The Role of Soluble Corn Fiber on Glycemic and Insulin Response.

Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Asia has prompted the exploration of dietary fibers as an ingredient to attenuate glycemic response (GR). This study aims to compare the effects of replacing 50% of total carbohydrate with soluble corn fiber (SCF) or maltodextrin on the GR and insulin response (IR). In this randomized cross-over study, twenty-two healthy Chinese males aged between 21-60 years were recruited. The participants consumed glucose beverages and four test meals comprising SCF or maltodextrin in glutinous rice or as a drink. Repeated-measure ANOVA was used to compare the incremental area under the curve values of glucose (iAUGC) and insulin (iAUIC) of all the foods. Relative response (RR) of the beverages were also calculated and compared using paired t-test. SCF treatments had significantly lower iAUGC (p-value < 0.05) and iAUIC (p-value < 0.001) as compared to all treatments. Both treatments (rice and beverage) of maltodextrin were not significantly different from glucose (p-value > 0.05). Maltodextrin beverage had significantly increased postprandial GR and insulin secretion by 20% and 40%, respectively, when compared to SCF beverage (p-value < 0.001). This study shows that the inclusion of SCF into the diet is beneficial in controlling the postprandial GR. Replacing total carbohydrates with SCF effectively lowers GR and IR.

The glycaemic index and insulinaemic index of commercially available breakfast and snack foods in an Asian population.

A low-glycaemic-index (GI) breakfast has been shown to lower blood glucose levels throughout the day. A wide variety of breakfast foods are consumed, but their GI values are largely unknown, hence limiting consumers' ability to select healthier options. This study investigated the GI values of ten common breakfast (five Asian and five Western) foods in this region using a randomised, cross-over study design. Participants arrived after an overnight fast, and fasting blood sample was taken before participants consumed test foods. Next, blood samples were taken at fixed intervals for 180 min. Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to test foods were calculated as incremental AUC over 120 min, which were subsequently reported as glycaemic and insulinaemic indices. In all, nineteen healthy men (nine Chinese and ten Indians) aged 24·7 (sem 0·4) years with a BMI of 21·7 (sem 0·4) kg/m2 completed the study. Asian breakfast foods were of medium (white bun filled with red bean paste=58 (sem 4); Chinese steamed white bun=58 (sem 3)) to high GI (rice idli=85 (sem 4); rice dosa=76 (sem 5); upma=71 (sem 6)), whereas Western breakfast foods were all of low GI (whole-grain biscuit=54 (sem 5); whole-grain biscuit filled with peanut butter=44 (sem 3); whole-grain oat muesli=55 (sem 4); whole-grain oat protein granola=51 (sem 4); whole-grain protein cereal=49 (sem 3)). The GI of test foods negatively correlated with protein (r s -0·366), fat (r s -0·268) and dietary fibre (r s -0·422) (all P<0·001). GI values from this study contribute to the worldwide GI database, and may assist healthcare professionals in recommending low-GI breakfast to assist in lower daily glycaemia among Asians who are susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ethnic Variability in Glycemic Response to Sucrose and Isomaltulose.

The aim of this study was to compare the glycemic response of Caucasians and Asians to two disaccharides of different glycemic index (GI), and to examine if ethnic groups that showed the largest glycemic response to sucrose would benefit the most when it is replaced with isomaltulose. Forty healthy participants (10 Chinese; 10 Malays; 10 Caucasians; and 10 Indians) consumed beverages containing 50 g of sucrose or isomaltulose on two separate occasions using a randomized crossover design. Capillary blood glucose was measured in a fasted state and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after beverage ingestion. Glycemic response to sucrose was significantly higher in Malays compared to Caucasians (p = 0.041), but did not differ between Caucasians vs. Chinese (p = 0.145) or vs. Indians (p = 0.661). When sucrose was replaced with isomaltulose, glycemic responses were significantly reduced in all ethnic groups, with the largest reduction in glycemic response being observed in Malays. Malays, who had the greatest glycemic response to sucrose, also showed the greatest improvement in glycemic response when sucrose was replaced with isomaltulose. This implies that Malays who are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus may benefit from strategies that replace high GI carbohydrate with lower GI alternatives to assist in glycemic control.

Impact of Isotonic Beverage on the Hydration Status of Healthy Chinese Adults in Air-Conditioned Environment.

People living in tropical climates spend much of their time in confined air-conditioned spaces, performing normal daily activities. This study investigated the effect of distilled water (W) or isotonic beverage (IB) on the hydration status in subjects living under these conditions. In a randomized crossover design, forty-nine healthy male subjects either consumed beverage or IB over a period of 8 h (8 h) in a controlled air-conditioned environment. Blood, urine, and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 h. Hydration status was assessed by body mass, urine output, blood and plasma volume, fluid retention, osmolality, electrolyte concentration and salivary flow rate. In the IB group, urine output (1862 ± 86 mL vs. 2104 ± 98 mL) was significantly lower and more fluids were retained (17% ± 3% vs. 7% ± 3%) as compared to W (p < 0.05) after 8 h. IB also resulted in body mass gain (0.14 ± 0.06 kg), while W led to body mass loss (-0.04 ± 0.05 kg) (p = 0.01). A significantly smaller drop in blood volume and lower free water clearance was observed in IB (-1.18% ± 0.43%; 0.55 ± 0.26 mL/min) compared to W (-2.11% ± 0.41%; 1.35 ± 0.24 mL/min) (p < 0.05). IB increased salivary flow rate (0.54 ± 0.05 g/min 0.62 ± 0.04 g/min). In indoor environments, performing routine activities and even without excessive sweating, isotonic beverages may be more effective at retaining fluids and maintaining hydration status by up to 10% compared to distilled water.

Estimation of basal metabolic rate in Chinese: are the current prediction equations applicable?

BACKGROUND: Measurement of basal metabolic rate (BMR) is suggested as a tool to estimate energy requirements. Therefore, BMR prediction equations have been developed in multiple populations because indirect calorimetry is not always feasible. However, there is a paucity of data on BMR measured in overweight and obese adults living in Asia and equations developed for this group of interest. The aim of this study was to develop a new BMR prediction equation for Chinese adults applicable for a large BMI range and compare it with commonly used prediction equations. METHODS: Subjects were 121 men and 111 women (age: 21-67 years, BMI: 16-41 kg/m(2)). Height, weight, and BMR were measured. Continuous open-circuit indirect calorimetry using a ventilated hood system for 30 min was used to measure BMR. A regression equation was derived using stepwise regression and accuracy was compared to 6 existing equations (Harris-Benedict, Henry, Liu, Yang, Owen and Mifflin). Additionally, the newly derived equation was cross-validated in a separate group of 70 Chinese subjects (26 men and 44 women, age: 21-69 years, BMI: 17-39 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: The equation developed from our data was: BMR (kJ/d) = 52.6 x weight (kg) + 828 x gender + 1960 (women = 0, men = 1; R(2) = 0.81). The accuracy rate (within 10 % accurate) was 78 % which compared well to Owen (70 %), Henry (67 %), Mifflin (67 %), Liu (58 %), Harris-Benedict (45 %) and Yang (37 %) for the whole range of BMI. For a BMI greater than 23, the Singapore equation reached an accuracy rate of 76 %. Cross-validation proved an accuracy rate of 80 %. CONCLUSIONS: To date, the newly developed Singapore equation is the most accurate BMR prediction equation in Chinese and is applicable for use in a large BMI range including those overweight and obese.

Effect of Age on Working Memory Performance and Cerebral Activation after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Functional MR Imaging Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the age effect on working memory (WM) performance and functional activation after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the local research ethics committee. All participants provided written informed consent. N-back WM cerebral activation was assessed with functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 13 younger (mean age, 26.2 years ± 2.9; range, 21-30 years) and 13 older (mean age, 57.8 years ± 6.6; range, 51-68 years) patients with MTBI and 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Two functional MR images were obtained within 1 month after injury and 6 weeks after the initial study. Group comparison and regression analysis were performed among postconcussion symptoms, neuropsychologic tests, and WM activity in both groups. RESULTS: In younger patients, initial hyperactivation was seen in the right precuneus and right inferior parietal gyrus (P = .047 and P = .025, respectively) in two-back greater than one-back conditions compared with younger control subjects, whereas in older patients, hypoactivation was seen in the right precuneus and right inferior frontal gyrus (P = .013 and P =.019, respectively) compared with older control subjects. Increased WM activity was associated with increased postconcussion symptoms in the right precuneus (r = 0.57; P = .026) and right inferior frontal gyrus (r = 0.60; P = .019) and poor WM performance in the right precuneus (r = -0.55; P = .027) in younger patients at initial studies but not in older patients. At follow-up examinations, partial recovery of activation pattern and decreased postconcussion symptoms (P = .04) were observed in younger patients but not in older patients. CONCLUSION: The different manifestations of postconcussion symptoms at functional MR imaging between younger and older patients confirmed the important role of age in the activation, modulation, and allocation of WM processing resources after MTBI. These findings also supported that younger patients have better neural plasticity and clinical recovery than do older patients.

Screening of different sample types associated with sheep and cattle for the presence of nematophagous fungi in China.

A total of 1502 samples, including feces of sheep (793) and cattle (348), pasture soil (118), dung compost (147) and barn soil (96), were examined between October 2012 and August 2014 to discover potential strains of nematophagous fungi for the biological control of livestock-parasitic nematodes. These samples were collected from 87 sites located in 48 counties of 20 provinces (autonomous regions/municipalities) of China. Fungi were identified down to a species level. Four hundred and seventy-seven isolates, which were distributed in 8 genera and 28 taxa, were identified as nematophagous fungi. Nematode-trapping fungi included 17 species and one unidentified species of Arthrobotrys, two of Dactylella, Drechslerella dactyloides, and Duddingtonia flagrans. Five identified species and two unidentified species of endoparasitic fungi were isolated. The predominant species from all regions were Arthrobotrys oligospora, followed by Arthrobotrys musiformis, Arthrobotrys (Monacrosporium) thaumasiun, and Arthrobotrys (Monacrosporium) microscaphoides. Species with adhesive networks were the most frequently isolated. Among the endoparasitic fungi, Podocrella harposporifera (Harposporium anguillulae) was the most common species, followed by Harposporium lilliputanum and Harposporium arcuatum. Based on Shannon diversity index, the diversity levels of nematophagous fungi were relatively higher in samples associated with cattle, barn soil, and subtropical monsoon climate zone. Three species isolated from this study, namely, Duddingtonia flagrans, Arthrobotrys salina (Monacrosporium salinum), and Arthrobotrys oligospora var. sarmatica, are newly recorded in China, and 20 species (including one unidentified species) are newly recorded in sheep and cattle barn soils worldwide.

Sex Differences in Working Memory after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Functional MR Imaging Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate sex differences in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) with working memory functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research ethics committee approval and patient written informed consent were obtained. Working memory brain activation patterns were assessed with functional MR imaging in 30 patients (15 consecutive men and 15 consecutive women) with MTBI and 30 control subjects (15 consecutive men and 15 consecutive women). Two imaging studies were performed in patients: the initial study, which was performed within 1 month after the injury, and a follow-up study, which was performed 6 weeks after the first study. For each participant, digit span and continuous performance testing were performed before functional MR imaging. Clinical data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Fisher exact tests. Within- and between-group differences of functional MR imaging data were analyzed with one- and two-sample t tests, respectively. RESULTS: Among female participants, the total digit span score was lower in the MTBI group than in the control group (P = .044). In initial working memory functional MR imaging studies, hyperactivation was found in the male MTBI group and hypoactivation was found in the female MTBI group compared with control male and female groups, respectively. At the 6-week follow-up study, the female MTBI group showed persistent hypoactivation, whereas the male MTBI group showed a regression of hyperactivation at visual comparison of activation maps. The male MTBI group was also found to have a higher initial ß value than the male control group (P = .040), and there was no significant difference between the male MTBI group and the male control group (P = .221) at follow-up evaluation, which was comparable to findings on activation maps. In the female MTBI group, average ß values at both initial and follow-up studies were lower compared with those in the female control group but were not statistically significant (P = .663 and P = .191, respectively). CONCLUSION: Female patients with MTBI had lower digit span scores than did female control subjects, and functional MR imaging depicted sex differences in working memory functional activation; hypoactivation with nonrecovery of activation change at follow-up studies may suggest a worse working memory outcome in female patients with MTBI.

Isolation, identification, and characterization of the nematophagous fungus Monacrosporium salinum from China.

Nematophagous fungi are considered to have the best potential as biological agents for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in domestic animals. However, relatively few studies have been conducted with the genus Monacrosporium, especially with strains native to China. In the present study, we isolated and identified nematophagous fungi from fresh sheep feces. A pure fungal strain was molecularly characterized, and its nematophagous activity was evaluated. The morphological plasticity of the isolated strain, as well as its interaction with the nematode targets, was observed by scanning electron microscopy of the infected Trichostrongylus colubriformis L3 and the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Three isolated fungal strains from the 30 fresh fecal samples of sheep from Inner Mongolia, China exhibited predatory activity; however, only a single strain was successfully purified (SF 0459). The SF 0459 strain was characterized by morphological analysis of its conidia and sequencing of its ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 region. This strain was identified to be Monacrosporium salinum (GenBank ID: KP036623). Nematophagous fungus helper bacteria were found at the interaction points between fungi and nematodes. The percentage of live T. colubriformis L3 was reduced by 83.79-88.69% based on the in vitro assay.

Synthesis of iminoalditol and N-alkyl iminoalditol derivatives of ribopyranosides.

Iminoalditol analogs of ribopyranosides were prepared by reduction of a vinylogous urethane intermediate formed from methyl 2-C-(5-O-methanesulfonyl-beta-d-ribofuranosyl)acetate (1) by treatment with sodium azide in DMF at reflux. The N-alkylated analogs were synthesized either by N-alkylation of the corresponding parent iminoaldithol or, more efficiently, from the product of the reaction of 1 with various alkylamines. The latter process involves an S(N)2 substitution at C-5 by the amine followed by an intramolecular hetero-Michael reaction under basic conditions. The 'aglycon' of the iminoalditol was also modified through amidation and esterification.

A pilot study on efficacy treatment of acne vulgaris using a new method: results of a randomized double-blind trial with Acne Dressing.

For many years the positive effect of hydrocolloid dressings on skin-related conditions attracted the attention of the medical scientific community. The use of Acne Dressing, a tape of hydrocolloid dressing, for the treatment of acne has not been reported previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and beneficial effect of Acne Dressing on the marker for sebum output evaluations. We also determined the cosmetic outcome of this application during the treatment of acne and whether the material could prevent hand touching and UVB light from reaching the skin surface. The objective of this study was to assess improvement in acne vulgaris and tolerability during one week of short contact treatment with Acne Dressing compared to skin tapes. Efficacy data specific to treatment of acne vulgaris with Acne Dressing (3M Health Care) from a double-blind, randomized, skin types-controlled study is reported. A total of 20 patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris applied the skin tapes or Acne Dressing every two days for up to one week. Twenty patients were enrolled in this study: ten patients received Acne Dressing and ten patients received skin tapes. Both groups showed decreases from baseline to the end of treatment in the mean of the overall severity scale (decrease of 1.37 from 1.8 to 0.43 with Acne Dressing and 0.28 from 1.08 to 0.8 with skin tapes). A statistically significant greater reduction was observed over a period of three to seven days in the overall severity of acne and inflammation in the Acne Dressing group compared with the mono-therapy (skin tapes) group. Similarly, Acne Dressing resulted in a significantly greater improvement in the redness, oiliness, dark pigmentation, and sebum casual level at days 3, 5, and 7. The ratio of transmission of UVB light with Acne Dressing was 7.4%, and 38% with skin tapes, which shows less UVB light reaching the skin surface with the Acne Dressing. No significant adverse events were identified in either group. The pilot study shows the benefit of treatment with Acne Dressing in improving mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. A future study will investigate a large set of patients in longer followup periods.

Hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma.

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype and TCR gene rearrangements of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in eight Chinese patients. METHODS: Eight Chinese patients with hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphomas were studied. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides and clinical histories were reviewed. We also carried out immunohistochemical staining for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD43, CD56, CD79a, UCHL-1, and TCR gammadelta. Rearrangements of TCR gamma and delta chain genes were also studied. RESULTS: The spleens were enlarged and the cut surfaces were homogeneous and red-purple in color without identifiable gross lesions or enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Histologically, lymphoma cells infiltrated the cords of Billroth and often packed the sinuses. Liver biopsy showed lymphoma cell infiltrations in the sinusoids, and three cases showed involvements of the portal tracts. Immunohistochemically lymphoma cells were positive for CD3, CD43, and CD56 in all cases. Four of eight cases were positive for CD8, and all cases were negative for CD4 (6/6). Monoclonal rearrangements of TCR gamma gene were demonstrated by PCR analysis in five out of the eight cases. TCR delta gene rearrangements were detected in six out of the eight cases, which demonstrated single bands on PAGE gel, and the amplification products in two cases were confirmed by sequencing. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathology of hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma in Chinese patients is similar to what was previously reported except that the splenomegaly is not so massive, and CD8 is positive.

[Expression of survivin gene in pancreatic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression status of survivin gene in pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS: Expression of survivin gene was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western Blot and RT-PCR in 59 cases of pancreatic carcinoma along with their corresponding adjacent benign tissues, 11 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 7 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. RESULTS: The positive expression rate of survivin in pancreatic carcinoma was 72.8% (43/59). There was no relationship between the expression of survivin and tumor stage and differentiation. No expression of survivin was detected in benign tissue adjacent to the tumors as well as in samples of chronic pancreatitis. All 7 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines showed a positive expression of survivin mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of survivin appears to be tumor specific to some extent in our pancreatic carcinoma samples. Survivin may be an ideal target for therapy against pancreatic carcinoma.

[Distinction between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in morphology, immunohistochemistry, DNA ploidy status, LOH and MSI of 11q13 and 1p between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas, and to find the marker or markers useful in distinction between benign and malignant pheochromocytoma or for predicting the malignant potential of this tumor. METHODS: Twenty-two cases of clinically documented benign and malignant pheochromocytomas from the files of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed. Aside from histological study, Ki-67, p53, CgA, S-100, PCNA and survivin immunohistochemistry studies were performed. DNA ploidy status was assessed by flow cytometry on cell suspensions prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. Twelve tumors (7 benign and 5 malignant) with paired normal tissues were microdissected. Tumor and normal tissue DNA were extracted. The obtained DNAs and 8 microsatellite markers related to 11q13 and 1q were subjected to PCR amplification for analysis of LOH and MSI. RESULTS: None of the tumors showed atypical mitosis, only 1 malignant tumor had a mitotic count > 1/10 HPF (2.3/10 HPF). Two malignant tumors exhibited confluent necrosis. Ki-67 index was low in benign tumors (average 0.73%), and high in malignant tumors (average 2.4%). The difference of Ki-67 index between benign and malignant tumors was statistically significant. DNA ploidy status did not correlate with malignancy. Although LOH and/or MSI of 11q13 and 1p were observed in several tumors, a statistically significant difference could not be reached due to the small number of tumors analyzed. CONCLUSION: Only Ki-67 index (> 3%) is an useful marker for distinguishing benign from malignant or for predicting the malignant potential of pheochromocytoma.

[Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma:a clinicopathological analysis of seven cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathological features of thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSH adenoma). METHODS: Clinical and pathological features of 7 TSH adenoma cases were studied by review of patients' medical records, light and electronic microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All seven patients presented with clinical hyperthyroidism and high levels of plasma free T3, free T4, total T3 and total T4. The levels of TSH failed to be suppressed by thyroxin administration. MRI showed macro or giant pituitary adenomas in all seven patients with tumor diameters ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 cm. Under light microscope, there were 5 cases of chromophobe cell adenoma, 1 case of acidophil cell adenoma, and 1 case of mixed acidophil and chromophobe cell adenoma. Immunohistochemical stains showed a strong positivity of TSH in all the tumors, PRL positive cells in 1 tumor, GH positive cells in 2 tumors and scattered GH and PRL double positive cells in 3 tumors. Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 0 approximately 0.4%. P53 immunostain was negative in all tumors. After initial surgery, 2 cases had recurrences. However, the Ki-67 proliferation index was not elevated in these two tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The histological features of TSH pituitary adenomas are heterogeneous with chromophobe as the most common subtype. Secretion of TSH was detected by immunohistochemistry in all cases. P53 mutation is not a feature of TSH adenoma and the proliferation marker, such as Ki-67, may not predict clinical behavior of the tumor. Recurrence is likely due to incomplete resection.