Effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on inflammatory factors in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Previous studies have shown that inflammatory factors increases in pregnancy and is associated with several complications of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on inflammatory factors in pregnant women. In a randomized clinical trial, seventy primigravid (the first pregnancy) and singleton pregnant women aged 18-30 years were assigned to two groups. Subjects consumed daily 200 g probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB12 (10(7) CFU g(-1) for each) or 200 g conventional yoghurt for 9 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline (28 weeks of gestation) and after intervention (37 weeks of gestation). Inflammatory factors, hs-CRP and TNF-alpha, were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Independent t-test was used to compare the two groups after intervention and paired-sample t-test compared variables before and after treatment. The results showed that the probiotic yogurt brought about a decrease in the serum hs-CRP level, from 10.44 +/- 1.56 to 7.44 +/- 1.03 microg mL(-1) (p = 0.041). There was no significant change in the conventional yogurt group in the serum hs-CRP level (12.55 +/- 1.57 to 14.51 +/- 1.62 microg mL(-1), p = 0.202). The probiotic yogurt had no effect on TNF-alpha (from 73.75 +/- 6.59 to 77.91 +/- 5.61 pg mL(-1), p = 0.633). Serum TNF-alpha did not change in the conventional yogurt group (p = 0.134). In conclusion probiotic yogurt significantly decreased hs-CRP in pregnant women but had no effect on TNF-alpha.     

Antioxidant status of bilirubin and uric acid in patients diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Douala

Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant status have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria. To assess the antioxidant level ofbilirubin and uric acid associated with falciparum malaria infection, 60 untreated patients (30 men and 30 women) in Douala, Cameroon were screened for the study. Sixty five healthy individuals (29 men and 36 women) were used as controls. Total and conjugated bilirubin were calculated using Jendrassik-Grof method while uric acid was determined using Barham-Trinder method. It was observed that total and conjugated bilirubins were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in malaria patients (10.722 +/- 4.043 and 3.627 +/- 1.571 mg L(-1), respectively) when compared to control (6.830 +/- 2.436 and 1.777 +/- 0.729 mg L(-1)) and these bilirubin levels increased significantly with parasite count (p < 0.050). There was also significant increased (p = 0.021) of uric acid in malaria patients (56.262 +/- 13.963 mg L(-1)) compared to controls (49.838 +/- 15.419 mg L(-1)). No significant differences based on sex were observed on uric acid, parasite count, total and conjugated bilirubins in malaria patients. Positive correlations were obtained between parasite count and total bilirubin (r = 0.320, p < 0.050), conjugated bilirubin (r = 0.477, p < 0.001), uric acid (r = 0.060, p > 0.050) and between total and conjugated bilirubin (r = 0.729, p < 0.001). From this study, it has been hypothesized that the augmentation of plasma level ofbilirubin and uric acid could provide more protection against oxidative stress induced by malaria.     

Vitamin A status of pregnant women in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria

The vitamin A status of 101 pregnant women attending clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria was assessed based on 24 h dietary recall, serum retinol concentration, history of night blindness, physical appearance and clinical eye signs. The study revealed that the mean dietary vitamin A intake of the respondents (2645.31 +/- 188.91 microg RE) and their mean serum retinol concentration (31.18 +/- 2.94 microg dL(-1)) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the FAO/WHO recommended intake and cutoff level for VAD. No case of night blindness, physical signs and symptoms, or clinical eye signs attributable to VAD was observed. There was a significant (p < 0.01) correlation between the amount of 24 h vitamin A intake of the women and their serum retinol concentration (r = 0.31). Also, women who had above 50% of their vitamin A intake from provitamin A sources had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum retinol concentration (23.10 +/- 21.12 microg dL(-1)) than those who had above 50% intake from preformed sources (49.54 +/- 42.63 microg dL(-1)) and those with about equal intake from both sources (55.75 +/- 30.80 microg dL(-1)). There was a significant (p < 0.05) and steady decline in serum retinol concentration in the women from the first trimester (37.79 +/- 6.65 microg dL(-1)), through the second trimester (35.12 +/- 4.72 microg dL(-1)), to the third trimester (21.54 +/- 1.46 microg dL(-1)) of pregnancy.     

AO tubular external fixation vs. unreamed intramedullary nailing in open grade IIIA-IIIB tibial shaft fractures: a single-center randomized clinical trial

Although the intramedullary nailing is thought to be the method of choice for treatment of closed tibial shaft, there is ongoing debate on the optimal surgical approach in patients with open types of these fractures. In addition, choosing between the reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing is still an issue for the orthopedic surgeons. In present study, we aimed to compare the outcome and consequences of OA tubular external fixation vs. unreamed intramedullary nailing in open grade IIIA-IIIB tibial shaft fractures. In a randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with open tibial shaft fractures (grades IIIA-IIIB) were recruited in Tabriz Shohada teaching centre in a 2-year period of time. They randomized in two equal groups underwent either AO tubular external fixation or unreamed intramedullary nailing. These 2 groups were matched for sex, age and fracture-grade. The follow-up time was one year. Union time, surgical outcome, postoperative complications and the ambulation time were compared between the two groups. Twenty five patients, 20 males and 5 females with a mean age of 30.80 +/- 5.24 years were allocated in unreamed intramedullary group and 25 other patients, 22 males and 3 females with a mean age of 28.92 +/- 8.88 years were studied in the external fixation group (p = 0.70 and 0.37, respectively). The two groups were matched for sex (p = 0.70) and age (p = 0.37). The time of union was 3, 4, 5 and 6 < or = weeks after operation in 28, 12, 32 and 28% of the cases in unreamed intramedullary group vs. 4, 12, 48 and 36% of the cases in external fixation group, respectively (p = 0.14). Post-operative infection, soft tissue injury, malunion and nonunion were documented in 16, 8, 0 and 4% of the cases in unreamed intramedullary group vs. 32, 12, 24 and 8% of the cases in external fixation group, respectively (p = 0.19, 0.50, 0.02 and 0.50, respectively). The mean ambulation time after operation was 2.92 +/- 2.43 weeks in the unreamed intramedullary nailing group vs. 2.68 +/- 2.14 weeks in the external fixation group (p = 0.71). Our results are in favor of unreamed intramedullary nailing against external fixation in treatment of open tibial shaft fractures.     

Preemptive analgesia with local lidocaine infiltration for single-level open disc operation

To evaluate the impact of preemptive local analgesia at the incision site for postoperative pain in patients undergoing disc operation. In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study 166 patients were assigned to either lidocaine (n = 83) or placebo (n = 83) groups. The incision site was infiltrated with either 20 mL of 2% lidocaine and 0.9% saline in lidocaine group or 0.9% saline before the incision. Morphine (5 mg) was used for postoperative pain treatment. Postoperative pain was measured with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Data were analyzed with SPSS software, using Chi-square and t-tests. The groups were matched for age, sex, type of operation, mean length of hospital stay and mean length of operation. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in visual analog scores of pain severity at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery between lidocaine and placebo groups (6 h: 38.22 +/- 26.87 vs. 34.52 +/- 24.43, p = 0.35; 12 h: 33.26 +/- 28.83 vs. 28.01 +/- 24.71, p = 0.20; 24 h: 26.71 +/- 23.31 vs. 22.85 +/- 22.48, p = 0.27; 48 h 16.35 +/- 10.16 vs. 15.23 +/- 8.90 p = 0.45). The amount of narcotics used post operatively had no meaningful difference in the groups (lidocaine 10.07 +/- 8.24 mg vs. placebo 10.54 +/- 9.31 mg p = 0.73). Preemptive analgesia with lidocaine 2% used subcutaneously before skin incision has no effect in reducing postoperative pain, narcotics demand and duration of hospital stay.     

Is there any association between overweight, obesity and symptoms of reflux disease?

The present study was aimed to identify the association of overweight and obesity with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This age- and sex-matched case-control study was carried out in a sample of subjects referred to the specialized clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from November 2006 to March 2007. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a checklist to determine reflux symptoms. Weight and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between overweight, obesity and reflux symptoms. The study population included 106 cases (with reflux symptoms) and 111 controls with a mean age of 35.2 +/- 12.9 years. The mean BMI was 2.4 units greater in cases than controls (p = 0.0001). In unadjusted model, overweight (OR = 3.41, CI: 1.8-6.44) and obesity (OR = 2.84, CI: 1.38-5.82) were significantly associated with GERD. Results of multivariate logistic regression revealed significant association between overweight and GERD after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.87, CI: 1.49-5.53). Given the increasing prevalence of patients with both overweight/obesity and GERD, Serious dietary intervention studies for weight loss as a therapeutic strategy should be carried out in GERD patients complicated with obesity.     

The use of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 15-3 as a tumor marker in detecting breast cancer

This study was carried out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of serum CA 15-3 as a marker in detecting and monitoring treatment in, breast cancer patients. One hundred and ten patients comprising 35 known breast cancer patients, 75 suspected cases and 20 controls entered the study. Blood samples were taken before and after treatment from the 35 known cases as well as the 75 suspected cases from which biopsy specimens were also taken. Serum CA 15-3 was measured by BioCheck CA 15-3 Enzyme Immunoassay. There was a significant difference between the concentration of serum CA 15-3 of the 35 known breast cancer patients before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Out of the 75 suspected cases, 46 had breast cancer and 29 had benign breast disease (histologically proven). There was a strong positive correlation between the level of serum CA 15-3 and the histopathology results of the biopsies (r = 0.518). The mean serum CA 15-3 concentration of the 46 patients (80.6 +/- 70.2 U mL(-1)) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the 29 patients with benign breast disease (12.0 +/- 9.0). The sensitivity and specificity of the serum CA 15-3 in detecting breast cancer was 76.1 and 100%, respectively at a cut-off of 35 U mL(-1). Serum CA 15-3 was found to have a value in the early detection and monitoring of treatment of breast cancer in Ghana.     

海藻渣与镁配施对红壤理化性质和烟草生长的影响

针对部分红壤地区土壤酸性强、有效养分含量低及透气性差等特性,研究了硫酸镁和海藻渣配施对红壤理化性质及烟草生长的影响,为烟区红壤改良提供理论基础。采用盆栽试验,设置6个处理,CK：对照,不加镁和海藻渣;MS：单独施用硫酸镁,每千克土施用0.375 g;SF：单独施用海藻渣,每千克土施用50 g;C₁：每千克土施用MgSO₄ 0.375 g+海藻渣50 g;C₂：每千克土施用MgSO₄ 0.563 g+海藻渣75 g;C₃：每千克土施用MgSO₄ 0.75 g+海藻渣100 g。烟草收获时,测定并分析不同处理对土壤pH、有机碳、矿质养分含量、土壤容重、总孔隙度,以及烟草农艺性状、烟叶矿质养分含量等的影响。结果表明：单独施用硫酸镁或海藻渣以及硫酸镁与海藻渣配施后,烟草株高、茎粗和叶片数等农艺性状明显改善,生物量比对照显著提高;硫酸镁单施处理中烟叶的P和Mg含量比对照显著提高,海藻渣单施及硫酸镁与海藻渣配施的烟叶P、K和Mg含量比对照显著提高;C₃处理土壤pH比对照提高0.38个单位,碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾、交换性钙和交换性镁含量分别比对照提高了42.85%、60.01%、33.73%、253.02%和689.07%;C₁、C₂和C₃处理土壤有机碳含量分别比对照提高了212.9%、385.7%和540.7%;海藻渣单施及与镁配施对土壤有效磷、速效钾、交换性钙和交换性镁含量显著提高;海藻渣单施或与镁配施能显著降低土壤容重并提高土壤总孔隙度;C₃处理土壤容重比对照显著降低9.78%,总孔隙度比对照显著提高8.87%。因此,海藻渣和硫酸镁配施能促进红壤中烟草的生长,并有效改善红壤的理化性状。     

Arthroscopically-assisted vs. open surgery in repairing anterior cruciate ligament avulsion

The management of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) avulsion is principally by surgery. There are two major techniques in this regard; fixation through open surgery (arthrotomy) or arthroscopically-assisted repair. These are not new in the literature; however, the debate regarding the better approach is still under debate. This study focused on comparing outcome and consequences of arthroscopically-assisted vs. open surgery in repairing ACL avulsion. In a randomized clinical trial, 44 patients with unilateral ACL avulsion were recruited in Tabriz Shohada teaching Centre during a 12 month period of time. These patients were randomized in two equal age and sex-matched groups underwent either arthroscopically-assisted or open ACL repair. The constructive technique was the same in both groups without using any graft. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months including 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Range of Motion (ROM), laxity, Anterior Drawer Test (ADT) result, duration of hospital stay, wound status, nonunion and return to previous work were compared between the two groups. Mean time of suture removal (p = 0.10), minimum and maximum ROM at months 3 (p = 0.43 and 0.22, respectively) and 6 (p = 0.73 and 0.77, respectively), ADT at months 3 and 6 (p = 0.16 for both), laxity at month 6 (p = 0.28) and wound status at week 3 (p = 0.35) were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no case of nonunion at month 6 in either group. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the arthroscopy group (3.77 +/- 0.92 vs. 2.50 +/- 0.51 days; p < 0.001). The mean laxity score was significantly higher in the open surgery group at month 3 (4.82 +/- 0.59 vs. 4.45 +/- 0.60; p = 0.05). The rate of nonunion was significantly higher in the open surgery group at month 3 (40.9% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.02). Patients in the arthroscopically-assisted technique group returned sooner to previous work (17.41 +/- 1.53 vs. 14.82 +/- 0.96 weeks; p < 0.001). Based on our results, arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction of ACL avulsion is superior to open surgery.     

Effect of grape seed extract on lead induced hypertension and heart rate in rat

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of red Grape Seed Extract (GSE) on lead induced hypertension (HTN) and Heart Rate (HR) in male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: Each group received lead acetate (100 ppm in drinking water), GSE (100 mg kg(-1), orally) or Lead + GSE for 45 days. Another group assigned as control group provided with tap water and regular pellet food. The Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and heart rate were determined by tail plethysmography coupled to a computer system. There was a sustained elevation of SBP in lead exposed rats that significantly increased at day 18 (lead treated, 112.7 +/- 2.7 mmHg, vs. control, 105.6 +/- 2.6 mmHg, n = 10, p < 0.05) and reached a maximum level at day 36 (lead treated, 124.9 +/- 2.3 mmHg, vs. control, 103.6 +/- 3.1 mmHg, n = 10, p < 0.001). However, the other three groups; showed no significant changes in SBP. Furthermore, the heart rate was increased sustainly in lead exposed animals that was statistically significant at days 36 and 45 (lead treated group, 404.5 +/- 9.4 vs. control group, 381.7 +/- 6.7, n = 10, p < 0.05). The blood lead level in both lead and lead + GSE treated groups was increased significantly compared with control and GSE treated groups (p < 0.001). However, GSE administration had no effect on the blood lead level in lead treated group. According to the result of this study, it may be concluded that GSE could have beneficial effect in protecting the cardiovascular system through its antioxidant activity against oxidative stress.     

Mercury release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile phone use

In the 1st phase of this study, thirty patients were investigated. Five milliliter stimulated saliva was collected just before and after MRI. The magnetic flux density was 0.23 T and the duration of exposure of patients to magnetic field was 30 minutes. In the 2nd phase, fourteen female healthy University students who had not used mobile phones before the study and did not have any previous amalgam restorations were investigated. Dental amalgam restoration was performed for all 14 students. Their urine samples were collected before amalgam restoration and at days 1, 2, 3 and 4 after restoration. The mean +/- SD saliva Hg concentrations of the patients before and after MRI were 8.6 +/- 3.0 and 11.3 +/- 5.3 microg L(-1), respectively (p < 0.01). A statistical significant (p < 0.05) higher concentration was observed in the students used mobile phone. The mean +/- SE urinary Hg concentrations of the students who used mobile phones were 2.43 +/- 0.25, 2.71 +/- 0.27, 3.79 +/- 0.25, 4.8 +/- 0.27 and 4.5 +/- 0.32 microg L(-1) before the amalgam restoration and at days 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Whereas the respective Hg concentrations in the controls, were 2.07 +/- 0.22, 2.34 +/- 0.30, 2.51 +/- 0.25, 2.66 +/- 0.24 and 2.76 +/- 0.32 microg L(-1). It appears that MRI and microwave radiation emitted from mobile phones significantly release mercury from dental amalgam restoration. Further research is needed to clarify whether other common sources of electromagnetic field exposure may cause alterations in dental amalgam and accelerate the release of mercury.     

Relationship between admission hypoalbuminemia and inhospital mortality in acute stroke

This study aims at assessing the relation between hypoalbuminemia and inhospital mortality in patients with acute stroke. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 112 consecutively admitted patients with first acute stroke in Ahvaz Jundishapur Hospital were enrolled. All patients hospitalized for 7-9 days or expired in this period of time. Admission hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5 mg dL(-) as well as other prognostic factors were determined and compared between the two groups. One hundred and twelve patients, 74 males and 38 females with the mean age of 69.2 +/- 12.1 (66-79) years were enrolled. Twenty nine (25.9%) patients expired during the hospitalization. Totally, admission hypoal buminemia was present in 49 (43.8%) patients. 43% of the patients were Hypoalbuminemia. Frequency of patients with admission hypoalbuminemia and is chemic heart disease was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (75.8-32.5%, p = 0.001; 34.5 vs. 16.9%, p = 0.047, respectively). The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly lower in the nonsurvivors (8.1 +/- 1.8 vs. 9.4 +/- 0.5, p = 0.003). These three parameters remained significant in multivariate analysis. Sex, age, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, anemia, heart failure and smoking habit, admission atrial fibrillation, ethnicity and stroke type were comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, hypoalbuminemia is an independent predictor of inhospital mortality in patients with acute stroke.     

Independent predictors of in-hospital re-bleeding, need of operation and mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Prediction of outcome is difficult in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB). Some factors have been proposed in this regard with varying accuracy. This study aimed to investigate probable predictors of in-hospital outcome in patients with AUGIB. One hundred sixty four patients with AUGIB were studied prospectively in Tabriz Imam Reza Teaching Centre. All these patients were evaluated endoscopically by an expert. Patients' age, gender, presenting complains, transfusion, clinical findings and previous medical history were compared between survived vs. expired, re-bled vs. non re-bled and operated vs. non operated patients. There were 117 males and 47 females with the mean age of 57.12 +/- 17.32 (range: 32-78) years in this study. Hematemesis was the sole independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (82.1 vs. 100%; p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, however, female gender, major hemorrhage and previous neurological disease were associated with higher rate of expiration. Comparing two re-bled and non re-bled groups, hematemesis (76.5 vs. 95.9%; p = 0.003) and need of transfusion > 2U (36.1 vs. 71.4%; p = 0.006) were independent predictors of re-bleeding. In univariate analysis, hematocrit < 30%, major hemorrhage and previous history of hepatic disease or hypertension were predictive of re-bleeding. In comparison between operated and non operated groups no significant predictor was detected. In conclusion, this study showed that presence of hematemesis at the time of admission and need of transfusion > 2U were independent predictors of poor outcome in patients with AUGIB.     

Pre- and post-McDonald cerclage cervical length, width and funneling rate and their association with duration of pregnancy

Changes of cervical ultrasonographic physical parameters and their association with outcome of cerclage have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed at evaluating association between ultrasonographic physical cervical shapes before and after McDonald cerclage with the length of pregnancy. Cervical length, width and funneling rate were assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography before and after the procedure. Mean pre-cerclage cervical length, width and funneling rate were 29.28 +/- 5.54, 19.92 +/- 10.30 mm and 12.90 +/- 18.87%, respectively. The mean post-cerclage cervical length, diameter and funneling rate were 31.68 +/- 4.21, 9.78 +/- 13.86 and 4.32 +/- 10.89%, respectively (p < 0.001 for all pre- and post-cerclage changes). The mean post-cerclage duration of pregnancy was 19.78 +/- 5.94 weeks. There were significant direct correlations between the pre-and post-cerclage cervical lengths with pregnancy duration (r = 0.24, p = 0.04 and r = 0.44, p < 0.001, respectively). There were significant indirect correlations between the pre- and post-cerclage funneling rate with pregnancy duration (r = -0.30, p = 0.01 and r = -0.20, p = 0.01, respectively). Similar correlations were not significant for the cervical widths. This study showed that the pre- and post-cerclage ultrasonographically determined cervical length and funneling are good predictors of pregnancy duration.     

Therapeutic effects of biguanide vs. statin in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Various classes of medication are currently being used in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients including the biguanides and the statins. However, their efficacies are rarely compared. This study aimed to compare efficacy ofa biguanide and a statin in treating PCOS. In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, 400 women with PCOS were recruited within 15 months in Taleghani Hospital. They randomly received either a biguanide (metformin 500 mg three times daily) or a statin (simvastatin 20 mg daily) for three consecutive months. Changes of clinical and laboratory variables were compared. In the biguanide group the serum glucose status (abnormal fasting and non-fasting sugar and insulin levels and percentage of hyperinsulinemic cases) and menstrual abnormalities improved significantly after treatment (p < 0.05). In the statin group the lipid profile status (abnormal total cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, hyperinsulinemia, severity of acne and menstrual abnormalities improved significantly after treatment (p < 0.05). Comparing the two groups, the improvements in fasting blood sugar and serum insulin levels were significantly better in the biguanide group (p = 0.04 for both parameters); whereas the improvements in serum total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low density lipoprotein (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001) and acne status (p = 0.04) were significantly superior in the statin receivers. Based on these results, each medication is only effective on some aspects of the disease. Overall, the simvastatin was superior to metformin with regard to the number of beneficial effects.     

Differential expression of rheumatoid factor-associated crossreactive idiotypes in Iranian seropositive and seronegative patients with rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION: High levels of rheumatoid factors (RF) are detectable in serum of the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but 5-10% of patients remain seronegative (SN). Despite clinical and genetic similarities between these two subsets of RA, it has been proposed that they may be regarded as distinct clinical entities. METHODS: In the present study a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing RF-associated cross-reactive idiotypes (CRI) linked to the VH1 (G8), VH4 (LC1), VK3b (17-109) and a mAb recognizing the VK3 subgroup (C7) of immunoglobulin variable region (IgV) gene products were used to quantitate the level of expression of these gene products in serum and synovial fluid of 35 seropositive (SP) and 8 SN RA patients by capture ELISA. RESULTS: While the concentration and relative proportion of the IgV are recognized by the mAb G8, 17-109 and C7 were significantly higher in serum and synovial fluid of the SP RA, compared to the SN-RA patients (G8, p = 0.009; 17-109, p = 0.0001; C7, p = 0.001). The CRI recognized by the mAb LC1 was highly represented in serum and synovial fluid of the SN-RA patients. There have been no significant differences in the level of expression of these IgV gene products (other than the product recognized by C7 mAb in SP patients) between serum and synovial fluid of either group of patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the expressed repertoire of Ig VH and VK genes in these two subsets of RA is differentially regulated and may be influenced by selective mechanisms leading to positive or negative selection of certain genes.     

镁肥对台湾青枣叶片叶绿素含量和果实品质的影响

在大田条件下进行试验,研究镁肥不同施用量(0、150、300和450 g/株)对台湾青枣叶片叶绿素含量和果实品质的影响。结果表明,与不施肥对照比较,除盛花期施硫酸镁150 g/株的处理叶片叶绿素含量差异不显著外,其余各个处理在不同生育时期叶片叶绿素含量均显著提高;增施镁肥还能显著提高台湾青枣果实中水溶性钾和可溶性固形物含量,其中,施硫酸镁300 g/株的处理,果实中水溶性钾和可溶性固形物含量最高。