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The homeostasis dysfunctions caused by cold stress remain a threat to intestinal health, particularly for young broiler chickens. We hypothesized that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was involved in the regulation of cold stress on intestinal health. This study aimed to examine the effect of cold stress for 72 h on growth performance, serum biochemistry, intestinal barrier molecules, and AMPK in broilers. A total of 144 10-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were subjected to temperature treatments (control 28 ± 1 °C vs cold stress 16 ± 1 °C) for 72 h. Growth performance was monitored, serum was collected for the analysis of physiological parameters, and jejunal mucosa was sampled for the determination of tight junction (TJ) proteins, heat shock proteins, and AMPK signaling molecules. Results showed that 72 h cold treatment reduced average BW gain and increased the feed conversion ratio of the broilers (P 0.05). In conclusion, cold stress significantly reduced the growth performance of broiler chickens. The intestinal barrier function might be impaired, and enhanced bacterial translocation might occur. The unregulated gene expression of TJ proteins implied the remodeling of intestinal barrier. The change of AMPK suggested the possible relationship between intestinal energy metabolism and barrier function under cold stress.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the daily lives and health conditions of survivors of the Sichuan Earthquake after two years.MethodsThe study was conducted for the survivors ≥ 18 years of age who experienced the earthquake. The questionnaire included the survivors' socio-demographics, impact of the disaster, and their health status after the disaster.ResultsApproximately 65% of respondents said that their conditions were healthy in the second year after the earthquake. The changes of daily lives among the survivors were increased from 1st year to 2nd year, as follows: diet (1st year; 24.5%–2nd year; 14.1%), sleep (29.4%–23.6%), entertainments (9.6%–15.1%). As health conditions, the following symptoms were increased; diabetes (2.8%–3.5%), cardiac disease (2.9%–5.0%), functional disturbances of body's joints and muscles (18%–21%). In contrast, the following symptoms were decreased; obesity/skinny (5%–3.5%), kidney disease (4.4%–1.6%), asthma and allergy (7.2%–5.6%). The current health conditions of the survivors included: headache, eyestrain, hand, foot, and/or joint's ache, sleep disorder. With regard to the psychological condition, the mean value of IES-R score was 22.2 ± 11.8. Compared with the 1st year results, the mean value IES-R score significantly decreased (1st year; 30.8 ± 16.8, p < 0.001, by paired t-test).ConclusionsThe survivors' physical and psychological conditions have improved compared to 1st year results. However most of the survivors still had some health problems in their health.

ObjectiveTo longitudinally investigates the Survivors' daily lives and healthy condition after Sichuan earthquake in China. This study identifies Survivors' daily lives and health conditions for 3-years.Ethical ConsiderationThe study was conducted after obtaining approval in Ethical Review Board of Sichuan University.MethodThe study was conducted for the survivors who experienced the earthquake and aged 18 years and over, and joined the 1st year and 2nd year study. Questionnaire included the survivors' socio-demographics, impact of disaster and the health status after disaster. The date was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software.ResultsResults showed the follow-up date which was results of 3-years. The changes of daily lives of survivors for 3-years were fluctuations. As their health conditions in the 3rd year, the following symptoms were decreased: locomotors system disease, respiratory disease, Autoimmunity and endocrine diseases, asthma and allergy, Gout, Irregular menstruation/dysmenorrheal, kidney disease and the others. In contrast, the following symptoms were increased: cardiac disease, weight gain/less, hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease. About their self-rated health, “Not healthy” at 3rd year was 26.4%. Compared with the 1st year and 2nd year results, it has taken a turn for the significantly better (1st year 49.9%; 2nd year 35.1%). With regard to the psychological condition, the Positive response of IES-R at 3rd year was 11.6%. Compared with the 1st year and 2nd year results, the Positive response of IES-R significantly decrease (1st year 49.8; 2nd year 31.8%. p < 0.001, by Pearson Chi-square).ConclusionAfter 3rd year of the Sichuan earthquake disaster, the survivors' physical and psychological conditions have improved compared to 1st year and 2nd year results. However most of the survivors still had some health problems in their health. Our local nursing authorities still need to go on their health promotion, which can further improve the survivors' health status.

Background and Aims:To investigate the plasma levels of IL-18, MIP-1α, MCP-1, SDF-1 and RANTES in major depression before and after treatment.Method:Twenty healthy volunteers and 40 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were involved in the current study. Depressed subjects had moderate or major depression according to the DSM-IV criteria. The HAMD scale was used to measure the efficacy after the 8-week treatment with fluoxetine hydrochloride. All subjects gave their written informed consents and were recruited from outpatients and inpatients of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between October 2004 and November 2005.The plasma levels of IL-18, MIP-1α, MCP-1, SDF-1 and RANTES in major depression were measured by ELISA before and after fluoxetine treatment.Results:HAMD score were significantly decreased after the treatment (P