Taken together, we have identified a novel set of CCR8 compounds

Taken together, we have identified a novel set of CCR8 compounds with antagonistic properties that inhibit CCL1 driven chemotaxis in both CCR8 expressing eosinophils as well as primary human T cells. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Angiogenesis plays an

important role in the growth of solid tumors. To date, no information has been acquired on the effectiveness of gene PCI-34051 therapy in the orthotopic lung cancer model of syngeneic immunocompetent mice treated with an angiogenesis inhibitor. Here, we report the establishment of such a model in which Lewis lung carcinoma (LL/2) cell suspensions were orthotopically inoculated into the lung parenchyma of C57BL/6 mice, which were also injected with a recombinant adenoviral vector delivering the human endostatin gene (Ad-hE). We found that orthotopic implantation of LL/2 cells into the lung parenchyma produced a solitary tumor nodule in the lung followed by remote mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Conditioned medium from Ad-hE-transfected LL/2 cells apparently inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The level of endostatin protein in

serum could be identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with Ad-hE resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and prolongation of survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Immunohistochemical selleck screening library analysis revealed that intratumoral angiogenesis was significantly suppressed. Furthermore, the finding of angiogenesis inhibition was also supported by measuring the number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs). Apoptotic cells were found to be increased within tumor tissues from mice treated with Ad-hE. In addition, treatment with Ad-hE combined with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum( II) ( cisplatin) enhanced antitumor activity. These observations provide further evidence of the antitumor effect of endostatin gene therapy, and may be of importance for further exploration of potential application of this combined approach in the treatment of human lung cancer as well as other solid tumors.”
“Adenosine inhibits gastric acid secretion, either directly by acting on acid-secreting

parietal cells or indirectly by stimulating the release of the acid SB273005 purchase inhibitor, somatostatin. The present study examined the role of adenosine on somatostatin release in an isolated vascularly perfused mouse stomach model. Concentrations of exogenous adenosine >= 1.0 mu M stimulated gastric release of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI), and this effect was blocked by the A(2A) receptor antagonist ZM 241385 [4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol]. The A(2A) receptor agonist CGS 21680 [2-p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine hydrochloride] augmented SLI release in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that A(2A) receptor activation is involved in the stimulatory effect of adenosine on SLI release.

When the cohort was stratified by sex, ACE rs4362 and AGT rs699 s

When the cohort was stratified by sex, ACE rs4362 and AGT rs699 showed significant associations with WMLs in men only (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), and remained significant after controlling for hypertension. Although the AGTR1 SNP did not show any association with WMLs, the interaction of the AGT rs699 and AGTR1 rs5182 SNPs with WMLs was significant before (P = 0.03) and after adjustment for hypertension

(P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence for association of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system genes with WMLs, independent of hypertension. Male-only associations with WMLs were found for the AGT rs699 and ACE rs362 polymorphisms. Moreover, for SN-38 the entire sample an interaction between AGT and AGTR1 rs5182 genotypes on WMLs was observed.”
“Objective: To investigate the follicular size at spontaneous rupture on pregnancy rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing clomiphene citrate (CC) ovulation. Design: Cross-sectional study. Patients and methods: One hundred and four women with ovulatory cycles after find more use of CC followed by ultrasound to determine the follicle

size at the time of rupture, which was subsequently correlated with the occurrence of pregnancy or not in colt cycles. Results: In the group of follicular rupture at a mean diameter smaller than = 25 mm (n = 54), pregnancy rate was 35.1% and when follicular rupture occurred at a mean diameter bigger than 25 mm (n = 50), it was 34% (p bigger than 0.05). When different diameters at follicular rupture were randomly correlated with the pregnancy rate, there was no significant difference. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the occurrence of pregnancy after ovulation induction with CC in women with PCOS is not associated with follicle size at the time of rupture.”
“Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major health problem worldwide, and patients have a particularly poor 5-year survival rate. Thus, identification of the molecular targets in OSCC and subsequent innovative therapies are greatly Fer-1 needed. Prolonged exposure to alcohol,

tobacco, and pathogenic agents are known risk factors and have suggested that chronic inflammation may represent a potential common denominator in the development of OSCC. Microarray analysis of gene expression in OSCC cell lines with high basal NF-kappa B activity and OSCC patient samples identified dysregulation of many genes involved in inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and growth regulation. In particular IL-8, CCL5, STAT1, and VEGF gene expression was up-regulated in OSCC. Moreover, IL-8 protein levels were significantly higher in OSCC cell lines as compared with normal human oral keratinocytes. Targeting IL-8 expression by siRNA significantly reduced the survival of OSCC cells, indicating that it plays an important role in OSCC development and/or progression.

Skimmers are used to separate the neutrals from the plasma beam,

Skimmers are used to separate the neutrals from the plasma beam, which is guided from the source to the target by a strong axial magnetic field. In this way, the neutrals are prevented to reach the target region. The

neutral flux to the target must be lower than the plasma flux to enable ITER relevant plasma-surface interaction (PSI) DZNeP mouse studies. It is therefore essential to control the neutral gas dynamics. The DSMC method was used to model the expansion of a hot gas in a low pressure vessel where a small discrepancy in shock position was found between the simulations and a well-established empirical formula. Two stage differential pumping was modeled and applied in the linear plasma devices Pilot-PSI and PLEXIS. In Pilot-PSI a factor of 4.5 pressure reduction for H-2 has been demonstrated. Both simulations and experiments showed that the optimum skimmer position depends on the position of the shock and therefore shifts for different gas parameters. The shape of

the skimmer has to be designed such that it has a minimum impact on the shock structure. A too large angle between the skimmer and the forward direction of the gas flow leads to an influence on the expansion CT99021 structure. A pressure increase in front of the skimmer is formed and the flow of the plasma beam becomes obstructed. It has been shown that a skimmer with an angle around 53 degrees gives the best performance. The use of skimmers is implemented in the design of the large linear plasma generator Magnum-PSI. Here, a three stage differentially pumped vacuum Selleck Entinostat system is used to reach low enough neutral pressures near the target, opening a door to PSI research in the ITER relevant regime.”
“This study was developed in order to evaluate two alternatives for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in raw bovine meat pieces, both based

on the use of Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils (EOs). The antilisterial activity of different concentrations of the EOs was tested in vitro using agar dilution and disk volatilization techniques. In addition, L. monocytogenes was inoculated in meat pieces, which were submerged in edible gelatin coatings containing 2% (v/v) EOs or submitted to the vapor of EOs (0.74 mu L.cm(-3)). L. monocytogenes was quantified after one, 48 and 96 hours of storage (7 degrees C). In the in vitro tests, the EO of T. vulgaris presented higher activity. The two options used (edible gelatin coating and vapor activity), in spite of exercising effects with differentiated behaviors, presented antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes inoculated in raw bovine meat (p < 0.05). Greatest antibacterial activity were obtained in the experiment that used edible coatings containing EOs, at 48 hours of storage reductions in bacterial counts between 1.09 and 1.25 Log CFU.g(-1) were obtained. In the vapor effect experiment, the EO of T.

96; 95% CI, 0 75

to 1 24), in the IVT/combined IVT-IAT gr

96; 95% CI, 0.75

to 1.24), in the IVT/combined IVT-IAT group, 47 of 77 (61%) men and 24 of 43 (56%) women (aRR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.60), and in the IAT group, 142 of 185 (77%) men and 71 of 102 (70%) women (aRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.17). Mortality was not different between men and women in the antithrombotic treatment group (aRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.16), the IVT/combined IVT-IAT group AZD2014 supplier (aRR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.73), or in the IAT group (aRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.36). Insufficient recanalization after combined IVT-IAT or IAT was similar in men and women (23% versus 22%; aRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.46).\n\nConclusions-In patients with acute basilar artery occlusion, no significant gender differences for outcome and recanalization were observed, regardless of treatment modality. (Stroke. 2010; 41: 2693-2696.)”
“Background\n\nTubal sterilization by hysteroscopy involves inserting a foreign body in both fallopian tubes. Over a three-month CB-839 manufacturer period, the tubal lumen is occluded by tissue growth stimulated by the insert.

Tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy has advantages over laparoscopy or mini-laparotomy, including the avoidance of abdominal incisions and the convenience of performing the procedure in an office-based setting. Pain, an important determinant of procedure acceptability, can be a concern when tubal sterilization is performed in the office.\n\nObjectives\n\nTo review all randomized controlled trials that evaluated interventions to decrease pain during tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy.\n\nSearch methods\n\nFrom January to March 2011, find more we searched the computerized databases of MEDLINE, POPLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL for relevant trials. We searched for current trials via Clinicaltrials.gov. We also examined the reference lists of pertinent articles and wrote to known investigators for information about other published or unpublished trials.\n\nSelection

criteria\n\nWe included all randomized controlled trials that evaluated pain management at the time of sterilization by hysteroscopy. The intervention could be compared to another intervention or placebo.\n\nData collection and analysis\n\nInitial data were extracted by one review author. A second review author verified all extracted data. Whenever possible, the analysis was conducted with all women randomized and in the original assigned groups. Data were analyzed using RevMan software. Pain was measured using either a 10-cm or 100-point visual analog scale (VAS). When pain was measured at multiple points during the procedure, the overall pain score was considered the primary treatment effect. If this was not measured, a summation of all pain scores for the procedure was considered to be the primary treatment effect. For continuous variables, the mean difference with 95% confidence interval was computed.\n\nMain results\n\nTwo trials met the inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 167.

Although a spectrum of serious complications resulting in total v

Although a spectrum of serious complications resulting in total vision loss can occur, retention of useful vision is possible, in some cases, with aggressive treatment of the retinal lesions and associated neovascular glaucoma. This report highlights the need for careful examination of the posterior segment with special attention to peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities or tumors in young patients with NF1.”
“A series of aryloxypropyl derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for atypical antipsychotic activity Epigenetic Reader Do inhibitor in apomorphine induced mesh

climbing and stereotypy assays in mice and the compounds displayed good efficacy coupled with an atypical profile. Investigation of the selected physicochemical parameters important for CNS activity suggested a good potential for CNS activity. All compounds showed excellent compliance with lipinski’s rules for oral and CNS activity. Good physicochemical similarity was noted for the test compounds

with respect to standard drugs and good brain permeation was suggested by their log BB values computed through an online software program.”
“Background: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has become a common occurrence nowadays due to emergence of multiple newer risk factors, such as implantation of permanent pacemaker (PPM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. We are reporting 20 cases of upper extremity DVT related to PPM implantation. Methods and Result: All the patients presented within 6 months, with unilateral upper extremity selleck chemical swelling (90%), pain (45%), erythema (15%), and other less frequent features. Venography established the diagnosis in all the cases. Considering the distribution of possible risk factors of venous thrombosis among our patients, diabetes was the most frequent (present in 45%) followed by smoking (35%), hypertension (30%), obesity with body mass index =30 (30%), history of acute myocardial

infarction (25%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20%), and history of congestive cardiac failure (15%). Antiplatelets were not found protective Ro 61-8048 in vitro against the development of this situation. There was no statistically significant difference in respect to venous access, number of leads, use of previous temporary pacing lead, or poor left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction =40%) among the six patients who presented with complete occlusion of subclavian vein compared to the rest of the 14 patients who had partial occlusion. There were complete resolutions of symptom in 85% of patients after 6 months of anticoagulation therapy in the form of initial intravenous unfractinated heparin followed by oral warfarin. Conclusion: Anticoagulation with warfarin for 6 months with initial intravenous unfractionated heparin was a safe and effective mode of therapy in most of the patients with PPM related upper extremity DVT.

Results 1324 eligible participants completed the survey and 1146

Results 1324 eligible participants completed the survey and 1146 undertook the keyboard-tapping task. Smell tests were sent to 1065 participants. Comparing the 100 highest-risk participants and 100 lowest-risk participants, median University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test scores were 30/40 versus 33/40 (p smaller than 0.001), mean number of key taps in 30 s were 55 versus 58 (p=0.045), VX-809 and 24% versus 10% scored above cut-off for REM-sleep behaviour disorder (p=0.008). Regression analyses showed increasing risk scores were associated with worse scores in the three proxies

across the whole group (p=0.001). Conclusions PREDICT-PD is the first study to systematically combine risk factors for PD in the general population. Validity to predict risk of PD will be tested through longitudinal follow-up of incident PD diagnosis.”
“Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndromes are generally associated with reduced activities of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymes that contain subunits p38 MAPK phosphorylation encoded by mtDNA. Conversely, entirely nuclear encoded mitochondrial enzymes in these syndromes, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme citrate synthase (CS) and OXPHOS complex II, usually exhibit normal or compensatory enhanced activities. Here we report that a human cell line devoid of mtDNA (HEK293 rho(0) cells) has diminished activities of both complex

II and CS. This finding indicates the existence of a feedback mechanism in rho(0) cells that downregulates the expression of entirely Cl-amidine Immunology & Inflammation inhibitor nuclear encoded components of mitochondrial energy metabolism. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The latest surveillance report published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism showed that liver cirrhosis was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with a total of 29,925 deaths in 2007, 48% of which were alcohol related. The spectrum of ALD includes simple steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and superimposed

hepatocellular carcinoma. Early work on the pathogenesis of the disease focused on ethanol metabolism-associated oxidative stress and glutathione depletion, abnormal methionine metabolism, malnutrition, and production of endotoxins that activate Kupffer cells. We review findings from recent studies that have characterized specific intracellular signaling pathways, transcriptional factors, aspects of innate immunity, chemokines, epigenetic features, microRNAs, and stem cells that are associated with ALD, improving our understanding of its pathogenesis. Despite this progress, no targeted therapies are available. The cornerstone of treatment for alcoholic hepatitis remains as it was 40 years ago: abstinence, nutritional support, and corticosteroids. There is an urgent need to develop new pathophysiology-oriented therapies.

The magnitude of spike-timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t

The magnitude of spike-timing-dependent long-term potentiation (tLTP) changed with the delay between action potentials and excitatory post-synaptic potentials, and frequency, whereas that of spike-timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD)

remained unchanged. We showed that tLTP depended on selleck kinase inhibitor N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, whereas tLTD relied on action potentials. Importantly, the intracellular calcium signaling pathways mobilised during tLTP and tLTD were different. Thus, calcium-induced calcium release underlies tLTD but not tLTP. Finally, we found that the firing pattern of a subset of medium spiny neurons was strongly inhibited by dopamine receptor agonists. Surprisingly, these neurons were exclusively associated with tLTP but not with tLTD. Taken

together, these data point to the existence of two subgroups of medium spiny neurons with distinct properties, each displaying unique abilities to undergo synaptic plasticity.”
“Signaling components, which confer an “addiction” phenotype on cancer cells, represent promising drug targets. The transcription factor signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in many different types of tumor cells and its Lonafarnib Metabolism inhibitor activity is indispensible in a large fraction. We found that the expression of the endogenous inhibitor of STAT3, protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), positively correlates with STAT3 activation in normal cells. This suggests that PIAS3 controls the extent and the duration of STAT3 activity in normal cells and thus prevents its oncogenic function. In cancer cells, however, the expression of PIAS3 is posttranscriptionally suppressed, possibly enhancing the oncogenic effects of activated STAT3. We delimited the interacting domains of STAT3 and PIAS3 and identified a short fragment of the COOH-terminal acidic region of PIAS3, which binds strongly to the coiled-coil domain of STAT3. This PIAS3 fragment was used AR-13324 concentration to derive the recombinant STAT3-specific inhibitor

rPP-C8. The addition of a protein transduction domain allowed the efficient internalization of rPP-C8 into cancer cells. This resulted in the suppression of STAT3 target gene expression, in the inhibition of migration and proliferation, and in the induction of apoptosis at low concentrations [ half maximal effective concentration (EC(50)), <3 mu mol/L]. rPP-C8 did not affect normal fibroblasts and represents an interesting lead for the development of novel cancer drugs targeting the coiled-coil domain of STAT3. Mol Cancer Res; 8( 4); 539-53. (C) 2010 AACR.”
“Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-agent S-1 in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. Methods: S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 80 mg/m(2) for 28 days, followed by 14 days of rest (1 cycle); treatment was repeated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient refusal.

Emphasis should be laid on the possible drug etiology in any pati

Emphasis should be laid on the possible drug etiology in any patient who develops new signs and symptoms while on medications, even if it may not be supported by enough literature.”
“Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCAl) is a dominant inherited disease caused by expanded trincleotide repeats resulting in an increased polyglutamine tract in the gene product. As a potential therapeutic approach for SCAl we tested antisense RNAs targeting two regions of the ataxin-l message. Single-stranded

regions around the translational initiation site and the intron 8 splice donor site of the ataxin-1 message were INK 128 identified by computer-assisted RNA secondary structure prediction. Plasmids were generated to contain a 254-bp antisense

sequence spanning the translation initiation site (pLasBDini) or a 317-bp sequence spanning the intron 8 splice donor site (pLasBDei) of the ataxin-l message. These plasmids were transfected into Chinese bamster ovary cells engineered to express either expanded Or unexpanded ataxin-1 message and protein. Reduced levels of mutant ataxin-1 message (82 CAG repeats), wild-type ataxin-1 message (30 CAG repeats), and ataxin-1 protein were observed by Northern and Western Not analyses in pLasBDini-transfected clones. pLasBDei-transfected 293 cells exhibited a shift in ataxin-1 message to a size several kilobases longer than that of the natural message. Reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction Fosbretabulin purchase assays demonstrated the retention of message spanning the intron 8 splice find more acceptor and the inability to amplify sequences between exons 8 and 9, implying that normal splicing of intron 8 had been interrupted. We conclude that antisense RNAs were effective in reducing or modifying ataxin-1 messages in transfected cells, and may be an effective genetic strategy for therapy of SCAl and similar dominant-acting neurological disorders.”
“Cryptosporidium parvum is a member of the Apicomplexa that lacks a plastid and associated

nuclear-encoded genes, which has hampered its use in evolutionary comparisons with algae and eliminated a pool of potentially useful drug targets. Here we show that apicomplexan parasites possess an unusual family of class II histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins with orthologues that are present in other chromalveolates and primitive algae. A striking feature of these HDAC proteins is the presence of ankyrin repeats in the amino-terminus that appear to be required for enzyme activity. In vitro and in vivo analyses of the C. parvum orthologue indicate that this subclass of chromatin-remodel ling proteins is targeted by the anti-cancer drug suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and that these proteins are most likely involved in the essential process of H4 histone deacetylation that coincides with DNA replication.

Subjects of the TCI group were treated transcutaneously

Subjects of the TCI group were treated transcutaneously see more with flu-MH, and were compared with subjects who received subcutaneous injections of a solution containing 15 mu g of each influenza antigen (SCI group). No severe local or systemic adverse events were detected in either group and immune responses against A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains were induced equally in the TCI and SCI groups. Moreover, the efficacy of the vaccine against the B strain in the TCI group was stronger than

that in the SCI group. Influenza vaccination using MH is promising for practical use as an easy and effective method to replace conventional injections systems. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“There is abundant evidence to prove that the astrocytes are highly dynamic cell type in CNS and under physiological conditions such as reproduction,

these cells display a remarkable structural plasticity especially at the level of their distal processes ensheathing the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) axon terminals. The morphology of GnRH check details axon terminals and astrocytes in the median eminence region of hypothalamus show activity dependent structural plasticity during different phases of estrous cycle. In the current study, we have assessed the functional contribution of infinity-2,8-linked polysialic acid (PSA) on neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in this neuronal-glial plasticity using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. In vivo experiments were carried out after stereotaxic injection of endoneuraminidase enzyme (endo-N) near median eminence region of hypothalamus to specifically remove PSA residues on NCAM followed by localization of GnRH. PSA-NCAM and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by immunostaining. Using in vitro model, structural remodeling of GnV-3

cells, (a conditionally immortalized GnRH cell line) co-cultured with primary astrocytes was studied after treating the cells with endo-N. Marked morphological changes were observed in GnRH axon terminals in proestrous phase rats and control GnV-3 cells as compared to endo-N treatment i.e. after removal of PSA. The specificity of endo-N treatment was also confirmed by studying the expression of PSA-NCAM by Western blotting in cultures treated with and without endo-N. Removal of PSA from surfaces with endo-N Tubastatin A prevented stimulation associated remodeling of GnRH axon terminals as well as their associated glial cells under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. The current data confirms the permissive role of PSA to promote dynamic remodeling of GnRH axon terminals and their associated glia during reproductive cycle in rats. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A laccase (Lcc1) from the white-rot fungus Meripilus giganteus was purified with superior yields of 34% and 90% by conventional chromatography or by foam separation, respectively.

Anaesthesia and CZP both terminated GCSE more effectively than NC

Anaesthesia and CZP both terminated GCSE more effectively than NCSE and EPC. Concerning the course of the different kinds of SE the following results were obtained:

13 patients died during hospital treatment. Treatment in NCSE and EPC started significantly later than in GCSE. There was no significant difference in mortality between the types of SE. However the frequency of refractory courses differed between the types of SE. At the time of SE termination without the administration of anaesthesia a combination therapy using 2 or more AEDs was established Buparlisib supplier in most episodes. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective To investigate invivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) to diagnose hidden corneal foreign bodies. Methods Male Kunming mice (n=25; 12 weeks old) were anaesthetized prior to the insertion of five different materials (spiny wood, rusty iron, sharp stone, sharp glass fragment and human hair fragment) into the cornea by different traumatic processes. A separate mouse was used for each

corneal foreign body. The corneas of the mice were scanned 24h later by a laser scanning IVCM LY3023414 order to establish the characteristics (shape, reflectivity and depth in the cornea) of each foreign body. These findings were used to help screen and identify corneal foreign bodies in patients. Corneal smears and scraping cultures were performed in cases of probable corneal infection. Results Animal models 17DMAG for the five different foreign particles were established successfully, with each showing distinctive characteristics. These animal results were used to

diagnose 41 patients with suspected corneal foreign bodies who were negative by slit lamp examination, but positive by IVCM (observational case series). The most prevalent type of hidden foreign body was plant material (51.2%), followed by metal (29.3%). Ten patients with corneal foreign bodies developed fungal keratitis, found using IVCM. Conclusions Laser IVCM is an effective and reliable tool for the diagnosis of hidden corneal foreign bodies.”
“Rumen microorganisms are responsible for digestion and utilization of dietary feeds by host ruminants. Unconventional feed resources could be used as alternatives in tropical areas where feed resources are insufficient in terms of quality and quantity. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of diets based on palm oil (PO), decanter cake (DC) or palm kernel cake (PKC) on rumen total bacteria, selected cellulolytic bacteria, and methanogenic archaea. Four diets: control diet (CD), decanter cake diet (DCD), palm kernel cake diet (PKCD) and CD plus 5% PO diet (CPOD) were fed to rumen cannulated goats and rumen samples were collected at the start of the experimental diets (day 0) and on days 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24 and 30 post dietary treatments. Feeding DCD and PKCD resulted in significantly higher (P smaller than 0.