The cavity is implemented on an annealed proton exchange waveguide by focused ion beam milling. We observe a confinement of the optical field at the center of the cavity by analyzing the collected light with a probe positioned above the photonic structure. The experimental

NSOM results obtained are compared to numerical results obtained by finite difference time domain method. A good agreement is obtained between theoretical and experimental results where a cavity mode appears around lambda = 1540 nm. (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3647770]“
“Objective: AZD8186 ic50 This study aimed to evaluate if the Gyrus open forceps is a safe and efficient tool for hepatic parenchymal transection.

Background: Blood loss during hepatic transection remains a significant risk

factor for morbidity and mortality associated with liver surgery. Various electrosurgical devices have been engineered to reduce blood loss. The Gyrus open forceps is a bipolar cautery device which has recently been introduced into hepatic surgery.

Methods: We conducted a single-institution, retrospective review of all liver resections performed from November 2005 through November 2007. Patients undergoing resection of at least two liver segments where the Gyrus was the primary method of transection were included. Patient charts were reviewed; clinicopathological data were collected.

Results: BYL719 datasheet Of the 215 open liver resections performed during the study period, 47 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean patient age was 61 years; 34% were female. The majority required resection for malignant disease (94%); frequent indications included colorectal metastasis (66%), hepatocellular carcinoma (6%) and cholangiocarcinoma (4%). Right hemihepatectomy (49%), left hemihepatectomy (13%) and right trisectionectomy (13%) were the most frequently performed procedures. A total of 26 patients (55%) underwent a major ancillary procedure concurrently. There were no operative mortalities. Median operative time was 220 min (range 97-398 min). Inflow occlusion was required in nine patients

(19%) for a median time of 12 min (range 3-30 min). Median PFTα order total estimated blood loss was 400 ml (range 10-2000 ml) and 10 patients (21%) required perioperative transfusion. All patients had macroscopically negative margins. Median length of stay was 8 days. Two patients (4%) had clinically significant bile leak. The 30-day postoperative mortality was zero.

Conclusions: Use of the Gyrus open forceps appears to be a safe and efficient manner of hepatic parenchymal transection which allows rapid transection with acceptable blood loss, a low rate of perioperative transfusion, and minimal postoperative bile leak.”
“. We investigated the virushost interaction for hepatitis E virus (HEV) by performing competitive binding assays using in vitro assembled virus-like particles (VLPs).

The resultant Current, percentage reduction hi total dissolved solid, current efficiency, and energy consumption were calculated. The maximum current density in the electrodialysis stack was observed for calcium chloride solution and at any applied potential GW786034 datasheet and flow rate the percentage reduction in total dissolved solid for Ca(++) > Cu(++) > Ni(++) > Mg(++). (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 1155-1164, 2009″
“Background:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair generally provides satisfactory results including decreased shoulder pain and improved shoulder motion. Unfortunately, imaging studies demonstrate that the retear rate associated with the available arthroscopic techniques may be high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without the use of platelet-leukocyte membrane in patients with a large posterosuperior rotator cuff tear.

Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with a large full-thickness posterosuperior rotator cuff tear were enrolled. All tears were repaired using an arthroscopic single-row technique. Patients were randomized to treatment either with or without a platelet-leukocyte

membrane inserted between GSK621 in vivo the rotator cuff tendon and its footprint. In patients treated with this membrane, one membrane was utilized for each suture anchor. The primary outcomes were the difference between the preoperative and postoperative Constant scores and the repair integrity

assessed by MRI according to the Sugaya classification. NU7026 datasheet The secondary outcome was the difference between the preoperative and postoperative Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores.

Results: The only significant differences between the two groups involved the patient age and the preoperative and postoperative Constant scores; the differences in the Constant score were due to differences in the shoulder pain subscore. At a mean of thirteen months of follow-up, rotator cuff retears were observed only in the group of patients in whom the membrane had not been used, and a thin but intact tendon was observed more frequently in this group as well. The use of the membrane was associated with significantly better repair integrity (p = 0.04).

Conclusions: The use of the platelet-leukocyte membrane in the treatment of rotator cuff tears improved repair integrity compared with repair without membrane. However, the improvement in repair integrity was not associated with greater improvement in the functional outcome. In fact, the Constant scores of the two groups would have been similar if the shoulder pain component (which had differed preoperatively) had been excluded.”
“Colletotrichum higginsianum is a fungal pathogen that infects a wide variety of cruciferous plants, causing important crop losses.

The result showed that total white blood cells, total lymphocytes and CD(4)(+) cells were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in untreated diabetic (DC) rats compared to normal control (NC) rats, whereas the

increase in neutrophil was not significant. These immunological parameters in diabetic rats treated with the extract (DTAI) and those treated with chlorpropamide (DTCH) were not different from those of the normal control group. Also PCV, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count were not significantly different among the test and control groups. The immune cell lowering effects selleck chemicals of the A. indica leaf extract appeared to be of clinical significance in the control of atherosclerosis and other diabetic vascular complications in rats. These effects were comparable to those of chlorpropamide on the immune cells.”
“Methods for determining sample size requirements for cost-effectiveness studies are reviewed and illustrated. Traditional methods based on tests of selleck products hypothesis and power arguments are given for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental net benefit (INB). In addition, a full Bayesian approach using decision theory to determine optimal sample size is given for INB. The full Bayesian approach, based on the value of information, is proposed in reaction to concerns

that traditional methods rely on arbitrarily chosen error probabilities and an ill-defined notion of the smallest clinically important difference. Furthermore, the results of cost-effectiveness studies

are used for decision making (e.g. should a new intervention be adopted or the old one retained), and employing decision theory, which permits optimal use of current information and the optimal design of new studies, provides a more consistent approach.”
“Crosslinked structures of a resin had a great influence on its properties. Studying the effect of a crosslinked network on resin Milciclib properties will benefit to design and prepare a new resin with good performances. A series of alkyne group-capped oligomers were designed and well characterized. The corresponding crosslinked polytriazoles with different network grids were obtained when multifunctional azide monomer was used as a crosslinking agent. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the crosslinked polytriazoles was measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The results showed networks with a small grid size would exihibit high T(g)s. The relationship between T(g) and the size of the network grids of the crosslinked polytriazoles was discussed. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 419-424, 2011″
“Tuberculosis is a preventable, treatable and curable disease provided the precautionary measures and drug adherence are strictly adhered to. Structured questionnaires were administered to 280 tuberculosis patients diagnosed at the Pulmonary Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Oyo State; a tertiary healthcare centre in Nigeria.

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for mRNA expression of bone sialoprotein, DLX5, osteocalcin, and collagen type I, was performed.

Results. Cells from the AF responded AP24534 to BMP-2 with mitogenesis. There was no significant increase in DNA synthesis in cultures from the

NP and TZ treated with BMP-2. Only cells from the NP showed a significant increase in newly synthesized proteoglycan in response to BMP-2. IVD cells from all zones demonstrated no significant expression of bone sialoprotein, DLX5, osteocalcin mRNA after treatment with BMP-2.

Conclusion. BMP-2 clearly exerted a mitogenic effect on AF cells, and stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in NP cells. However, BMP-2 did not have an osteogenic effect in any IVD region. Taken together, these results confirm that BMP-2 can be used as an anabolic agent for mitogenesis in AF cells and NP cell matrix regeneration without the possibility of osteogenesis.”
“The kynurenine pathway has been implicated as a major component of the neuroinflammatory response to brain injury and neurodegeneration. We found that the neurotoxic kynurenine pathway intermediate

quinolinic acid (QUIN) is rapidly expressed, within 24 h, by reactive microglia following traumatic injury to the rodent neocortex. Furthermore, administration of the astrocytic protein selleck chemicals llc metallothionein attenuated this neuroinflammatory response by reducing microglial activation (by approximately 30%) and QUIN expression. The suppressive effect of MT was 4EGI-1 confirmed upon cultured cortical microglia, with 1 mu g/ml MT almost completely blocking interferon-gamma induced activation of microglia and QUIN expression. These results demonstrate the neuroimmunomodulatory properties of MT, which may have therapeutic applications for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.”
“Study Design. Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective. To evaluate the effects of active rehabilitation for adults after first-time lumbar disc surgery.

Summary of Background Data. Several rehabilitation programs are available for individuals after lumbar disc surgery, however, little is known about the efficacy of these treatments.

Methods. Search strategies were performed

on CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2) and MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO up to May 2007. All randomized controlled trials without language limitations were included. Pairs of review authors independently assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias. A meta-analysis was performed with clinically homogeneous studies. The GRADE approach was used to determine the quality of evidence.

Results. Fourteen studies were included, 7 of which had a low risk of bias. Most programs were only assessed in 1 study. Statistical pooling was only completed for 3 comparisons in which exercises started 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery: exercise programs versus no treatment, high versus low intensity exercise programs, and supervised versus home exercises.

Patients with vitamin D deficiency showed more severe disease in comparison with patients with vitamin D insufficiency, above all concerning lung involvement. Further trials are awaited to determine whether vitamin D could represent a modifiable factor able to interfere with SSc evolution.”
“The efficiency of 2,2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) for the photopolymerization of methacrylate monomers in thick sections was assessed. DMPA

is an efficient photoinitiator for thick sections (approximate to 2 mm) because a fast reaction and high conversions are MAPK Inhibitor Library molecular weight obtained with concentrations as low as 0.25 wt % DMPA. The polymerization rate increased when the DMPA content increased from 0.125 wt % to 0.25 wt %. However, the conversion versus irradiation time profiles in resins containing 0.25 wt % or 0.5 wt % DMPA were similar. This is attributed to the screening effect Staurosporine caused by excessive levels of DMPA. In addition, the consumption of DMPA under UV irradiation was accompanied by the appearance

of light absorbing photoproducts. Because the absorbing species nearest to the light source absorb part of it, the light fails to reach the deeper layers of the sample. The overall effect of light screening is a reduced photoinitiation rate and double bond conversion along the irradiation path. This effect was compensated by the use of irradiation sources of higher intensity; which increased the initiation rate by increasing the production of primary radicals. DMPA is colorless and it does not require the presence of amine as coinitiator. These properties make DMPA attractive as photoinitiator of dental composites. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 418-425, 2012″
“Major physiological stress occurs during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This is related to hypothermia and

artificial ERK assay organ perfusion. Thus, serious gastrointestinal complications, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding, sometimes follow cardiac surgery. We have compared the antisecretory effects of a preanesthetic H-2 antagonist (roxatidine, cardiopulmonary bypass-H-2 group, n = 15) and a proton pump inhibitor (rabeprazole, cardiopulmonary bypass-PPI group, n = 15) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and also compared in patients undergoing a off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (off-pump cardiopulmonary bypass-H-2 group, n = 15). Gastric pH (5.14 +/- 0.61) and gastric fluid volume (13.2 +/- 2.4 mL) at the end of surgery in off-pump cardiopulmonary bypass-H-2 groups was significantly lower and higher than those in both cardiopulmonary bypass-H-2 (6.25 +/- 0.54, 51.3 +/- 8.0 mL) and cardiopulmonary bypass-PPI (7.29 +/- 0.13, 63.5 +/- 14.8 mL) groups, respectively although those variables did not differ between groups after the induction of anesthesia.

The procedure was carried out successfully in all cases. We registered two intra-procedural strokes and two strokes within 24 h. The risk of major complications in our study was 9.1% at 30 days. Our complication rate Duvelisib purchase is higher than in previous studies. These findings could be partly explained by the unemployment of distal protection devices, but also by the presence of an independent observer that might have increased the accuracy of neurological evaluation.”
“BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) generally have been reported to be more prevalent on the lips than basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), but in our experience, BCCs of the

lips are common, particularly in women.

OBJECTIVES To determine the tumor characteristics of lip SCCs and BCCs, including tumor

type, anatomic location, and size; and to identify the relationship between patient characteristics, including age and sex, and lip tumor characteristics.

METHODS AND MATERIALS Retrospective review of all BCCs and SCCs located on the lip treated between January 1995 and October 2010.

RESULTS Of 470 lip nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) identified, 71.4% were BCCs, and 28.6% were SCCs. Lower lip tumors were predominantly SCCs (79.8%, p < .01), BKM120 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor whereas upper lip tumors were predominantly BCCs (85.7%, p < .01). Patients with lower lip tumors were significantly older (68.8 vs 64.7, p = .02) and were largely male (70.8%, p < .01). Patients with SCCs were mostly male (62.2%, p = .02), whereas those with BCCs were predominantly female (68.8%, p < .01). Subgroup analysis showed that upper lip tumors were 98.1% cutaneous or more than 50% cutaneous, whereas 56.3% of lower lip tumors were mucosal or more than 50% mucosal;

87.1% of mucosal tumors were SCCs, whereas 83.6% of cutaneous tumors were BCCs (p < .01). Seventy-one percent of patients with mucosal tumors were men, whereas 67% of patients with cutaneous only tumors were women (p < .01).

CONCLUSION These data provide evidence of significant Autophagy inhibitor differences in patient and tumor characteristics between NMSCs of the upper and lower lips.”
“The preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, with acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a wide composition range, from 0.1 to 5.0% MWCNT by weight, is reported. Effect of uniaxial orientation by zone drawing on these nanocomposites is discussed and compared with unoriented compression molded films. Static room temperature two-dimensional wide angle X-ray scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for phase identification. Differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetic analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal and mechanical properties.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3599886]“
“In this research work, effect of dimethyl formamide (DMF) as an external electron donor in gas phase ethylene/1-butene copolymerization process in the presence of Ziegler-Natta catalyst has been investigated. Different

LY294002 chemical structure experiments were performed using TiCl(4)/MgCl(2) as catalyst, triethyl aluminum as cocatalyst and in the presence of various amounts of DMF as an external electron donor. Then, effect of DMF on various parameters such as catalyst activity, molecular weight, and short chain branching content of the samples has been studied. The results showed that the more the ratio of DMF/Ti, the lower the catalyst activity. Moreover, the curves relating molecular weight and short chain branching content of the samples to the ratio of DMF/Ti passed through an extremum point at about DMF/Ti = 0.25. A justification for the occurrence of the extremum point has been

proposed in this research work, and some analysis methods are adopted to confirm the suggested justification. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1267-1272, 2012″
“In this work we report on the characteristics of a (Ni/Au)/AlGaN/GaN/SiC Schottky barrier diode (SBD). A variety of electrical techniques, such DMH1 as gate current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements have been used to characterize the diode. The behavior study of the series resistance, R-S, the ideality factor, n, the effective barrier height, Phi(b), and the leakage current with the temperature have emphasized an inhomogeneity of the barrier height and a tunneling mechanism assisted by traps in the SBD. Hence, C-V measurements successively sweeping up and down the voltage have demonstrate a hysteresis phenomenon which is more pronounced in the temperature range of 240 to 320 K, with a maximum at similar to 300 K. This parasitic effect can be attributed to the presence 3-Methyladenine PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor of traps activated at the same range of temperature in the SBD. Using the DLTS technique, we have detected

one hole trap having an activation energy and a capture cross-section of 0.75 eV and 1.09 x 10(-13)cm(2), respectively, seems to be responsible for the appearance of the hysteresis phenomenon. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3600229]“
“Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an endemic cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. Infection during pregnancy may increase the risk for adverse maternal-foetal outcome.

Review of significant articles regarding maternal-foetal T. cruzi infection in free-vector non-endemic regions.

Vertical transmission, even in vector-free world regions, occurs in 1 out of 20 seropositive mothers. T. cruzi infection increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and neonatal infection which may cause infant death or severe sequelae.

73 m(-2) (+1.5), 0.30-0.59

(+1), ankle-brachial index: <0.3 (+2), 0.3-0.49 (+1.5) and >1.3 (+2); C-reactive protein buy Vactosertib (CRP) >= 70 mg l(-1) (+2); and association of statins, anti-platelet agents and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (-1.5). The frequency of the composite outcome increased significantly with the predicted risk: low risk (<= 0 point), 2%; medium (0.5-2 points), 12.8%; high (2.5-4 points), 23%; very high (>= 4.5 points): 42.2%. The model had a good performance in terms of discrimination (C-statistic 0.74 and 0.76) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.65).

Conclusions: We propose the validated COPART risk score for hospitalised severe PAD. This prognostic risk score is based on six variables easily identifiable in clinical

practice. Our study highlights the favourable prognostic impact of the prescription at discharge of combined drug therapies. (C) 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background. Metabolic risk factors like QNZ insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are frequently observed in severly obese children. We investigated the hypothesis that moderate weight reduction by a low-threshold intervention is already able to reduce insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in severely obese children. Methods. A group of 58 severely obese children and adolescents between 8 and 17 years participating in a six-month-long outpatient

program was studied before and after treatment. The program included behavioral treatment, dietary education and specific physical training. Metabolic parameters were measured in the fasting state, insulin resistance was evaluated in an oral glucose tolerance test. Results. Mean standard deviation score of the selleck chemicals llc body mass index (SDS-BMI) in the study group dropped significantly from +2.5 +/- 0.5 to 2.3 +/- 0.6 (P < 0.0001) after participation in the program. A significant decrease was observed in HOMA (6.3 +/- 4.2 versus 4.9 +/- 2.4, P < 0.03, and in peak insulin levels (232.7 +/- 132.4 versus 179.2 +/- 73.3 mu U/mL, P < 0.006). Significant reductions were also observed in mean levels of hemoglobin A(1c), total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that already moderate weight reduction is able to decrease insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in severely obese children and adolescents.”
“Objectives: The aortic augmentation index (Alx), a marker of arterial stiffness, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. In claudicants, the effect of balloon angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, PTA) on Alx has not been determined so far.

As medical oncologists are forced to rely on insufficient data as a part of daily treatment decision making, and as the cancer treatment landscape evolves quickly relative to other areas of medicine, CER is particularly pressing in our field. Continued reliance on randomized clinical trials is a part of the PFTα nmr solution, but it

cannot be the sole answer. As new and richer data sources become available addressing quality of life, resource utilization, and other critical elements, the implementation of CER will advance. Its true power will lie in linkages to “”learning health systems”" and real-time application to the day-to-day practice of medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc.”
“Background and objective: Carbocysteine (S-carboxymethylcysteine) is a mucoactive drug with in vitro free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties. Several clinical trials have indicated that carbocysteine reduces exacerbation rates in COPD. In the present study, the effect of carbocysteine on the airway load of Haemophilus influenzae was assessed in rats chronically exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). In addition,

the effects of carbocysteine on airway mucus hypersecretion and mucociliary clearance (MCC) associated with the adherence and clearance of H. influenzae were investigated.

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, carbocysteine vehicle, CS exposure and carbocysteine treatment groups. After 12 weeks, rats were selected for quantitative inoculation of H. influenzae. BAL fluid and lungs were collected aseptically after 3 h for quantitative culture of H. influenzae. MCC was measured by quantifying the clearance BB-94 of (99m)Tc-Sc. Goblet cell metaplasia and the presence of mucoid matter were evaluated by Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff staining. Mucin 5AC (Muc5AC) expression was detected by western blotting

and real-time reverse transcription-PCR.

Results: Exposure to CS increased airway H. influenzae load, aggravated mucus hypersecretion and delayed MCC. Treatment with carbocysteine decreased airway H. influenzae load, and attenuated airway mucus hypersecretion, with improved MCC associated with adherence and clearance of H. influenzae.

Conclusions: These results suggest that carbocysteine may be beneficial in patients with BEZ235 datasheet COPD by increasing the clearance of bacteria and decreasing bacterial load.”
“Background: Heart failure patients frequently have thyroid function abnormalities. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a major treatment for patients with advanced chronic heart failure. We aimed to investigate the effects of CRT on thyroid functions.”
“Background: The cognitive effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) have been studied extensively, but little is known about the relationship between premenopausal hormone use and cognition. Hormonal contraceptive use vs. nonuse may be a potential factor influencing cognitive processes in midlife.

Biopsies were obtained from 57

patients and diagnosis of stage and grade were possible in 55 of these (97%). In two patients (4%) the tissue material was too small for diagnostic evaluation. PXD101 Epigenetics inhibitor Biopsies from 47 patients (83%) included muscularis mucosa and from 20 patients (35%) muscularis propria. In 30 patients all but one diagnosis from the OPD was confirmed by biopsy in rigid scopes in the operating room. Conclusions. PDD-guided cystoscopy and bladder biopsy in flexible cystoscopes can be performed in an OPD setting and with reliable results for diagnosis of tumour stage Ta, CIS and T1a bladder cancer.”
“Six years ago, the inside-out transobturator tape TVT-O procedure was developed for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with the aim of minimizing the risk of urethra and bladder injuries and ensuring minimal tissue dissection. Initial feasibility and efficacy studies suggested that the TVT-O procedure is associated with high SUI cure rates and low morbidity at short term. A recent analysis of medium-term results

indicated that the TVT-O procedure is efficient, with maintenance, after a 3-year minimum follow-up, of cure rates comparing click here favorably with those reported for TVT. No late complications were observed. As of July 2008, more than 35 clinical papers, including ten randomized trials and two national registries, have been published on the outcome of the TVT-O surgery. Results from these studies have confirmed that the TVT-O procedure is safe and as efficient as the TVT procedure, at least in the short/medium term.”
“To evaluate the allergic effect of airborne particulate matter (PM) on the airway, separated soluble supernatant (Sup) and insoluble precipitate (Pre) in suspended PM were inoculated into NC/Nga mice with a high sensitivity for mite allergens. Sup, Pre, or both Sup and Pre with or without pronase treatment were inoculated via the nasal route five times for sensitization

and a challenge inoculation on the 11th day in NC/Nga mice. On the 14th day, Alvocidib solubility dmso mice were examined for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count, mRNA expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the lung tissue, and histopathology. Synergistic effects of Sup and Pre were observed as increases in AHR and a histopathological change of Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Increases in neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes of BALF cells were dependent on Pre. The expression of IL-4 mRNA was increased by Sup, and those of IL-5 mRNA and Il-13 mRNA was increased by Sup and Pre. Augmented AHR, mRNA expression of IL-4, peribronchial inflammation, and PAS staining by Sup plus Pre were attenuated by treatment of Sup with pronase to digest proteins.