patients were divided into three groups according to their course of depression symptoms: non-depression ( n = 21), intermittent depression ( n = 23) and persistent depression ( n = 17). LVMI and LVFP were significantly increased in the persistent depression symptoms group compared to those of the non-depression symptoms group and the intermittent depression symptoms group. Persistent depression symptoms were independently associated with LVMI (β-coefficient = 0.347, P = 0.017) and LVFP (β-coefficient = 0.274, P = 0.048) after adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, diabetes and interdialytic weight gain. In our study, persistent depression symptoms were associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Our data may provide a more complete understanding of cardiovascular risk associated with depression symptoms in patients on HD. Depression has previously been linked to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in dialysis patients. This study demonstrates that only persistent depression correlates with LVH and diastolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated proportions of Candida albicans in biofilms formed on dentures are associated with stomatitis whereas Streptococcus mutans accumulation on restorative materials can cause secondary caries. Candida albicans, S. mutans, saliva-derived and C. albicans/saliva-derived mixed biofilms were grown on different materials including acrylic denture, porcelain, hydroxyapatite (HA), and polystyrene. The resulting biomass was analysed by three-dimensional image quantification and assessment of colony-forming units. The efficacy of biofilm treatment with a dissolved denture cleansing tablet (Polident) was also evaluated by colony counting. Biofilms formed on HA exhibited the most striking differences in biomass accumulation: biofilms comprising salivary bacteria accrued the highest total biomass whereas C. albicans biofilm formation was greatly reduced on the HA surface compared with other materials, including the acrylic denture surface. These results substantiate clinical findings that acrylic dentures can comprise a reservoir for C. albicans, which renders patients more susceptible to C. albicans infections and stomatitis. Additionally, treatment efficacy of the same type of biofilms varied significantly depending on the surface. Although single-species biofilms formed on polystyrene surfaces exhibited the highest susceptibility to the treatment, the most surviving cells were recovered from HA surfaces for all types of biofilms tested. This study demonstrates that the nature of a surface influences biofilm characteristics including biomass accumulation and susceptibility to antimicrobial treatments. Such treatments should therefore be evaluated on the surfaces colonized by the target pathogen(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not uncommon, but frequently underdiagnosed in type 2 diabetic men. In this study, we aimed to explore the frequency and severity of ED in Chinese type 2 diabetic men using a structured questionnaire. We furthermore sought to investigate the associations of ED with diabetes-related complications and metabolic indices. A consecutive cohort of 313 Chinese type 2 diabetic men aged between 25 and 76 years attending a diabetic centre were recruited between October 2006 and June 2007. Of the study population, the frequency of ED was 39.3% according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference criteria, compared with 84.3% (41.7% of them having moderate to severe ED) as diagnosed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. After adjusting for potential confounding factors by multivariable logistic regression, ED defined by NIH criterion was associated with advanced age [OR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.09), p = 0.012], the presence of diabetic retinopathy [OR = 2.43 (95% CI 1.27-4.66), p = 0.008] and coronary heart disease [OR = 2.63 (95% CI 1.21-5.70), p = 0.015]. ED defined by IIEF-5 was associated with advanced age [OR = 1.12 (95% CI 1.06-1.17), p < 0.0001], use of insulin therapy [OR = 2.94 (95% CI 1.12-7.73), p = 0.029] and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio [OR = 2.29 (95% CI 1.05-5.01), p = 0.037]. In conclusion, ED was highly prevalent in Chinese type 2 diabetic men and was associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and complications. Advanced age, use of insulin therapy, the existence of microvascular complications such as retinopathy, albuminuria and coronary heart disease were associated with ED. NIH criteria diagnosed a much lower rate of ED compared with IIEF-5. Overall, structured questionnaires are useful and objective tools to detect ED, which should prompt a comprehensive risk assessment in these subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly polymorphic swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) genes are among the most important determinants of swine immune responses to disease and vaccines. Accurate and effective SLA genotyping methods are required to understand how SLA gene polymorphisms affect immunity, especially in outbred pigs with diverse genetic backgrounds. In this study, we present a simple and rapid molecular-based typing system for characterizing SLA class II alleles of the DRB1, DQB1 and DQA loci. This system utilizes a set of 47 sequence-specific PCR primers developed to differentiate alleles by groups that share similar sequence motifs. We applied this typing method to investigate the SLA class II diversity in four populations of outbred pigs ( n = 206) and characterized a total of 19 SLA class II haplotypes, six of which were shared by at least three of the sampled pig populations. We found that Lr-0.1 ( DRB1*01XX– DQB1*01XX– DQA*01XX) was the most prevalent haplotype with a combined frequency of 16.0%, followed by Lr-0.2 ( DRB1*02XX– DQB1*02XX– DQA*02XX) with 14.6% and Lr-0.15b ( DRB1*04XX– DQB1*0202– DQA*02XX) with 14.1%. Over 70% of the pigs ( n = 147) had at least one copy of one of these three haplotypes. The PCR-based typing system described in this study demonstrates a reliable and unambiguous detection method for SLA class II alleles. It will be a valuable tool for studying the influence of SLA diversity on various immunological, pathological and physiological traits in outbred pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a health-risk behavior of global proportions. Self-efficacy plays an important role in both smoking acquisition and smoking resistance. Reliability and validity of an instrument is fundamental to research results, particularly in its simplified form on a different population. The purpose of this study was to conduct psychometric testing on the parsimonious Chinese version of the Smoking Self-efficacy Survey (CSSES-20). METHODS: The randomized cluster sample was drawn from 61 middle schools in Taipei City, Taiwan. Following a pilot test of the CSSES-20, the CSSES was administered to 571 adolescents. Construct validity was tested by the exploratory factor procedures and the contrasted group approach. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the criterion validity and test-retest reliability for the stability of the scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used to determine the internal consistency of the scale. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis yields three components, 'opportunity to smoke,''emotional stress,' and 'influence of friends,' accounting for 80.4% of the total variances. The criterion validity was also supported by the study results. The contrasted group approaches affirmed the construct validity of the CSSES-20. Stability of scales was supported by test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alphas for 3 subscales ranged from .90 to .93. CONCLUSIONS: A concise instrument can alleviate response burden for adolescent study participants and increase their recruitment and retention rates. The CSSES-20 demonstrated satisfactory construct validity, criterion validity, stability, and internal consistency reliability. These findings can be used to provide school teachers and nurses with information about the relationship between self-efficacy to resist smoking and adolescent smoking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous findings in our laboratory and elsewhere have shown that ovariectomy of rats in adulthood attenuates cocaine-stimulated locomotor behaviour. Ovarian hormones enhance both cocaine-stimulated behaviour and increase dopamine overflow after psychomotor stimulants. The present study aimed to determine whether ovarian hormones have these effects in part by maintaining dopamine neurone number in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) and to investigate the roles of specific oestrogen receptors (ERs) in the maintenance of mesencephalic dopamine neurones. To accomplish this goal, we used unbiased stereological techniques to estimate the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) cell bodies in midbrain regions of intact, ovariectomised and hormone-replaced female rats and mice. Animals received active or sham gonadectomy on postnatal day 60 and received vehicle, 17β-oestradiol (E2) or selective ER agonists propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT, ERα) or diarylpropionitrile (DPN, ERβ) for 1 month post-surgery. In both rats and mice, ovariectomy reduced the number of TH-IR cells in the SNpc and VTA. Replacement with E2, PPT or DPN prevented or attenuated the loss observed with ovariectomy in both rats and mice. An additional study using ER knockout mice revealed that adult female mice lacking ERα had fewer TH-IR cells in midbrain regions than wild-type mice, whereas mice lacking ERβ had TH-IR cell counts comparable to wild-type. These findings suggest that, although both ER subtypes play a role in the maintenance of TH-IR cell number in the SNpc and VTA, ERα may play a more significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical studies show that men are more likely to develop disorders affecting midbrain dopaminergic pathways, such as drug addiction and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although a great deal of focus has been given to the role of oestrogen in the maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic pathways, little is known about how testosterone influences these pathways. In the present study, we used stereological analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) cell bodies to determine how testosterone influences the dopaminergic cell bodies of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Rats and mice were castrated at postnatal day (PN) 60, and these midbrain cell populations were counted on PN 90. One month after castration, TH-IR cell number had increased in the SNpc and VTA of rats and mice. Replacement with testosterone or the non-aromatisable analogue dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in castrated animals reduced TH-IR cell number in the SNpc and VTA in rats. In mice, the decrease of TH-IR cell number with testosterone or DHT replacement was observed only in the SNpc. The apparent increase in TH-IR neurone number after castration is not explained by an increase in TH expression because the number of nondopaminergic cells (TH-immunonegative, TH-IN) did not decrease proportionally after castration. TH-IN cell number did not change after castration or hormone replacement in rat or mouse SNpc or VTA. These findings suggest that testosterone may play a suppressive role in midbrain dopaminergic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion cells being designed for transportation applications must sustain high current pulses under rapid discharge and rapid charge conditions without significant degradation of cell performance. In this article we examine the pulse discharge and charge performance of cells, containing a LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2-based cathode, a graphite-based anode, and a LiPF6-bearing EC:EMC electrolyte, at current rates ranging from 3 to 25 C. Impedance data indicate that 18650-type cells containing this chemistry can withstand 18 s discharge pulses at rates up to 17 C in the 3.7–4.0 V voltage window. Data from cells containing a LiSn micro-reference electrode show that the positive electrode impedance increases, whereas the negative electrode impedance decreases, with increasing magnitude of the discharge current pulse. The discharge pulse-current that can be sustained by the cell is limited by lithium diffusion into oxide particles of the positive electrode. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of transfusion-associated septic events in Taiwan. In Taiwan, most blood components are provided from blood centres; so platelet (PLT) bacterial contaminations are rarely reported. The study's aim is to investigate the prevalence of PLT bacterial contamination in Kaoshiung Armed Forces General Hospital by using BacT/ALERT system for routine screening. A total of 82 apheresis and 2256 whole blood-derived PLT units were tested. A measured quantity of 1 mL aliquots were taken as samplings from all blood bag tubing of PLT units, and then further incubated in a bacterial detection system (BacT/ALERT). The subcultures of true-positive bottles underwent bacterial identification by using Vitek system, microscopic observation and culture-based methods. Eight units (0·34%, 8 of 2338) were found to have bacterial contamination. The true-positive rate of the whole blood-derived and apheresis PLTs was 0·31% (7 of 2256) and 1·22% (1 of 82), respectively. Six microorganisms were identified with the most dominate being Staphylococcus epidermidis. One case of transfusion-associated sepsis was confirmed; in addition, the holding period of PLTs ( F = 4·522, P = 0·034) and positive detection of PLT bacterial contamination ( F = 46·605 ,P < 0·001) were associated with post-transfusion sepsis. Thus, in this study, although the transfusion-associated septic event was rarely found and PLT units were provided from blood centres, bacterial screening was necessary to safely quarantine the transfusion. The holding period of PLT units should be no more than 4 days in order to avoid possible bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation has been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis after spinal cord injury (SCI). Microglia are activated after injury and produce a variety of proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, and reactive oxygen species leading to apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of total ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (EESB) , after SCI. Using primary microglial cultures, EESB treatment significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of such inflammatory mediators as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production were significantly attenuated by EESB treatment. For in vivo study, rats that had received a moderate spinal cord contusion injury at T9 received EESB orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. EESB inhibited expression of proinflammatory factors and protein carbonylation and nitration after SCI. EESB also inhibited microglial activation at 4 h after injury. Furthermore, EESB significantly inhibited apoptotic cell death of neurons and oligodendrocytes and improved functional recovery after SCI. Lesion cavity and myelin loss were also reduced following EESB treatment. Thus, our data suggest that EESB significantly improve functional recovery by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress after injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 53 alleles at five highly polymorphic swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) loci (SLA-1, SLA-3, SLA-2, SLA-DRB1, and SLA-DQB1) were identified in eight commercially available porcine cell lines (ESK-4, LLC-PK1, MPK, PK13, PK15, PT-K75, SK-RST, and ST). This information is essential for the use of these cell lines to understand the role of SLA genes and proteins in swine models of transplantation, xenotransplantation, and in swine immune responses to infectious diseases and vaccines. The ready availability of these cell lines also makes them a good source of reference DNA for SLA allele typing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly polymorphic swine leucocyte antigen ( SLA) genes are one of the most important determinants in swine immune responses to infectious diseases, vaccines, and in transplantation success. Study of SLA influence requires accurate and effective typing methods. We developed a simple and rapid method to type alleles at the three classical SLA class I loci ( SLA-1, SLA-3 and SLA-2) using the PCR-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) strategy. This typing system relies on 47 discriminatory PCR primer pairs designed to amplify the SLA class I alleles by groups that have similar sequence motifs. We applied this low-resolution group-specific typing method to characterize the SLA class I alleles present in three outbred pig populations ( n = 202). Alleles from 24 class I allele groups corresponding to 56 class I genotypes were detected. We also identified 23 low-resolution SLA class I haplotypes in these pigs and found haplotypes Lr-1.0 ( SLA-1*01XX- SLA-3*01XX- SLA-2*01XX) and Lr-4.0 ( SLA-1*04XX- SLA-3*04XX- SLA-2*04XX) in all three pig populations with a high prevalence. Over 80% of the pigs examined ( n = 162) were found to bear at least one of these haplotypes, resulting in a combined haplotype frequency of nearly 50%. This PCR-SSP-based typing system demonstrates a reliable and unambiguous detection of SLA class I alleles, and can be used to effectively investigate the SLA diversity in outbred pig populations. It will help to identify the role of SLA antigens in disease-resistant pigs and may facilitate the development of effective vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of cell motion is an essential process in fundamental medical studies because most active cellular functions involve motion. In this paper, a computer-assisted motion analysis system is proposed for cell tracking. In the proposed tracking process, unlike in conventional tracking methods, cellular states referring to the cellular life cycle are defined and appropriate strategies are adopted for cells at different states. The use of cellular state recognition allows detection of possible cell division and hence can improve the robustness of cell tracking. Experimental results show that cells can be successfully segmented and tracked over a long period of time, and the proposed system is found to be as accurate as manual tracking. Various quantitative analyses and visualizations are used to represent cell motion, which demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed system in the study of cell dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report summarizes the new swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) allele sequences and haplotypes designated by the SLA Nomenclature Committee of the International Society for Animal Genetics. There have been 74 new SLA alleles, comprising 18 SLA-1 alleles, 11 SLA-2 alleles, six SLA-3 alleles, two SLA-6 alleles, one SLA-DRA allele, 20 SLA-DRB1 alleles, three SLA-DQA alleles and 13 SLA-DQB1 alleles. Twelve new SLA class I and four new class II haplotypes have also been designated. This is the first official update since the 2005 reports on the nomenclature for factors of the SLA class I and II systems. This report also summarizes recent updates to the Immunopolymorphism Database–Major Histocompatibility Complex (IPD-MHC) website ( ). All information has now been integrated to the SLA section of the IPD-MHC database, which serves as the repository for maintaining a list of all recognized SLA genes and their allelic sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of intraoperative fine needle aspiration cytology samples prepared by the ThinPrep method to conventional cytological methods. Specimen adequacy and turn around time (TAT) were also assessed. Methods: Fifty consecutive fresh tumours submitted for histological analysis were aspirated and each prepared as follows: (i) direct smear with H&E stain, (ii) direct smear with Pap stain, (iii) ThinPrep slide with H&E stain, and (iv) ThinPrep slide with Pap stain. The slides were randomly distributed to three cytopathologists for interpretation. The quality of the preparation, the diagnosis and the time needed for interpretation were recorded. Results: Accuracy was measured as the percentage of absolute agreement between the cytological and the histopathological diagnoses of the lesions. Histologically, there were 43 malignant and six benign lesions and one atypical lipoma. The TAT began when the slides/cytolyte specimens arrived at the lab and ended with the pathologist’s diagnosis. Conclusions: In terms of accuracy and specimen adequacy, ThinPrep slides with Pap stain is the best procedure. This advantage however is offset by the longer testing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "HSD3B1 as a novel trophoblast-associated market that assists in the differential diagnosis of trophoblastic tumors and tumorlike lessions" in the 2008 issue is presented.