Increasing corn distillers solubles alters the liquid fraction of the ruminal microbiome.

Five ruminally fistulated steers were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to determine the effects of increasing dietary fat and sulfur from condensed distiller's solubles (CDS) on the ruminal microbiome. Treatments included a corn-based control (CON) and 4 levels of CDS (0, 10, 19, and 27%) in a coproduct-based (corn gluten feed and soybean hulls) diet. Fat concentrations were 1.79, 4.43, 6.80, and 8.91% for diets containing 0, 10, 19, and 27% CDS, respectively. Steers were fed for ad libitum intake once daily. After feeding each diet for 18 d, ruminal samples were collected 3 h after feeding on d 19. Samples were separated into solid and liquid fractions. Microbial DNA was extracted for bacterial analysis using paired-end sequencing of the V3 through V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene on the MiSeq Illumina platform and quantitative PCR of selected species. Orthogonal contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of CDS inclusion. Increasing CDS inclusion decreased (linear, < 0.05) α-diversity and species richness in the liquid fraction. Analysis of Bray-Curtis similarity indicated a treatment effect ( = 0.01) in the liquid fraction. At the phyla level, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased in steers fed increasing dietary inclusion of CDS as Firmicutes increased to 82% of sequences for the 27% CDS treatment. Family Ruminococcaceae increased (linear, < 0.01) 2-fold in the liquid fraction when feeding CDS increased from 0 to 27% CDS, yet genera tended ( = 0.09) to decrease in steers fed greater CDS. The most abundant family of sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrionaceae, increased ( < 0.03) in the solid and liquid fraction in steers fed additional dietary CDS and sulfur. Relative abundance of family Veillonellaceae and were increased (linear, ≤ 0.02) in the solid fraction as steers were fed increasing CDS. There were no effects ( > 0.10) of feeding increasing dietary fat from CDS on fibroylytic genus in either fraction. Results demonstrate increasing fat and sulfur from CDS in a coproduct-based diet markedly alters the liquid fraction ruminal microbiome but does not elicit negative effects on relative abundance of identified fiber-fermenting bacteria.

Effects of protein and fat concentration in coproduct-based growing calf diets on adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression, blood metabolites, and carcass composition.

Crossbred calves ( = 30; age = 95 ± 1.7 d; BW = 179 ± 18 kg) were fed 1 of 5 growing diets: 1) corn-based control, 2) low-fat, low-protein coproduct blend, 3) high-fat, low-protein coproduct blend, 4) low-fat, high-protein coproduct blend, and 5) high-fat, high-protein coproduct blend for 112 d (growing phase) followed by a common corn-based finishing diet (additional 112 d; finishing phase). Calves were biopsied at 0, 112, and 224 d for transcriptional analysis via real-time quantitative PCR of 14 genes associated with adipogenesis and lipogenesis within the muscle. Serum was collected at d 0, 112, and 224 and analyzed for leptin, IGF-1, and GH concentration. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) to ascertain the effects of 2 protein levels, 2 fat levels, time, and any interactions. Increased protein and decreased fat in the growing diet resulted in a carryover effect that increased ( 0.01) gene expression of PPARγ, insulin-induced gene 1, thyroid hormone responsive SPOT14 protein, ATP citrate lyase, adiponectin, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase homologue 2, fatty acid binding protein 4, fatty acid synthase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase as well as serum leptin concentrations between d 112 and 224. Expression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 was increased ( 0.01) at d 112 in steers fed high-protein, high-fat diets compared to those fed high-protein, low-fat diets. A fat × day interaction ( 0.01) occurred for the expression of adiponectin receptor 2 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, resulting in a carryover effect wherein low-fat diets fed during the growing phase increased expression of both genes at the end of the finishing phase (d 224). After slaughter, cattle fed the control during the growing phase tended ( 0.09) to have greater marbling scores, whereas other carcass parameters were not different ( ≥ 0.13). These data indicate that feeding differing levels of dietary fat and protein during the growing phase does affect i.m. adipogenesis at the transcriptional level, but differences in gene expression were not sufficient to affect carcass quality among cattle fed coproducts.

Utilization of canola and sunflower meals as replacements for soybean meal in a corn silage-based stocker system.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate 3 silage-based stocker diets. In Exp. 1, diets were fed to a total of 276 animals over a period of 3 yr and performance data was collected. In Exp. 2, the same diets were subjected to in vitro digestion for 5 time periods: 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, to evaluate IVDMD, production of fermentation end products, and efficiency of transformation of energy. The experimental diets were similar, except for their protein supplements. They were composed of: 1) 74% corn silage, 15.2% ground ear corn, and 10.8% soybean meal (SBM); 2) 74.4% corn silage, 9.8% ground ear corn, and 15.8% canola meal (CAN); 3) 74.5% corn silage, 9.8% ground ear corn, and 15.7% sunflower meal (SUN). Results from Exp. 1 showed that DMI was similar across all treatments (P = 0.167), but ADG was greater (P = 0.007) for animals fed either SBM or CAN than for animals fed SUN (1.29, 1.28, and 1.20 kg/d, respectively). Both CAN and SUN significantly reduced (P < 0.001) daily feeding cost per animal in comparison to SBM. Exp. 2 revealed that total VFA production was similar for all treatments (P = 0.185), and greatest molar proportions of propionate were observed for SBM and CAN (P = 0.02). Additionally, IVDMD was highest for SBM (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that most of the evaluated traits followed a quadratic trend for incubation times (P ≤ 0.02). On average, the in vitro technique used in this study was able to account for 97.03% of the caloric transformations suffered by DE throughout the different incubation times. Overall, our findings revealed that although animals receiving SUN had the cheapest daily feeding cost, important traits like ADG and feed conversion rate were negatively affected by this treatment. In contrast, data showed that CAN was an effective replacement for SBM for it maintained similar animal performance while decreasing feed costs. Therefore, from a producer standpoint, CAN is a viable alternative to replace the more costly SBM diet in silage-based stocker operations.

Long-term use of corn coproducts as a source of protein in beef finishing diets and the effects on carcass characteristics and round muscle quality.

A finishing trial was conducted during the late spring and summer of 2 consecutive years to evaluate long-term feeding of corn gluten feed and dried distillers' grains with solubles in finishing rations in the southeastern United States on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes. Each year, 36 steers (yr 1 BW = 396 ± 18 kg; yr 2 BW = 436 ± 23 kg) were assigned to 1 of 3 finishing diets that contained 1) 25% dried corn gluten feed (CGF), 2) 25% dried distillers' grains plus solubles (DDGS), or 3) 10% soybean meal and 15% ground corn (SBM) and evaluated over a 100-d feedlot period. All steers were previously fed their respective diets at 25% of DM in a corn silage-based stockering system for 84 d. During the 100-d feedlot trial, weights were recorded and carcass traits were estimated via ultrasound on d -0, 50, and 100. All steers were subsequently harvested under federal inspection and had carcass data collected for quality and yield traits. At 48 h postmortem, the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and semimembranosus (SM) were collected for proximate analysis and aged for 7, 14, and 21 d for Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory analysis. Diet did not affect ( ≥ 0.14) BW, DMI, or ultrasound composition traits; however, DDGS steers had greater ADG ( = 0.05) than SBM steers and had greater ( = 0.04) G:F than CGF or SBM steers. There were no differences in carcass characteristics due to diet except the CGF carcasses had greater LM area and marbling scores ( ≤ 0.05). Protein source did not affect proximate composition, but the RF had greater percent moisture and lower percent protein compared with the VL and SM and greater percent lipid than the SM ( ≤ 0.01). Shear force analysis revealed a diet × aging period interaction ( = 0.04) where DDGS steaks were similar across all aging periods; however, steaks from SBM and CGF carcasses became more tender after 14 and 21 d of aging, respectively. Sensory panel results indicate that DDGS steaks were more tender than CGF and SBM steaks ( = 0.02) and steak tenderness increased, as expected, with aging ( < 0.01). The RF was rated as being more tender ( < 0.01) than the VL and SM, which were similar ( > 0.05). These data show that long-term use of CGF or DDGS at 25% DM will have a minimal impact on animal performance, carcass characteristics, or sensory traits of selected round cuts.

Effect of dietary fat concentration from condensed corn distillers' solubles, during the growing phase, on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, digestibility, and ruminal metabolism.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of fat concentration from corn distillers' solubles (CDS), fed during the growing phase, on DMI, gain, carcass traits, digestibility, ruminal metabolism, and methane emissions of steers. In Exp. 1, 40 steers (age = 136 ± 20 d; BW = 185 ± 11 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) a cosrn-based gro\wing diet (CNT), 2) 0% CDS, 3) 10% CDS, 4) 19% CDS, or 5) 27% CDS. Diets 2 through 5 included coproducts (corn gluten feed and soybean hulls) and were formulated to achieve fat concentrations of 3, 5, 7, and 9%, respectively. Diets were fed once daily for 106 d (growing phase). All steers were fed a corn-based diet from d 107 to 196. Contrasts were used to examine 1) the difference between CNT and 10% CDS and 2) linear and quadratic effects of CDS inclusion. During the growing phase, steers fed CNT had increased ( < 0.01) ADG and G:F compared with steers fed 10% CDS. Increasing CDS inclusion increased (linear, ≤ 0.02) ADG and G:F. Overall, steers fed CNT had increased ( < 0.01) ADG compared with steers fed 10% CDS, but increasing CDS inclusion had no effect ( = 0.19) on overall ADG. Overall DMI and G:F were not different ( ≥ 0.16) in any contrast. There was a trend (Linear; = 0.08) for ultrasound marbling at d 196 to increase as CDS inclusion increased; however, there were no effects ( ≥ 0.20) of treatment on carcass marbling or quality grade. In Exp. 2, 5 steers (BW = 335 ± 56 kg) were fed Exp. 1 diets for ad libitum intakes in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Apparent DM digestibility increased (linear, = 0.02) with increasing dietary CDS inclusion. Steers fed CNT had greater ( = 0.01) DM digestibility than those fed 10% CDS. Fat digestibility increased (linear, < 0.01) in steers with increasing CDS, but NDF and ADF digestibility were not affected ( ≥ 0.17) by treatment. Similarly, ruminal pH and VFA concentrations were not affected ( ≥ 0.13). Also, there was no difference ( ≥ 0.37) in ruminal methane emissions (g/h). In conclusion, feeding corn during the growing phase increased overall ADG compared with 10% CDS coproduct-based diet but did not affect carcass traits or methane production. Increasing dietary fat inclusion from CDS in coproduct-based diets linearly increased DM and fat digestibility and predicted marbling scores via ultrasound but did not affect marbling at slaughter, NDF digestibility, propionate, or methane production.

Effects of protein and fat concentration in coproduct-based growing calf diets on performance and carcass composition.

Angus×Simmental crossbred heifers (n=150) and steers (n=100) were used to evaluate 1 of 5 growing diets: 1) a corn-based growing diet (CRN); 2) a high-fat, high-protein coproduct blend; 3) a high-fat, low-protein coproduct blend; 4) a low-fat, high-protein coproduct blend; and 5) a low-fat, low-protein coproduct blend in a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement. Low-protein and low-fat diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isofat to CRN (16.0% CP and 3.0% fat), and high-protein and high-fat diets were formulated to have 20.0% CP and 5.0% fat, respectively. Calves were weaned at 85±1.2 d, blocked by weight, and allotted to pens (10 calves/pen) within sex (10 pens of steers and 15 pens of heifers). The objective of this experiment was to determine if the concentration of protein or fat or their interaction in coproducts used in growing diets fed to early-weaned calves affects feedlot performance or carcass composition. Starting on d 0, calves (141±1.2 d of age) were fed experimental diets for 112 d and then fed a common feedlot diet for an additional 112 d. Body weight, hip height, and ultrasound data were collected at the end of each 112-d feeding phase. Carcass data included HCW, LM area (LMA), 12th-rib back fat (BF), marbling score (MS), KPH, and USDA quality grade. There was no fat×protein interaction (P≥0.27); therefore, only main effects are discussed. No effects (P≥0.47) of CRN, protein, or fat were detected for BW at d 112 or 224. Increased dietary protein resulted in greater (P=0.04) ADG at d 112 compared to calves fed low protein. Feeding cattle CRN decreased (P=0.04) DMI and increased (P<0.01) G:F during the growing phase compared to coproducts. High-fat diets increased (P=0.05) BF in calves at d 112 compared to low-fat diets. High-protein diets decreased (P=0.02) ultrasound MS at d 112 compared to low-protein diets. Carcasses from cattle fed high-fat diets had greater (P=0.03) MS compared to those from cattle fed low-fat diets. No differences (P≥0.14) were observed for HCW, LMA, BF, KPH, or yield grade. These data indicate that final BW was unaffected by protein and fat content of growing calf diets but that increased dietary fat and low dietary protein increased MS.

Use of corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles as a replacement for soybean meal and corn for supplementation in a corn silage-based stocker system.

Corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) were evaluated as replacements for soybean meal and ground ear corn when supplemented with corn silage during 2 yr of a beef cattle stockering program. Experiment 1: In YR 1, 104 steers (initial BW = 305 ± 30 kg), and in YR 2, 56 steers and 38 heifers (initial BW = 301 ± 32 kg) were stratified by weight and assigned to 1 of 9 groups. Each group was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 corn silage-based (75% of DM) diets supplemented with: i) corn gluten feed (CGF), ii) DDGS, or iii) soybean meal and ground ear corn (CSBM) at 25% of DM. On d 0, 28, 56, and 84, BW and BCS were recorded. Additionally, ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and rump fat thickness were assessed via ultrasound on 9 (YR1) and 4 (YR 2) steers per pen that were randomly assigned as observational units. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed DDGS and CSBM compared with CGF (1.08, 1.08, and 0.94 kg/d, respectively). Average DMI (P < 0.05) was less for DDGS compared with CSBM with CGF intermediate (18.1, 18.8, 20.2 g/kg BW, respectively), and the resulting G:F was greatest for DDGS (P = 0.01). Cost per kilogram of BW gain was least for DDGS (P > 0.05). Ultrasound data indicated no differences (P ≥ 0.13) in predicted carcass traits among treatments. Experiment 2: Diets from Exp. 1 were subjected to in vitro digestion for incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h to estimate DM degradation, gas production kinetics, and CP fractions. The potentially degradable DM fraction was greater (P = 0.01) for CSBM compared with CGF and DDG. Total gas production and rate of gas production was not different among treatments (P > 0.42). Rumen degradable protein was greatest for CSBM and least for DDG (P = 0.001). These data indicate that DDGS can be used to replace soybean meal and corn in silage-based stocker systems to decrease feed costs without compromising animal performance and CGF may decrease animal performance.

Effect of long-term corn by-product feeding on beef quality, strip loin fatty acid profiles, and shelf life.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the meat quality and shelf life of steaks from steers fed dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or dried corn gluten feed (CGF) compared with soybean meal with corn (SBM) as a protein supplement from weaning to slaughter. Angus cross steers (n = 81; BW = 306 ± 26.1 kg) were randomly assigned to pens (n = 9) and fed a stocker diet of corn silage (75% of DM) with DDGS, CGF, or SBM and ground ear corn. After 84 d of stockering, 12 steers (BW = 397 ± 15.3 kg) were randomly selected from each treatment and finished using the same protein supplement at 25% of DM for 100 d. Carcass data were collected (24 h) and the longissimus lumborum was fabricated into steaks at 48 h postmortem. Steaks were assigned to proximate analysis, Warner-Bratzler shear force (7-, 14-, or 21-d aging), and retail display (1, 3, 6, or 9 d). Protein source did not affect carcass yield, quality, or longissimus lumborum composition (P > 0.05). After 7 d of aging, DDGS and CGF steaks were more tender (P < 0.01) than SBM, but were similar (P = 0.30) after 14 and 21 d of aging. Feeding corn by-products did not influence subjective overall color acceptance (P = 0.17) in this study, but acceptance declined over time (P < 0.01). Subjective redness was similar (P > 0.05) among diets except SBM steaks were more red (P < 0.01) than DDGS after 9 d. On d 3 and 6 of retail display, CGF steaks exhibited more discoloration (P < 0.04) than SBM or DDGS steaks. However, after 9 d DDGS steaks were more discolored (P < 0.01) than CGF or SBM. Objective L* was lighter for CGF (P < 0.04) over 9 d of display, and all treatments became darker (P < 0.01) as time increased. Redness (a*) declined (P < 0.01) over time with SBM steaks maintaining more color in the red spectrum than CGF and DDGS after 6 d of display. Protein source did not affect (P > 0.05) the rate of lipid oxidation. Total SFA concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments; however, total MUFA were less (P < 0.05) and total PUFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in DDGS steaks compared with SBM or CGF steaks. These data show that DDGS or CGF can be fed as a protein supplement at 25% DM from weaning until slaughter while maintaining meat quality when compared with steers fed soybean meal as a protein supplement.

Impact of inspiratory muscle training in patients with COPD: what is the evidence?

A meta-analysis including 32 randomised controlled trials on the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients was performed. Overall and subgroup analyses with respect to training modality (strength or endurance training, added to general exercise training) and patient characteristics were performed. Significant improvements were found in maximal inspiratory muscle strength (P(I,max); +13 cmH2O), endurance time (+261 s), 6- or 12-min walking distance (+32 and +85 m respectively) and quality of life (+3.8 units). Dyspnoea was significantly reduced (Borg score -0.9 point; Transitional Dyspnoea Index +2.8 units). Endurance exercise capacity tended to improve, while no effects on maximal exercise capacity were found. Respiratory muscle endurance training revealed no significant effect on P(I,max), functional exercise capacity and dyspnoea. IMT added to a general exercise programme improved P(I,max) significantly, while functional exercise capacity tended to increase in patients with inspiratory muscle weakness (P(I,max) <60 cmH2O). IMT improves inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, functional exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life. Inspiratory muscle endurance training was shown to be less effective than respiratory muscle strength training. In patients with inspiratory muscle weakness, the addition of IMT to a general exercise training program improved P(I,max) and tended to improve exercise performance.

Skeletal muscle weakness, exercise tolerance and physical activity in adults with cystic fibrosis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of muscle weakness and the importance of physical inactivity in cystic fibrosis (CF), and its relationship to exercise tolerance and muscle strength. Exercise tolerance, skeletal and respiratory muscle strength were studied in a group of 64 adults with CF (age 26+/-8 yrs, FEV(1 % predicted) 65+/-19) and in 20 age-matched controls. Physical activity (PA) was assessed in 20 patients and all controls. Quadriceps muscle weakness was present in 56% of the patients. Peak oxygen uptake and 6-min walking distance were below normal in 89 and 75% of patients, respectively. Respiratory muscle strength was normal. The differences remained after correcting for PA. Quadriceps force was correlated to the 6-min walking distance but not to peak oxygen uptake. "Mild" PA (>3 metabolic equivalents (METS)) and the number of steps overlapped with controls, but CF patients had less moderate PA (>4.8 METS). Moderate PA was related to peak oxygen uptake and quadriceps force. Skeletal muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are prevalent in cystic fibrosis. Physical inactivity is a factor significantly contributing to exercise tolerance and skeletal muscle force in adults with cystic fibrosis, but these impairments are in excess to that expected from physical inactivity only.

Innovative energy interaction with a waste incineration plant leads to advanced biological P- and COD-removal and costs reduction of the extension of Nijmegen wastewater treatment plant.

The extension of the Nijmegen wastewater treatment plant for full nitrogen and phosphorus removal is enormously reduced by introducing an innovative energy interaction with an incineration plant. A reduction of the investment costs of 30-40% has been reached. Heating up a part of the primary sedimentation overflow leads to a constant process temperature of 20-25 degrees C and an advanced biological phosphorus and COD removal.

Gestation-induced changes in lamotrigine pharmacokinetics: a monotherapy study.

The authors describe 12 pregnancies in women with epilepsy using lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy. A seizure increase in nine pregnancies was probably related to a gradual decline of LTG level-to-dose ratio to 40% of baseline. After delivery, LTG kinetics returned swiftly to baseline, causing toxic side effects in some women. Frequent LTG level monitoring and appropriate dose adjustments are advised in the period before and during pregnancy and after delivery, especially in women on LTG monotherapy.

Video games are exciting: a European study of video game-induced seizures and epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Video game seizures have been reported in photosensitive and non-photosensitive patients with epilepsy. The game Super Mario World, has led to many cases of first seizures. We examined whether this game was indeed more provocative than other programs and whether playing the game added to this effect. METHODS: We prospectively investigated 352 patients in four European cities, using a standard protocol including testing of a variety of visual stimuli. We correlated historical data on provocative factors in daily life with electroencephalographic laboratory findings. RESULTS: The video game, Super Mario World proved more epileptogenic than standard TV programs and as provocative as programs with flashing lights and patterns. Most striking was the fact that video game-viewing and-playing on the 50 and 100 Hz TV was significantly more provocative than viewing the standard program (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 respectively). Playing the video game Mario World on a 50 Hz TV, appeared to be significantly more provocative than playing this game on the 100 Hz TV (P < 0.001). Of 163 patients with a history of TV-, VG- or CG-seizures, 85% of them showed epileptiform discharges in response to photic stimulation, 44% to patterns, 59% to 50 Hz TV and 29% to 100 Hz TV. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with a history of video game seizures are, in the vast majority, photosensitive and should be investigated with standardised photic stimulation. Games and programs with bright background or flashing images are specifically provocative. Playing a video game on a 100 Hz TV is less provocative [published with videosequences].

Visual field loss associated with vigabatrin: quantification and relation to dosage.

PURPOSE: To describe the correlation between visual field loss and the duration, dosage, and total amount of vigabatrin (VGB) medication in a group of patients with epilepsy. Co-medication of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and compliance were also studied. METHODS: Ninety-two patients (53 male and 39 female) taking VGB medication in the past or the present, attending the Outpatient Epilepsy Clinic in Utrecht, were examined with the Goldmann perimeter. The amount of visual field loss was calculated by the Esterman grid method and by a new method, with which the percentage surface loss of the visual field is measured. A complete drug history was compiled, specifying the amount and duration of VGB medication. Concomitant AED medication was noted. Serum levels of AEDs were determined. RESULTS: Linear regression showed the total amount of VGB as the most significant parameter to predict visual field loss (p < 0.001). Further, men were more affected than women (p = 0.026). Compliance was good, and other AEDs did not influence the results. CONCLUSIONS: Because prolonged use of VGB medication is correlated with the amount of visual field loss, VGB should be prescribed only when there are no alternatives. In such cases, we recommend an examination of the peripheral visual field before starting therapy and a repeated examination every 6 months.

Video-game epilepsy: a European study.

With the introduction of Nintendo video-games on a large scale, reports of children having seizures while playing suggested a possible specific, provocative factor. Although 50% of the photosensitive patients are also sensitive to a 50-Hz television, nonphotosensitive patients with a history of video-game seizures were described as well. The question arises whether this is a mere coincidence, provoked by fatigue and stress, is related to the reaction to the television screen itself, or depends on the movement and color of the pictures of this specific game. A European study was performed in four countries and five sites. All patients were selected because of a history of television, video- or computer-game seizures, with a history of sun-light-, discotheque-, or black and white pattern-evoked seizures, or were already known to be sensitive to intermittent photic stimulation. A total of 387 patients were investigated; 220 (75%) were female and 214 (55%) of those were < 18 years of age. After a routine examination, intermittent photic, pattern, and television stimulation were performed in a standardized way. The patients were investigated with Super Mario World and a standard relatively nonprovocative TV program, both on a 50- and 100-Hz television. Regardless of the distance, Super Mario World proved to be more provocative than the standard program (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). Eighty-five percent showed epileptiform discharges evoked by intermittent photic stimulation. Forty-five percent of patients were 50-Hz television sensitive and 26% were 100-Hz television sensitive. Pattern sensitivity was found in 28% of patients. The patients, referred because of a television, video- or computer-game seizure, were significantly more sensitive to pattern and to the 50-Hz television (chi square, p < 0.001). More patients are sensitive when playing Super Mario, compared with the standard program (Wilcoxon, p = 0.001) and more sensitive with playing versus viewing (p = 0.016). Of the patients who were referred because of seizures in front of the television, or evoked by a video- or computer game, 14% proved not to be photosensitive. Although no difference in age or use of medication was found, twice as many men were found in this nonphotosensitive group.

Liposomal formulation of mirfentanil hydrochloride.

Mirfentanil hydrochloride, a novel CNS analgesic with a short duration of action, was successfully encapsulated in liposomes having a variety of compositions. The lipid composition of the formulation was varied to optimize the stabilization of liposomes and the encapsulation of solutes. Retention of mirfentanil hydrochloride was evaluated by storing loaded liposomes at several temperatures, and also after the physical stressing of formulations. High efficiency of drug encapsulation was observed in liposomes prepared using dipalmitoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and the ternary mixture of dimyristoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate (DMPC/CHOL/DCP), both with and without the further incorporation of monosialoganglioside (GM1). Only 35% of encapsulated drug was lost when the formulations containing GM1 were incubated with human plasma over a 24 hour period, suggesting that liposomal formulations containing GM1 could be used to control drug release in vivo.

[An unusual cause of laryngeal stridor: the Shy-Drager syndrome]. / Een zeldzame oorzaak van laryngeale stridor: het syndroom van Shy-Drager.

A case of laryngeal stridor in an adult patient is presented and the diagnose of syndrome of Shy-Drager is proposed. This syndrome is the result of a degeneration of the central nervous system. Some autonomic functions are involved in this process. The leading symptoms are an orthostatic hypotension, parkinson-like symptoms and laryngeal stridor. The last symptom results from a neurogenic paralysis of both posterior crico-arytenoideus muscles. A depletion of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system would be the cause of the syndrome. The treatment is symptomatic. Concerning the laryngeal stridor, tracheotomy, eventually followed by a crico-arytenoidopexy, is the only treatment which can be proposed.

Microgel immunoblotting of thymus and nuclear extracts by unidirectional diffusion.

A variant immunoblotting procedure is presented, starting from sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing ultra-thin microgels. The use of these gels allows efficient transfer of proteins to an immobilizing matrix such as nitrocellulose, by simple uni-directional diffusion, without loss of resolution. To this end an assembly was developed, keeping the microgel and the immobilizing matrix in continuous contact. To standardize the technique, two protein extracts (a classical rabbit thymus extract and an original autologous nuclear extract) were used, together with reference antinuclear antisera. The method is fast, easy to perform, and perfectly reproducible. For these reasons, the technique is very suitable for screening a patient's sera on a large scale.

Antiinvasive activity of estramustine on malignant MO4 mouse cells and on DU-145 human prostate carcinoma cells in vitro.

Estramustine (EM) is a conjugate of estradiol and nor-nitrogen mustard (nor-HN2), which is effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. We have compared the effect of EM with that of the known microtubule inhibitor vinblastine (VLB) on the following functions of malignant MO4 mouse cells and of DU-145 human prostate cancer cells in vitro: directional migration, invasion; and the organization and the assembly/disassembly equilibrium of microtubule complexes. The circular area covered by cells migrating from an aggregate explanted on a solid substrate was taken as an index of directional migration. Invasion was studied through confrontation of MO4 or DU-145 cells with fragments of embryonic chick heart in organ culture. Microtubules were investigated immunocytochemically and through immunodetection on protein blots. VLB and EM inhibited directional migration and invasion of MO4 and DU-145 cells in a dose-dependent manner; equimolar combinations of estradiol plus nor-nitrogen mustard did not mimic these effects. At anti-invasive concentrations VLB led to partial disassembly of microtubule complexes, whereas EM resulted in an abnormal pattern of microtubule complexes without alteration of the overall assembly/disassembly equilibrium. Combined treatment with VLB and EM resulted in an enhanced VLB effect, namely complete disassembly. In all tests DU-145 cells were more sensitive to both VLB and EM than were MO4 cells, and the effects were less reversible. The present experiments showed that EM shares an anti-invasive activity with other microtubule inhibitors.