Dietary resistant maltodextrin ameliorates testicular function and spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

This study investigated the effect of resistant maltodextrin (RMD) on reproduction in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic male rats. Forty male rats were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg kg(-1)) and nicotinamide (100 mg kg(-1)). Five groups were analysed in total: normal, diabetic rats without RMD, diabetic rats with RMD 1.2 g per 100 g diet (1×), with RMD 2.4 g per 100 g (2×), and with RMD 6.0 g per 100 g (5×). The groups of diabetic rats with the RMD supplement, compared to those without supplement, showed improved plasma glucose control, attenuated insulin resistance and recovery of testosterone level and spermatogenesis stage. The STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) caused a significant reduction in serum testosterone, testis androgen receptor (AR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) protein, but a statistical recovery in each of these was observed in the 5× group. TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the diabetic without RMD group, and RMD treatment reduced apoptotic germ cells. The expression of Bax/Bcl2 was induced in the diabetic group and also significantly reduced in the 5× group. Dietary RMD may improve metabolic control in STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats and attenuate hyperglycaemia-related impaired male reproduction and testicular function.

High-order micro-ring resonator with perfect transmission using symmetrical Fibonacci structures.

A symmetrical Fibonacci micro-ring resonator (SFMR) has been presented to avoid the coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) bottle, which is a bottle-shaped distribution for high orders in transmission spectra. The SFMR features three advantages that improve filtering quality compared to that provided by traditional periodic micro-ring resonators. First, sharper resonances are obtained by eliminating the CROW bottle from the mini gaps that appear in the major-band region. Second, peaks with perfect transmission are always obtained without a radius and coupling modulation in the mini-band regions and major-band regions. Third, the full width at half-maximum of the band-edge peak decreases with the increasing generation order.

Sharp resonance with complete transmission in Thue-Morse microring resonators.

We present sharp resonances with complete transmission in the Thue-Morse microring resonator. The quasi-periodic structure attains a better quality of filtering than the traditional periodic structure. This includes the following: (i) the high-Q resonances with complete transmission are obtained in the transmission spectra, (ii) the maximum value of transmittance always remains 1 for an arbitrary proportion of two different radiuses in the major-band regions, and (iii) the complete transmission occurs for arbitrary coupling in the mini-band regions. Moreover, we propose an analytical method to predict the occurrences of resonance peaks in the mini-band regions based on the gap map.

Superradiant modes in resonant quasi-periodic double-period quantum wells.

This paper firstly proposes the existence of superradiant modes in resonant quasi-periodic double-period quantum wells (QWs), which has not been observed from analyzing the structure factor by traditional methods. Using the gap map method, the reflection spectra under the relevant conditions show that there are dips in the middle and the linewidth grows linearly, despite the dips, as the number of QWs increases, which is a direct demonstration of superradiance. It is also found that the relevant conditions are divided into three regions, each of which has a different width of bandgaps.

Exploration of the association between chronic periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction from a population-based view point.

Several cross-sectional studies have indicated an association between chronic periodontal disease (CPD) and cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Erectile dysfunction (ED) also shares pathological mechanisms with these diseases. Using a nationwide population-based data set, we examined the association between ED and CPD and assessed the effect of dental extraction (DE) on ED prevalence in different aged CPD populations in Taiwan. We identified 5105 patients with ED and randomly selected 10 210 patients as controls. Of these patients, 2617 (17.09%) were diagnosed with CPD according to the index data: 1196 (23.43%) in the ED group and 1421 (13.92%) in the control group. After adjusting for comorbid factors, patients with ED were more likely to have been diagnosed with prior CPD than controls (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.64-1.96, P < 0.001). Moreover, the association was much stronger in the populations aged less than 30 years (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.23-3.70, P < 0.001) and more than 59 years (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.99-2.59, P < 0.001). Dental extraction seems to attenuate damage to the penile endothelial beds caused by CPD-related inflammation and overcame the process of ED in the middle-aged and older populations.

Localized modes in one-dimensional symmetric Thue-Morse quasicrystals.

We present occurrence of the strongly localized modes with high transmission in one dimensional symmetric Thue-Morse quasicrystals. This quasicrystal has some interesting properties, including (i) there are strongly localized modes in separated regions which are around odd semi-quarter-wave thickness of the system, (ii) both the frequency of localized mode and the thicknesses of the space layer to appear localized modes are variant for different generation orders of the system, and (iii) the sharpness of the resonant peaks in the transmission spectra increases as the generation order of the system increases.

Quasi-Bragg conditions in Thue-Morse dielectric multilayers.

The existence of quasi-Bragg conditions (QBCs) in Thue-Morse dielectric multilayers (TMDMs), based on high reflectance and large forbidden gap regions in its transmission spectra, is presented. In contrast to a single traditional Bragg condition (TBC) in periodic bilayers, there are three QBCs in TMDMs. The formula for each of these QBCs is derived. The results show that one of these QBCs just overlaps the TBC. However, a singular point with perfect transmission exists in this QBC at the quarter-wave stack, at which high reflection exists in the periodic bilayers.

Nanostructured silicon surface modifications for as a selective matrix-free laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry is an established soft ionization method that is widely applied to analyze biomolecules. The UV-absorbing organic matrix is essential for biomolecule ionization; however, it also creates matrix background interference, which results in problematic analyses of biomolecules of less than 700 Da. Therefore, this study investigates hydrophilic, hydrophobic cationic, anionic and immobilized metal ion surface chemical modifications to advance nanostructured silicon mass spectrometry performance (nSi-MS). This investigation provides information required for a possible novel mass spectroscopy that combines surface-enhanced and nanostructured silicon surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the selective detection of specific compounds of a mixture.

Fabrication of nanostructured silicon by metal-assisted etching and its effects on matrix-free laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

A matrix-free, high sensitivity, nanostructured silicon surface assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) method fabricated by metal-assisted etching was investigated. Effects of key process parameters, such as etching time, substrate resistance and etchant composition, on the nanostructured silicon formation and its LDI-MS efficiency were studied. The results show that the nanostructured silicon pore depth and size increase with etching time, while MS ion intensity increases with etching time to 300 s then decreases until 600 s for both low resistance (0.001-0.02Ωcm) and high resistance (1-100Ωcm) silicon substrates. The nanostructured silicon surface morphologies were found to directly affect the LDI-MS signal ion intensity. By characterizing the nanostructured silicon surface roughness using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and sample absorption efficiency using fluorescence microscopy, it was further demonstrated that the nanostructured silicon surface roughness was highly correlated to the LDI-MS performance.

Opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channel by insulin in the brain-induced insulin secretion in Wistar rats.

Cerebral insulin can regulate glucose homeostasis via activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in the reduction of hepatic glucose output. However, the precise mechanism(s) through which cerebral insulin directly exerts an effect on insulin secretion remains unclear. In the present study, we found that cerebral administration of insulin caused an increase of plasma insulin concentration and a concomitant decrease in plasma glucose levels within one hour. These effects were blocked by vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection of 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide, a specific M (3) antagonist. The mediating influence of parasympathetic activation can thus be considered. The adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channel is a key mediator of the cerebral action of insulin. The plasma glucose-lowering action of insulin was abolished by cerebral administration of glibenclamide or repaglinide at concentrations sufficient to block K-ATP channels. In conclusion, our findings suggest that cerebral insulin may induce insulin release by stimulating the opening of K-ATP channels, which in turn activate parasympathetic tone in pancreatic tissue.

Insulin resistance induced by glucosamine in fructose-fed rats.

Glucosamine has been widely used to treat osteoporosis in clinic and it shows an effect on hexosamine biosynthetic pathway in glucose-induced insulin resistance. However, glucosamine and chronic hyperglycemia is not correlative. Thus, we used C (2)C (12) cell line to carry out the uptake assay of 2-[14C]-deoxy-d-glucose and [3H]-glucosamine. Glucosamine inhibited the in vitro glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. The glucose transporter GLUT4 prepared for [3H]-glucosamine uptake showed a concentration-dependent competition between glucose and glucosamine uptake. The effects of glucosamine on glucose tolerance and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) were also determined in normal Wistar and fructose-fed rats. Both plasma glucose levels and/or HOMA index were not changed in normal rats treated with glucosamine as compared with the saline-treated control. However, we found that glucosamine exhibited an effect on the expression of farnesoid X receptor in liver to exacerbate the values of HOMA and accelerate the development of insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats. Thus, glucosamine should be applied with caution in type-2 diabetic patients.

High-pressure needle interface for thermoplastic microfluidics.

A robust and low dead volume world-to-chip interface for thermoplastic microfluidics has been developed. The high pressure fluidic port employs a stainless steel needle inserted into a mating hole aligned to an embedded microchannel, with an interference fit used to increase pressure resistance. Alternately, a self-tapping threaded needle screwed into a mating hole is also demonstrated. In both cases, the flat bottom needle ports seat directly against the microchannel substrate, ensuring low interfacial dead volumes. Low dispersion is observed for dye bands passing the interfaces. The needle ports offer sufficient pull-out forces for applications such as liquid chromatography that require high internal fluid pressures, with the epoxy-free interfaces compatible with internal microchannel pressures above 40 MPa.

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction in Taiwanese men.

The study investigated the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction in ageing men. It was a cross-sectional study in an unselected consecutive sample of 398 men aged >40 years attending a urology clinic. LUTS and sexual function were assessed by validated symptom scales, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Clinically the severity of total and obstructive IPSS showed no significant correlation with age, but irritative IPSS is statistically correlated with age (P < 0.05). The prevalence of moderate to severe ED (IIEF-5 < 12) was significantly associated with LUTS severity (P < 0.05) and the severity of IIEF-5 correlated significantly with age (P < 0.01). A consistent inverse correlation was found between IIEF-5 and IPSS severity across the age groups, with the strongest effect within aged 60 to 69 years (r = -0.286, P < 0.01). The irritative IPSS showed a significant correlation with IIEF-5 severity across all age groups. These results reveal a significant correlation between LUTS and the severity of ED, especially on the irritative domain.

Interferon-alpha-induced serotonin uptake in Jurkat T cells via mitogen-activated protein kinase and transcriptional regulation of the serotonin transporter.

Interferon (IFN)-alpha upregulates serotonin (5-HT) uptake and serotonin transporter (5-HTT) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in immune cells, which implies the mechanism underlying IFN-alpha-induced depression. However, the signal transduction of this effect remains unclear. We investigated whether the effects of IFN-alpha on the functions of 5-HTT were related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). By performing Western blotting, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and [3H]5-HT labelling, we examined MAPK phosphorylation, 5-HTT mRNA expression and 5-HT uptake in Jurkat T cells. The cells had been cultured for different time periods (1) with IFN-alpha alone and (2) preincubated with either MAPK inhibitors or with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, and subsequently cultured along with IFN-alpha. The levels of MAPK phosphorylation, 5-HTT mRNA expression and 5-HT uptake all increased in the IFN-alpha-treated cells but were blocked in those that were pretreated with MAPK inhibitors and fluoxetine. These results appear to clarify the association of depression with IFN-alpha-induced 5-HT uptake that reduces the 5-HT levels and IFN-alpha-regulated transcription of 5-HTT; further, the results suggest the involvement of MAPK in this process.

Low temperature bonding of PMMA and COC microfluidic substrates using UV/ozone surface treatment.

The use of UV/ozone surface treatments for achieving low temperature bonds between PMMA and COC microfluidic substrates is evaluated. Low temperature bond strengths, approaching those of native polymer substrates bonded above their glass transition temperatures, are demonstrated for both thermoplastics. To evaluate the effects of the UV/O(3) surface treatment on the operation of bonded microfluidic devices, the relationship between UV/O(3) exposure and polymer hydrophilicity and surface chemistry are measured. Post-treatment surface chemistry is evaluated by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis, and the stability of the treated surfaces following solvent exposure is reported. Electroosmotic flow within fabricated microchannels with modified wall surfaces is also characterized. Overall, UV/O(3) treatment is found to enable strong low temperature bonds between thermoplastic microfluidic substrates using a simple, low cost, and high throughput fabrication technology.

Serotonin transporter mRNA expression is decreased by lamivudine and ribavirin and increased by interferon in immune cells.

Clinical reports document that depression as a side effect is more prevalent in hepatic patients given interferon (IFN)-alpha therapy than in those given lamivudine. The mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT), via uptake of serotonin (5-HT) into presynaptic serotoninergic neurons, is an initial action site for antidepressants. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify 5-HTT mRNA expression in immune cells in order to evaluate whether 5-HTT acted as an indicator of depression. Results showed that the 5-HTT mRNA expression was much higher in T-cell and B-cell lines than that in a monocytic cell line. Treatment with either lamivudine or ribavirin reduced the 5-HTT mRNA expression, protein level and 5-HT uptake in T-cell line. Treatment with IFN-alpha, however, increased those levels in the same group. A similar effect was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Mimicking clinical use by treating PBMC with a combination of IFN-alpha and ribavirin increased the 5-HTT mRNA expression level. Our study indicates that these therapeutic drugs regulate 5-HTT expression, which implies that 5-HTT might be a trait marker in IFN-alpha-induced depression after hepatic therapy.

Penile blunt trauma induced veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction.

Blunt trauma to the pelvic or perineal region of the corpora cavernosa is a risk factor for the subsequent development of persistent erectile dysfunction. The hemodynamic investigation of the integrity of the veno-occlusive mechanism has been rare in cases of traumatic impotence. We present two young men with erectile dysfunction following blunt penile or perineal trauma. Combined intracavernous injection and stimulation test, color duplex ultrasonography, and pharmacologic cavernosometry and cavernosography revealed normal arterial velocity and pulsation without cavernosal arterial fistula, but severe venous occlusion and site-specific abnormal veins were noted in both patients. They received penile vein ligation procedure and resulted in near-completely normal erectile function after a four-year followup. Penile venous ligation, especially on the site-specific veins, is still the choice of treatment for the trauma-induced penile veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction, and the result is satisfactory.

Determinations of morin, quercetin and their conjugate metabolites in serum.

Morin and quercetin are isomeric antioxidant flavonols. High-performance liquid chromatographic methods were developed for the quantitation of morin and quercetin in serum. The method employed a Cosmosil RP-18 column, using acetonitrile/0.2% o-phosphoric acid 28/72 and 27/73 (v/v) as mobile phases, with ethyl paraben and 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin used as internal standards for morin and quercetin, respectively. Moreover, a strategy to stabilize morin/quercetin released from their glucuronides/sulfates in serum during hydrolysis was established. The present methods are applicable for determining morin, quercetin, and their glucuronides/sulfates in serum.

Acute intoxication of cyclosporin caused by coadministration of decoctions of the fruits of Citrus aurantium and the Pericarps of Citrus grandis.

In order to investigate the effects of Citrus herbs on cyclosporin absorption and disposition, swine were given cyclosporin (10 mg/kg) with or without decoctions of Citri Aurantii Fructus (CAF) or Citri Grandis Pericarpium (CGP) in a crossover design. FPIA method (fluorescence polarization immunoassay) was used to determine the blood concentration of cyclosporin. The decoctions were characterized by their flavanone contents. Our results indicated that the coadministration of CAF and CGP significantly increased the Cmax of cyclosporin by 64% and 79%, respectively. The AUC of cyclosporin was significantly elevated by 97% when coadministered with CGP. Among the swine, 1/5 and 3/5 exhibited acute toxicity of cyclosporin after concomitant intake of CAF and CGP, respectively. This indicates an interaction of Citrus compounds with a commonly used drug. We suggest when cyclosporin is coadministered with these Citrus decoctions, the blood concentration of cyclosporin should be carefully monitored for dose adjustment to avoid cyclosporin intoxication.

Inhibition of immune cell proliferation with haloperidol and relationship of tyrosine hydroxylase expression to immune cell growth.

Previous studies indicated that exogenous dopamine and its agonists directly regulated mitogen-induced immune cell proliferation. In this study, we further investigated role of endogenous dopamine in immune cell growth. Haloperidol, a general antagonist for dopamine receptors, could reduce the cell growth rate of T cell hybridoma (10I) and rat nervous pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the initial rate-limiting step of catecholamine biosynthesis in the nervous system. Flow cytometric analysis indicated the expression of TH in various immune cells. The presence of TH in PC12 cells was used as a control. Temporal studies indicated that the expression of TH increased during 10I cell growth. Both alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine reduced TH expression and cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that immune T cells express TH which is correlated to cell growth, and that dopamine released from these cells may bind to the receptors to act in an autocrine or paracrine way.