On the synthesis of vitamin d in the darkness / Sobre la síntesis de vitamina D en la oscuridad

Published evidence reports the existence of two routes for the transformation of 7-dehydrocholecalciferol into previtamin D3: a photochemical route with the participation of UVB photons and another route that occurs in the darkness. Several reports appears to support the presence of these two routes in some mammals, birds, nonvascular plants (e.g.: mosses), vascular plants (e.g.: angiosperms) and lichens. The reviewed evidence suggests that in the darkness, the synthesis of vitamin D3 follows the same scheme of the photochemical pathway, but at a reduced rate respect to the synthesis under UVB radiation. The process of vitamin D synthesis in the dark, then, may be taken as an insurance for survival, at least for mammals and birds. The low rate of the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the absence of light produce low concentrations of vitamin D3 metabolites in plasma. Long term survival under these circumstances might be possible through upregulation of vitamin D receptors (VDRs). In mole rats (South African rodents that live in the dark in underground tunnels), the reduced rate of vitamin D3 synthesis produce low levels of plasma vitamin D3 and their metabolites 25(OH) D3 and 1α,25OH2 D3 . The fact that Kd and ßmax of the complex 1α,25(OH)2 D3 -VDR from the intestinal mucosa, kidneys and the Harderian glands of the mole rat Heterocephalus glaber are significantly different in each one of these tissues, is interpreted as an indicator that the VDRs are, in each tissue, adapted to the maintenance of normal physiological functions. (AU)

Varios trabajos publicados han informado que existen dos mecanismos para la transformación de 7-dehidrocolecalciferol en previtamina D3 : uno iniciado con el auxilio de fotones UVB y un segundo que ocurre en la oscuridad, sin el auxilio de radiación ultravioleta. Una serie de publicaciones contienen información que apoya la presencia de estos dos mecanismos en mamíferos, pájaros, plantas no vasculares (musgos), vasculares (angiospermas) y líquenes. La evidencia revisada sugiere que, en la oscuridad, la síntesis de vitamina D3 sigue el mismo esquema que la ruta fotoquímica y generalmente ocurre a una tasa reducida respecto de la síntesis bajo irradiación ultravioleta. La operación de la síntesis de vitamina D3 en la oscuridad, por lo menos para mamíferos y pájaros, puede tomarse como un reaseguro de sobrevida. La reducida tasa de síntesis de vitamina D en ausencia de luz produce bajas concentraciones en plasma de los metabolitos de la vitamina. La sobrevida saludable en estas condiciones sería posible mediante upregulation de los receptores. En las ratas topo Heterocephalus glaber (roedores sudafricanos que viven en permanente oscuridad, en túneles subterráneos), la reducida tasa de síntesis de vitamina D3 es la causa de los bajos niveles plasmáticos de la vitamina y sus metabolitos: 25(OH)D3 y 1α,25OH2 D3 . El hecho de que el Kd y ßmax del complejo 1α,25(OH)2 D3 -Vitamina-D-Receptor del intestino, riñón y glándulas de Harder de Heterocephalus glaber sean significativamente diferentes entre sí indicaría que los receptores se han modificado para mantener funciones fisiológicas normales en cada tejido. (AU)

Customized Vestibular Rehabilitation in the Patients with Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Pilot Study in One Referred Center / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Bilateral vestibulopathy is characterized with unsteadiness and oscillopsia when walking or standing, worsening in darkness and/or on uneven ground. To establish the effect of customized vestibular rehabilitation in bilateral vestibulopathy, we analyzed the questionnaires and functional status before and after treatment. METHODS: Among 53 patients with customized vestibular rehabilitation from January 1st to November 30th in 2018, 6 patients (3 males; median age, 71 years; range, 54–75 years) who regularly exercised with good compliance were retrospectively enrolled. They were educated and trained the customized vestibular rehabilitation once a month or two by a supervisor during 40 minutes, and then exercised at home for 30 minutes over 5 days in a week. Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), Korean vestibular disorders activities of daily living scale (vADL), Beck's depression index (BDI), test for dynamic visual acuity (DVA), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were performed before and after the customized vestibular rehabilitation. RESULTS: The patients exercised for median 5.5 months (range, 2–10 months) with the customized methods of vestibular rehabilitation, which included gaze and posture stabilization and gait control exercises. DHI score and TUG was improved after rehabilitation (DHI before vs. after rehabilitation=33 vs. 16, p=0.027, TUG before vs. after rehabilitation=12 vs. 10, p=0.026). BDI, DVA, and vADL scores did not differ between before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Customized vestibular rehabilitation can improve dizziness and balance state in bilateral vestibulopathy. The steady exercises adapted individual peculiarities is the most important for vestibular rehabilitation.

Treatments of Infra-Orbital Dark Circles by Various Etiologies

Dark circles refer to visible darkness of the infra-orbital areas. Dark circles are a cosmetic concern for many individuals, although not a medical concern. Moreover, clear definitions and possible causes of dark circles have not been elucidated. This study reviews the possible causes and treatment options for dark circles based on a review of the medical literature and the authors' clinical experience. Potential factors that contribute to dark circles include excessive pigmentation, shadowing due to tear troughs and infra-orbital fat herniation, shadowing due to infraorbital laxity and wrinkles, and thin, translucent skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle. Given the different possible causes for dark circles, therapeutic modalities must be individualized for each patient. Because various factors cause dark circles, it is useful to identify the underlying causes in order to select the appropriate treatment.

La iluminación como agente físico negativo en un servicio estomatológico / Illumination as negative physical agent in a stomatological service

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 59 trabajadores que se encontraban laborando físicamente en el Servicio de Estomatología del Policlínico Docente Julián Grimau de Santiago de Cuba, desde julio de 2015 hasta igual mes de 2016, con el fin de identificar la iluminación como agente físico negativo en el ambiente laboral. En la serie predominaron el sexo femenino (93,2 por ciento), el grupo etario de 50-54 años (23,7 por ciento), los estomatólogos generales integrales (44,0 por ciento), así como el departamento de Ortodoncia y Periodoncia como el de menor iluminación. Por otra parte, 81,4 por ciento de los trabajadores estaban expuestos a esta problemática y 93,8 por ciento presentaban afecciones oculares. Se evidenció que la iluminación deficiente encontrada en todos los departamentos del mencionado centro resulta perjudicial para la salud de los profesionales de la estomatología

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 59 workers that were physically working in the Stomatological Service of Julián Grimau Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from July, 2015 to the same month in 2016, with the purpose of identifying the illumination as negative physical agent in the working environment. In the series there was a prevalence of the female sex (93.2 percent), the 50-54 years age group (23.7 percent), the comprehensive general dentists (44.0 percent), as well as the Orthodontics and Periodontics department as that of less illumination. On the other hand, 81.4 percent of the workers were exposed to this problem and 93.8 percent presented ocular disorders. It was evidenced that poor illumination found in all the departments of the mentioned center is harmful for the stomatology professionals health

Clinical Significance of Perverted Head-Shaking Nystagmus / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated clinical significance of head shaking nystagmus (HSN) and perverted HSN (pHSN) in patients with peripheral and central vestibular disorders. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 822 consecutive subjects who were referred to a dizziness clinic. We performed neurologic examination including video-oculography in darkness for 60 seconds before, during and for 100 seconds after head-shaking. HSN was considered to develop when post-head-shaking nystagmus last at least 5 beats with latency from end of head-shaking of no more than 5 seconds, and a velocity at least 3°/sec. RESULTS: In control group (n=45), there were observed spontaneous nystagmus (SN) in 2.2%, HSN in 17.8%, pHSN in 6.7%. In patients with peripheral vestibular disorder group (n=397), there were observed SN in 14.1%, HSN in 40.6%, pHSN in 9.8%. In patients with central vestibular disorder group (n=217), there were observed SN in 17.5%, HSN in 24.0%, pHSN in 13.4%. In unspecified dizziness group (n=208), there were observed SN in 1.9%, HSN in 13.0%, pHSN in 1.9%. pHSN was frequently observed in central vestibular disorders such as stroke, vestibular migraine, cerebellar ataxia, and vertebro-basilar insufficiency. However, pHSN was also observed at higher rate than expected in peripheral vestibular disorders including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo especially involving vertical canals, Meniere disease and even in unilateral vestibulopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that perverted HSN in dizzy populations was frequently observed not only in cases of central vestibular disorders but also in peripheral disorders. Perverted HSN can develop by any conditions that cause difference in vestibular velocity storage in vertical component of vestibular-ocular reflex.

Mothers' Experiences of Caring for Visually Impaired Children

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand and explore the essences of Korean mothers' experiences of caring for visually impaired children. METHODS: Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews using open-ended questions. Five mothers of children with visual impairments participated in the interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Analysis with Colaizzi's method showed two categories which included 14 themes in 4 theme clusters. The first category was ‘surviving in the dark reality’ included 2 theme clusters, of ‘outcrying in the darkness’ and ‘enduring the darkness while caring for my child alone’. The second category was ‘living as the light of maternal affection’ including 2 theme clusters of ‘preparing the light to shine in the darkness’ and ‘going through the darkness with the lights of love’. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study provide deep understanding of mothers' experiences of caring for visually impaired children. Based on the results of the study, health professionals can develop effective family nursing interventions to improve the quality of life for these families including the visually impaired children and their mothers.

Quantitative analysis of iris parameters in keratoconus patients using optical coherence tomography / Uso de tomografia de coerência óptica na análise quantitativa dos parâmetros irianos em pacientes com ceratocone

ABSTRACTPurpose:To investigate the relationship between quantitative iris parameters and the presence of keratoconus.Methods:Cross-sectional observational study that included 15 affected eyes of 15 patients with keratoconus and 26 eyes of 26 normal age- and sex-matched controls. Iris parameters (area, thickness, and pupil diameter) of affected and unaffected eyes were measured under standardized light and dark conditions using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). To identify optimal iris thickness cutoff points to maximize the sensitivity and specificity when discriminating keratoconus eyes from normal eyes, the analysis included the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:Iris thickness and area were lower in keratoconus eyes than in normal eyes. The mean thickness at the pupillary margin under both light and dark conditions was found to be the best parameter for discriminating normal patients from keratoconus patients. Diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AROC), which had a value of 0.8256 with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity, using a cutoff of 0.4125 mm. The sensitivity increased to 86.7% when a cutoff of 0.4700 mm was used.Conclusions:In our sample, iris thickness was lower in keratoconus eyes than in normal eyes. These results suggest that tomographic parameters may provide novel adjunct approaches for keratoconus screening.

RESUMOObjetivo:Investigar a relação entre os parâmetros quantitativos irianos e a presença de ceratocone.Métodos:Estudo observacional transversal com quinze olhos de 15 pacientes com ceratocone e 26 olhos de 26 indivíduos normais, pareados por idade e gênero. Parâmetros da íris (área, espessura e diâmetro da pupila) de olhos com ceratocone e olhos sem ceratocone foram medidos usando tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior (AS-OCT), em condições padronizadas de alta luminosidade e ambiente escuro. Com o objetivo de maximizar a sensibilidade, especificidade e identificar o melhor ponto de corte na diferenciação entre ceratocone e indivíduos normais, foi realizada a análise quantitativa da curva característica operacional do receptor (ROC) dos parâmetros de espessura da íris.Resultados:A área e espessura da íris estavam reduzidas nos olhos de pacientes com ceratocone. Observamos que o melhor parâmetro para discriminar indivíduos normais de pacientes com ceratocone foi a espessura média na margem pupilar, tanto em condições de alta luminosidade quanto em ambiente escuro. O desempenho diagnóstico deste parâmetro foi avaliado pela análise quantitativa da área sob a curva ROC (AROC), mostrando AROC de 0,8256, com sensibilidade de 80,0% e especificidade de 84,6% usando um ponto de corte de 0,4125 milímetros de espessura da íris. A sensibilidade aumentou para 86,7%, com um corte de 0,4700 milímetros de espessura da íris.Conclusões:Na amostra deste estudo, a espessura da íris demostrou-se reduzida nos olhos com ceratocone. Estes resultados sugerem que os parâmetros tomográficos podem proporcionar novas informações no auxilio da triagem de pacientes com ceratocone.

[ effects of waterpipe smoke and darkness stress on serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats]

There is an association between life style and serum levels of certain enzymes. This study aims to determine the effects of waterpipe smoke and darkness stress on serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase in female rats. In this experimental study, female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, waterpipe smoke receiving, under darkness stress and both under darkness stress and warerpipe smoke receiving groups of 7 rats in each. Waterpipe smoke receiving rats were exposed to waterpipe smoke for 100 min/day and animals under darkness stress exposed to 5 hours darkness during the day. Under darkness stress and warerpipe smoke receiving animals were exposed to both waterpipe smoke for 100 min/day and 5 hours darkness during the day. After 7 weeks, blood samples were collected and serum alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels were measured by spectrophotometry. The data were analysed using ANOVA. The serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels significantly increased in waterpipe smoke receiving, under darkness stress and both under darkness stress and waterpipe smoke receiving rats compared to control animals [p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively]. Also there was significant difference in creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels between waterpipe smoke receiving and under darkness stress rats [p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively]. The serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in waterpipe smoke receving rats compared to under darkness stress animlas [p<0.001and p<0.05, respectively]. Our findings indicated that waterpipe smoke and darkness stress lead to increased serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase; according to which, these factors can impose serious pathophysiological effects on internal organs including heart, brain, liver or muscles

Improvement of yield of the edible and medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes on wheat straw by use of supplemented spawn

The research evaluated the interactions of two main factors (strain / types of spawn) on various parameters with the purpose to assess its effect on yield and biochemical composition of Lentinula edodes fruiting bodies cultivated on pasteurized wheat straw. The evaluation was made with four strains (IE-40, IE-105, IE-124 and IE-256). Different types of spawns were prepared: Control (C) (millet seed, 100%), F1 (millet seed, 88.5%; wheat bran, 8.8%; peat moss, 1.3%; and CaS0(4), 1.3%) and F2 (the same formula as F1, but substituting the wheat bran with powdered wheat straw). Wheat straw was pasteurized by soaking it for 1 h in water heated to 65 °C. After this the substrate (2 kg wet weight) was placed in polypropylene bags. The bags were inoculated with each spawn (5% w/w) and incubated in a dark room at 25 °C. A proximate analysis of mature fruiting bodies was conducted. The mean Biological Efficiency (BE) varied between 66.0% (C-IE-256) and 320.1% (F1-IE-124), with an average per strain of 125.6%. The highest mean BE was observed on spawn F1 (188.3%), significantly different from C and F2. The protein content of fruiting bodies was high, particularly in strain IE-40-F1 (17.7%). The amount of fat varied from 1.1 (F1-IE-40) to 2.1% (F2-IE-105) on dry matter. Carbohydrates ranged from 58.8% (F1-IE-40) to 66.1% (F1-IE-256). The energy value determined ranged from 302.9 kcal (F1-IE-40) to 332.0 kcal (F1-IE-256). The variability on BE observed in this study was significantly influenced by the spawn's formulation and genetic factors of the different strains.

Effects of different fungi on symbiotic seed germination of two Dendrobium species / 中国中药杂志

The epiphytic orchid, Dendrobium aphyllum and D. devonianum are used as traditional Chinese medicine, and became locally endangered in recent years because of over-collection. We test the effect of inoculations of endophytic fungi FDaI7 (Tulasnella sp.), FDd1 (Epulorhiza sp. ) and FCb4 (Epulorhiza sp.), which isolated from D. aphyllum, D. denonianum and Cymbidium mannii, respectively, on artificial substrate in these two Dendrobium species. In the symbiotic germination experiment, FDaI7 and FDd1 were effective for protocorm formation and seedling development of D. aphyllum and D. denonianum separately. After 60 days, 14.46% of the D. aphyllum seeds grown to protocorms and 12.07% developed to seedlings inoculated only with FDaI7, while contrasted with 0 when inoculated the other two isolates and non-inoculation treatment. However, in D. denonianum, seeds only grown to protocorms and developed to seedlings when inoculated with FDd1, the percentages were 44.36% and 42.91% distinguishingly. High specificity was shown in symbiotic germination on artificial substrate of Dendrobium. Protocorms could further develop to seedlings within or without light when inoculated the compatible fungi. However, light condition (12/12 h Light/Dark) produced the normal seedlings, while dark condition (0/24 h L/D) produced the abnormal seedlings. These may suggest that the development of young seedlings require light based on the effective symbiotic fungi. These findings will aid in seedling production of simulation-forestry ecology cultivation, conservation and reintroduction of Dendrobium.

Anxiolytic-like effect of etazolate, a type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor in experimental models of anxiety.

Etazolate is a selective inhibitor of type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) class enzyme. Antidepressant-like effect of etazolate has been previously demonstrated in the rodent models of depression. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic-like activity of etazolate in experimental mouse models of anxiety. The putative anxiolytic effect of etazolate (0.25-1 mg/kg, ip) was studied in mice by using a battery of behavioural tests of anxiety such as elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark (L/D) aversion, hole board (HB) and open field (OFT) with diazepam (2 mg/kg, ip) as reference anxiolytic. Like diazepam (2 mg/kg, ip), etazolate (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the percentage of both time spent and entries into open arms in the EPM test. In the L/D test etazolate (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, ip) increased the both total time spent in and latency time to leave the light compartment. Etazolate (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, ip) also significantly increased head dipping scores and time spent in head dipping, whereas significantly decreased the head dipping latency in HB test. In addition, etazolate (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the ambulation scores (square crossed) and number of rearing in OFT. In conclusion, these findings indicated that etazolate exhibited an anxiolytic-like effect in experimental models of anxiety and may be considered an alternative approach for the management of anxiety disorder.

Effect of Color of Light Emitting Diode on Development of Fruit Body in Hypsizygus marmoreus

This study was conducted to identify a suitable color of light for development of the fruit body in Hypsizygus marmoreus. To accomplish this, samples were irradiated with blue (475 nm), green (525 nm), yellow (590 nm), or red (660 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs) to induce the formation of fruiting bodies after mycelia growth. The diameter and thickness of the pileus and length of stipes in samples subjected to blue LED treatment were similar to those of subjected to fluorescent light (control), and the lengths of the stipes were highest in response to treatment with the red LED and darkness. The commercial yields of plants subjected to blue and green LED treatment were similar to those of the control. In conclusion, cultivation of H. marmoreus coupled with exposure to blue LED is useful for inducing high quality fruit bodies as well as higher levels of ergosterol, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total polyphenol content and reducing power.

O Poder da máscara no Psicodrama: a sombra e a luz / The power of masks in psychodrama: shadow and light

Este artigo discute a utilização da máscara como instrumento de trabalho no Psicodrama. A pesquisa é embasada no referencial teórico de Moreno, ao articular psicodramatistas contemporâneos e conceitos da Psicologia Analítica de Jung. Compreende-se que a máscara, usada no contexto psicodramático, concretiza personagens e papéis sociais, repletos de conservas culturais, que camuflam o drama individual do sujeito impedido de atuar na vida em sua plenitude. O trabalho psicoterápico consiste em equilibrar a luz e a sombra do que as máscaras representam...

The article discusses the use of masks as a working instrument in psychodrama. Embedded in the Morenian theoretical framework, the research links concepts of contemporary psychodrama to those of the Jungian analytical psychology. It is understood that when used in the context of psychodrama, masks concretize characters and social roles, replete of cultural conserves that conceal the individual drama, preventing the person from fully functioning in life. The psychotherapeutic work aims to balance out the lights and shadows of what masks represent...

Significant impact of different induction conditions on metabolic diversity of callus cell lines of Glycyrrhiza sp / 中国中药杂志

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of callus induction and culture conditions on secondary metabolic diversity of the callus cell lines of traditional Chinese medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza sp. (Glycyrrhiza) by combined chemical analysis and HPLC fingerprint. These callus induction conditions included two Glycyrrhiza species, two types of explants, light and dark conditions, and two combinations of hormones. The evaluation was firstly based on the contents of total flavonoids in the callus by chemical analysis and one way ANOVA. The content of total flavonoids in callus was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by Glycyrrhiza species, light condition, and the combination of hormones. The callus was further evaluated using diversity factor based on the comparison of HPLC fingerprints of these callus cell lines. Diversity factor varies significantly for calli induced under different conditions, with the highest being at 0.45 under light condition and combination of hormones. These results provide important knowledge for the selection of suitable callus cell lines for the production of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites or bioactive fractions by in vitro culture of Glycyrrhiza sp.

Color stability of thermochromic pigment in maxillofacial silicone

PURPOSE: Maxillofacial silicone elastomer is usually colored intrinsically with color pigments to match skin colors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the color stability of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer, colored with a thermochromic, color changing pigment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc-shaped maxillofacial silicone specimens were prepared and divided into 3 groups: a conventionally colored control group, one group additionally colored with 0.2 wt% thermochromic pigment , and one group with 0.6 wt% thermochromic pigment. Half of the surface of each specimen was covered with an aluminium foil. All of the specimens were exposed to UV radiation in 6 hour cycles over 46 days. In between the UV exposures, half of the specimens were stored in darkness, at room temperature, and the other half was stored in an incubator, at a humidity of 97% and a temperature of +37degrees C. Color measurements were made with a spectrophotometer and registered according to the CIELAB L*a*b* color model system. The changes in L*, a* and b* values during artificial aging were statistically analyzed by using paired samples t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. P-values <.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The UV exposure resulted in visually noticeable and statistically significant color changes in the L*, a* and b* values in both of the test groups containing thermochromic pigment. Storage in the incubator lead to statistically significant color changes in the a* and b* values of the specimens containing thermochromic pigment, compared to those stored at room temperature. CONCLUSION: The specimens containing thermochromic pigment were very sensitive to UV radiation, and the thermochromic pigment is not suitable, as such, to be used in maxillofacial prostheses.

Fluid suspension co-culture of Dendrobium officinale protocorm and living fungus / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To set up a system for fluid suspension co-culture of Dendrobium officinale protocorm and living fungus MF24, so as to provide certain scientific evidence for industrial production of protocorm.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Whether the protocorm culture system was suitable for the normal growth of MF24 fungus were studied, the growth of protocorm cultured alone and co-cultured with the fungus were researched under light and dark culture conditions, the biomass and proliferation times were determined, and HPLC method was used to analyze and compare the changes of 11 characteristic peak areas in D. officinale protocorm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MF24 fungus could grow normally in the 6,7-V liquid medium used to culture the protocorm, and when it was cultured by 8-10 hours per day under 1 500 lx, the growth rate of the fungus was slowed. Protocorm could grow normally in light and dark culture conditions, and add the MF24 fungus in the early cultivation stages of protocorm, both inhibit the growth of each other. In the protocorm for the growth stability to add 5 diameter 9 mm fungi block, the protocorm growth and chemical composition type had no significant effect. However, under illumination, co-cultured for 5 days protocorm of which 10 compounds content decreased 13.64% to 138.47%, in dark conditions, co-cultured for 5 days protocorm of which 7 compounds increased by 0.71% to 12.82%, and 4 compounds slightly reduced by 3.03% to 14. 14% compared with the control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Under the appropriate condition, living fungus MF24 could co-culture with the D. officinale protocorm, and affected the latter's secondary metabolite levels.</p>

Comparative analysis of Fluorescence stain and Ziehl-Neelsen's AFB stain for Mycobacterium leprae (pilot study) / 나학회지

The Ziehl-Neelson's AFB staining method was mainly used for the AFB observation of the mycobacteria. However, this method has several issues of false negative results, and hence a comparative experiment of the Ziehl-Neelson's AFB staining and the fluorescence staining method was done to remedy this problem. As the fluorescence staining method brightly highlights the AFB in a dark field, and also as it is observed with the lower power objective, it is a method that can better the observation and shorten the time of observation as well. The fluorescence staining method that was used in this experiment did a comparative analysis of the Auramine O-Rhodamine B and the Acridine Orange. The results showed that although the Auramine O-Rhodamine B allows easier observation of the AFB with a high fluorescence expression rate for the multibacillary leprosy sample, the darkness on the periphery makes it hard to observe anything else, while also making it hard to observe the cell changes and paucibacillary leprosy of the AFB. However, the Acridine Orange staining method highlights the cells in dark green and changes the color of the AFB from bright red to orange making it easier to observe bacilli. The results of the study show that the Acridine Orange method is superior to the Auramine O-Rhodamine B method in detecting acid fast bacilli in specimen.

Correlation between H2O2 scavenging system and flavonoids accumulation of Scutellaria baicalensis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Study on correlation between H2O2 scavenging system and flavonoids accumulation of Scutellaria baicalensis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The content of baicalin and baicalein in suspension cell of S. baicalensis was determined by HPLC. The content of total flavonoids and H2O2, the activity of POD and PAL was detected by UV spectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The content of total flavonoid and the activity of PAL increased significantly in 12 days after 40 degrees C, dark and PEG stress. Around 12 days after NPA, NPA +40 degrees C, 40 degrees C, NPA + dark, dark and PEG stress, the content of baicalin declined and the content of baicalein rise, the activity of POD showed an increasing trend, and level of H2O2 remain stable.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Moderate environmental stress could promote the accumulation of total flavonoids in S. baicalensis, baicalin convert to baicalein by POD, and maintaining the stability of H2O2 content to avoid oxidative damage.</p>

Spikes with short inter-spike intervals in frog retinal ganglion cells are more correlated with their adjacent neurons' activities

Correlated firings among neurons have been extensively investigated; however, previous studies on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) population activities were mainly based on analyzing the correlated activities between the entire spike trains. In the present study, the correlation properties were explored based on burst-like activities and solitary spikes separately. The results indicate that: (1) burst-like activities were more correlated with other neurons' activities; (2) burst-like spikes correlated with their neighboring neurons represented a smaller receptive field than that of correlated solitary spikes. These results suggest that correlated burst-like spikes should be more efficient in signal transmission, and could encode more detailed spatial information.