Lotus leaf flavonoids induce apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND: Leaves of the natural plant lotus are used in traditional Chinese medicine and tea production. They are rich in flavonoids. METHODS: In this study, lotus leaf flavonoids (LLF) were applied to human lung cancer A549 cells and human small cell lung cancer cells H446 in vitro to verify the effect of LLF on apoptosis in these cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway. RESULTS: LLF had no toxic effect on normal cells at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL, but could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and H446 cells. Flow cytometry showed that LLF could induce growth in A549 cells. We also found that LLF could increase ROS and MDA levels, and decrease SOD activity in A549 cells. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that LLF could upregulate the expression of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), caspase-3, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and Bax and downregulate the expression of Cu/Zn SOD, CAT, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in A549 cells. Results of HPLC showed that LLF mainly contain five active substances: kaemp-feritrin, hyperoside, astragalin, phloridzin, and quercetin. The apoptosis-inducing effect of LLF on A549 cells came from these naturally active compounds. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown in this study that LLF is a bioactive substance that can induce apoptosis in A549 cells in vitro, and merits further research and development.

Análise fractal do padrão espacial de plantas em pastagem / Fractal analysis of plant spatial patterns in natural grasslands under different managements

Avaliou-se o uso da análise fractal como ferramenta na determinação de padrões na escala de pastejo em pastagens naturais submetidas a diferentes manejos. Os tratamentos testados em Santa Maria foram: pastejo com queima, pastejo sem queima, exclusão com queima, exclusão sem queima. Em Bagé, os tratamentos avaliados foram: pastagem natural e pastagem natural com introdução de azevém, trevo-branco e cornichão. A caracterização da composição florística da pastagem foi realizada pelo método Botanal. A diversidade da pastagem foi calculada pelos índices de Shannon (H') e equitabilidade. A informação da dimensão fractal foi calculada pela regressão entre H'(ε) e o logaritmo natural de ε, sendo a inclinação da linha a informação da dimensão fractal. Os índices de Shannon e equitabilidade demonstraram dependência em relação à área amostral, onde a maior diversidade florística e a homogeneidade da frequência de distribuição de plantas entre espécies foram observadas no intervalo amostral de 0,87 e 1,03m2. A dimensão fractal pode ser uma ferramenta na determinação de padrões na comunidade vegetal na escala reduzida de pastejo. A limitação do emprego dessa técnica para escalas reduzidas é a necessidade de um número maior de repetições.(AU)

The use of fractal analysis was evaluated as a tool in the determination of grazing patterns in natural grasslands submitted to different managements. The treatments tested in Santa Maria were grazing with burning, grazing without burning, exclusion with burning and exclusion without burning. In Bagé, the evaluated treatments were natural pasture and introduction of ryegrass, white clover and birdsfoot trefoil in a natural grassland. The characterization of the floristic composition of the pasture was performed by the BOTANAL method. The pasture diversity was calculated by Shannon (H') and Evenness (J) indexes. The fractal dimension information was calculated by regression between H'(ε) and ε natural algorithm, with the line's slope being the fractal dimension information. Shannon and Evenness indexes showed dependence on the sample area, where the highest floristic diversity and homogeneity of the distribution frequency of plants between species were observed in the sample range of 0.87 to 1.03m2. The fractal dimension can be a tool in determining patterns in the plant community on the reduced grazing scale. The limitation of the use of this technique for reduced scales is the need for a greater number of repetitions.(AU)

Clinical Outcomes of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction in Myopia: Study of Vector Parameters and Corneal Aberrations

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Different Parts of Lotus and Optimization of Extraction Condition using Response Surface Methodology

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) is commonly called lotus and its leaves are widely been used as functional ingredients due to its antioxidant activity. For maximum efficacy, optimized extraction condition was established using response surface methodology. The high F-values, low p-values and insignificant p-value for lack-of-fit supported the fitness of the model and yielded the second-order polynomial regression for the antioxidant activity. The optimized extract was obtained by the extraction of 1 g of lotus leaves with 40 mL of 50% MeOH at 10.0℃, which exerted 70.1% antioxidant activity. Close correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity suggested phenolic compounds as active constituents of lotus leaves. In addition, comparison of different parts of lotus demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity of flowers, followed by leaves and roots. Taken together, these results provide useful information about lotus leaves for the development as antioxidant ingredients. In addition, flowers and roots as well as leaves are suggested as good sources for antioxidant activity.

Comparison of Corneal Astigmatism and Higher-order Aberrations between Color Light-emitting Diode Topographer and Scheimpflug Imager

PURPOSE: To compare corneal astigmatism, keratometry and corneal higher order aberrations between the light emitting diode corneal topography analyzer and Scheimpflug Imager. METHODS: This prospective study involved 45 patients (45 eyes) who visited Seoul St. Mary's hospital before cataract surgery from June 7, 2017, to August 2, 2017. For each eye, keratometry, astigmatism and its axis of cornea, higher-order aberrations were evaluated with a Scheimpflug Imager (Pentacam HR®, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and a color-LED corneal topographer (Cassini®, i-Optics, Den Haag, The Netherlands). RESULTS: Astigmatism magnitude measured using Cassini® and Pentacam® showed no statistically differences but anterior and total astigmatic axes were significantly different, as measured by the two devices (p < 0.05). Anterior and total mean keratometry were statistically significantly different, as measured by the two devices (p < 0.05). J0 and J45 vectors of anterior and total cornea were statistically different (p < 0.05). In addition, Cassini® and Pentacam® showed discrepancies between total corneal astigmatism, total J0 and J45 vectors. Corneal anterior spherical aberration, vertical and horizontal coma, and oblique and horizontal trefoil aberrations were not statistically different between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS: Astigmatic axes obtained from the two devices based on different principles showed statistically significant differences. Astigmatism magnitude was not statistically different but showed a discrepancy between the two devices.

Long-term Results of Arcuate Keratotomy in Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term follow-up results of arcuate keratotomy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 78 patients (99 eyes) with corneal astigmatism >0.5 diopters (D) who underwent arcuate keratotomy concurrent with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuities and keratometric and higher order aberration outcomes were compared preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean uncorrected visual acuities and corrected visual acuities changed from 0.55 ± 0.31 D and 0.33 ± 0.26 D, preoperatively to 0.13 ± 0.19 D and 0.07 ± 0.09 D, 2 years postoperatively. The mean preoperative corneal astigmatism was −1.15 ± 0.66 D. This was reduced to −0.79 ± 0.38 D at 1–2 days after surgery (p < 0.001), followed by no significant change for 2 years. The mean target-induced astigmatism was 1.15 ± 0.66 D preoperatively, and the mean surgically-induced astigmatism and difference vector were 0.69 ± 0.43 D and 0.83 ± 0.48 D, 2 years postoperatively. The mean correction index was 0.68 ± 0.45, 2 years postoperatively. There was no significant difference in higher order aberrations except 4 mm and 6 mm total higher order aberrations and 6 mm trefoil between preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Arcuate keratotomy concurrent with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce corneal astigmatism which remained stable over 2 years of follow-up with below moderate astigmatism.

Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome in Korean Pollinosis Patients: A Nationwide Survey

PURPOSE: Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in pollinosis patients caused by raw fruits and vegetables and is the most common food allergy in adults. However, there has been no nationwide study on PFAS in Korea. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PFAS in Korea. METHODS: Twenty-two investigators participated in this study, in which patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma with pollen allergy were enrolled. The questionnaires included demographic characteristics, a list of fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. Pollen allergy was diagnosed by skin prick test and/or measurement of the serum level of specific IgE. RESULTS: A total of 648 pollinosis patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7% (n = 270). PFAS patients exhibited cutaneous (43.0%), respiratory (20.0%), cardiovascular (3.7%) or neurologic symptoms (4.8%) in addition to oropharyngeal symptoms. Anaphylaxis was noted in 8.9% of the PFAS patients. Seventy types of foods were linked to PFAS; e.g., peach (48.5%), apple (46.7%), kiwi (30.4%), peanut (17.4%), plum (16.3%), chestnut (14.8%), pineapple (13.7%), walnut (14.1%), Korean melon (12.6%), tomato (11.9%), melon (11.5%) and apricot (10.7%). Korean foods such as taro/taro stem (8.9%), ginseong (8.2%), perilla leaf (4.4%), bellflower root (4.4%), crown daisy (3.0%), deodeok (3.3%), kudzu root (3.0%) and lotus root (2.6%) were also linked to PFAS. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first nationwide study of PFAS in Korea. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7%, and 8.9% of the PFAS patients had anaphylaxis. These results will provide clinically useful information to physicians.

Disruption of the Tff1 gene in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 promotes body weight reduction and gastric tumorigenesis / 한국실험동물학회지

Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1, also known as pS2) is strongly expressed in the gastrointestinal mucosa and plays a critical role in the differentiation of gastric glands. Since approximately 50% of all human gastric cancers are associated with decreased TFF1 expression, it is considered a tumor suppressor gene. TFF1 deficiency in mice results in histological changes in the antral and pyloric gastric mucosa, with severe hyperplasia and dysplasia of epithelial cells, resulting in the development of antropyloric adenoma. Here, we generated TFF1-knockout (KO) mice, without a neomycin resistant (NeoR) cassette, using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRSIPR/Cas9) system. Though our TFF1-KO mice showed phenotypes very similar to the previous embryonic stem (ES)-cell-based KO mice, they differed from the previous reports in that a reduction in body weight was observed in males. These results demonstrate that these newly established TFF1-KO mice are useful tools for investigating genetic and environmental factors influencing gastric cancer, without the effects of artificial gene insertion. Furthermore, these findings suggest a novel hypothesis that TFF1 expression influences gender differences.

Salinity of Representative Korean Foods High in Sodium from Home Meals, Foodservices, and Restaurants / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to analyze the salinity of representative Korean foods high in sodium to generate data for use as a fundamental resource for setting salinity standards in foods. METHODS: A total of 480 foods from 16 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from 10 households, 10 industry foodservice establishments, and 10 Korean restaurants in four regions (Capital area, Chungcheong Province, Gyeongsang Province, and Jeolla Province) and analyzed for salinity. RESULTS: Among the foods, stir-fried anchovies (4.07~4.45%) showed the highest salinity, followed by pickled onion (1.86~2.62%), cabbage kimchi (1.83~2.2%), braised burdock and lotus root (1.79~2.17%), and sliced radish kimchi (1.78~1.89%) (p < 0.001). The salinity of kimchi from home meals (2.2%) was significantly higher than that of foodservice (1.83%) and restaurant (1.93%) kimchi (p < 0.05). Salinity in each group of food was highest in kimchi (1.83~2.04%), followed by braised dishes (1.54~1.78%), steamed dishes (1.0~1.22%), stir-fried dishes (1.02~1.18%), and soup or stew (0.74~1.02%) (p < 0.001). The salinity of soup and stew from restaurants (1.02%) was significantly higher than that of home meal (0.84%) and foodservice (0.74%) soup and stew. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of the salinity of representative Korean foods known to be high in sodium by eating place is expected to be useful to establishing guidelines for reduction of salinity.

Salinity of Representative Korean Foods High in Sodium from Home Meals, Foodservices, and Restaurants / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to analyze the salinity of representative Korean foods high in sodium to generate data for use as a fundamental resource for setting salinity standards in foods. METHODS: A total of 480 foods from 16 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from 10 households, 10 industry foodservice establishments, and 10 Korean restaurants in four regions (Capital area, Chungcheong Province, Gyeongsang Province, and Jeolla Province) and analyzed for salinity. RESULTS: Among the foods, stir-fried anchovies (4.07~4.45%) showed the highest salinity, followed by pickled onion (1.86~2.62%), cabbage kimchi (1.83~2.2%), braised burdock and lotus root (1.79~2.17%), and sliced radish kimchi (1.78~1.89%) (p < 0.001). The salinity of kimchi from home meals (2.2%) was significantly higher than that of foodservice (1.83%) and restaurant (1.93%) kimchi (p < 0.05). Salinity in each group of food was highest in kimchi (1.83~2.04%), followed by braised dishes (1.54~1.78%), steamed dishes (1.0~1.22%), stir-fried dishes (1.02~1.18%), and soup or stew (0.74~1.02%) (p < 0.001). The salinity of soup and stew from restaurants (1.02%) was significantly higher than that of home meal (0.84%) and foodservice (0.74%) soup and stew. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of the salinity of representative Korean foods known to be high in sodium by eating place is expected to be useful to establishing guidelines for reduction of salinity.

Preliminary Results of Relationship between Preoperative Walking Ability and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Morphology in Patients with Lumbar Canal Stenosis: Comparison between Trefoil and Triangle Types of Spinal Stenosis

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphology stenosis grades and preoperative walking ability in patients with lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: No previous study has analyzed the correlation between MRI morphology stenosis grades and walking ability in patients with LCS. METHODS: This prospective study included 98 consecutive patients with LCS who were candidates for surgery. Using features identified in T2-weighted axial magnetic, stenosis type was determined at the maximal stenosis level, and only trefoil and triangle stenosis grade types were considered because of sufficient sample size. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed by calculating weighted kappa coefficients. Symptom severity was evaluated via the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). Walking ability was assessed using the Self-Paced Walking Test (SPWT) and JOABPEQ subscales. Demographic characteristics, SPWT scores, and JOABPEQ scores were compared between patients with trefoil and triangle stenosis types. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 58.1 (standard deviation, 8.4) years. The kappa values of the MRI morphology stenosis grade types showed a perfect agreement between the stenosis grade types. The trefoil group (n=53) and triangle group (n=45) showed similar preoperative JOABPEQ subscale scores (e.g., low back pain, lumbar function, and mental health) and were not significantly different in age, BMI, duration of symptoms, or lumbar stenosis levels (all p>0.05); however, trefoil stenosis grade type was associated with a decreased walking ability according to the SPWT and JOABPEQ subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest preoperative walking ability is more profoundly affected in patients with trefoil type stenosis than in those with triangle type stenosis.

Analysis of sodium content of representative Korean foods high in sodium from home meal, foodservice, and restaurants / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the sodium contents of representative Korean foods high in sodium and develop them as a fundamental resource for setting the standard amount of sodium in foods. METHODS: A total of 480 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from households, foodservice establishments, and restaurants in four regions (Capital region, Chungcheong & Gangwon Province, Gyeongsang province, and Jeolla province) and analyzed their sodium content. RESULTS: The sodium content (per 100 g) of food categorized by food group was highest in kimchi and braised food (p < 0.001), and the sodium content of each food was highest in stir-fried anchovies (1,896.6 mg) followed by braised burdock and lotus roots (820.6 mg) and picked onions (809.3 mg) (p < 0.001). However, the sodium content per portion of food was highest in steamed short ribs (1,429.6 mg) from home meals (p < 0.001), Bibimbap, (1,074.1 mg) and steamed short ribs (838.8 mg) from foodservice (p < 0.001), spicy beef soup (3,273.2 mg), and pollack stew (2,930.2 mg) from restaurants (p < 0.001). The sodium content per 100 g and portion of soups and stews from restaurants was significantly higher than that of home meals and foodservice meals (p < 0.001), and the sodium content per portion of steam dishes and stir-fried dishes from home meals was significantly higher than that of foodservice meals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that developing and using low-sodium soybean sauces & soybean paste and kimchi is needed in an effort to reduce sodium intake. In addition, determination of the sodium contents of representative Korean foods known to be high in sodium is expected to be useful in establishing guidelines for reduction of sodium content.

Comparison of Corneal Higher-order Aberration before and after Excision of Pterygium

PURPOSE: To investigate the types of corneal higher-order aberration (HOA) induced by pterygium, residual corneal HOA after pterygium surgery, and correlations between corneal HOA and the length of the pterygium. METHODS: Fifty-three patients who underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft were enrolled. Corneal HOA was measured by Pentacam® (Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany) preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in the 6-mm optical zone. Preoperative and postoperative HOAs of eyes with pterygium were compared with HOAs of the fellow eye to evaluate HOAs induced by pterygium and residual HOAs after pterygium surgery. Partial correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between HOAs and the length of pterygium. A postoperative HOA less than 0.35 µm in size was defined as a favorable surgical outcome and the surgical indications were estimated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Horizontal coma, root mean square (RMS) of coma, oblique trefoil, horizontal trefoil, RMS of trefoil, and total HOA were significantly greater in the eye with preoperative pterygium. Three months after pterygium excision, only RMS of coma and total HOA remained significantly greater in eyes with pterygium. Vertical coma, horizontal coma, RMS of coma, and oblique tetrafoil were correlated with pterygium length. Pterygium excision when pterygium length was less than 1.6 mm led to favorable surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pterygium induced greater than third-order corneal HOAs and these HOAs were corrected via pterygium surgery. Longer pterygium length was associated with larger RMS of coma and larger coma RMS persisted after pterygium surgery. A pterygium length of 1.6 mm should be considered the cutoff for pterygium excision for reducing postoperative corneal HOA.

Changes in Higher-order Aberrations after Superior-incision Cataract Surgery in Patients with Positive Vertical Coma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in higher-order aberrations after superior-incision cataract surgery between eyes with a within-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism and an against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism in patients with positive vertical coma. METHODS: This study included patients who presented with positive vertical coma and who underwent cataract surgery through a 2.5 mm superior clear corneal incision. The eyes included in this study were divided into two groups (37 eyes with WTR astigmatism and 33 eyes with ATR astigmatism), and uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, and corneal astigmatism were measured before and after surgery. In addition, anterior, posterior, and total aberrations (i.e., oblique trefoil, horizontal trefoil, vertical coma, horizontal coma, spherical aberration, and total higher-order aberrations) were measured using a Pentacam. RESULTS: In the WTR astigmatism group, anterior/posterior corneal aberrations and total aberrations were significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.05). However, in the ATR astigmatism group, a significant decrease in the posterior vertical coma (p = 0.008) was observed, although there was no change in total vertical coma. A significant increase in oblique trefoil was observed in both groups, while a significant decrease in horizontal trefoil was found in the ATR astigmatism group (all p < 0.05). For spherical aberration, the ATR astigmatism group showed a significant decrease in anterior cornea aberrations (p < 0.001). For total higher-order aberrations, the WTR astigmatism group showed a significant increase in anterior and posterior aberrations, while the ATR astigmatism group showed a significant increase in posterior aberrations (p < 0.05, p = 0.001, respectively). In the case of horizontal coma and corneal astigmatism, both groups exhibited no significant changes after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: When superior-incision cataract surgery was performed, vertical coma was affected by the axis of astigmatism, resulting in a significant decrease in the WTR astigmatism group. However, no significant changes in corneal astigmatism were observed before and after surgery.

Efecto in vitro del extracto de Lotus corniculatus L. sobre nemátodos gastrointestinales bovinos / In vitro effect of extract of Lotus corniculatus L. on bovine gastrointestinal nematodes

Introducción: las parasitosis son consideradas como uno de los problemas más importantes que afectan la producción bovina, debido a la disminución de los parámetros productivos y reproductivos. Objetivos: determinar el efecto del extracto Lotus corniculatus L. in vitro sobre nemátodos gastrointestinales bovinos. Métodos: se usaron las hojas en estado seco de L. corniculatus con una edad de rebrote de 45 y 70 días, el extracto fue etanólico y se obtuvo mediante lixiviación, el extracto se conservó a temperatura de 4 °C, se utilizó el extracto puro y diluciones obedeciéndose a un intervalo de 1,5 mg/mL. Para determinar el efecto del extracto se trabajó mediante la técnica de eclosión de huevos (Egg hatch assay) para los nemátodos: Bunostomum sp, Strongyloides papilosus y Trichostrongylus colubriformis, tomando como mínimo eficaz un porcentaje del 60 por ciento. Se determinó la presencia de taninos. Resultados: se encontró una inhibición de eclosión de huevos S. papilus con la concentración máxima y la dilución 1 y 2, para el extracto de 45 días de rebrote, con porcentajes de 100 por ciento ,86 por ciento y 66,5 por ciento; el extracto con 70 días de rebrote mostró un porcentaje de inhibición de eclosión únicamente[y1] con la concentración máxima y la dilución 1, con 98,5 por ciento y 78,5 por ciento. Para el T. colubriformis la única dilución que no fue eficaz fue la dilución 4 del extracto de 70 días de rebrote con un porcentaje de 50,5 por ciento y para el Bunostomun spp fue eficaz el extracto con la concentración máxima y la dilución 1 para el extracto de 45 y 70 días de rebrote, con porcentajes de 100 por ciento y 69,5 por ciento para el de 45 días y 100 por ciento y 68,5 por ciento para el de 70 días. Conclusiones: el extracto de L. corniculatus de 45 y 70 días de rebrote mostró los resultados más satisfactorios en inhibición de eclosión de huevos de T. colubriformis(AU)

Introduction: The parasites are considered as one of the most important issues affecting cattle production due to the decline in productive and reproductive parameters. Objective: Determine the effect of Lotus corniculatus L. extract on in vitro bovine gastrointestinal nematodes. Methods: Leaves were used in the dry state with L. corniculatus regrowth age 45 to 70 days, and the ethanolic extract was obtained by leaching, the extract was stored at 4 °C, the pure extract was used and dilutions obeying a range of 1.5 mg/mL. To determine the effect of the extract worked through the technique of hatching eggs (Egg hatch assay) for nematodes: Bunostomum ssp, Trichostrongylus and Strongyloides papilosus, on the effective minimum percentage of 60 percent. The presence of tannins was determined. Results: Inhibition of egg hatching S. papilus with maximum concentration and dilution 1 and 2, to extract 45 days of regrowth, with percentages of 100 percent, 86 percent and 66.5 percent respectively was found; extract regrowth 70 days showed a percent inhibition of hatching only the maximum concentration and dilution 1,98.5 percent and 78.5 percent. For T. colubriformis the only was ineffective dilution was 4 dilution extract regrowth 70 days with a percentage of 50.5 percent and for Bunostomun spp extract was effective with a high concentration and dilution 1 for extract 45 and 70 days of regrowth, with rates of 100 percent and 69.5 percent for 45 days and 100 percent and 68.5 percent for 70 days. Conclusions: L. corniculatus extract 45 and 70 days of regrowth showed the most satisfactory results in inhibition of hatching eggs of T. colubriformis(AU)

Correlation among Myopic Correction, Axial Length and Aberration after Orthokeratology Lens Treatment in Myopic Patients

PURPOSE: To report the correlation among the amount of myopic correction, axial length elongation, and higher order aberrations after treatment with orthokeratology lenses in myopic patients. METHODS: Eighteen patients (36 eyes) treated with orthokeratology lenses for more than 12 months were recruited for this study. Visual acuity, spherical equivalent, axial length, and higher order aberrations were measured at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months after wearing lenses. Correlations among them were analyzed. RESULTS: Total higher order, spherical, vertical and horizontal coma aberrations were significantly increased from 0.85 ± 1.47, −0.22 ± 0.40, 0.40 ± 0.47, 0.22 ± 0.31 to 1.11 ± 0.72, 0.10 ± 0.38, 0.79 ± 0.63, 0.66 ± 1.29 after 1 month repectively (p 0.05), remaining up to 12 months.Total and corneal spherical aberrations were positively correlated to the amount of myopic correction (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028, repectively) and negatively to the amount of axial length elongation (p = 0.036 and p = 0.079, repectively). Uncorrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent were significantly improved from 0.52 ± 0.08 and −2.41 ± 0.36 to 0.07 ± 0.07 and −0.84 ± 0.32 after 1 month respectively. This improvement was maintained up to 12 months (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Axial length was continuously increased from 24.31 ± 0.53 mm to 24.91 ± 0.60 mm after 12 months, but showed no significant changes (p = 0.721). CONCLUSIONS: Although orthokeratology lenses were effective for the correction of myopia, they increased higher order aberrations depending on the amount of myopic correction. Physicians should consider higher order aberrations. Further studies regarding the relationship between axial length elongation and higher order aberrations to retard myopic progression should be conducted.

Correlation among Myopic Correction, Axial Length and Aberration after Orthokeratology Lens Treatment in Myopic Patients

PURPOSE: To report the correlation among the amount of myopic correction, axial length elongation, and higher order aberrations after treatment with orthokeratology lenses in myopic patients. METHODS: Eighteen patients (36 eyes) treated with orthokeratology lenses for more than 12 months were recruited for this study. Visual acuity, spherical equivalent, axial length, and higher order aberrations were measured at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months after wearing lenses. Correlations among them were analyzed. RESULTS: Total higher order, spherical, vertical and horizontal coma aberrations were significantly increased from 0.85 ± 1.47, −0.22 ± 0.40, 0.40 ± 0.47, 0.22 ± 0.31 to 1.11 ± 0.72, 0.10 ± 0.38, 0.79 ± 0.63, 0.66 ± 1.29 after 1 month repectively (p 0.05), remaining up to 12 months.Total and corneal spherical aberrations were positively correlated to the amount of myopic correction (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028, repectively) and negatively to the amount of axial length elongation (p = 0.036 and p = 0.079, repectively). Uncorrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent were significantly improved from 0.52 ± 0.08 and −2.41 ± 0.36 to 0.07 ± 0.07 and −0.84 ± 0.32 after 1 month respectively. This improvement was maintained up to 12 months (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Axial length was continuously increased from 24.31 ± 0.53 mm to 24.91 ± 0.60 mm after 12 months, but showed no significant changes (p = 0.721). CONCLUSIONS: Although orthokeratology lenses were effective for the correction of myopia, they increased higher order aberrations depending on the amount of myopic correction. Physicians should consider higher order aberrations. Further studies regarding the relationship between axial length elongation and higher order aberrations to retard myopic progression should be conducted.

Produção e qualidade da forragem de cornichão sobressemeado em diferentes densidades de semeadura em pastagem de estrela africana e azevém / Production and quality of forage of birdsfoot overseeding in different densities in pasture of cynodon nlenfuensis and ryegrass

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial produtivo e as características qualitativas de uma pastagem de cornichão semeado em diferentes densidades de semeadura em mistura com estrela africana e azevém. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: 0, 50, 100, 150 e 200% a mais da quantidade de semente de cornichão recomendada. Para a semeadura do cornichão e do azevém foram utilizados 6 e 30 kg/ha de semente conforme recomendação, respectivamente. Ambas as espécies foram sobressemeadas na pastagem de estrela africana que já se encontrava estabelecida na área. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. A produção total de matéria seca foi semelhante entre as densidades de semeadura avaliadas. A produção de cornichão se ajustou ao modelo quadrático, sendo que as densidades de 50 e 100% a mais da recomendação apresentaram as menores produções de forragem. A taxa de acúmulo e as produções individuais das espécies não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos. A produção total de MS foi superior para o mês de dezembro, e as menores produções para os meses de agosto, setembro e outubro, sendo intermediário para o mês de janeiro. A composição botânica entre as espécies do consórcio diferiu entre os meses avaliados. Para estrela africana e azevém os teores de PB foram similares e o teor de PB para cornichão foi superior entre as espécies avaliadas. A utilização de 150 e 200% a mais da recomendação da densidade de semeadura do cornichão aumenta a sua produção de forragem, porém não afeta a produção total de forragem do consórcio.

The objective of study was evaluate the performance productive and the qualitative characteristics of pasture birdsfoot sown with different seeding densities in mixture with ryegrass and Cynodon nlenfuensis. The trataments evaluated was: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200% the more the amount of seed birdsfoot recommended. For seeding birdsfoot and ryegrass were used 6 and 30 kg/ha seed as recommended, respectively. Both species were overseeded pasture Cynodon nlenfuensis who was already established in the area. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications. The total dry matter production was similar between plant densities evaluated. The production of birdsfoot adjusted to the quadratic model, with densities of 50 and 100% more of the recommendation had the lowest forage production. The accumulation rate (kg DM-1ha-1 dia) and the production of individual species (kg DM / ha) were not influenced by different plant densities. The total dry matter production was higher for the month of december, and decrease productions for months of august, september and october, is intermediate for the month january. The botanical composition of the consortium species differed between the evaluated months. For Cynodon nlenfuensis and ryegrass the CP were similar and the content CP for birdsfoot was higher among species evaluated. The use of 150 and 200% more the proportion of recommended seeding rate of birdsfoot increased forage production, but did not affect the total forage production consortium.

Inhibitory effect of lotus seedpod oligomeric procyanidins on advanced glycation end product formation in a lactose-lysine model system

Background Industrial food processing induces protein glycation modifications and toxic advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which affect human health. Therefore, it is of interest to monitor AGEs in food processing. The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of lotus seedpod oligomeric procyanidin (LSOPC) concentrations, solution pH value and metal ions on AGE formation by heat treatment of lactose-lysine model solutions. Ne-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), as one of the common AGEs was also determined by HPLC-MS/MS in this experiment. Results The results showed that LSOPC can inhibit the formation of AGEs effectively at higher concentrations, lower temperature, and it can reverse the promotion function of metal ions because of its high inhibition activity. Also, LSOPC can inhibit CML formation in the Maillard reaction as well. Conclusion These results indicated that LSOPC could be used as functional food ingredients to inhibit AGE formation.

Clinical Results and Optical Quality of Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative clinical outcomes, optical quality, and patient satisfaction between two types of diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL, Acri Lisa 366D and Acrysof ReSTOR +3.00 D). METHODS: In a total of 68 eyes, one of two diffractive multifocal IOL (Acri Lisa 366D and Acrysof ReSTOR +3.00 D) was implanted after cataract extraction. Visual acuity was measured postoperatively at one week, 1 month, and 6 months. Contrast sensitivity, wavefront aberration, and visual function were determined via questionnaire at postoperative 1 month. RESULTS: Intermediate visual acuity of Acri Lisa 366D and Acrysof ReSTOR at 6 months were 0.31 +/- 0.14, and 0.24 +/- 0.11 (log MAR), respectively. At 6 months, near and distant visual acuity results showed no significant differences between the two groups. The photopic contrast sensitivity of Acri Lisa 366D at 6 cycles/degree was 55.36 +/- 7.40 and showed significant differences with Acrysof ReSTOR (47.25 +/- 9.67). The mesopic contrast sensitivity values of Acri Lisa 366D and Acrysof ReSTOR were 40.26 +/- 11.38 and 28.97 +/- 10.45, respectively, and the spherical aberration values were 0.037 +/- 0.039 microm and 0.105 +/- 0.066 microm. The spherical aberration of Acri Lisa 366D was significantly lower than that of Acrysof ReSTOR. Total and high order aberration, coma, and trefoil show no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Acri Lisa 366D multifocal IOL showed better contrast sensitivity and spherical aberration compared to Acrysof ReSTOR multifocal IOL, which had an effective intermediate visual acuity.