The contents of reduced and total ascorbic acid, vitamins P, reducing and total sugar, citric acid, ash, calcium, crude fibre and moisture in the edible portions of 23 main varieties of Chinese oranges and tangerines have been determined. The change of ascorbic acid content of the fruits during storage has also been investigated.Ascorbic acid content of orange is higher than that of tangerine. Oranges contain 46.6-62.3mg% of reduced ascorbic acid and 48.8-72.4mg% of total ascorbic acid and tangerines contain 14.3-48.7rng% and 19.5-50.7mg% respectively.Locality affects the composition of fruits: fruits grown in Fukien and Kwangtung provinces generally contain more ascorbic acid and .sugar, and less citric acid and calcium than those grown in Kianghsi and Chekiang.Five strains of fruits have been subjected for storage test. The loss of ascorbic acid in the fruits during 2-3 months storage in the winter season ranged 0-40% of the original content. No loss of ascorbic acid has been observed in Hsuehkan (雪柑), after 3 months storage at -2? to 4℃, but loss of 40% of the reduced and 20% of the total ascorbic acid content occurred in Kwangtung chiaokan (广东蕉柑) after two and half months storage muler -1? to 12℃

This study was conducted to evaluate new acupuncture protocols for the clinical treatment of cervical spinal cord diseases in 19 dogs. Three treatment options containing Jing-jiaji (cervical jiaji) were developed to treat neck pain, hemiparesis, and tetraparesis depending on the severity. The interval between the neurological disease onset and treatment (duration of signs), time to improvement after treatment, and recovery time were compared in dogs by body weight, age, and dry needle acupuncture (AP) with or without electro-AP (EAP). The duration of signs was longer in dogs weighing greater than 10 kg than in those weighing less than 10 kg (p < 0.05). Improvement and recovery times did not vary by body weight. Additionally, improvement and recovery times did not vary by age. The improvement and recovery times were longer in the AP+EAP group than the AP group (p < 0.05). Acupuncture with Jing-jiaji was effective in cervical spinal cord diseases in different sized dogs and in middle-aged and senior dogs. This report standardized AP treatment containing Jing-jiaji for canine cervical problems and evaluated its effects. The newly standardized AP methodology offers clinical practitioners an effective way to improve the outcomes of cervical neurological diseases in dogs.
Acupuncture* ; Animals ; Body Weight ; Cervical Cord ; Dogs* ; Neck Pain ; Needles ; Paresis ; Retrospective Studies*

OBJECTIVES: Falls is a risk factor for fracture. The FRAX® predicts fractures. Whether the FRAX® is associated with fall in both gender is inconclusive. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between FRAX scores and falls. METHODS: The cross-sectional study set from 2009 to 2010 included 1200 community-dwelling people who were systematically sampled in central Taiwan. The 1200 participants (men: 524; women: 676; ≥40 years old) completed questionnaires about socioeconomic status; lifestyle; medical and fall history were completed. FRAX scores with and without bone mineral density (BMD) were calculated by using the Taiwan calculator. RESULTS: A total of 19.8% participants fell down. Binary regression models showed that diabetes mellitus history (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.03–2.52), the FRAX without BMD in a continuous major score (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09), continuous hip score (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.16), categorical major score ≥ 10% (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.25–2.61), and categorical hip score ≥ 3% (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.30–2.50) were independent risk factors for falls. FRAX with BMD in a continuous major score (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.06), continuous hip score (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), categorical major score ≥ 10% (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.09–2.12), and categorical hip score ≥ 3% (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.13–2.09) were also independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that FRAX® scores with and without BMD were unanimously correlated with falls in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly males and females.
Accidental Falls* ; Aged* ; Bone Density ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Hip ; Humans ; Life Style ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Social Class ; Taiwan

Endometriosis coexisting with a dermoid cyst of the ovary is extraordinarily rare, although both these benign conditions are said to be common in women in the reproductive age group. There are only two previous case reports,which is evident from our literature review from January 1960 through January 2010. Acute abdomen is one of the greatest diagnostic challenges and easily ignored by the clinicians to exclude the possibility of gynecologic illness. A 35-year-old woman was referred by the doctor in Family clinic. She experienced a three-day period of severe right lower abdominal pain and intermittent vomiting. Ultrasonography identified a bilocular, cystic, hypoechoic, and hyperechoic tumor, 7 cm × 6 cm × 6 cm in the right adnexal region. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed under the impression of ovarian cyst with torsion or hemorrhage. The frozen section was benign and appendiceal status was adequate. Histopathologic examination described an ovarian cyst composed of endometrial-type lining with stromacells (endometriosis) and benign teratoma tissue with plenty of skin appendages and sebaceous glands. We report this unusual and interesting ovarian mass to remind physicians that the usage of the Endobag after cystectomy, the benefits on minimizing operative time, spilled opportunity, and postoperative complications. Laparoscopic techniques for large ovarian masses might be considered. The experience of the surgeon is also very important to prevent misdiagnosis or complication. Further follow up is mandatory for this simultaneous finding of ovarian endometriosis with coincidental dermoid cyst as a separate pathology in single ovary of such a nature. It also presents a challenge to the clinicians and to the pathologists.
Adult ; Dermoid Cyst ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Endometriosis ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Ovary ; pathology ; surgery

INTRODUCTIONThis study describes the pathologic changes in the retina of a group of young Asian subjects with myopia worse than -10 diopters spherical equivalent (SE) refraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study population consists of 20 male subjects undergoing preemployment screening for public service for a 1-year period from 2009 to 2010. A detailed series of visual tests of function, fundus examination and grading, ocular biometry and posterior segment optical coherence tomography were performed for all eyes.

RESULTSA total of 21 eyes with mean SE of -10.88 diopters, [standard deviation (SD) , 1.28 diopters], and mean age of 21.8 years (SD, 1.3 years) were included. Out of 21 eyes, 17 (81.0%) had beta peripapillary atrophy, 10 (47.6%) had clinically detectable optic disc tilt, 1 (4.8%) had positive T-sign and 18 (85.7%) had retinal tessellation, 4 (19.0%) had posterior vitreous detachment and 14 (66.7%) had peripheral retina degeneration. The mean retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was 92.48 mm (SD, 9.99 mm).

CONCLUSIONNone of the 21 highly myopic eyes had features of myopic retinopathy but most of these young males had clinically visible myopia-associated abnormalities of the optic disc, vitreous and peripheral retina. Generally, these eyes had thinner RNFL. Further longitudinal studies are required to investigate if these eyes will eventually develop complications of pathological myopia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Choroid Diseases ; diagnosis ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Humans ; Male ; Myopia ; classification ; pathology ; Nerve Fibers ; pathology ; Ophthalmoscopy ; Optic Atrophy ; diagnosis ; Optic Disk ; pathology ; Optic Nerve Diseases ; diagnosis ; Posterior Eye Segment ; pathology ; Retina ; pathology ; Retinal Degeneration ; diagnosis ; Retinal Diseases ; diagnosis ; Retinal Vessels ; pathology ; Singapore ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; methods ; Vision Tests ; Visual Acuity ; Vitreous Detachment ; diagnosis ; Young Adult

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

BACKGROUNDLong-term maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF), often ameliorates patients' symptoms, reduces the risk of ischemic stroke and improves cardiovascular hemodynamics. This prospective study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of very low-dose amiodarone (100 mg daily) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful direct-current (DC) cardioversion in patients with CAF and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) post intervention.

METHODSThis study was a randomized prospective trial. One day after successful DC cardioversion (remained normal sinus rhythm) in patients with CAF and RHD post intervention for more than six months and adequate anticoagulation, all were randomly administered either amiodarone 200 mg daily in group A or amiodarone 100 mg daily in group B.

RESULTSA total of 76 patients (40 men and 36 women) were examined from February 1998 to December 1999. The mean age of the patients was (66 +/- 10) years, and the mean follow-up was (67 +/- 8) months (range 61 to 84 months). Actuarial rates of the maintenance of sinus rhythm were similar in the two groups after 5 years of follow-up. Four patients (11%) in group A but none in group B experienced significant adverse effects that necessitated withdrawal of amiodarone. No death occurred during the study period.

CONCLUSIONA very low dose of amiodarone results in adequate long-term efficacy and is safe for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with CAF and RHD post intervention after successful DC cardioversion.

Aged ; Amiodarone ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; administration & dosage ; Arrhythmia, Sinus ; drug therapy ; Atrial Fibrillation ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Chronic Disease ; Cohort Studies ; Electric Countershock ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies