Effects of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders,exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life.AIM To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study.The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes.The serum levels of inflammatory factors,including C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,interleukin(IL)-6,tumour necrosis factor-αand IL-1β,were measured.Disease activity scores,such as the Bath AS functional index,Bath AS disease activity index,Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score,were assessed.The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire.RESULTS The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders.Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores,indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment.Conversely,negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters,highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of healthrelated quality of life.Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes,underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication.CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity,systemic inflammation and patientreported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders.The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

Simulation on Distribution of Photosynthetically Active Radiation in Canopy and Optimum Leaf Rolling Index in Rice with Rolling Leaves

By replacing leaf area index （LAI） with effective leaf area index （ELAI） through introduction of leaf rolling index （LRI）, the distributions of photosynthetically active radiation （PAR） in the canopies of three hybrid rice combinations, Liangyou E32 with high LRI, Liangyoupeijiu with moderate LRI and Shanyou 63 with non-rolling leaves （normal）, were simulated. The model based on ELAI could predict more accurately than that based on LAI. The PAR interception, conversion and utilization efficiency in the three combinations were studied to evaluate their optimal LRI and LAI. The PAR utilization efficiency of Liangyou E32 was lower due to excessive rolling leaves and less ELAI, and that of Shanyou 63 was also lower because of the faulty PAR interception and lower photosynthetic rate and saturation point at lower layer in canopy. Compared with the above two combinations, Liangyoupeijiu showed more appropriate distribution of PAR interception and conversion efficiency in canopy, and higher PAR utilization efficiency. The optimal LRI and LAI for Liangyoupeijiu were 0.11 and 7.6, respectively, which were close to the observed value, 0.11 and 7.9, respectively. However, the optimum LAI was 9.8 for Liangyou E32 and 6.2 for Shanyou 63, larger or smaller than those under the current plant density, which led to lower efficiency of PAR utilization. Besides, the optimum LRI for Liangyou E32 and Shanyou 63 were 0.12 and 0.08, respectively, which were close to the actual LRI for Liangyoupeijiu （0.11）.

Neotectonics of Tabas Area, Central Iran by Index of Active Tectonics (IAT)

In this research, Tabas area, which is located in central Iran, was selected as the study area and three geomorphic indices were calculated for its structural fronts. Through averaging these three indices, we obtained index of active tectonics (IAT). The values of the index were divided into classes to define the degree of active tectonics. Therefore, relative tectonic activity was calculated and their values were classified and analyzed in two groups. Regions were identified as high and moderate levels. In analyzing data and combining them with tectonic setting, the results were often associated and justified with regional geology. Our results show that the highest value is located along Shoutori fault, which shows 2 class of relative tectonic activity (high level). Also, moderate values are located along Ereshk, Ezmeighan and Jamal faults (moderate level). According to these results, Shoutori fault is the most active fault in the study area and this situation is compatible with its position as a mountain front fault.

Centennial Analysis of Human Activity Intensity and Associated Historical Events in Heilongjiang River Sino-Russo Watershed

Human activities in a transborder watershed are complex under the influence of domestic policies,international relations,and global events.Understanding the forces driving human activity change is important for the development of transborder watershed.In this study,we used global historical land cover data,the hemeroby index model,and synthesized major historical events to analyze how human activity intensity changed in the Heilongjiang River(Amur River in Russia)watershed(HLRW).The results showed that there was a strong spatial heterogeneity in the variation of human activity intensity in the HLRW over the past century(1900-2016).On the Chinese side,the human activity intensity change shifted from the plain areas for agricultural reclamation to the mountainous areas for timber extraction.On the Russian side,human activity intensity changes mostly concentrated along the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline.Localized variation of human activity intensity tended to respond to regional events while regionalized variation tends to reflect national policy change or broad international events.The similarities and differences between China and Russia in policies and positions in international events resulted in synchronous and asynchronous changes in human activity intensity.Meanwhile,policy shifts were often confined by the natural features of the watershed.These results reveal the historical origins and fundamental connotations of watershed development and contribute to formulating regional management policies that coordinate population,eco-nomic,social,and environmental activities.

Coherently induced grating in refractive index enhanced medium

We demonstrate a scheme for coherently induced grating based on a mixture of two three-level atomic species interacting with two standing-wave fields. As a result of interaction between the absorptive and amplified Raman resonances, the refractive index of the medium can be enhanced and modulated periodically. Then a sinusoidal grating, which can diffract the probe field into high-order directions, is coherently formed in the medium. The proposed scheme is theoretically investigated in a mixture of atomic isotopes of rubidium. The results show that the diffraction efficiency depends strongly on the two two-photon detunings of the two Raman transitions and the intensities of the two driving standing-wave fields. The proposed electromagnetically induced grating scheme may be applied to the all-optical switching and beam splitting in optical networking and communication.

基于Active-X技术的电阻炉温度控制系统

针对网带式电阻炉的非线性、大滞后、参数时变等特点,基于Active-X技术提出了生产指标优化的电阻炉温度控制系统。系统硬件采用PC机、热电偶、研华ADAM模块、可控硅等,使用组态王做用户监控界面,控制算法采用改进型分区积分PID,应用Active-X技术将控制算法用VB编写并生成Active-X控件。所提出的系统成功应用于某厂电阻炉生产过程,现场应用表明该温度控制系统的控制精度优于±2°,同时具有稳定性高,操作方便等特点,控制品质符合工艺要求,产品质量得到明显提高。

运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎的疗效观察及对BASFI、BASDAI评分的影响

目的 观察运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis, AS)肾虚督寒证的临床疗效及对巴氏强直性脊柱炎功能指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index, BASFI)、巴氏强直性脊柱炎疾病活动性指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, BASDAI)评分的影响。方法 将78例AS肾虚督寒证患者分为观察组和对照组,每组39例。对照组给予吲哚美辛缓释胶囊和柳氮磺吡啶肠溶片治疗,观察组在对照组治疗基础上加用运动针法治疗。观察两组临床疗效、不良反应,治疗前后临床症状(胸廓活动度、晨僵时间、Schober试验、疼痛关节数)、炎症相关指标[C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein, CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)、白介素-17(interleukin-17, IL-17)]、中医证候积分、BASFI和BASDAI评分的变化。结果 观察组总有效率为89.7%,高于对照组的69.2%(P<0.05);两组治疗后临床症状、炎症相关指标、中医证候积分、BASFI和BASDI评分均改善(P<0.05),且观察组优于对照组(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎肾虚督寒证疗效好,能明显改善BASFI、BASDAI评分。

Physical activity, physical fitness, and body mass index in the Chinese child and adolescent populations： An update from the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China The Youth Study

In this special issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science,analyses of the most recent national prevalence estimates from the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—The Youth Study(PAFCTYS)are presented.These include the prevalence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)。

Modelling seedling development using thermal effectiveness and photosynthetically active radiation

Seedling quality is a prerequisite for successful field performance and therefore influences crop yields. Temperature and illumination are two major factors affecting seedling quality during nursery propagation. Suboptimal temperature or light of nurseries generally result in leggy or weak seedlings and great economic loss. However, production of healthy seedlings is challenging due to the lack of knowledge in systemic management of nursery environments. In this study, we have established simulation models to predict how temperature and illumination coordinately influence the growth of tomato and cabbage seedlings. Specifically, correlation between seedling quality characteristics(root-shoot ratio, G value(growth function: defined as ratio of whole plant dry weight to days of seedling), healthy indexes) and TEP(thermal effectiveness and photosynthetically active radiation) were explored to establish the models, which were validated with independent test data. Our results suggested that the curve of healthy index 1(HI1) and TEP fitted well with high coefficient of determination(R2) in both species, indicating that the model is highly reliable. The HI1 simulation models for tomato and cabbage are HI1=0.0009e0.0308TEP-0.0015 and HI1= 0.0003e0.0671TEP-0.0003, respectively, which can be used for predicting vigors of tomato and cabbage seedlings grown under different temperature and light conditions.

Assessment of active tectonics from geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters in part of Ganga basin

Ganga river basins exposed to active erosional and deformational processes. The recurrence of landslides, floods, and seismic activities makes it more susceptible to deformational activities. The tectonic analysis using geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters will help in determining the hazard-prone area of the river basin. Geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters are calculated to investigate the role of neotectonic activities, as it acts as a controlling factor in the development of landforms in the tectonically active terrains. Neotectonic activities influence the terrain topography, which significantly affects the drainage system and geomorphological setup of the area. In this study, the assessment of active tectonics of study area was determined using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model(GDEM) based on Geomorphic Indices(Stream Length Gradient index, Hypsometric integral, Asymmetry factor, Basin shape, Valley floor width to Valley height ratio, Mountain front sinuosity index) cumulatively with Linear, Areal and Relief morphometric parameters on 27 delineated basins of the study area. The combined classification of Relative Tectonic Activity Index(Iat) and morphometric parameters of 27 basins categorized all the zones into four different classes:Class 1 – Very High(<1.97;410 km^2);Class 2 – High(1.97 – 2.05;275 km^2);Class 3 – Moderate(2.05 – 2.21;273 km^2),and Class 4 – Low(>2.21;299 km^2). The basins with tectonic activities have a consistent relationship with structural disturbances, basin geometry, and field studies. The tectonically active zonation of a part of Ganga basin using geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters suggest that it has significant influence of neotectonic activities in a part of Ganga basin.

Active Tectonics of Kangavar Area, West Iran

Kangavar area is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan belt in the west Iran. Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being calculated from Arc GIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. This is particularly valuable that relatively little work on active tectonics based on this method is done, so this method is new and useful. Six geomorphic indices are calculated in the study area. Then, based on index of active tectonics values that calculated by average of six geomorphic indices, two relative tectonic activities levels are revealed. The low class of Iat is mainly in the sub-basins of 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 19 & 22 while the rest of the study area has moderate active tectonics in the other sub-basins. Our results show that the moderate value is located on faulted area, which shows 3 class of relative tectonic activity.

Effective immune-inflammation index for ulcerative colitis and activity assessments

BACKGROUND The inverse association between systemic immune-inammation index(SII)and overall survival in tumors has been studied.AIM To evaluate the hematological indexes for assessing the activity of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS In this case-control study,172 UC patients and healthy participants were included.Comparisons were made among groups of white blood cells,hemoglobin,platelets,neutrophils,lymphocytes,monocytes,SII,neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio(NLR),and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR).The relationship with hematological inflammation was verified by Spearman correlation analyses.The efficiency of SII,NLR,and PLR for distinguishing between UC and severe disease status was assessed by the receiver operator curve and logistic regression analyses.RESULTS The values of SII,NLR,and PLR were higher in UC patients than in controls(P<0.001)and were positively correlated with the Mayo endoscopic score,extent,Degree of Ulcerative Colitis Burden of Luminal Inflammation(DUBLIN)score,and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity(UCEIS).The cut-off NLR value of 562.22 predicted UC with a sensitivity of 79.65%and a specificity of 76.16%.Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with SII and NLR levels above the median had a significantly higher risk of UC(P<0.05).Risk factors independently associated with DUBLIN≥3 included SII≥1776.80[odds ratio(OR)=11.53,P=0.027]and NLR value of 2.67-4.23(OR=2.96,P=0.047)on multivariate analysis.Compared with the first quartile,SII≥1776.80 was an independent predictor of UCEIS≥5(OR=18.46,P=0.012).CONCLUSION SII has a certain value in confirming UC and identifying its activity.

Appraisal of active tectonics in Hindu Kush:Insights from DEM derived geomorphic indices and drainage analysis

Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush （NW Pakistan and NE Alghanistanl result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes. Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions. The study area is a junction of three important mt^unlain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorunl-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision. We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral （Hl）. stream-length gradient （SL）, fractal dimension （FD）, basin asymmetry factor （AF）, basin shape index （B,）, valley floor width to wllley height ratio （Vf） and motmtain front sinuosity （Star）. The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using GIS. The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to ewfluate the distri- bution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. We defined tour classes to define the degree of rela- tive tectonic activity： class 1 very high （1.0 ≤ IRAT 〈 1.3）; class 2 high （1.3 ≥ IRAT 〈 1.5）： class 3--moderate （1.5 〉 IRAT 〈 1.8）; and class 4--low （1.8 〉 IRAT）. In view of the results, we conclude that this combined approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics. Landsat imagery and field observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the deflected streams, deformed landforms, active mountain fronts and triangular facets. The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates, landforms and geology.

Relative active tectonics evaluation using geomorphic and drainage indices, in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, western India

The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.

Effects of cloud,atmospheric water vapor,and dust on photosynthetically active radiation and total solar radiation in a Mongolian grassland

Photosynthetically active radiation （PAR） is an important input parameter for estimating plant produc- tivity due to its key role in the growth and development of plants. However, a worldwide routine network for sys- tematic PAR measurements is not yet established, and PAR is often calculated as a constant fraction of total solar radiation （SR）. Although the ratio of PAR to SR （PAR/SR） has been reported from many places, few studies have been performed for dry regions. The present study was therefore carried out in an arid region of Mongolia to obtain PAP-JSR and examine its dependency on sky clearness （the clearness index）, water vapor in the atmosphere and aeolian dust. Continuous measurements of PAR and SR were taken every one second using quantum and pyranometer sensors, respectively, and the readings were averaged and recorded at intervals of 30 minutes for a period of 12 months. The lowest monthly mean daily PAR/SR occurred in April （0.420）, while the highest ratio was observed in July （0.459）. Mean daily PAR/SR during plant growing season （May-August） was estimated to be 0.442, which could be useful for modeling plant productivity in the study area. The annual mean daily PAR/SR （0.435） was lower than the values reported in many previous studies. This difference could be explained with the regional variation in climate： i.e. drier climatic condition in the study area. PAR/SR was negatively correlated with the clearness index （r= -0.36, P〈0.001）, but positively with atmospheric water vapor pressure （r=0.47, P〈0.001）. The average PAR/SR was significantly lower （P=0.02） on the dusty days compared to the non-dust days. Water vapor in the atmosphere was shown to be the strongest factor in the variation of PAR/SR. This is the first study examining PAR/SR under a semi-arid condition in Mongolia.

Association between head-and-neck cancers and active and passive cigarette smoking

Although there have been many reports on the toxicity of tobacco smoke, fewer studies have reported the relationship between the smoke and carcinogenesis of head-and-neck cancers. It is assumed that direct stimulations due to tobacco smoke, such as chemical and mechanical stimulations, strongly influence the epithelium of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. We investigated the influence of active and passive cigarette smoking on head-and-neck cancers. The subjects were 283 head-and-neck cancer patients examined at the otolaryngology department of Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital in a 9-year and 2-month period from April 2001 to June 2010, in whom the presence or absence of active and passive cigarette smoking could be confirmed in detail. The active and passive smoking rates and the Brinkman index were retrospectively investigated according to the primary cancer site, gender, and histopathological classification. The active and passive smoking rates were high (about 90%) in patients with hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and cervical esophageal cancers, and the Brinkman index was high in all. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients accounted for a high ratio of the head-and-neck cancer patients, and the active and passive smoking rates were significantly higher in SCC than in non-squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) patients (p < 0.0003). The active and passive smoking rates and the Brinkman index were high in patients with head-and-neck cancers in regions receiving strong direct stimulation from tobacco smoke, and the Brinkman index was also high in these patients, suggesting that carcinogenesis of head-and-neck cancers is strongly influenced by direct tobacco smoke stimulation.

Assessing disease activity using the pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index:Can we use subjective or objective parameters alone?

BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive assessment of disease activity,and how subgroups of subjective and objective items reflect change in disease state over time.METHODS Selective raw data from three prospectively collected datasets were combined,including 703 children with full PCDAI data at baseline,at 3-mo(Q1,n=670),and 1-year(Q4,n=474).Change in individual PCDAI scores from baseline to Q1 and to Q4 were examined using the non-weighted PCDAI.RESULTS Abdominal pain,well-being,weight,and stooling had the highest change scores over time.Objective indicators including albumin,abdominal exam,and height velocity followed.Change scores for well-being and abdominal exam did not explain significant variance at Q1 but were significant predictors at Q4(P<0.001 and P<0.05).Subjective and objective subgroups of items predicted less variance(18%and 22%)on total PCDAI scores at Q1 and Q4 compared to the full PCDAI,or a composite scale(both 32%)containing significant predictors.CONCLUSION Although subjective items on the PCDAI change the most over time,the full PCDAI or a smaller composite of items including a combination of subjective and objective components classifies disease activity better than a subgroup of either subjective or objective items alone.Reliance on subjective or objective items as stand-alone proxies for disease activity measurement could result in misclassification of disease state.

Effects of Dihydromyricetin Extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata on Visceral Organ Indexes and Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities of Chickens

To provide a reference basis for reasonable development and utilization of Ampelopsis grossedentata resource and its application in production,we added 0.025%,0.05% and 0.1% dihydromyricetin（DMY）extracted from A.grossedentata into the basal diets of Yaoshan chickens,and studied the effects of DMY on visceral organ indexes and digestive enzyme activities of 40-day-old healthy Yaoshan chickens.Supplementation of DMY in basal diets influenced visceral organ weight,organ index,length and digestive enzyme activity of small intestine of chickens.Among them,0.05% DMY was the most appropriate volume for supplementation.Compared with control group（without DMY）,0.05% DMY reduced lung weight and index（P〉0.05）,significantly reduced liver weight（P〈0.05）,extremely reduced stomach weight and stomach index（P〈0.01）,increased activity of amylase in small intestine（P〉0.05）,significantly increased length of small intestine and activity of protease（P〈0.05）.Supplementation of 0.05% DMY reduced the visceral organ weight and organ index,enhanced digestion and absorption ability of gastrointestinal tract,thereby improving feed utilization rate and promoting the growth of chickens.

Correlation of endoscopic disease severity with pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index score in children and young adults with ulcerative colitis

AIM To investigate of pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index(PUCAI) in ulcerative colitis correlate with mucosal inflammation and endoscopic assessment of disease activity(Mayo endoscopic score).METHODS We reviewed charts from ulcerative colitis patients who had undergone both colonoscopy over 3 years. Clinical assessment of disease severity within 35 d(either before or after) the colonoscopy were included. Patients were excluded if they had significant therapeutic interventions(such as the start of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents) between the colonoscopy and the clinical assessment. Mayoendoscopic score of the rectum and sigmoid were done by two gastroenterologists. Inter-observer variability in Mayo score was assessed.RESULTS We identified 99 patients(53% female, 74% pancolitis) that met inclusion criteria. The indications for colonoscopy included ongoing disease activity(62%), consideration of medication change(10%), assessment of medication efficacy(14%), and cancer screening(14%). Based on PUCAI scores, 33% of patients were in remission, 39% had mild disease, 23% had moderate disease, and 4% had severe disease. There was "moderate-substantial" agreement between the two reviewers in assessing rectal Mayo scores(kappa = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.41-0.68). CONCLUSION Endoscopic disease severity(Mayo score) assessed by reviewing photographs of pediatric colonoscopy has moderate inter-rater reliability, and agreement was less robust in assessing patients with mild disease activity. Endoscopic disease severity generally correlates with clinical disease severity as measured by PUCAI score. However, children with inflamed colons can have significant variation in their reported clinical symptoms. Thus, assessment of both clinical symptoms and endoscopic disease severity may be required in future clinical studies.

Rectal administration of d-alpha tocopherol for active ulcerative colitis:A preliminary report

AIM: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-neutrophil recruitment effects of rectal d-alpha (d-α) tocopherol administration on mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis were enrolled in an open-label study of d-α tocopherol enema (8000 U/d) for 12 wk. All patients were receiving concomitant therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives (5-ASA) and/or immunomodulator medications. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 4th and 12th weeks. Disease activity was measured with the Mayo disease activity index (DAI) and remission was defined as DAI of ≤ 2 with no blood in stool. Clinical response was defined as a DAI reduction of ≥ 2. RESULTS: At the end of 12th week,the average DAI score significantly decreased compared to the beginning of the study (2.3 ± 0.37 vs 8 ± 0.48,P < 0.0001). One patient was withdrawn after 3 wk for being unavailable to follow-up. On the 4th week of therapy,12 patients showed clinical response,3 of whom (21.4%) achieving remission. After 12 wk,all 14 patients responded clinically to the therapy and remission was induced in 9 of them (64%). No patient reported adverse events or was hospitalized due to worsened disease activity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report suggests that rectal d-α tocopherol may represent a novel therapy for mild and moderately active UC. The observed results might be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of vitamin E.