[Jisuikang formula promotes spinal cord injury repair in rats by activating the YAP/PKM2 signaling axis in astrocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Jisuikang formula-medicated serum for promoting spinal cord injury (SCI) repair in rats and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

Thirty adult SD rats were randomized into sham-operated group, SCI (induced using a modified Allen method) model group, and Jisuikang formula-medicated serum treatment group. After the operations, the rats were treated with normal saline or Jisuikang by gavage on a daily basis for 14 days, and the changes in hindlimb motor function of the rats was assessed with Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores and inclined-plate test. The injured spinal cord tissues were sampled from the SCI rat models for single-cell RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the target genes of Jisuikang, spinal cord injury and glycolysis. In the cell experiment, cultured astrocytes from neonatal SD rat cortex were treated with SOX2 alone or in combination with Jisuikang-medicated serum for 21 days, and the protein expressions of PKM2, p-PKM2 and YAP and colocalization of PKM2 and YAP in the cells were analyzed with Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, respectively.

RESULTS

The SCI rats with Jisuikang treatment showed significantly improved BBB scores and performance in inclined-plate test. At the injury site, high PKM2 expression was detected in various cell types. Bioinformatic analysis identified the HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway as the target pathway of Jisuikang. In cultured astrocytes, SOX2 combined with the mediated serum, as compared with SOX2 alone, significantly increased PKM2, p-PKM2 and YAP expressions and entry of phosphorylated PKM2 into the nucleus, and promoted PKM2 and YAP co-localization in the cells.

CONCLUSION

Jisuikang formula accelerates SCI repair in rats possibly by promoting aerobic glycolysis of the astrocytes via activating the PKM2/YAP axis to induce reprogramming of the astrocytes into neurons.

Repetitive temporal interference stimulation improves jump performance but not the postural stability in young healthy males: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Temporal interference (TI) stimulation, an innovative non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has the potential to activate neurons in deep brain regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of repetitive TI stimulation targeting the lower limb motor control area (i.e., the M1 leg area) on lower limb motor function in healthy individuals, which could provide evidence for further translational application of non-invasive deep brain stimulation.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blinded, parallel-controlled trial, 46 healthy male adults were randomly divided into the TI or sham group. The TI group received 2 mA (peak-to-peak) TI stimulation targeting the M1 leg area with a 20 Hz frequency difference (2 kHz and 2.02 kHz). Stimulation parameters of the sham group were consistent with those of the TI group but the current input lasted only 1 min (30 s ramp-up and ramp-down). Both groups received stimulation twice daily for five consecutive days. The vertical jump test (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], and continuous jump [CJ]) and Y-balance test were performed before and after the total intervention session. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA (group × time) was performed to evaluate the effects of TI stimulation on lower limb motor function.

RESULTS

Forty participants completed all scheduled study visits. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group × time interaction effects for CMJ height (F = 8.858, p = 0.005) and SJ height (F = 6.523, p = 0.015). The interaction effect of the average CJ height of the first 15 s was marginally significant (F = 3.550, p = 0.067). However, there was no significant interaction effect on the Y balance (p > 0.05). Further within-group comparisons showed a significant post-intervention increase in the height of the CMJ (p = 0.004), SJ (p = 0.010) and the average CJ height of the first 15 s (p = 0.004) in the TI group.

CONCLUSION

Repetitive TI stimulation targeting the lower limb motor control area effectively increased vertical jump height in healthy adult males but had no significant effect on dynamic postural stability.

Fronto-parietal theta high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation may modulate working memory under postural control conditions in young healthy adults

Objects

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of fronto-parietal θ HD-tACS on a dual task of working memory-postural control.

Methods

In this within-subject cross-over pilot study, we assessed the effects of 20 min of 6 Hz-tACS targeting both the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in 20 healthy adults (age: 21.6 ± 1.3 years). During each session, single- and dual-task behavioral tests (working memory single-task, static tandem standing, and a dual-task of working memory-postural control) and closed-eye resting-state EEG were assessed before and immediately after stimulation.

Results

Within the tACS group, we found a 5.3% significant decrease in working memory response time under the dual-task following tACS (t = -3.157, p = 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.742); phase synchronization analysis revealed a significant increase in the phase locking value (PLV) of θ band between F3 and P3 after tACS (p = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.637). Correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between increased rs-EEG θ power in the F3 and P3 channels and faster reaction time (r = -0.515, p = 0.02; r = -0.483, p = 0.031, respectively) in the dual-task working memory task after tACS. However, no differences were observed on either upright postural control performance or rs-EEG results (p-values <0.05).

Conclusion

Fronto-parietal θ HD-tACS has the potential of being a neuromodulatory tool for improving working memory performance in dual-task situations, but its effect on the modulation of concurrently performed postural control tasks requires further investigation.

[Bioinformatics analysis and prokaryotic expression of Strongyloides stercoralis serine protease inhibitor 1]

OBJECTIVE

To predict the structure and antigenic epitope of the Strongyloides stercoralis serine protease inhibitor 1 (Ss-SRPN-1) protein using bioinformatics tools, and to construct prokaryotic expression plasmids for expression of recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the function of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein.

METHODS

The amino acid sequence of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein was downloaded from the NCBI database, and the physicochemical properties, structure and antigenic epitopes of the Ss-SRPN-1 protein were predicted using bioinformatics tools, including ExPASy, SWISS-MODEL and Protean. Primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of Ss-SRPN-1, and the Ss-SRPN-1 gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced with genomic DNA extracted from the infective third-stage larvae of S. stercoralis as a template. The Ss-SRPN-1 protein sequence was cloned into the pET28a (+) expression vector and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE) cells for induction of the recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein expression. The recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein was then purified and identified using Western blotting and mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis showed that the Ss-SRPN-1 protein, which was composed of 372 amino acids and had a molecular formula of C₁₉₄₈H₃₀₄₆N₄₈₈O₅₇₅S₁₆, was a stable hydrophilic protein, and the subcellular localization of the protein was predicted to be extracellular. The Ss-SRPN-1 protein was predicted to contain 11 dominant B-cell antigenic epitopes and 20 T-cell antigenic epitopes. The Ss-SRPN-1 gene with a length of 1 119 bp was successfully amplified, and the recombinant plasmid pET28a (+)/Ss-SRPN-1 was constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21(DE) cells. The expressed recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein had a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa, and was characterized as a Ss-SRPN-1 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The recombinant Ss-SRPN-1 protein has been expressed successfully, and this recombinant protein may be a potential vaccine candidate against strongyloidiasis.

Temporal interference stimulation targeting right frontoparietal areas enhances working memory in healthy individuals

Background

Temporal interference (TI) stimulation is a novel technique that enables the non-invasive modulation of deep brain regions. However, the implementation of this technology in humans has not been well-characterized or examined, including its safety and feasibility.

Objective

We aimed to examine the feasibility, safety, and blinding of using TI on human participants in this pilot study.

Materials and methods

In a randomized, single-blinded, and sham-controlled pilot study, healthy young participants were randomly divided into four groups [TI and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting the right frontoparietal region, TI-sham, and tACS-sham]. Each participant was asked to complete N-back (N = 1 to 3) tasks before, during, and after one session of stimulation to assess their working memory (WM). The side effects and blinding efficacy were carefully assessed. The accuracy, reaction time (RT), and inverse efficiency score (IES, reaction time/accuracy) of the N-back tasks were measured.

Results

No severe side effects were reported. Only mild-to-moderate side effects were observed in those who received TI, which was similar to those observed in participants receiving tACS. The blinding efficacy was excellent, and there was no correlation between the severity of the reported side effects and the predicted type of stimulation that the participants received. WM appeared to be only marginally improved by TI compared to tACS-sham, and this improvement was only observed under high-load cognitive tasks. WM seemed to have improved a little in the TI-sham group. However, it was not observed significant differences between TI and TI-sham or TI and tACS in all N-back tests.

Conclusion

Our pilot study suggests that TI is a promising technique that can be safely implemented in human participants. Studies are warranted to confirm the findings of this study and to further examine the effects of TI-sham stimulation as well as the effects of TI on deeper brain regions.

Network-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation May Modulate Gait Variability in Young Healthy Adults

Purpose

Previous studies have linked gait variability to resting-state functional connectivity between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and the default network (DN) in the brain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a novel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paradigm designed to simultaneously facilitate the excitability of the DAN and suppress the excitability of the DN (i.e., DAN+/DN-tDCS) on gait variability and other gait characteristics in young healthy adults.

Methods

In this double-blinded randomized and sham-controlled study, 48 healthy adults aged 22 ± 2 years received one 20-min session of DAN+/DN-tDCS (n = 24) or no stimulation (the Sham group, n = 24). Immediately before and after stimulation, participants completed a gait assessment under three conditions: walking at self-selected speed (i.e., normal walking), walking as fast as possible (i.e., fast walking), and walking while counting backward (i.e., dual-task walking). Primary outcomes included gait stride time variability and gait stride length variability in normal walking conditions. Secondary outcomes include gait stride time and length variability in fast and dual-task conditions, and other gait metrics derived from the three walking conditions.

Results

Compared to the Sham group, DAN+/DN-tDCS reduced stride length variability in normal and fast walking conditions, double-limb support time variability in fast and dual-task walking conditions, and step width variability in fast walking conditions. In contrast, DAN+/DN-tDCS did not alter average gait speed or the average value of any other gait metrics as compared to the sham group.

Conclusion

In healthy young adults, a single exposure to tDCS designed to simultaneously modulate DAN and DN excitability reduced gait variability, yet did not alter gait speed or other average gait metrics, when tested just after stimulation. These results suggest that gait variability may be uniquely regulated by these spatially-distinct yet functionally-connected cortical networks. These results warrant additional research on the short- and longer-term effects of this type of network-based tDCS on the cortical control of walking in younger and older populations.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Endurance Performance in Elite Female Rowers: A Pilot, Single-Blinded Study

Endurance, which is dependent at least partly upon the activation of the brain cortex, is important for performance in rowing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown benefits for endurance, but its effects on the endurance performance of elite rowing athletes are unknown, and are examined in this study. Eight elite female rowers completed 5 km of rowing on an ergometer following stimulation of the tDCS and sham over motor cortices. Each session lasted 20 min and the current was set at 2.2 mA. Time, 500 m/split, power, time corresponding to 500 m (TC500) and power corresponding to 500 m (PC500) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. No significant differences in time, 500 m/split and power were observed between baseline, tDCS and sham. Compared to the sham, tDCS induced a percentage reduction in TC500 from baseline to 2500 m and 4000 m, and a percentage increase in PC500 from baseline to 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 2500 m, 4000 m, 4500 m and 5000 m. One-session tDCS did not have significant benefits for rowing endurance performance in elite professional rowers, and had only marginally greater efficacy compared to sham. These findings offer knowledge helpful to the design of future studies exploring the effects of tDCS on the endurance performance of elite rowers.

Acute Effects of Two Types of Dumbbell Exercise on Oxygenated Hemodynamic Concentration of Cerebral Activation in Healthy Young Male Adults: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

Purpose: To examine cerebral cortical activation differences in the frontal cortex and parietal lobe during the performance of two types of dumbbell exercise.

Methods: A total of 22 young healthy male adults (mean age, 23.8 ± 2.05 years; height, 1.75 ± 0.06 m; weight, 71.4 ± 8.80 kg) participated in a crossover design study that involved two experimental exercise conditions: momentum dumbbell and conventional dumbbell. Performance tasks included 10, 10-s sets of single-arm dumbbell exercise, with a rest interval of 60 s between sets and a 5-min washout period between conditions. The primary outcome was the cerebral concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO₂) in the frontal cortex and parietal lobe assessed during performance of both exercises using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The secondary outcome was upper-limb muscle activation measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Outcome data were ascertained during exercise.

Results: A significant between-condition difference in HbO₂ was observed in the frontal and parietal regions with an increase in HbO₂ during momentum, relative to conventional, dumbbell exercise (p < 0.05). Compared to conventional dumbbell exercise, performing a momentum dumbbell exercise led to a higher level of muscle activation in the anterior and posterior deltoids of the upper arm and in the flexor carpi radialis and extensor carpi radialis longus of the forearm (p < 0.05). However, no between-condition differences were found in the biceps and triceps brachii (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Dynamic, compared with conventional, dumbbell exercise resulted in higher hemodynamic responses and greater upper-limb muscle activation in young healthy adults. The findings of this study showed differential cortical hemodynamic responses during performance of the two types of dumbbell exercise with a higher activation level produced during momentum-based dumbbell exercise.

[Association between blood test parameters and intensity of Plasmodium falciparum infections in imported falciparum malaria cases in Tianjin City from 2015 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between blood test parameters and intensity of Plasmodium falciparum infections among imported falciparum malaria cases in Tianjin City from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide insights into the early diagnosis of imported P. falciparum malaria.

METHODS

The epidemiological data of 37 imported cases with confirmed diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria in Tianjin City from 2015 to 2019 were collected, and the epidemiological features and clinical manifestations were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the association between blood test parameters and intensity of P. falciparum infections was evaluated among the imported P. falciparum malaria cases.

RESULTS

Among the 31 imported P. falciparum malaria cases, there were 31 cases (83.8%) with a reduction in platelet (PLT) counts, 16 cases (43.2%) with a reduction in red blood cell (RBC) counts, 16 cases (43.2%) with a reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, 23 cases (62.2%) with a rise in neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), 32 cases (86.5%) with a rise in total bilirubin (TBIL) concentrations, 29 cases (78.4%) with a rise in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations, 28 cases (75.7%) with a rise in aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations, and 23 cases (62.2%) with a rise in gamma-glutamyl transpetidase (GGT) concentrations. The PLT count and Hb concentration correlated negatively with the intensity of P. falciparum infections (Goodman-Kruskal γ = -0.568 and -0.521, both P values < 0.05) and the TBIL concentration and NEUT% correlated positively with the intensity of P. falciparum infections (Goodman-Kruskal γ = 0.496 and 0.610, both P values < 0.05) among imported falciparum malaria cases; however, there were no associations of ALT, AST, GGT levels or RBC count with the intensity of P. falciparum infections among the imported falciparum malaria cases (Goodman-Kruskal γ = 0.370, 0.497, 0.314 and -0.434, all P values > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PLT, Hb, TBIL and NEUT% may serve as markers for early auxiliary diagnosis of imported P. falciparum malaria, and PLT and TBIL may provide valuable information for the diagnosis of severe imported P. falciparum malaria.

[Related factors for microalbuminuria in adult type 1 diabetes patients of short disease duration]

Objective: To investigate related factors for microalbuminuria in adult type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients of short disease duration (less than 5 years), and provide evidence for prevention of early diabetic kidney disease in this population. Methods: All adult patients enrolled in the Guangdong T1D translational medicine study between 2011 and 2017 with a disease duration of less than 5 years were included in this analysis. At enrollment, patients' demographic and clinical data were documented, and blood and urine samples were collected for the measurements of blood lipids, glycated hemoglobin A1c and urine albuminuria. Insulin resistance was evaluated by estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). Patients were categorized into groups based on urine albumin creatitine ratio (UACR): normoalbuminuric group (UACR<30 mg/g) and microalbuminuric group (UACR≥30 mg/g). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for microalbuminuria in adult T1D patients of short disease duration. Results: A total of 384 patients were included in this analysis, and 51.3% (197/384) of which was female. The onset age of patients was (24.6±12.5) years, with a disease duration of 2.1(0.6, 3.5) years, body mass index of (19.8±3.2) kg/m(2), waist hip ratio of 0.85±0.21, and glycated hemoglobin A1c of (9.8±3.3)% at enrollment. Microalbuminuria occurred in 62 patients (16.1%). Multivariate linear analysis showed that higher glycated hemoglobin A1c, higher systolic blood pressure and more severe insulin resistance were related factors for microalbuminuria (t=2.322, 2.868 and -2.373, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: Microalbuminuria was not rare in adult T1D patients of short disease duration. Inadequate glycemic control and insulin resistance were independent related factors for microalbuminuria in this population.

[Awareness of preconceptional care and its related factors in women of child-bearing age with type 1 diabetes]

Objective: To investigate the awareness of preconception care among women of child-bearing age with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and their self-management status, in order to provide evidence for establishment of management pathway for women with T1DM in pregnancy in China. Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited female participants of child-bearing age from the cohort of Guangdong Type 1 Diabetes Translational Medicine Study conducted between June 2011 and December 2017. The participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the awareness of preconception care, their frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and other related variables. Chi-squared test or chi-squared test for trend was used in comparisons of categorical variables, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associated factors. Results: Totally, 441 women of child-bearing age with T1DM were investigated. The results show that their awareness of preconception care was poor (15.42%, 68/441). Higher educational level (χ(2trend)=3.990, P=0.046), experience of post-diabetes education evaluation (P<0.001), and better coverage of different modules in diabetes education (survival skills: χ(2)=7.525, P=0.004; basic knowledge: χ(2)=8.598, P=0.002; advanced knowledge: P<0.001) were associated with better awareness of preconception care. The average frequency of SMBG in these participants was 0.29 (0.14, 2.00) times per day, and only 8.5% (37/435) of them reached the frequency (≥4 times per day) recommended by guidelines. Moreover, 21.1% (92/435) of them hardly ever performed SMBG. Conclusion: Child-bearing age women with T1DM in Gunangdong had poor awareness of preconception care, with a much lower SMBG frequency than recommendation.

[Glycemic control and its associated factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus]

A higher frequency of SMBG is one of the key factors to achieve sufficient glycemic control among children and adolescents with T1DM treated with CSII.

[Comparison of early clinical effects of ablation with surgery treatment in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To compare the early clinical effect of septal myectomy and percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTMSA) on the left ventricular outflow obstruction and the rate of complication in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods: A total of 204 patients with HOCM who received septal reduction treatment were recruited. These patients were divided into two groups, surgery group (n=135) (65 patients with modified Morrow procedure, 70 patients with non-Morrow myomectomy) and PTMSA group (n=69). The baseline characteristics, disease status, other history of surgery and echocardiography parameters before and after septal reduction were collected, as well as the complication within 1 week after operation. Results: The mean age in surgery group was (46±14) years old, with 76 males (56.3%); mean age was (47±11) years old and with 51 males (73.9%) in PTMSA group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, the time of symptom and diagnosis, syncope, family history and atrial fibrillation between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of mitral valve prolapse in the surgery group was higher than that in PTMSA group (75.8% vs 44.2%, P<0.05). Baseline left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was comparable (82.7 mmHg in surgery group vs 77.7 mmHg in PTMSA group, P>0.05). The mean resting LVOT gradient after septal reduction therapy was lower (16.55 mmHg in surgery group, 26.68mmHg in PTMSA group) than that before operation, with lower gradient in surgery group (P<0.05). Compared with PTMSA group, the duration of hospitalization was longer in surgery group (P<0.05). There was similar rate of operation related complications in the two groups. Conclusions: Both septal reduction therapies can improve the LVOT obstruction, more significant in surgery group, but with longer hospital stay. The rate of operation related complication is similar in both groups.

[Insulin regimes and impact on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes]

Objective: To describe the insulin regimens and their associations with glycemic control and to explore factors associated with intensive insulin therapy. Methods: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) were recruited from Guangdong Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Translational Medicine Study which was conducted in 16 centers in Guangdong province. The demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients were grouped according to different insulin regimens: insulin pump (R1), basal insulin plus regular insulin or short-acting insulin (R2), insulin injection 1-3 times per day (R3). Distribution of insulin regimens and the relationships between insulin regimens and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were described. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intensive insulin therapy. Results: A total of 1 421 patients with the age of 27.8 (19.4, 38.3) years and a duration of T1DM of 3.3 (0.5, 7.1) years were recruited. There was 12.3% of patients in R1 (n=175), 35.5% in R2 (n=504), and 52.2% in R3 (n=742), respectively. HbA1c was 8.0 (6.8, 9.3)%, 8.9 (7.1, 11.8)%, and 9.2 (7.5, 11.4)% in R1, R2, R3, respectively, and it was associated with insulin regimens (P<0.001). HbA1c target rate was 32.3%, 21.1%, 17.8% in R1, R2, R3, respectively (P=0.002). Older age (OR=1.01, P=0.027), higher education level (college or above) (OR=1.56, P=0.003), and higher household income (>30 000 yuan per year per person)(OR=1.45, P=0.009) were associated with intensive insulin therapy in adult patients. Conclusions: The study suggested that insulin therapy need to be optimized in patients with T1DM. The optimization of insulin regimens and diabetes education may be helpful for improvement of glycemic control.

Physical activity and cognitive function among older adults in China: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to benefit cognitive function in older adults. However, the cognitive benefits of exercising for older Chinese adults have not been systematically documented. This study was to conduct a systematic review on evidence that PA is beneficial for cognitive functioning in older Chinese adults.

METHODS

Major databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WanFang, CNKI, and VIP, were searched for studies published in English or Chinese between January 2000 and December 2015. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs and non-RCTs), cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies that evaluated PA and cognitive function among older Chinese adults were included in this review.

RESULTS

Of 53 studies included and reviewed, 33 were observational (22 cross-sectional, 7 case-control, and 4 cohort) and 20 were experimental (15 RCTs, 5 non-RCTs). Observational studies showed an association of reduced risk of cognitive-related diseases (i.e., mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia) through PA, whereas experimental studies reported exercise-induced improvement in multiple domains of cognitive function (i.e., global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and processing recourse).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides initial evidence that PA may benefit cognition in older Chinese adults. Further studies of individuals with cognitive impairments and prospective and RCT studies having high scientific rigor are needed to corroborate the findings reported in this review.

Recruitment of older adults into randomized controlled trials: Issues and lessons learned from two community-based exercise interventions in Shanghai

BACKGROUND

With the increasing need for high-quality exercise interventions in China, relatively little is known about issues and challenges related to recruitment of older Chinese adults into exercise-based disease prevention interventions. This study aims to describe the recruitment process and outcomes of 2 exercise interventions conducted in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

Recruitment information was ascertained from 2 community-based randomized controlled trials for 2 exercise interventions, the first designed to improve health outcomes for older women with knee osteoarthritis and the second to study changes in cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Results were summarized in terms of recruitment sources, number screened, screening-to-enrollment ratios, and costs.

RESULTS

Recruitment was primarily achieved through working with local residential divisions (i.e., neighborhood associations and residential committees). Both studies achieved their planned target number of older adults (45 and 46, respectively) within a 1-year time frame, with a screening-to-randomized ratio of 5:1 and demonstrated excellent retention rates (range 87%-93%) at 6 months. The recruitment cost for the 2 studies averaged RMB 189 (about USD 30) per initial recruit and RMB 738 (about USD 119) per participant randomized. Some major issues encountered during the recruitment process included (1) the use of community neighborhoods to support the conduct of the projects, (2) access to participants, and (3) feasibility.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the 2 randomized controlled trials has provided valuable insights into the recruitment process and identified resources that can help better planning and recruitment for future interventions. Recommendations aimed at increasing the success of future recruitment efforts are provided.

[Clinical analysis of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence, occurrence time and types of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery.

METHODS

The records of children who underwent surgery for congenital cataract within the first 24 months of life between January 2010 and January 2014 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively reviewed.Children with preoperative conditions associated with glaucoma were excluded.The following parameters were ascertained: age received cataract surgery, operation method, the incidence, occurrence time and types of glaucoma.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients (324 eyes) with an average surgery age of 13.9 months were included, and the mean follow-up time was 47.6 months.The operation method was cataract extraction combined with posterior continuous circular capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy.Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes, 11.42%) had subsequent development of aphakic glaucoma, 9 eyes of which (2.78%) developed early onset angle closed glaucoma, and the occurrence time was (4.2±2.6) months after cataract surgery; 28 eyes (8.64%) developed late onset open angle glaucoma, 26 of which was angle open glaucoma, and the rest two was angle closed glaucoma.The occurrence time was (37.5±11.0) months after cataract surgery. Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes) developed aphakic glaucoma had cataract surgery within 2 to 12 months (6.8 months on average). The rest 176 patients (287 eyes) who did not develop glaucoma had cataract surgery at 10 to 24 months (14.1 months on average).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of aphakic glaucoma following infantile congenital cataract surgery is 11.42%.Aphakic glaucoma is divided into two types of early onset angle closed glaucoma and late onset open angle glaucoma.The occurence time of glaucoma was 2 months to 64 months after cataract surgery.Late onset open angle glaucoma is the most common type.

Coexistence of intracranial aneurysm and hemangioblastoma: A case report and literature review

The association of intracranial aneurysm and hemangioblastoma is extremely rare. This report regards a patient affected by Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome with multiple hemangioblastoma and two intracranial aneurysms, of which one was on a hemangioblastoma feeder vessel and the other on an unrelated vessel. Review of the literature revealed 13 other previously reported cases. Possible mechanisms to explain the association are discussed.

Effects of momentum-based dumbbell training on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an innovative momentum-based dumbbell-training intervention on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Subjects and methods

A total of 45 community-dwelling older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to either a dumbbell-training group (DTG; n=22) or a control group (CG; n=23). Participants in the DTG participated in exercise sessions three times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were cognitive function, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) – Cognitive subscale, Trail Making Test part B, Digit Span Test (DST) – forward, and DST – backward, with secondary outcome measures being Timed Up and Go, functional reach, and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale.

Results

In an intent-to-treat analysis, participants in the DTG had significantly improved ADAS – Cognitive subscale scores compared to those in the CG (5.02 points, P=0.012). There was a significant within-group change (improvement) in Trail Making Test part B (33.32 seconds, P<0.001) and DST – backward (0.41 points, P=0.025) scores. No change was observed for the DST – forward measure. Participants in the DTG also improved their functional mobility compared to those in the CG (Timed Up and Go, 0.81 seconds; P=0.043).

Conclusion

There is preliminary evidence showing the potential benefit of momentum-based dumbbell training for improving cognitive function in older adults with MCI.

PROTEOMIC CHANGES OF RECOMBINANT YEAST: PHARMACO-INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL

The original yeast strain Hansenula anomala 2340 was implanted by low-energy nitrogen ion (N+) to obtain the mutant strain N6076. The mutant strain produced a red quinone compound, not synthesized by the parent strain. Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) and mass spectrometry (MS) were utilized to analyze the protein profile of the mutant strain N6076. The proteome changes were compared to those of the original strain to assess the amount of change that the metabolic pathways underwent in the mutant strain. The results indicated the detection of 57 different expressed proteins (P<0.05) when the N6076 mutant strain was cultured in the liquid medium for 96 h as compared to that of the original strain. Of these different expressed protein spots, 27 were upregulated, and 30 were down-regulated. Also, 56 protein spots were identified with the aid of MALDI-TOF and tandem (TOF-TOF) MS. The protein score confidence interval (CI) of the protein profiling in the down-regulated protein spots 273 and 1294 were 81.371% and 12.864%, respectively, by bioinformatic analysis. This probably points to the fact that the irradiation by N+ contributed to the mutation of these two proteins.

Correlation between preoperative imaging features and intraoperative blood loss of meningioma: a new scoring system for predicting intraoperative blood loss

AIM

The aim of this paper was to analyze the correlation between preoperative imaging features and intraoperative blood loss and transfusion of meningioma in order to explore the possibility of reasonable blood preparation based on the preoperative images.

METHODS

The data of 93 adults with meningioma having undergone microsurgical operations was retrospectively analyzed. The intraoperative blood loss of meningioma was evaluated with "estimated blood loss (EBL)". The preoperative imaging features including volume, origin, peritumoral edema, invasive behavior, calcification, dural tail sign, adjacent bone involvement, blood vessel or venous sinus involvement were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlations between the imaging factors and the EBL or blood requirement.

RESULTS

Origin, volume, and blood vessel or venous sinus involvement of meningioma affected its EBL statistically. Calcification, invasive behaviors, dural tail sign, peritumoral edema and adjacent bone involvement did not influence EBL statistically. Origin and volume were independent risk factors for the high intraoperative blood loss. Origin, volume and blood vessel or venous sinus involvement were independent risk factors for the intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirement. A scoring method was proposed to predict the intraoperative blood loss and transfusion of meningioma based on preoperative images.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to predict the intraoperative blood loss and transfusion of meningioma surgery according to the preoperative images.

A method of active conformation search based on active and inactive analogues and its application to allylamine antimycotics

A new program ACSBAIA (Active Conformation Search Based on Active and Inactive Analogues) for determination of the active conformations was developed based on the rationales that specific functional groups of active analogues could reach and interact with the active site of target receptor by means of the change of conformations, but that of inactive analogues could not interact with the active site owing to conformational restriction. The program consisted of 4 sub-programs: conformation sampling system, active conformation constraint system, inactive conformation exclusion system, and activity prediction system. Pharmacophoric conformation of allylamine antimycotics was studied by this method. Activities of 2 analogues were predicted and tested. The results suggested that the method was scientific and practical. The application of this method was not restricted by the three-dimensional structural knowledge of target receptor. In the absence of structural information about the receptor, the method was particularly applicable.

A slide latex agglutination test for the rapid detection of antibodies in serum against porcine parvovirus

A slide latex agglutination test (LAT) was developed and evaluated to detect serum antibodies against porcine parvovirus. Porcine parvovirus antigen was obtained by 10% PEG-6000 and 0.5 mol/l sodium chloride precipitation, and inactivated by 0.1% methanal. Two per cent suspensions of latex particles (0.5-0.8 microm) were coated by adding an equal volume of porcine parvovirus antigen at 0.34 microg/ml. Repeatability of latex agglutination test was evaluated with a panel of 100 sera using the same and different antigen lots. A good agreement between LAT and haemagglutination inhibit assay was observed. Because of convenience and speed of performance, this method would be used widely in clinic examination.

Detection of porcine circovirus type 2, porcine parvovirus and porcine pseudorabies virus from pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome by multiplex PCR

Multiplex PCR was established to detect porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV) and applied to samples from 137 piglets exhibiting clinical signs of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). PCV-2 DNA was detected from all samples. Moreover, 43 samples were positive for PPV but negative for PRV; 11 samples were positive for PRV but negative for PPV; and 35 samples were positive both for PPV and PRV. These results suggests that PCV-2 co-infection with PRV and PPV may play an important role in PMWS. Also, multiplex PCR is an appropriate candidate method for diagnosis of PCV-2, PRV and PPV simultaneously in field cases.

Microsurgical anatomy of Liliequist's membrane

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anatomic characteristics of Liliequist's membrane.

METHODS

Liliequist's membrane was studied in eight adult human cadavers under the microscope.

RESULTS

Liliequist's membrane gives rise to three separate arachnoidal sheets: the diencephalic leaf, the mesencephalic leaf, the diencephalic-mesencephalic leaf. The superior margin of the diencephalic leaf between the inferolateral border of the optic tracts and the temporal unci is free. The posterior margin of the diencephalic-mesencephalic leaf is free. The diencephalic leaf and the mesencephalic leaf attach laterally to the mesial temporal surfaces. Liliequist's membrane attaches closely to the hypothalamus. The diencephalic leaf is an accurate landmark which divides the cisterns of the skull base into two groups: pre-Liliequist group and post-Liliequist group. Liliequist's membrane should be opened sharply in order to avoid the injuries to the hypothalamus by blunt operations. In a pterion approach the diencephalic leaf of Liliequist's membrane can be determined according to the relationship with the posterior communicating artery.

CONCLUSIONS

Liliequist's membrane is an important landmark for the operations in the sellar area or skull base. Understanding the microanatomy of Liliequist's membrane may be helpful for us to improve the exposure and minimize the injuries during the operations.

Isolation and Characterization of EDAG-1, A Novel Gene Related to Regulation in Hematopoietic System

A novel gene, named embryonic develop associated gene 1 ( EDAG -1) and abundantly expressed in human fetal liver tissues, was isolated by screening a human fetal liver cDNA library and the 5' RACE. The full length of EDAG-1 mRNA is 2 166 bp, with an open reading frame of 1 452 bp neucleotides, encoding a 484 amino acid protein. No domain or motif was found similar with other genes by Blast program. Two copies of AUUUA motif in 3' non-translated region show instability of its mRNA. The molecular weight of the protein is 55.3 kD identified by the translation in vitro. EDAG-1 is specifically expressed in hematopoietic tissues, and is quickly down-regulated during the differentiation of K562 cells induced by hemin and EPO. These results show that EDAG-1 is related to the regulation in hematopoietic system and the development of leukemia.

[Application of the IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay for monitoring CD8(+) T cell response to specific antigen from hepatocellular carcinoma patients]

OBJECTIVE

To study the specific CD8(+) T cell response to HLA-A2 binding peptide Flu p58-66 from HLA-A2-positive hepatocellular carcinoma patients and healthy donors.

METHODS

The CD8(+) T cells were separated with immunobeads from PBMC of HCC patients and healthy donors, respectively. The irradiated autologous CD8(-) PBMC or isolated dendritic cells were loaded with influenza matrix peptide as APC. After 7 days' culture, the frequency of effector cells to secrete IFN-gamma in response to Flu p58-66 was detected in ELISPOT assay.

RESULTS

With CD8(-) PBMC as APC, the frequency of effector cells to secrete IFN-gamma in response to Flu peptide was 22 +/- 9/well in HCC patients (n = 8) and 59 +/- 27/well in healthy donors (n = 12) when the effector cells were 5 x 10(4)/well (P < 0.01). To compare the antigen-presenting capacity of APC derived from 5 healthy donors, DC was better than CD8(-) PBMC.

CONCLUSION

Although the frequency of specific effector CTL to secrete IFN-gamma in response to Flu p58 - 66 was lower in HCC patients than in healthy individuals, the majority of HCC patients have the cellular immunity specific to antigen peptides.

Antimitogenic and proapoptotic activities of methylseleninic acid in vascular endothelial cells and associated effects on PI3K-AKT, ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK signaling

Inhibiting the mitogenic response of vascular endothelial cells may in part mediate the antiangiogenic and anticancer activity of supranutritional selenium supplements. Our previous work had shown that methylseleninic acid (MSeA), a precursor of the critical anticancer methylselenol metabolite pool, was a potent inhibitor of the growth and survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here we investigated the effects of MSeA on selected protein kinase signaling transduction pathways to characterize their role in methylselenium induction of HUVEC cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Exposure of asynchronous HUVECs for 30 h to 3-5 microM MSeA led to a profound G(1) arrest, and exposure to higher levels of MSeA not only led to G(1) arrest but also to DNA fragmentation and caspase-mediated cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, both biochemical hallmarks of apoptosis. Immunoblot analyses indicated that G(1) arrest induced by the sublethal doses of MSeA was associated with dose-dependent reductions of the levels of phospho-protein kinase B (also known as AKT or PKB), phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and phospho-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases 1/2 in the absence of any change in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Apoptosis induced by MSeA was associated with an increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in addition to the dephosphorylation of the above kinases. In HUVECs deprived of endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS) for 48 h, resumption of ECGS stimulation resulted in an approximately 10-fold increase in mitogenic response, as indicated by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. The ECGS-stimulated mitogenic response was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by MSeA exposure with a IC(50) approximately 1 microM and a complete blockage at 3 microM. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) upstream of AKT, potently inhibited the ECGS-stimulated DNA synthesis (IC(50), approximately 40 nM). Combining MSeA with Wortmannin showed an additive antimitogenic effect. An inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase 1, PD98059, also inhibited ECGS-stimulated DNA synthesis (IC(50), approximately 55 microM), but combining PD98059 with MSeA had an effect similar to that when PD98059 was used alone. A time-course experiment indicated that PI3K (AKT and ribosomal protein S6 kinase) activation occurred between 6 and 12 h of ECGS stimulation, and 3 microM MSeA exposure decreased AKT phosphorylation after 12 h of exposure, whereas no inhibitory effect was observed for ERK1/2 phosphorylation throughout the 30-h exposure duration. Additional experiments indicated that MSeA, Wortmannin, or a more specific PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, seemed to target, in the mid- to late-G(1) phase, a common mechanism(s) controlling G(1) progression to S while having no inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis once S-phase had initiated. Taken together, the results support a potent inhibitory activity at achievable serum levels of MSeA on ECGS-stimulated mitogenesis in the mid- to late-G(1) phase, and the target(s) of this inhibitory activity seems to be PI3K or components of this signal pathway. At pharmacological levels of exposure, modulation of ERK1/2 and other protein kinases may be relevant for the proapoptotic action of MSeA.

[The achievement of industrialized healthy aquatic breeding of hippocampus and its application prospects]

The artificial industrialized aquatic breeding of Hippocampus, which is a kind of Chinese medicinal marine material, has been achieved in the artificial aquatic breeding base of Hippocampus of Guangdong Richvast Group Company since 1983. This article reported part of the achievements of the large-scale artificial aquatic breeding experiments. The prospects for the research and application of Hippocampus as health foods and drugs were also analyzed.

[Study on anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of bagmaking tea of sanyaku]

OBJECTIVE

To observe anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of the Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku in rats.

METHODS

mouse torsion modle induced by glacial acetic acid, mouse auricle swelling model induced by xylene and rat fever model induced by baker yeast were used.

RESULTS

Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku could inhibit mouse torsion action, mouse auricle swelling and rat fever.

CONCLUSION

Bagmaking Tea of Sanyaku possessed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.

[Effect of long-term single application of chemical fertilizer on soil properties and crop yield]

A long-term located experiment showed that single application of chemical fertilizer basically sustained the quantity level of soil organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous, reduced the energy level of soil humus and enhanced its condensation degree, aromaticity and aging function. The corp yield was basically the same as that of combined application with organic manure.

[FI-ICL determination of isoniazide]

A novel flow injection inhibitory chemiluminescence (FI-ICL) system for the determination of isoniazide is presented. While isoniazide mixed with hexacyanoferrate stream, by the fast oxidation reaction between isoniazide and K3Fe(CN)6, K4Fe(CN)6 was generated, which then inhibit the CL reaction of K3Fe(CN)6 and luminol. The CL emission was correlated with the isoniazide concentration in the range from 1.40 x 10(-3) to 5.50 micrograms.mL-1, the D.L. is 4.8 x 10(-4) micrograms.mL-1 (3 sigma); and the RSD is less than 3.5% for 5.5 x 10(-2) micrograms.mL-1 isoniazide (n = 9). This system has been applied for the determination of isoniazide in pharmaceutical samples and the recovery is from 98.2% to 101%.

[Syphilis in pregnancy women]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate obstetric treatment and pregnancy outcomes of syphilis infection during pregnancy.

METHODS

64 pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis by serological assays were divided into treated group and untreated group according to whether they accepted full-dose treatment against syphilis or not. Patients in the treated group accepted benzathine penicillin(2.4 million units once per week) intramuscular injection for three weeks. The outcome of pregnan after treatment was observed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 5 cases of primary syphilis (7.8%), 29 cases of secondary syphilis (45.3%), and 30 cases of latent syphilis (46.9%) among the 64 cases. The occurrences of premature birth, fetal intrauterine death, and stillbirth were 0, and 3 cases of congenital syphilis in total 13 cases who carried pregnancy to term in the treated group; while 4, 11, 3, and 10 in the untreated group respectively. In treated group, the 3 babies with congenital syphilis were born from 10 mothers received treatment after 24 gestational weeks, while no congenital syphilis in the 3 women started treatment before 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant syphilis is prone to be misdiagnosed because of its slight symptom, so it is especially important to screen syphilis as a routine among high risk pregnant women. Premature, fetal death and congenital syphilis can be well controlled through regular and early treatment during pregnancy, yet congenital syphilis can not be avoided completely.

Drosophila OVO regulates ovarian tumor transcription by binding unusually near the transcription start site

Evolutionarily conserved ovo loci encode developmentally regulated, sequence-specific, DNA-binding, C(2)H(2)-zinc-finger proteins required in the germline and epidermal cells of flies and mice. The direct targets of OVO activity are not known. Genetic experiments suggest that ovo acts in the same regulatory network as ovarian tumor (otu), but the relative position of these genes in the pathway is controversial. Three OVO-binding sites exist in a compact regulatory region that controls germline expression of the otu gene. Interestingly, the strongest OVO-binding site is very near the otu transcription start, where basal transcriptional complexes must function. Loss-of-function, gain-of-function and promoter swapping constructs demonstrate that OVO binding near the transcription start site is required for OVO-dependent otu transcription in vivo. These data unambiguously identify otu as a direct OVO target gene and raise the tantalizing possibility that an OVO site, at the location normally occupied by basal components, functions as part of a specialized core promoter.

[Familial febrile convulsions is supposed to link to human chromosome 19p13.3]

OBJECTIVE

To localize the familial febrile convulsion (FC) genes on human chromosomes.

METHOD

For 63 FC pedigrees, tetranucleotide repeat markers D19S253 D19S395 and D19S591 on the short arm of chromosome 19, as well as dinucleotide repeat markers D8S84 and D8S85 on the long arm of chromosome 8 were genotyped. Transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and Lod score calculation were carried out. The data were processed by PPAP software package.

RESULTS

All the alleles in every locus of FC probands and normal controls were in Hardy-Weinburg balance. Transmission disequilibrium was found on D8S84, D19S395 and D19S591 in FC families. chi(2) values were 4.0, 5.124 and 7.364 separately. Each P value was < 0.05, and significantly meaningful. The two-point Lod scores between D8S84 and FC, D8S85 and FC, D19S253 and FC, D19S395 and FC, D19S591 and FC are 0.00002, 0.000017, 0.58, 1.53 and 1.42 respectively. The multi-point Lod score among markers on chromosome 8q and FC was 0.88, while Lod score among markers on chromosome 19p and FC reached 2.78. The results by both the non-parameter (TDT) and parameter (Lod score) methods were consistant on a whole.

CONCLUSION

FC is linked with chromosome region 19p13.3, but not with chromosome 8q.

[Effect of lead exposure during pregnancy on hippocampal long-term potentiation and expression of NMDAR-2A mRNA in the off-spring rats]

Chronic lead exposure during brain development is known to affect cognitive and behavioral functions in children and animals. The lead exposure on pregnant rats was used as a model to examine the effects of lead on the long-term potentiation(LTP) in hippocampal dentate gyrus(DG) region in vivo and the expression of NMDAR-2A mRNA by in situ hybridization in the off-springs. Female rats were exposed to 0.5 g/L or 2 g/L lead acetate in drinking water since 10 days before mating to weaning. The filial rats of 70-90 days old with blood lead levels below 100 micrograms/L were prepared for recording their DG-evoked population spike(PS) in the hippocampal DG area in vivo. The results showed that the range of LTP were (136 +/- 31)% in low lead group, (145 +/- 30)% in high lead group, and (319 +/- 114)% in control group. The reduction of NMDAR-2A mRNA expression 34%-44% in the granule and pyramidal cell layers caused by lead were seen in 21 days old rats. It indicated that the cognitive deficits induced by low-level lead exposure in early stage of life may persist to adulthood, and the modified NMDAR gene expression may play a key role in the cognitive deficits associated with lead exposure during development.

[Appraisement of the operative therapeutical effects of salpingocatheterism for refractory otitis media]

OBJECTIVE

The therapeutical effects of salpingocatheterism and the states of tubal function were studied after different middle ear operations and within different middle ear pathological changes.

METHOD

Total 71 patients with tubal occlusion, 18 of myringoplasty, 20 of reconstruction of ossicolar chain followed tympanoplasty, 14 of combined approach tympanoplasty, 10 of radical mastoidectomy followed tympanoplasty, 9 of re-radical mastoidectomy followed tympanoplasty were implemented salpingocatheterism. The patients were followed up for evaluation of the postoperative therapeutical effects and the state of tubal function.

RESULT

The causes of operation failure in different middle ear operations or different middle ear pathological changes had no significantly difference. The major cause for postoperative tympanic membrane perforation and tubal occlusion was the pathogenic damage being not cleared up thoroughly and/or there being nasal cavity or pharyngeal cavity pathogenic changes accompanied.

CONCLUSION

Salpingocatheterism is effective for preventing eustachian tube postoperative adhesion.

Gene discovery using computational and microarray analysis of transcription in the Drosophila melanogaster testis

Identification and annotation of all the genes in the sequenced Drosophila genome is a work in progress. Wild-type testis function requires many genes and is thus of potentially high value for the identification of transcription units. We therefore undertook a survey of the repertoire of genes expressed in the Drosophila testis by computational and microarray analysis. We generated 3141 high-quality testis expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Testis ESTs computationally collapsed into 1560 cDNA set used for further analysis. Of those, 11% correspond to named genes, and 33% provide biological evidence for a predicted gene. A surprising 47% fail to align with existing ESTs and 16% with predicted genes in the current genome release. EST frequency and microarray expression profiles indicate that the testis mRNA population is highly complex and shows an extended range of transcript abundance. Furthermore, >80% of the genes expressed in the testis showed onefold overexpression relative to ovaries, or gonadectomized flies. Additionally, >3% showed more than threefold overexpression at p <0.05. Surprisingly, 22% of the genes most highly overexpressed in testis match Drosophila genomic sequence, but not predicted genes. These data strongly support the idea that sequencing additional cDNA libraries from defined tissues, such as testis, will be important tools for refined annotation of the Drosophila genome. Additionally, these data suggest that the number of genes in Drosophila will significantly exceed the conservative estimate of 13,601.

Synkopenabklärung bei geriatrischen Patienten: Normalwerte, Komplikationen und Ergebnisse der invasiven elektrophysiologischen Untersuchung

Invasive electrophysiologic study (EPS) is an important tool in the assessment of patients with unexplained syncope. Especially in the elderly, the need for a complete diagnostic work-up is counterbalanced by the fear of complications associated with invasive procedures. Thus, the present study specifically addressed the question whether the risk/benefit ratio of EPS in geriatric patients with unexplained syncope justifies this invasive procedure. An invasive EPS was performed in 96 patients between 70 and 80 years and 21 patients older than 80 years. The control group consisted of 65 patients younger than 40 years. With increasing age, the diagnostic yield of EPS also increased (positive EPS finding in 20% of the control group and in 54% of the oldest patients). The majority of complications were of minor clinical significance and no significant differences were found between the three groups. Finally, no age-related difference in measured standard electrophysiological parameters was evident. Due to the high diagnostic value and the low complication rate, EPS can be recommended in elderly patients with unexplained syncope. An age-specific standardization of electrophysiologic parameters, measured during EPS, does not seem to be required.

Anti-angiogenic potential of a cancer chemopreventive flavonoid antioxidant, silymarin: inhibition of key attributes of vascular endothelial cells and angiogenic cytokine secretion by cancer epithelial cells

In recent studies, we have shown that silymarin, a naturally occurring flavonoid antioxidant, exhibits anti-cancer effects against several epithelial cancers. Here, we assessed its potential as an anti-angiogenic agent employing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human prostate and breast cancer epithelial cells. When sub-confluent HUVEC were treated for 48 h, adherent cell number decreased by 50 and 90% at 50 and 100 microg/ml doses, respectively. Apoptotic cell death principally accounted for cell loss at >50 microg/ml doses. In biochemical analysis, silymarin treatment of HUVEC for 6 h resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the secretion and cellular content of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/gelatinase A. Silymarin also inhibited HUVEC tube formation (in vitro capillary differentiation) on a reconstituted extracellular matrix, Matrigel. In other studies, 5 to 6 h exposure of DU145 prostate, and MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells to silymarin resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in conditioned media without any visible change in cell morphology. The inhibitory effect of silymarin on VEGF secretion occurred as early as 1 h. These observations indicate a rapid inhibitory action of silymarin on the secretion of this primary angiogenic cytokine by cancer epithelial cells. Taken together, the results of this study support the hypothesis that silymarin possesses an anti-angiogenic potential that may critically contribute to its cancer chemopreventive efficacy.

A three-dimensional model of lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase of Candida albicans and its interaction with azole antifungals

The three-dimensional structure of lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (P450(14DM), CYP51) of Candida albicans was modeled on the basis of crystallographic coordinates of four prokaryotic P450s: P450BM3, P450cam, P450terp, and P450eryF. The P450(14DM) sequence was aligned to those of known proteins using a knowledge-based alignment method. The main chain coordinates of the core regions were transferred directly from the corresponding coordinates of P450BM3. The side chain conformations of the core regions were determined by the conformations of the equivalent residues with the highest homologous scores in four crystal structures. The model was then refined using molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics. The reliability of the resulting model was assessed by Ramachandran plots, Profile-3D, hydropathy plot analysis, and by analyzing the consistency of the model with the experimental data. The structurally and functionally important residues such as the heme binding residues, the residues interacting with redox-partner protein and/or involved in electron transfer, the residues lining substrate access channel, and the substrate binding residues were identified from the model. These residues are candidates for further site-directed mutagenesis and site-specific antipeptide antibody binding experiments. The active analogue approach was employed to search the pharmacophoric conformations for 14 azole antifungals. The resulting bioactive conformations were docked into the active site of lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase of Candida albicans. All 14 azole antifungals are shown to have a similar docking mode in the active site. The halogenated phenyl group of azole inhibitors is deep in the same hydrophobic binding cleft as the 17-alkyl chain of substrate. The pi-pi stacking interaction might exist between halogenated phenyl ring of inhibitors and the aromatic ring of residue Y132. The long side chains of some inhibitors such as itraconazole and ketoconazole surpass the active site and interact with the residues in the substrate access channel. To compare with mammalian enzymes, structurally selective residues of the active site of fungal lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase are distributed in the C terminus of F helix, beta6-1 sheet and beta6-2 sheet.