Effect of electromagnetic field on bone regeneration around dental implants after immediate placement in the dog mandible: a pilot study

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00525.x Effect of electromagnetic field on bone regeneration around dental implants after immediate placement in the dog mandible: a pilot study Background: Accelerating bone healing around dental implants can reduce the long‐term period between the insertion of implants and functional rehabilitation. Objective: This in vivo study evaluated the effect of a constant electromagnetic field (CEF) on bone healing around dental implants in dogs. Materials and methods: Eight dental implants were placed immediately after extraction of the first pre‐molar and molar teeth on the mandible of two male dogs and divided into experimental (CEF) and control groups. A CEF at magnetic intensity of 0.8 mT with a pulse width of 25 μs and frequency of 1.5 MHz was applied on the implants for 20 min per day for 2 weeks. Result and conclusion: After qualitative histological analysis, a small quantity of newly formed bone was observed in the gap between the implant surface and alveolar bone in both groups.     

Interspecific allometry of the mandible,dental arch,and molar area in anthropoid primates: Functional morphology of masticatory components

Allometric equations relating the lengths and widths of the mandible and dental arch, and of molar area, were obtained in a wide range of anthropoid primates grouped into four subsets, pongids, cercopithecids, nonmarmoset platyrrhines, and marmosets. Mandibular width is negatively allometric against length across anthropoids but cercopithecids had relatively wider mandibles than nonmarmosets of the same size class. Mandibular length relative to dental arch length was isometric within and between the four groups but dental arch width scaled negatively against all the other dimensions examined in this study, indicating a functional dissociation between the dental arcade and the bony mandible. Molar area showed various scaling patterns relative to mandibular length (isometry) and width (positive). There were no parameters that scaled positively against body weight across groups, except for molar area in cercopithecids (strongly) and nonmarmoset (moderately). Notable functional specializations include relatively long dental arches in cercopithecoids, related to large, elongate bilophodont molars, and the tendency to increase relative jaw length across the range of anthropoid sizes, reflecting negative allometry of the brain (cranial bicondylar width). We caution that various allometry and functional patterns may be masked by generalizing from broad taxonomic comparison involving a large sweep of adaptative patterns.     

Genome analysis and clinical implications of the bacterial communities in early biofilm formation on dental implants restored with titanium or zirconia abutments

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and quantify up to 42 target species colonizing the early biofilm of dental implants restored with titanium or zirconia abutments. A total of 720 samples from 20 healthy individuals were investigated. Biofilm samples were collected from the peri-implant sulci, inner parts of implants, abutment surfaces and prosthetic crowns over a functioning period of 30 days. Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization was used for microbial detection and quantitation. Clinical characteristics (probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and marginal bone loss) were also investigated during the monitoring period. Genome counts were low at the implant loading time point for both the abutment materials, and increased over time. Both the titanium and the zirconia groups presented similar microbial counts and diversity over time, and the microbiota was very similar to that colonizing the remaining teeth. Clinical findings were consistent with a healthy condition with no significant difference regarding marginal bone loss between the two materials.     

Nd:YAG激光联合Icon渗透树脂治疗氟斑牙患者效果及对美学效果的影响

摘要 目的：探讨Nd:YAG激光联合Icon渗透树脂治疗氟斑牙患者效果及对美学效果的影响。方法：选择2018年6月至2023年6月来我院诊治的氟斑牙患者80例,共有486颗患牙,根据随机数字表法将80例患者分为两组,对照组行Nd:YAG激光治疗,观察组行Nd:YAG激光联合Icon渗透树脂治疗。对比两组不同时间点的色阶变化情况、漂白疗效、病损面积比、患牙牙釉质硬度,对比治疗过程中两组患者的牙齿敏感度及患者满意度。结果：治疗后即刻、治疗后12周,两组的色阶降低,且同时间点观察组与对照组相比较低（P<0.05）。治疗后即刻,观察组有效率84.17%明显较对照组76.42%高（P<0.05）,治疗后12周,观察组有效94.17%明显较对照组82.93%高（P<0.05）。治疗后即刻、12周两组的病损面积比降低,且同时间点观察组与对照组相比较低（P<0.05）。与治疗前及观察组相比,对照组治疗后即刻、12周时的患牙牙釉质硬度较低（P<0.05）。观察组的牙齿敏感度、满意度明显优于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：Nd:YAG激光联合Icon渗透树脂可提高氟斑牙患牙的疗效,缩小病损面积比、患牙敏感度,提高美学效果,且不影响患牙牙釉质硬度,其是氟斑牙具有潜能的治疗方法。     

腹腔镜胆囊切除术与开腹胆囊切除术对胆囊结石患者手术疗效、肝肾功能及机体应激的影响

目的:探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)与开腹胆囊切除术(OC)对胆囊结石患者手术疗效、肝肾功能及机体应激的影响。方法:选取2015年3月～2018年7月期间我院收治的胆囊结石患者125例为研究对象。根据随机数字表法将患者分为对照组(n=62)和研究组(n=63),对照组给予OC治疗,研究组给予LC治疗,比较两组各项临床指标,检测两组术前、术后肝肾功能指标及机体应激指标水平,记录两组术后并发症发生情况。结果:研究组手术时间、术后住院时间、排气时间均短于对照组,术中出血量少于对照组(P0.05)。与术前比较,两组患者术后1 d总胆红素(TBIL)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)水平均升高,但研究组低于对照组(P0.05)。与术前比较,两组患者术后1 d Alb/UCr、NAG/UCr升高,且研究组高于对照组(P0.05);与术后1 d比较,两组患者术后3d白蛋白(Alb)/尿肌酐(UCr)、N-乙酰-β-D-氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)/UCr降低(P0.05),但研究组与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者术前、术后1d、术后3d血清尿素氮(BUN)、血清肌酐(SCr)比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。与术前比较,两组患者术后1d超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)水平降低,且研究组低于对照组(P0.05),丙二醛(MDA)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)水平升高,但研究组低于对照组(P0.05)。研究组并发症发生率低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:LC治疗胆囊结石患者安全有效,临床相关指标改善程度优于OC术式,术后肾功能恢复更快,且对患者肝功能、机体应激程度影响较轻。     

输尿管软镜碎石术与经皮肾镜碎石术治疗肾结石的临床效果及对患者炎症反应、应激反应的影响

目的:探讨输尿管软镜碎石术与经皮肾镜碎石术治疗肾结石的临床效果及对患者炎症反应与应激反应的影响。方法:收集2018年1月至2019年5月我院收治的96例肾结石患者作为研究对象,依据治疗方式分为观察组与对照组,每组48例。观察组患者采用输尿管软镜取石术,对照组采用经皮肾镜碎石术,比较两组患者的手术相关指标、并发症的发生情况、治疗前后血清白介素-6(IL-6)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、皮质醇(Cor)、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)及去甲肾上腺素(NE)水平的变化。结果:观察组的手术时间明显长于对照组(P0.05),术中出血量及术后住院时间低于对照组(P0.05);两组的结石清除率比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。观察组的并发症发生率低于对照组(P0.05)。术后24 h,两组患者的血清IL-6、CRP、Cor、ACTH、NE水平均较治疗前显著升高,且对照组以上指标均明显高于观察组(P0.05)。结论:输尿管软镜碎石术与经皮肾镜碎石术治疗直径≤2 cm的肾结石的临床效果相当,但输尿管软镜碎石术导致的术中出血量更少,引起的炎症反应及应激反应更轻,安全性更高。     

右美托咪定复合羟考酮在腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术患者术后镇痛中的作用及对应激反应和胃肠功能恢复的影响

摘要 目的：观察腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术患者应用右美托咪定复合羟考酮在术后镇痛中的作用以及对应激反应和胃肠功能恢复的影响。方法：纳入我院2018年1月~2019年12月收治的腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术患者100例,根据随机数字表法分为对照组（n=50,术后镇痛选用羟考酮）和研究组（n=50,术后镇痛选用右美托咪定复合羟考酮）。观察术后镇痛、镇静情况,分析术后不同时间点应激反应指标变化情况,观察两组术后胃肠功能恢复情况和不良反应情况。结果：两组术后不同时间点（3 h、12 h、24 h）Ramsay镇静评分、视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分随着时间的延长而降低（P＜0.05）。研究组术后不同时间点（3 h、12 h、24 h）VAS评分均低于对照组,Ramsay镇静评分则高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组肠鸣音出现时间、排气时间、排便时间组间对比差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组术后不同时间点（3 h、12 h、24 h）的白介素-6（IL-6）、皮质醇（Cor）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）水平先升高后降低（P<0.05）。研究组术后12 h和术后24 h的IL-6、Cor、NE水平低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率组间对比无差异（P>0.05）。结论：右美托咪定复合羟考酮应用于腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术患者,可获得良好的镇静镇痛效果,同时还可减轻机体应激反应,且不影响机体胃肠功能恢复,安全有效。     

单侧与双侧穿刺入路PKP术对骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折患者手术效果、生活质量以及血清应激因子的影响

目的:探讨单侧与双侧穿刺入路经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)对骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折(OVCF)患者手术效果、生活质量以及血清应激因子的影响。方法:回顾性选取2016年7月～2019年7月期间我院接收的行PKP的OVCF患者83例。根据入路方式的不同分为A组(n=41,单侧穿刺入路)和B组(n=42,双侧穿刺入路),对比两组患者围术期指标、影像学指标、视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分、Oswestry腰椎功能障碍指数(ODI)评分、健康调查生活质量量表(SF-36)评分、血清应激因子以及并发症发生情况。结果:A组手术时间短于B组,骨水泥用量、术中透视次数少于B组(P0.05)。两组术后6个月VAS评分、ODI评分降低,SF-36评分升高(P0.05)。两组术后3d去甲肾上腺素(NE)、肾上腺素(E)、皮质醇(Cor)均升高,但A组低于B组(P0.05)。两组术后6个月椎体前缘高度、后凸Cobb角均升高(P0.05)。两组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:单侧穿刺入路PKP可获得与双侧穿刺入路PKP相当的治疗效果和安全性,同时可缩短手术时间,减少骨水泥用量及术中透视次数,减轻机体应激反应。     

The carriage of Candida species on the dorsal surface of the tongue: the correlation with the dental, periodontal and prosthetic status in elderly subjects

Objectives: To screen the carriage status of Candida species, especially Candida albicans and its genotype in an epidemiological survey and to investigate its correlation with the dental, periodontal and prosthetic status of healthy elderly subjects. Materials and methods: Microbiological samples were collected from the dorsum of the tongue of 366 subjects, aged 75, and cultured on CHROMagar medium. The carriage status of Candida spp. and the distribution of C. albicans genotypes by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method were analysed and compared with the dental, periodontal and prosthetic status of the subjects. Results: A high carriage rate (68.6%) of Candida spp. and the predominant species of C. albicans (72.1%) were found in this study. The prevalence, density and multi‐species of Candida spp. were significantly related to the presence of a dental prosthesis. In C. albicans, genotype A predominated (56.4%) and genotype D showed a higher prevalence (12.5%) than previous reports. When comparing Candida spp. carriage with the oral status, significant positive correlations were found with the presence of any dental prosthesis, missing teeth, the number of retained roots and the percentage of sites showing bleeding on probing (BOP), while significant negative correlations were found with the number of teeth present, sound and filled teeth. Conclusions: Candida carriage on the dorsum of the tongue in healthy elderly is significantly associated with the dental, periodontal and prosthetic status, especially the presence of a dental prosthesis. As the complexity of the prosthesis being worn increased, the relative risk of Candida carriage and the numbers and multi‐species of Candida increased accordingly.     

腔镜下Soave根治术与开腹改良Soave术治疗长段型先天性巨结肠患儿的疗效比较及对应激反应和控便功能的影响

摘要 目的：比较腔镜下Soave根治术与开腹改良Soave术治疗长段型先天性巨结肠（HD）患儿的疗效,观察两种术式对应激反应和控便功能的影响。方法：选取我院2017年4月～2020年9月期间收治的长段型HD患儿88例,根据手术方式的不同分为开腹组和微创组,例数分别为43例和45例。对比两组围术期指标、应激反应指标、控便功能和并发症发生情况。结果：微创组的术中失血量少于开腹组,手术时间、胃肠功能恢复时间、禁食时间、住院时间短于开腹组（P<0.05）,两组肠管切除长度组间对比无统计学差异（P>0.05）。两组患儿术后1 d心率（HR）、平均动脉压（MAP）较术前升高,血氧饱和度（SpO₂）较术前下降,但微创组HR、MAP低于开腹组,SpO₂高于开腹组（P<0.05）。两组患儿术后1年大便性状、排便次数、污粪、需要治疗（灌肠、药物、尿布）评分及Heikkinen总分均较术前升高,且微创组高于开腹组（P<0.05）。微创组的近期并发症总发生率和远期并发症总发生率均低于开腹组（P<0.05）。结论：与开腹改良Soave术相比,采用腔镜下Soave根治术治疗长段型HD患儿可缩短手术时间、禁食时间、住院时间、胃肠功能恢复时间,减少手术创伤,减轻机体应激反应,改善患儿控便功能,同时还可降低并发症发生率,效果较好。     

茚虫威亚致死浓度对茚虫威敏感性降低的棉铃虫生物学参数及解毒酶活性的影响

【目的】本研究旨在明确茚虫威亚致死浓度对茚虫威敏感性降低的棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera生物学参数及解毒酶活性的影响,以科学有效防治这一害虫,避免其对茚虫威的抗性快速发展。【方法】采用浸叶法测定了茚虫威对棉铃虫茚虫威抗性汰选种群(TP)及其同源对照种群(CP)3龄幼虫的毒力;用两性生命表分析LC₂₀浓度茚虫威对TP种群当代(F₀)生命表参数的影响,并测定了LC₂₀浓度茚虫威处理48 h后CP和TP种群棉铃虫3龄幼虫体内解毒酶［多功能氧化酶(MFO)、羧酸酯酶(CarE)和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)］及乙酰胆碱酯酶(AChE)的活性。【结果】茚虫威对棉铃虫CP种群和TP种群3龄幼虫的LC₂₀分别为2.27和9.91 mg/L。LC₂₀茚虫威处理TP种群后,48 h的生长量、化蛹率、羽化率和成虫畸形率均显著低于未用药对照,而特定年龄生命期望值e_xj高于未用药对照;TP种群棉铃虫3龄幼虫体内GST和MFO活性与CP种群相比显著升高,CarE活性显著降低。【结论】本研究结果表明棉铃虫TP种群在LC₂₀浓度茚虫威胁迫下存在明显的生长与繁殖不利性,同时对其也产生了适应能力。LC₂₀浓度茚虫威处理后,棉铃虫TP种群的GST和MFO活性被显著诱导,说明这两种酶可能与棉铃虫对茚虫威产生抗药性密切相关;而CarE活性被显著抑制,说明该酶可能参与了茚虫威转化成N-脱甲氧羰基代谢物(DCJW)的活化过程。     

Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation on the Circulatory Lymphocyte Count: Studies in Normals and in Patients with Chronic Airflow Obstruction

In eight non-allergic patients with chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) and eight age and sex matched, healthy control subjects the circadian variation in circulatory lymphocyte count was studied in relation to serum Cortisol and urinary epinephrine levels. In addition, we investigated the effect of the beta-adrenergic agent terbutaline on the lymphocyte count in two ways: as a long-term effect after 8 days of oral slow-release terbutaline with constant diurnal and nocturnal serum levels in patients, and as a short-term effect by a constant rate infusion of 0.2μg/min over 4hr in normals. Both patients and controls showed similar circadian patterns of urinary epinephrine excretion and lymphocyte counts. Patients with CAO, however, had significantly lower epinephrine levels and significantly higher lymphocyte counts at all hours of observation (every 4 hr from 0800 to 0800 hr the next day), as compared with normal controls. After 8 days of slow-release terbutaline the lymphocyte count in the patient group decreased to levels not significantly different from that of normals. The circadian rhythm of the lymphocytes, however, persisted under terbutaline therapy. No correlation existed between the lymphocyte count modulating factor, serum Cortisol and the lymphocyte count over 24 hr. On placebo infusion in the control persons an increase of lymphocytes over 4hr occurred, as a consequence of circadian rhythmicity. On terbutaline infusion a significant increase of lymphocytes after 1hr was follwed by a decrease to levels significantly below those on the placebo day. The same pattern was found in the leucocyte count. From this study it is concluded that beta-adrenergic stimulation corrects the relative lymphocytosis to counts comparable with normals. Other coinciding factors must regulate, however, the circadian rhythmicity.     

Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation on the Circulatory Lymphocyte Count: Studies in Normals and in Patients with Chronic Airflow Obstruction

In eight non-allergic patients with chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) and eight age and sex matched, healthy control subjects the circadian variation in circulatory lymphocyte count was studied in relation to serum Cortisol and urinary epinephrine levels. In addition, we investigated the effect of the beta-adrenergic agent terbutaline on the lymphocyte count in two ways: as a long-term effect after 8 days of oral slow-release terbutaline with constant diurnal and nocturnal serum levels in patients, and as a short-term effect by a constant rate infusion of 0.2μg/min over 4hr in normals. Both patients and controls showed similar circadian patterns of urinary epinephrine excretion and lymphocyte counts. Patients with CAO, however, had significantly lower epinephrine levels and significantly higher lymphocyte counts at all hours of observation (every 4 hr from 0800 to 0800 hr the next day), as compared with normal controls. After 8 days of slow-release terbutaline the lymphocyte count in the patient group decreased to levels not significantly different from that of normals. The circadian rhythm of the lymphocytes, however, persisted under terbutaline therapy. No correlation existed between the lymphocyte count modulating factor, serum Cortisol and the lymphocyte count over 24 hr. On placebo infusion in the control persons an increase of lymphocytes over 4hr occurred, as a consequence of circadian rhythmicity. On terbutaline infusion a significant increase of lymphocytes after 1hr was follwed by a decrease to levels significantly below those on the placebo day. The same pattern was found in the leucocyte count. From this study it is concluded that beta-adrenergic stimulation corrects the relative lymphocytosis to counts comparable with normals. Other coinciding factors must regulate, however, the circadian rhythmicity.     

消胀散敷脐联合腹水超滤浓缩回输治疗肝硬化顽固性腹水的疗效及对肝肾功能、电解质和生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：观察消胀散敷脐联合腹水超滤浓缩回输治疗肝硬化顽固性腹水的疗效及对肝肾功能、电解质和生活质量的影响。方法：选取2017年1月-2020年12月在我院肝病科住院治疗的肝硬化顽固性腹水患者64例,根据随机数字法分为对照组（腹水超滤浓缩回输治疗,32例）和治疗组（消胀散敷脐联合腹水超滤浓缩回输治疗,32例）。观察两组治疗前和治疗4周后的疗效、腹水消退率、体质量、腹围、24 h尿量变化、肝肾功能指标、血电解质指标和生活质量测定量表简表（QOL-BREF）评分,并记录两组治疗期间不良反应（包括皮肤红疹、瘙痒等）发生情况。结果：治疗组治疗4周后的临床总有效率高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗组治疗4周后腹水消退率显著优于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗组治疗4周后体质量、腹围小于对照组,24 h尿量多于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗组治疗4周后丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、谷草转氨酶（AST）、尿素氮（BUN）、胱抑素C(CysC)低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组治疗前、治疗4周后组间及组内对比钾（K⁺）、钠(Na⁺)、氯（Cl^-）均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。治疗组治疗4周后社会关系领域、生理领域、环境领域、心理领域评分均高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗期间两组不良反应发生率对比无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论：消胀散敷脐联合腹水超滤浓缩回输治疗肝硬化顽固性腹水,可提高临床治疗效果,改善患者的肝肾功能和生活质量,同时对机体电解质影响不大,安全可靠。     

Effect of the time of day on central and peripheral fatigue during 2-min maximal voluntary contractions in persons with multiple sclerosis: gender differences

There is a lack of data on fatigue changes within 24 h among patients with multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of time of day on central and peripheral fatigue during a continuous 2-min maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle in women and men with multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied age-matched MS patients (range, 40–50 years). The inclusion criteria for patients were: a Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status score and a Fatigue Severity Scale score. We found a significant gender difference in central activation ratio (CAR) in the evening. At the end of the 2-min maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), the voluntary torque decreased by about 65% in men and women with MS in both the morning and evening. We also observed that, in women, CAR decreased markedly during the first 30 s in the evening test. The most interesting finding of our study is that central fatigue increased, whereas peripheral fatigue decreased markedly in the evening only in women. It remains unclear why women’s central fatigue is greater in the evening than in the morning.     

Effect of the sulfur atom on S2 and S4 positions of the uracil ring in different DNA:RNA hybrid microhelixes with three nucleotide base pairs

The effect of the sulphur atom on the uracil ring was analyzed in different DNA:RNA microhelixes with three nucleotide base-pairs, including uridine, 2-thiouridine, 4-thiouridine, 2,4-dithiouridine, cytidine, adenosine and guanosine. Distinct backbone and helical parameters were optimized at different density functional (DFT) levels. The Watson-Crick pair with 2-thiouridine appears weaker than with uridine, but its interaction with water molecules appears easier. Two types of microhelixes were found, depending on the H-bond of H2′ hydroxyl atom: A-type appears with the ribose ring in ³E-envelope C_3′-endo, and B-type in ²E-envelope C_2′-endo. B-type is less common but it is more stable and with higher dipole-moment. The sulphur atoms significantly increase the dipole-moment of the microhelix, as well as the rise and propeller twist parameters. Simulations with four Na atoms H-bonded to the phosphate groups, and further hydration with explicit water molecules were carried out. A re-definition of the numerical value calculation of several base-pair and base-stacking parameters is suggested.     

Effect of a Treatment with Naphthaleneacetic Acid on the Arrangement of Lateral Roots in Onion (Allium cepa L): General Pattern and Coordination between Ranks

Lateral roots in Allium cepa arise in longitudinal rows opposite the protoxylem poles of adventitious roots. The number, spacing within ranks and positional relationship to laterals in different ranks were analysed in control roots and those treated with an auxin (α-naphthaleneacetic acid). Treatment increased numbers of laterals per rank and distributed the more evenly in all ranks. Laterals of control roots were concentrated in two neighbouring ranks. Auxin-treated roots showed a more regular distribution of laterals between ranks and close spacing of laterals along each rank. Comparisons with theoretical random distributions suggest a dispersed spacing model for lateral root arrangement with mutual repulsion between successive lateral roots within each rank both in control and auxintreated roots. On the other hand, there is some interaction between laterals in different ranks in 0.1 mM NAA-treated roots.     

Effect of zinc deficiency on the mRNA expression pattern in liver and jejunum of adult rats: monitoring gene expression using cDNA microarrays combined with real-time RT-PCR

In the study presented here, the effect of zinc deficiency on mRNA expression levels in liver and jejunum of adult rats was analyzed. Feed intake was restricted to 8 g/day. The semi-synthetic diet was fortified with pure phytate and contained either 2 μg Zn/g (Zn deficiency, n = 6) or 58 μg Zn/g (control, n = 7). After 29 days of Zn depletion feeding, entire jejunum and liver were retrieved and total RNA was extracted. Tissue specific expression pattern were screened and quantified by microarray analysis and verified individually via real-time RT-PCR. A relative quantification was performed with the newly developed Relative Expression Software Tool © on numerous candidate genes which showed a differential expression.

This study provides the first comparative view of gene expression regulation and fully quantitative expression analysis of 35 candidate genes in a non-growing Zn deficient adult rat model. The expression results indicate the existence of individual expression pattern in liver and jejunum and their tissue specific regulation under Zn deficiency. In addition, in jejunum a number of B-cell related genes could be demonstrated to be suppressed at Zn deficiency. In liver, metallothionein subtype 1 and 2 (MT-1 and MT-2) genes could be shown to be dramatically repressed and therefore represent putative markers for Zn deficiency. Expression results imply that some genes are expressed constitutively, whereas others are highly regulated in tissues responsible for Zn homeostasis.     

Effect of some food sources associated with cassava in Africa on the development, fecundity and longevity of Euseius fustis (Pritchard and Baker) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Various foods associated with cassava were tested for their effect on the development, fecundity and longevity of Euseius fustis, the most common phytoseiid species found on cassava in Africa. Euseius fustis developed successfully to adulthood on the spider mite prey species Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) and Oligonychus gossypii (Zacher) and on pollen from maize, castor bean and cassava. Euseius fustis also completed development on water-diluted phloem exudate from cassava, diluted honeydew from the cassava mealybug and on various pollen and prey combinations. When reared on Tetranychus urticae Koch prey or free water only, E. fustis did not develop past the deutonymphal stage. All larvae held on clean leaf discs on water-soaked cotton died without moulting, suggesting that E. fustis must feed in order to moult to the nymphal stages. Diets of maize plus castor bean pollen and maize pollen plus M. tanajoa resulted in the highest rate of development, the highest fecundity and the greatest longevity. Castor bean pollen alone and maize pollen alone produced a higher fecundity and greater longevity than M. tanajoa tested alone. A colony of E. fustis reared continuously for seven generations on castor bean pollen produced nine times more adult females than a colony of E. fustis reared continuously on M. tanajoa. No negative effects on the development and fecundity of E. fustis were observed after seven generations were reared on pollen.