Effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in adults with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that impairs the cognitive function of individuals. Aerobic exercise stands out as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing cognitive function and promoting brain health.While positive impacts of aerobic exercise on executive function in adults with depression have been documented, a comprehensive understanding of its benefits on overall cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed, along with key moderating factors in adults with MDD, remains unexplored. The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on overall cognitive function in adults with MDD, and to explore whether cognitive sub-domains, aerobic exercise characteristics, and study and sample variables modify the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition.

Methods

Six English electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched from inception to 2 April 2023. Randomized trials, including adults aged 18 years or above with a diagnosis of clinical depression, of the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in adults with MDD compared to non-aerobic exercise groups were included. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted utilizing a random-effects model in R. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022367350.

Results

Twelve randomized trials including 945 adults with MDD were included. Results indicated that aerobic exercise significantly improved overall cognitive function (g = 0.21; 95 % confidence intervals [CI] = 0.07, 0.34), and the sub-domains of memory (g = 0.25; 95 % CI = 0.06, 0.44) and executive function (g = 0.12; 95 % CI = 0.04, 0.20). Significant benefits in cognitive function were found from moderate-to-vigorous (mixed) intensity (g = 0.19; 95 % CI = 0.02, 0.37), aerobic exercise conducted 3 times per week (g = 0.23; 95 % CI = 0.10, 0.38), in sessions < 45 min (g = 0.59; 95 % CI = 0.28, 0.90), and 45-60 min (g = 0.16; 95 % CI = 0.07, 0.26), in aerobic exercise intervention ≤ 12 weeks (g = 0. 26; 95 % CI = 0.08, 0.44).

Limitations

This review only included peer-reviewed English-language studies, which may lead to a language bias. The results of the Egger's test suggested a potential publication bias.

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise is efficacious in improving overall cognitive function and the sub-domains of memory and executive function in adults with major depressive disorder.

Acute Exercise Effect on Neurocognitive Function Among Cognitively Normal Late-Middle-Aged Adults With/Without Genetic Risk of AD: The Moderating Role of Exercise Volume and APOE Genotype

BACKGROUND

Acute exercise is a behavior that benefits cognitive function; however, its effect on populations with different risks for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of exercise variance and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on this effect remains unknown. This study explores the acute exercise effect on behavioral and neurocognitive function, and its potential moderation by exercise intensity and duration and APOE genetic risk.

METHODS

Fifty-one cognitively normal adults (~36% APOE ε4 carriers) performed the Stroop task under a rest condition and 3 exercise conditions while electroencephalographic activity was assessed.

RESULTS

Acute exercise improved cognitive performance assessed through both behavioral and neuroelectrical indices. These benefits were observed regardless of adjustments of intensity and duration at a predetermined exercise volume as well as being evident irrespective of APOE ɛ4 carrier status.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute exercise could be proposed as a lifestyle intervention to benefit neurocognitive function in populations with and without genetic risk of AD. Future exploration should further the precise exercise prescription and also the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of acute exercise for neurocognitive function.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05591313.

Effect of acute concurrent exercise training and the mediating role of lactate on executive function: An ERP study

Both acute aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE) have been acknowledged to be effective methods in enhancing executive function and brain-related P3 amplitudes. Nevertheless, the effect of acute concurrent exercise training (CET), combining both AE and RE, on executive function remains subject to speculation. Moreover, investigation of the mechanisms that underlie improvements in executive function would facilitate scientific understanding. Notably, lactate has emerged as a candidate among several potential mechanisms. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute CET on the cognitive flexibility dimension of executive function using behavioural and neuro-electric measures. A secondary aim was to determine the mediating effect of blood lactate in the acute exercise-executive function relationship. Seventy-eight young adults (38 women, 40 men; 22.8 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: CET, AE, or reading control (RC). Cognitive flexibility was evaluated using the Task-Switching Test and its derived electroencephalography (EEG) was assessed immediately prior to and following each treatment. Fingertip lactate assays were taken prior to, at the midpoint, and after each treatment. Both acute CET and AE shortened response time regardless of test conditions when compared to the RC group. Greater P3 amplitude was observed following CET in the heterogeneous condition and under AE in the switch condition. A significant mediation of blood lactate for response time emerged in both the CET and AE groups for the heterogeneous and switch conditions. The blood lactate mediation was not reflected in P3 amplitude. The present findings suggest that acute CET leads to positive behavioural and neuro-electric alterations of cognitive flexibility, and its effect is similar to AE. Additionally, blood lactate serves as a mediator of the effects of acute exercise on executive function from a behavioural, but not neuro-electric standpoint.

The influence of volume-matched acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control in late-middle-aged and older adults: A neuroelectric study

Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to benefit inhibitory control; however, less attention has been devoted to the effects of varying intensity and duration with a predetermined exercise volume. The current study assessed the influence of three distinct exercise conditions, each equated with a predesignated exercise volume but varied in terms of exercise durations and intensities, on inhibitory control utilizing both behavioral and neuroelectric measures obtained among late-middle-aged and older adults. Thirty-four adults (61.76 ± 0.80 years) completed three exercise conditions [i.e., a 30-min low-intensity exercise (LIE), a 20-min moderate-intensity exercise (MIE), and a 16-min high-intensity exercise (HIE)] and a non-exercise reading control condition (CON) on separate days. The exercise volumes of LIE and HIE were designed to match the exercise volume of MIE. Following cessation of each condition, the Stroop task was performed while event-related potentials were recorded. Improved behavioral performance (i.e., shorter response time, higher accuracy, and smaller interference scores) was observed after LIE, MIE, and HIE than CON (ps < .005). Additionally, whereas a larger P3b amplitude was only observed following MIE compared to CON (p < .01), larger N2 and smaller N450 amplitudes were observed following all three exercise conditions compared to CON (ps < .005). These findings suggested that while MIE may provide additional benefits for attentional resource allocation, exercise conditions volume matched to MIE resulted in superior inhibitory control, paralleled by modulations of the neural underpinnings of conflict monitoring/detection.

Acute effect of combined exercise with aerobic and resistance exercises on executive function

Objective

Recent studies indicate that acute exercise, whether aerobic exercise (AE) or resistance exercise (RE), improves cognitive function. However, the effects on cognitive function of combined exercise (CE), involving both AE and RE in an exercise session, remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute CE on cognitive function.

Design

Within-subject design with counterbalancing.

Methods

Fifteen healthy men with a sedentary lifestyle in the previous three months were recruited. The participants were assessed for muscular fitness after performing four upper body exercises for a 10-repetition maximum and underwent a submaximal aerobic fitness assessment for V̇O2peak and corresponding workload (watts). They were then assigned to a CE, RE, or sitting control (SC) session in counterbalanced order and were assessed with the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) after each session.

Results

Acute CE led to a significantly shorter response time compared to SC (p < .05) in the SCWT, wherein there were no significant differences between acute CE and RE (p = 1.00). Additionally, no significant differences in the accuracy rate were observed across the different sessions (ps > .05).

Conclusion

A single session of moderate-intensity CE improved response time in the SCWT, comparable to RE. CE shows promise for enhancing cognitive function, warranting further research on its benefits and other exercise modalities.

Quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with target-enhanced orthogonal double-pulse LIBS combined with variant one-point calibration

Self-absorption and unknown transition probabilities of the analytical lines hinder the accurate quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with conventional calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In this work, target-enhanced orthogonal double-pulse LIBS combined with a variant one-point calibration method was used to solve this problem and realize quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with a relative error of less than 4%. This approach is able to reduce the influence of self-absorption and capable of using analytical lines with unknown transition probabilities while using a calibration-free algorithm, which is helpful for accurate quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass and other samples.

Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

[Application of liver venous deprivation in secondary hepatic resection of primary liver cancer]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of liver venous deprivation (LVD) before secondary resection of primary liver cancer. Methods: 56 patients with advanced primary liver cancer who were not suitable for primary resection in Liver Surgery Department of Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into liver vein deprivation group (LVD group: LVD+ PVE, n=26) and portal vein embolization group (PVE group, n=30). The dynamic changes of liver reserve function and future liver remnant volume (FLR-V), R0 resection rate, surgical complications, postoperative recurrence rate and overall survival rate of two groups before and after LVD/PVE were compared. Results: The success rate of puncture and embolization in LVD group and PVE group was 100%. There were no grade Ⅳ complications, and there was no significant difference of grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ complications between the groups (P=0.808). The FLR-V of LVD group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization was (493.1±25.8), (673.2±56.1), (779.5±81.6) and (853.3±85.2) cm(3), respectively. The FLR-V of PVE group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization were (502.4±20.1), (688.6±43.9), (656.8±73.7) and (563.5±69.1) cm(3), respectively. There was no significant difference in FLR-V between the two groups before and 7 days after embolization (P>0.05). The FLR-V of LVD group was higher than that of PVE group at 14 and 21 days after embolization (P<0.01). The preparation time of LVD group was (20.4±6.3) days, which was shorter than that of PVE group [(31.5±8.8) days, P=0.045]. The rate of secondary hepatectomy was 92.3% (24/26), which was higher than that of PVE group [70.0% (21/30), P=0.036]. The R0 resection rate was 87.5% (21/24), which was higher than that of the PVE group [57.1% (12/21), P=0.022]. However, there were no significant differences in surgical methods, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After hepatectomy, the median recurrence time and median survival time of LVD group were 12.6 months and 21.3 months, respectively, which were longer than those of PVE group (9.4 months and 13.5 months, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: For patients with advanced liver cancer who are not suitable for primary hepatectomy, preoperative LVD can significantly increase FLR-V, improve the resection rate of secondary surgery, shorten the preparation time of two operations, and do not increase surgical complications. Moreover, patients with LVD can improve the R0 resection rate of secondary surgery. The postoperative recurrence time and overall survival rate of patients with LVD are better than those of patients with PVE, and LVD has a good long-term effect.

Effects of exercise types on white matter microstructure in late midlife adults: Preliminary results from a diffusion tensor imaging study

Higher aerobic fitness during late midlife is associated with higher white matter (WM) microstructure. Compared with individuals engaged in irregular exercise, those who engage in regular aerobic exercise show higher fractional anisotropy (FA), a diffusion tenor imaging (DTI) measure that provides an index of WM microstructural integrity. However, whether other types of exercise, such as Tai Chi, can also facilitate WM changes in adults during late midlife remains unknown. The present study compares two types of exercise, Tai Chi and walking, with a sedentary control group, in order to examine the effects of exercise on WM microstructure and determine the regional specificity of WM differences. Thirty-six healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 65 years participated in the study. Based on the participants’ exercise habits, they were allocated into three groups: Tai Chi, walking, or sedentary control. All participants were required to complete physical fitness measurements and completed magnetic reasoning imaging (MRI) scans. Our results revealed that the Tai Chi group exhibited a higher FA value in the left cerebral peduncle, compared to the sedentary control group. We also observed that both the Tai Chi and walking groups exhibited higher FA values in the right uncinate fasciculus and the left external capsule, in comparison to the sedentary control group. Increased FA values in these regions was positively correlated with higher levels of physical fitness measurements (i.e., peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak], muscular endurance/number of push-up, agility, power). These findings collectively suggest that regular exercise is associated with improved WM microstructural integrity, regardless of the exercise type, which could guide the development and application of future prevention and intervention strategies designed to address age-related cognitive impairments during late midlife.

The multi-domain exercise intervention for memory and brain function in late middle-aged and older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease: A protocol for Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training trial

Background

Aging is associated with cognitive decline, increased risk for dementia, and deterioration of brain function. Modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, meditation, and social interaction) have been proposed to benefit memory and brain function. However, previous studies have focused on a single exercise modality or a single lifestyle factor. Consequently, the effect of a more comprehensive exercise program that combines multiple exercise modalities and lifestyle factors, as well as examines potential mediators and moderators, on cognitive function and brain health in late middle-aged and older adults remains understudied. This study's primary aim is to examine the effect of a multi-domain exercise intervention on memory and brain function in cognitively healthy late middle-aged and older adults. In addition, we will examine whether apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes, physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular fitness, body composition, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, and power), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) moderate and mediate the exercise intervention effects on memory and brain function.

Methods

The Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training (WE-BFit) is a single-blinded, double-arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial. One hundred cognitively healthy adults, aged 45-70 years, with different risks for Alzheimer's disease (i.e., ApoE genotype) will be recruited and randomized into either a multi-domain exercise group or an online educational course control group. The exercise intervention consists of one 90-min on-site and several online sessions up to 60 min per week for 6 months. Working memory, episodic memory, physical fitness, and BDNF will be assessed before and after the 6-month intervention. The effects of the WE-BFit on memory and brain function will be described and analyzed. We will further examine how ApoE genotype and changes in physical fitness and BDNF affect the effects of the intervention.

Discussion

WE-BFit is designed to improve memory and brain function using a multi-domain exercise intervention. The results will provide insight into the implementation of an exercise intervention with multiple domains to preserve memory and brain function in adults with genetic risk levels for Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05068271.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{β} isotopes in commercial reactors.

[The status and significance of Paracelsus in the Modern Medical Revolution]

Paracelsus, the first person in the history of modern Western medicine, specified to break the shackles of the traditional medical system thoroughly and revolutionise the classical medical system completely. He introduced traditional alchemy into medicine, and changed it from making gold into producing drugs which were helpful to human health. He believed that nature and human were made by God with "three principles" - sulphur, salt and hydrargyrum. He also believed that human body, as a "chemical system", was full of a variety of chemical reactions. His ideas brought a new worldview, a chemical one, to the medical field influenced by the concept of"Humorism" for ages. The chemical worldview laid the foundation for "iatrochemistry" and channelled a path for the following medical development. The "three principles" of Paracelsus did not surpass the "Humorism" proposed by Galen in terms of underlining the balance of human health. However, the idea, that the mineral substances in nature in the "three principles" could be taken as medicines to help the recovery of human body, broke through the traditional medical system proposed by Galen, offered valuable ideological resources and experience for the following expansion and development of medicines.

The Association of Obesity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Relation to Cognitive Flexibility: An Event-Related Potential Study

This study investigates an association between obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness concerning their potential effects on cognitive flexibility in young adults from behavioral and neuroelectrical perspectives. Eligible young adults (N = 140, 18–25 years) were assigned into one of four groups, according to their status of obesity (i.e., body mass index) and cardiorespiratory fitness levels (i.e., estimated maximal oxygen uptake), namely, normal weight with high cardiorespiratory fitness (NH), obese with high cardiorespiratory fitness (OH), normal weight with low cardiorespiratory fitness (NL), and obese with low cardiorespiratory fitness (OL). The task-switching test was utilized, and its induced endogenous (P3) and exogenous (N1) event-related potential components were recorded. Concerning behavioral indices, the NH demonstrated superior behavioral performance across global switching and local switching of the task-switching test compared to individuals with lower cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity (i.e., NL, OH, and OL). Additionally, the OH demonstrated better performance than the OL during the heterogeneous condition. For neuroelectrical indices, the NH had larger mean P3 amplitudes during global and local switching than the other three groups. A larger N1 amplitude was also observed in the NH during local switching than in the OH group. The findings suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness has beneficial effects on cognitive flexibility, attentional resource allocation, and sensory evaluation in young adults. Furthermore, our research provided novel evidence showing that cardiorespiratory fitness might potentially alleviate the adverse effects of obesity on cognitive flexibility in young adults.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with sustained neurocognitive function during a prolonged inhibitory control task in young adults: An ERP study

Although beneficial associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function have been established, whether cardiorespiratory fitness is related to behavioral and neuroelectric indices of performance during a prolonged inhibitory control task remains unknown. Young adults, categorized into High and Low Fitness groups, completed a 60-min Stroop task, while the N1 and P3 components of event-related potentials were measured. The results showed that the High Fitness group demonstrated shorter response times, regardless of the Stroop task congruency or time-on-task, than Low Fitness group. The High Fitness group also exhibited larger P3 amplitudes than the Low Fitness group, but no differences in N1 amplitudes were observed. These findings suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness during young adulthood has beneficial effects on task performance and attention allocation during an inhibitory control task, and these benefits can be sustained for 60 min.

[The history of post-anesthesia care units]

Post anesthesia care units (PACU) are designed to handle the utilization of the operating rooms and provide a place for postoperative patients to recover consciousness. PACU first appeared in the 1940s, prevailed in the United States in the 1950s, and expanded gradually to Canada, South Africa and other places, and were popularized in the UK and other European countries in the 1960s. PACU were developed widely in China after 1990 and expanded rapidly after the 21st century. It is now taken as an assessment indicator for evaluating hospitals. A set of management systems for PACU was gradually regulated and established, such as anesthesia record sheets, equipment and personnel training in the process of PACU development. It is currently evolving towards centralization, economization and specialization.

Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Fission by Daya Bay and PROSPECT

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity in tibial nerves with carbon nanotube yarn electrodes

BACKGROUND

Reliable interfacing with peripheral nervous system is essential to extract neural signals. Current implantable peripheral nerve electrodes cannot provide long-term reliable interfaces due to their mechanical mismatch with host nerves. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns possess excellent mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. It is of great necessity to investigate the selectivity of implantable CNT yarn electrodes.

NEW METHOD

Neural interfaces were fabricated with CNT yarn electrodes insulated with Parylene-C. Acute recordings were carried out on tibial nerves of rats, and compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) were electrically evoked by biphasic current stimulation of four toes. Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity and spatial selectivity of the electrodes, denoted by selectivity index (SI), were analyzed in detail.

RESULTS

Conduction velocities of sensory afferent fibers recorded by CNT yarn electrodes varied between 4.25 m/s and 37.56 m/s. The SI maxima for specific toes were between 0.55 and 0.99 across seven electrodes. SIs for different CNT yarn electrodes are significantly different among varied toes.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

Most single CNT yarn electrode with a ∼ 500 μm exposed length can be sensitive to one or two specific toes in rodent animals. While, it is only possible to discriminate two non-adjacent toes by multisite TIME electrodes.

CONCLUSION

Single CNT yarn electrode exposed ∼ 500 μm showed SI values for different toes comparable to a multisite TIME electrode, and had high spatial selectivity for one or two specific toes. The electrodes with cross section exposed could intend to be more sensitive to one specific toe.

[Anxiety and depression status of coal miners and related influencing factors]

Objective: To analyze the anxiety and depression status of coal miners and related influencing factors, and to provide justifications for occupational health protection. Methods: From April 2017 to June 2017, a total of 650 coal miners in a mining area in Shanxi, China were enrolled; The coal miners were evaluated for their anxiety and depression status using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (14 items) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items) , respectively. The related influencing factors for anxiety and depression of the coal miners were analyzed with nonparametric test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rates of anxiety and depression were 51.1% and 60.5%, respectively. As suggested by the scores and detection rates of anxiety and depression, males had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores than females (P<0.05) ; subjects in older-age groups and those working in shifts had significantly higher anxiety scores (P<0.05) ; subjects with higher education degrees and smokers had significantly higher depression scores (P<0.05) ; while subjects with longer length of service, those with poor sleep quality, and those working in the underground mines had both significantly higher anxiety and depression scores (P<0.05) . The detection rate of anxiety was significantly higher in subjects with a drinking habit than in those who did not drink (P<0.05) . The detection rate of depression was significantly higher in subjects with hypertension than in those with normal blood pressure (P<0.05) . A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that work type and length of service were related to anxiety; gender and length of service were related to depression; length of service was positively correlated with both anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The anxiety and depression in coal miners and related influencing factors should be taken seriously. Gender, age, length of service, working in shifts, education degree, smoking, sleep quality, underground working environment, and hypertension may be risk factors for anxiety and depression in coal miners.

Downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and skin inflammation in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

The extensive involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is well documented. However, little is known about the contribution of specific miRNAs to the prevalence of this disease.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the role of miR-145-5p in psoriasis.

METHODS

miRNA microarray analysis was performed in four patients with psoriasis and four controls. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to identify the dysregulated miRNAs. Luciferase assays were performed to determine whether miR-145-5p targets mixed-lineage kinase (MLK)3. CCK-8 assay and Magnetic Luminex Assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and chemokine secretion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the protein levels of MLK3 and its downstream effectors. Mouse models of psoriasis were established for in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

miR-145-5p was downregulated in psoriatic lesional skin. Luciferase assays showed that MLK3 is a direct target of miR-145-5p. Overexpression of miR-145-5p in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) suppressed cell proliferation and secretion of chemokines. In contrast, silencing miR-145-5p promoted NHEK proliferation and increased chemokine secretion. Silencing MLK3 abrogated miR-145-5p inhibitor-induced promotion of cell proliferation and chemokine expression. miR-145-5p regulates nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by targeting MLK3. Delivery of agomiR-145-5p into the skin decreased epidermal hyperplasia and ameliorated psoriasis-like dermatitis. Delivery of antagomiR-145-5p led to the opposite effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that miR-145-5p negatively regulates proliferation and chemokine secretion of NHEKs by targeting MLK3, and downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to skin inflammation in psoriasis lesions.

Surface elemental microanalysis with submicron lateral resolution by the laser-ablation laser-induced fluorescence technique

In order to realize surface elemental microanalysis of solid samples with submicron lateral resolution, laser-ablation (LA) combined with high sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection was investigated. A 532 nm or 266 nm nanosecond laser pulse with low pulse energy was used to realize submicron laser-ablation on the surface of a copper alloy, and LIF technique was used to sensitively detect a minor lead element in the ablated samples. ~344 nm and ~267 nm lateral resolutions could be achieved experimentally under 532 nm and 266 nm laser ablations under the current experimental condition, respectively. This demonstrated the feasibility of using a LA-LIF technique for surface elemental microanalysis of solid samples with submicron spatial resolution. The potentials of continually improving the spatial resolution of this technique to nanoscale were discussed.

Relationship between transmembrane serine protease expression and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in Eastern Europe and Asia, being the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of transmembrane serine protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and to correlate it with the clinical biological features of esophageal cancer. The expression of transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) mRNA and protein in carcinoma tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues and non-tumorous esophageal tissues was determined using PCR (qRT-PCR). The results show that both TMPRSS4 mRNA and protein expression were remarkably lower in adjacent normal tissues than in tumorous tissues. TMPRSS4 protein expression in esophageal carcinoma was correlated with patient demographic characteristics, tumor type, high TNM stages and overall survival (OS). Based on the experimental results, we conclude that TMPRSS4 is closely related to the occurrence, development and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Expression of serum interleukin-13 and significance of gene polymorphism on the patients with bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period]

Objective: To explore the expression of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) and significance of its gene polymorphism on the patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period. Methods: Forty-three patients with bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period admitted into the respiratory ward of Fujian Provincial Hospital from December, 2014 to March, 2016 were included as bronchiectasis group. Thirty-three healthy controls from normal people of health examination were included as control group during the corresponding period. A total of 5 ml fasting peripheral blood sample was extracted from each individual. The IL-13 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-13 gene polymorphisms in+ 1923 C/T site and+ 2044 site were genotyped in these two groups by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with gene sequencing methods. About 7 days after admission, thirty patients with improved condition among the 43 patients were included as bronchiectasis improvement group, all had the extraction of 3 ml peripheral blood for IL-13 detection determined by ELISA. The expression of serum IL-13 and gene polymorphisms between bronchiectasis group and control group were analyzed statistically. The changes of serum IL-13 between bronchiectasis group and bronchiectasis improvement group were also analyzed statistically. Results: The serum IL-13 level was lower in the bronchiectasis group in acute exacerbation period than that of the healthy controls [(31.1±26.3) vs (70.6±53.6) μg/L, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference of the genotype distribution in + 1923C/T site of IL-13 gene between the two groups (χ(2)=0.915, P>0.05). In the bronchiectasis group, the C and T allele frequencies at+ 1923 site of IL-13 gene were 79.1% and 20.9%, respectively, and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was in strong linkage disequilibrium with the SNP IL-13+ 2044G/A site (R(2)=0.835, P<0.001). There was no significant difference of the serum IL-13 between allele T_ groups and allele CC group, and also no significant difference between allele A_ groups and allele GG group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The IL-13 levels decreased specifically in the bronchiectasis group in acute exacerbation period, but IL-13+ 1923C/T and+ 2044G/A polymorphisms are not significantly related to the susceptibility of bronchiectasis.

Industrial scale garage-type dry fermentation of municipal solid waste to biogas

The objectives of this study was to through monitoring the 1st industrial scale garage-type dry fermentation (GTDF) MSW biogas plant in Bin County, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China, to investigate its anaerobic digestion (AD) performance and the stability of process. After a monitoring period of 180days, the results showed that the volumetric biogas production of the digesters and percolate tank was 0.72 and 2.22m(3) (m(3)d)(-1), respectively, and the specific biogas yield of the feedstock was about 270m(3)CH4tVS(-1), which indicated that the GTDF is appropriate for the Chinese MSW. This paper also raised some problems aimed at improving the process stability and AD efficiency.

First Report of Carnation vein mottle virus Infecting Dianthus amurensis in China

Dianthus amurensis, commonly known as Amur Pink, is a species of the genus Dianthus in the family Caryophyllaceae. This perennial Dianthus is also a Chinese medicinal herb. In August 2012, mosaic, leaf cupping, leaf distortion, reduction in leaf size, and flower-breaking symptoms were observed on some D. amurensis plants in a Chinese herb nursery in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. Disease incidences ranged from 40 to 50% in different plots. Symptoms on diseased D. amurensis were similar to those on the diseased D. caryophyllus, D. barbatus, and D. japonicus. The symptoms resembled to those caused by Carnation vein mottle virus (CVMoV), a member of genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae (3). CVMoV infects carnations (D. caryophyllus) worldwide and causes a serious disease. To investigate the presence of CVMoV, leaf samples were collected from three symptomatic plants and tested by dot-ELISA using universal potyvirus group monoclonal antibody (Agdia, Inc., Elkhart, IN). The antibody reacted with the diseased samples, supporting the presence of a potyvirus. To identify the potyvirus species, total nucleic acids were extracted from the diseased samples by a CTAB method (2) and used as template in RT-PCR with potyvirus universal primers Sprimer and M4T (1). An amplicon of the expected size (~1.7 kb) was obtained from all three diseased samples. The amplicons were cloned into pMD18-T vector (TaKaRa, Dalian, China) and sequenced. Sequences obtained from all three samples were identical and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KJ605654). BLAST search showed that the nucleotide sequence shared 97 and 98% identity with a Japanese CVMoV isolate infecting D. japonicus (AB017630) (3) and a Korean CVMoV isolate (AY512554), respectively. The results confirmed the association of CVMoV with the disease on D. amurensis. To determine the pathogenicity of CVMoV to D. amurensis plants, purified CVMoV from the diseased plants were used to inoculate to healthy Dianthus spp. plants. Inoculated Dianthus spp. plants also showed the symptoms of mottle, leaf cupping, and leaf distortion, and CVMoV could be detected by RT-PCR from these plants. The result confirms that CVMoV is the causal agent of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CVMoV infection in D. amurensis. Since D. amurensis is economically important in China, proper virus management strategies for the cultivation of this crop should be adopted. References: (1) J. Chen et al. Arch. Virol. 146:757, 2001. (2) R. Li et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:48, 2008. (3) T. Sasaya et al. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 66:251, 2000.

First Report of Tomato mottle mosaic virus Infection of Pepper in China

Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV), a tentative member in genus Tobamovirus, was first reported from a greenhouse tomato sample collected in Mexico in 2013 (2). In August 2013, foliar mottle, shrinking, and necrosis were observed on pepper plants in several vegetable greenhouses of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Seven symptomatic samples were collected and tested by dot-blot ELISA with antisera against Cucumber mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Turnip mosaic virus, and Broad bean wilt virus 2 (kindly provided by Dr. Xueping Zhou of Zhejiang University, China) (3). One of the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) samples reacted with the TMV antibody. Rod-shaped virus particles 300 nm in length were observed in this sample under electron microscopy. The results suggested that a tobamovirus closely related to TMV might be a causal agent. Total nucleic acids were then extracted from all seven samples using a CTAB method (1) and tested by RT-PCR using a pair of tobamovirus degenerate primers, TobamoF (GCWAAGGTKGTWYTBGTRGAYGG) and TobamoR (GTAATTGCTATTGDGTWCCWGC). These two primers were designed according to a conserved region of the TMV, Tomato mosaic virus, and ToMMV genomes (nt 2551-3433 of ToMMV genome [KF477193]). An amplicon of approximately 880 bp was obtained only from the TMV-positive sample. The amplicon was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. KJ605653). NCBI BLAST search showed that it shared the highest identity (99%) with ToMMV (KF477193), and shared the sequence homology of 82% to Tomato mosaic virus (AF332868) and 77% to TMV (V01408). The results indicated that the symptomatic pepper was infected with ToMMV. To investigate the distribution and incidence of ToMMV, 313 samples of symptomatic pepper, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, radish, Chinese cabbage, broad bean, pea, and kidney bean samples were collected from 65 fields in Yunnan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region, and tested in RT-PCR with ToMMV-specific primers ToMMVF (AGAGAGATGGCGATAGGTTAAC, identical to nt 830-851 of ToMMV genome, GenBank Accession No. KF477193) and ToMMVR (CTGCAGTCATAGGATCTACTTC, complementary to nt1849-1828). The virus was detected in three tabasco peppers (C. frutescens) from Yunnan and one bell pepper plant from Tibet, suggesting that ToMMV has a restricted host range and is not common in these two regions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of ToMMV in peppers as well as in China. References: (1) R. Li et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:48, 2008. (2) R. Li et al. Genome Announc. 1(5):e00794-13, 2013. (3) Y. Xie et al. Virol. J. 10:142, 2013.

First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus with Betasatellite Infecting Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng, an important medicinal herb commonly known as notoginseng, san qi, or tian qi, is in the family Araliaceae. The herb is mainly cultivated in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces of southern China for its root, which is used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat various blood disorders. In December 2012, Panax yellowing was observed in several notoginseng farms with prevalence of 5 to 10% in Wenshan, Yunnan Province. Foliar symptoms included yellowing, shrinking, curling, and blistering. Leaf samples collected from 15 symptomatic plants were initially tested by negative staining electron microscopy, and no distinct virions were observed. Total nucleic acids were extracted from these samples by a CTAB method and used as templates in RT-PCR for presence of criniviruses, tobamoviruses, and tospoviruses, but results were negative. Infestation of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) has been a problem on these farms in recent years, suggesting a whitefly-transmitted begomovirus as potential causal agent. To explore this possibility, the samples were tested by PCR using degenerate primers BegoAFor1 and BegoARev1 described by Ha et al. (3). Amplicons of ~1.2 kbp were obtained from 12 out of 15 samples, indicating the presence of a putative begomovirus. These amplicons were cloned and sequenced in both directions. BLAST search showed that they had high sequence identities (94 to 95%) to the genome of Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV). A pair of virus-specific primers, TYLCCNVFa (5'-TGRTAGGWACYTGAGTAGAGTGG-3') and TYLCCNVRa (5'-TCRTCCATCCATATCTTCCCAA-3'), was then designed and used to amplify the remaining genomic sequence. The full-length genomic sequence of one isolate, YWSh03, was determined to be 2,733 nt (KJ477327). Sequence comparison showed that the genome of YWSh03 shared 96.2% nucleotide sequence identity with that of TYLCCNV-[G102] (AM050555). PCR using primers Beta01 and Beta02 (1) was also tested for the association of betasatellite with this virus. A DNA fragment was obtained from isolate YWSh03, and its sequence was determined to be 1,336 bp (KJ477326). This sequence has 99.9% nucleotide sequence identity to Tomato yellow leaf curl China betasatellite (TYLCCNB) [Y10] (AJ421621). The results show that TYLCCNV, a virus infecting tomato, tobacco, kidney bean, and several weeds (2), is also associated with the yellowing disease in P. notoginseng. To determine whether TYLCCNV and TYLCCNB might cause disease on P. notoginseng, infectious clones of TYLCCNV and TYLCCNB provided by Dr. Xueping Zhou (Zhejiang University, China) were used to inoculate to 44 healthy P. notoginseng plants by an Agrobacterium-mediated method. Thirty-four inoculated plants showed typical symptoms of yellowing, curling, and stunting, confirming TYLCCNV and TYLCCNB are the causal agents of the disease. To further investigate the distribution and incidence of the virus, 258 symptomatic P. notoginseng samples were collected from 18 fields in Wenshan, Honghe, Qujing, and Kunming of Yunnan Province and tested by PCR with TYLCCNV-specific primers of TYLCCNVdF (5'-CCTGTATATGCGACTTTGAAAGT-3') and TYLCCNVdR (5'-CCCAATTCCAGCTATAAAGAGTA-3'). The virus was detected in 149 samples (57.8%), indicating that TYLCCNV infection of P. notoginseng is common. However, the agent causing the disease in the 109 symptomatic plants lacking TYLCCNV remains under investigation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TYLCCNV with TYLCCNB infecting P. notoginseng and the family Araliaceae. References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol Biotechnol. 20:315, 2002. (2) J. H. Dong et al. Plant Pathol. 56:342, 2007. (3) C. Ha et al. J. Gen. Virol. 87:997, 2006.

Development of polymorphic expressed sequence tag-single sequence repeat markers in the common Chinese cuttlefish, Sepiella maindroni

The common Chinese cuttlefish (Sepiella maindroni) is one of the popular edible cephalopod consumed across Asia. To facilitate the population genetic investigation of this species, we developed fourteen polymorphic microsatellite makers from expressed sequence tags of S. maindroni. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from 6 to 10 with an average of 7.9 alleles per locus. The ranges of observed and expected heterozygosity were from 0.615 to 0.962 and 0.685 to 0.888, respectively. Four loci were found deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.638 to 0.833. These polymorphic microsatellite loci will be helpful for the population genetic, genetic linkage map, and other genetic studies of S. maindroni.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake in China

BACKGROUND

The Wenchuan earthquake was a catastrophic earthquake in China. The aim of this study is to explore longitudinally the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake, and to identify independent predictors of PTSD.

METHOD

PTSD and depression symptoms among adolescents at 6, 12 and 18 months after the Wenchuan earthquake were investigated using the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subjects in this study included 548 high school student survivors in a local boarding high school.

RESULTS

The rates of PTSD symptoms were 9.7%, 1.3% and 1.6% at the 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-ups, respectively. BDI scores were found to be the best predictor of severity of PTSD at 6, 12 and 18 months. Gender was another variable contributing significantly to PTSD at 6 and 12 months after the earthquake. In the 12-month follow-up, home damage was found to be a predictor of severity of PTSD symptoms. Being a child with siblings was found to be a predictor of severity of PTSD symptoms at 12 and 18 months after the earthquake.

CONCLUSIONS

PTSD symptoms changed gradually at various stages after the earthquake. Depression symptoms were predictive of PTSD symptoms in the 18-month follow-up study. Other predictors of PTSD symptoms included female gender and being a child with siblings. The results of this study may be helpful for further mental health interventions for adolescents after earthquakes.

Defect solitons in two-dimensional optical lattices

We report on the existence and stability of solitons in a defect embedded in a square optical lattice based on a photorefractive crystal with focusing saturable nonlinearity. These solitons exist in different bandgaps due to the change of defect intensity. For a positive defect, the solitons only exist in the semi-infinite gap and can be stable in the low power region but not the high power region. For a negative defect, the solitons can exist not only in the semi-infinite gap, but also in the first gap. With increasing the defect depth, these solitons are stable within a moderate power region in the first gap while unstable in the entire semi-infinite gap.

Collagen sponges for bone regeneration with rhBMP-2

In the US alone, approximately 500,000 patients annually undergo surgical procedures to treat bone fractures, alleviate severe back pain through spinal fusion procedures, or promote healing of non-unions. Many of these procedures involve the use of bone graft substitutes. An alternative to bone grafts are the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which have been shown to induce bone formation. For optimal effect, BMPs must be combined with an adequate matrix, which serves to prolong the residence time of the protein and, in some instances, as support for the invading osteoprogenitor cells. Several factors involved in the preparation of adequate matrices, specifically collagen sponges, were investigated in order to test the performance in a new role as an implant providing local delivery of an osteoinductive differentiation factor. Another focus of this review is the current system consisting of a combination of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) and an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS). The efficacy and safety of the combination has been clearly proven in both animal and human trials.

rhBMP-2 injected in a calcium phosphate paste (alpha-BSM) accelerates healing in the rabbit ulnar osteotomy model

This study evaluated the ability of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivered in an injectable calcium phosphate carrier (alpha-BSM) to accelerate healing in a rabbit ulna osteotomy model compared to untreated surgical controls. Healing was assessed by radiography, histology and biomechanics. Bilateral mid-ulnar osteotomies were created in 16 skeletally mature rabbits. One limb in each animal was injected with either 0.1 mg rhBMP-2/alpha-BSM (BMP) (N=8) or buffer/alpha-BSM (BSM) (N=8). Contralateral osteotomies served as untreated surgical controls (SXCT). Gamma scintigraphy showed 75%, 45% and 5% of the initial 125I-rhBMP-2 dose was retained at the osteotomy site at 3 h, 1 week and 3 weeks. The biological activity of rhBMP-2 (alkaline phosphatase activity from bioassay) extracted from alpha-BSM incubated in vitro up to 30 days at 37 degrees C was unchanged. Radiographs demonstrated complete bridging of the BMP limbs at 4 weeks whereas none of the BSM or SXCT limbs were bridged. Post-mortem peripheral quantitative computed tomography determined mineralized callus area was 62% greater in BMP limbs compared to SXCT limbs. Torsional stiffness and strength were 63% and 103% greater in BMP limbs compared to SXCT limbs. There was no difference in torsional properties between BSM and SXCT limbs. Failure occurred outside the osteotomy in four out of seven of the BMP limbs. All BSM and SXCT limbs failed through the osteotomy. Histology showed bony bridging of the osteotomy and no residual carrier in the BMP limbs. BSM and SXCT groups showed less mature calluses composed of primarily fibrocartilaginous tissue and immature bone in the osteotomy gap. These data indicate rhBMP-2 delivered in alpha-BSM accelerated healing in a rabbit ulna osteotomy model compared to BSM and SXCT groups.

[Study on the construction of standard D1S549 allelic ladder via molecular cloning and its genetic polymorphism in Chinese three populations]

OBJECTIVE

To resolve the problem of the accuracy and standardization of STR-PCR typing in forensic practice, we have designed a new method to produce standard D1S549 allelic ladder.

METHODS

Eight different PCR amplified D1S549 allelic fragments were isolated from the gel, eluted into the distilled water and re-amplified by PCR. The purified allelic fragments were then blunt-end subcloned individually into the pUC plasmid vectors and transfected into competent E. coli DH5 alpha cells.

RESULTS

The sequencing results confirmed that the size and the construe of the inserts were correct. The recombinant plasmids DNA with 8 inserts were then used as templates for re-amplification to generate D1S549 standard ladder, with which the genetic polymorphisms of D1S549 locus in Chinese Han population in chengdu, Hui population in Gansu and Wei population in Xinjiang were studied.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the standard ladder made via this method is excellent, and D1S549 locus is robust for genetic research and forensic application.

Delivering on the promise of bone morphogenetic proteins

The advent of bone growth factors has been widely anticipated since their successful production using recombinant DNA technology. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are an important class of bone growth factors and will be the focus of this article. In the near future these therapeutics might revolutionize how clinicians treat such diverse orthopedic applications as the healing of broken bones, increasing bone density lost through aging, and strengthening the spine. These potent proteins require application directly at the site of repair via a delivery system. The choice of delivery system has a profound effect on the clinical outcome. In the past decade, researchers have focused on developing efficient delivery systems and advancing these factors from the bench to the clinic.

An optimized method for the chemiluminescent detection of alkaline phosphatase levels during osteodifferentiation by bone morphogenetic protein 2

Differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells into osteoblasts is a pivotal step during the normal development and repair of bone. Upregulation of endogenous cellular alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) is a commonly used intracellular marker for the assessment of osteoprogenitor cell differentiation into the osteoblastic phenotype. Current methods for assaying AP involve colorimetric detection of the enzyme's activity using the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenol phosphate. In this paper, we explored an alternative method of detecting AP using the chemiluminescent substrate disodium 3-(4-methoxyspiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2'-(5'-chloro)tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decan]-4-yl) phenyl phosphate (CSPD) for enhanced AP sensitivity and a more simplified assay. Using calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase as a standardizing enzyme, we determined that the chemiluminescent detection system was four orders of magnitude more sensitive than the standard colorimetric method of detection. Moreover, the chemiluminescent assay was faster and markedly simpler to perform. To maximize the utility of this assay system, two osteoprogenitor cell lines were compared for their ability to generate alkaline phosphatases in vitro when exposed to recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). The W20-17 cell line was substantially more sensitive to rhBMP-2 than the C3H10T1/2 cell line, where each cell line produced detectable increases in AP after exposure to rhBMP-2 levels of 5 and 25 ng/ml, respectively. The experimental design for AP responsiveness to rhBMP-2 was further optimized for chemiluminescent detection with the W20-17 cell line by comparing the effects of reporter cell seeding density and the day of assay. In summary, the data presented in this paper demonstrate a faster, simpler, and more sensitive chemiluminescent method to monitor changes in AP levels during osteodifferentiation.

A validity study of Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale in Hong Kong Chinese

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Chinese version of Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale (CUNS).

METHODS

A total of 234 subjects [163 male (69.7%) and 71 female (30.3%)] including 17 patients with narcolepsy, 21 normal controls and 196 patients with various sleep and psychiatric disorders were studied. The diagnoses of these patients were independently ascertained with sleep laboratory confirmation whenever indicated. All the subjects were interviewed through the telephone by a trained lay interviewer who was blind to the diagnosis. The questionnaire included demographic information, sleep habits and CUNS.

RESULTS

Narcoleptic patients had a significantly higher CUNS score (18.6+/-4.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.2-21.0) and differentiated well from all the other groups (F(6,227)=28.4, P<0.001). The CUNS has a satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.75. The principal component analysis with varimax rotation revealed two factors, namely sleepiness and cataplexy factors, which accounted for 45.5% of the total variance. The best cut-off point for the CUNS scale was found to be at 13/14 with high specificity (93.5%), sensitivity (94.1%), negative predictive value (NPV, 99.5%) and modest positive predictive value (PPV, 53.3%). The AUC of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

The CUNS was validated with satisfactory psychometric properties. The cross-cultural validation of UNS scale suggested that it could be used across the ethnic groups.

Encapsulation matrices for neurotrophic factor-secreting myoblast cells

Encapsulated-cell therapy is an emerging technology that entails implantation of cell-containing devices that secrete therapeutic factors. One potential application of this technology is the delivery of neurotrophic factors to treat neurodegenerative disease. These devices typically use an internal matrix to serve as a cell scaffold. This study compares collagen-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn scaffold versus collagen as a matrix for engineered C2C12 myoblasts. C2C12 cells transfected to secrete ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were immobilized in matrices and encapsulated into hollow fiber membrane devices. Encapsulated cells were monitored in vitro for viability, morphology, and factor secretion. Two independent methods (histology assessment and metabolic assay) were used to estimate viable cell density; a high correlation between the methods was found. After 4 weeks, encapsulated devices with PET scaffold had an almost nine-fold greater number of viable cells compared to collagen. PET matrix devices contained a thick annulus of compact, highly oriented cells. Collagen matrix devices contained sparse viable cells in a thin rim. Secretion assays showed cells in PET matrix released approximately four-fold the amount of CNTF versus cells in collagen (averaging 542 and 129 ng/day per device for PET and collagen matrix, respectively). The choice of encapsulation matrix was found to have a profound effect on cell morphology, level of secreted factor, and viability of encapsulated C2C12 cells.

[Favorable genes and favorable genic interactions enhancing F1 fertility in indica/japonica hybrids]

Two test cross populations were developed by crossing a set of DH lines as male parents to two wide compatibility rice lines, photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile (PGMS) line-N422S and thermosensitive-genic male sterile (TGMS) line-Peiai64S. Polymorphism of the cross parents and another set of diverse indica or japonica lines (as a control) was assayed by using 92 RFLP markers. 41 RFLP markers were detected highly associated with indica and japonica phenotypes, which can be used as diagnostic markers to differentiate indica and japonica. Our results indicated that 87.8% of the diagnostic markers were also highly associated with grain yield and its components in at least one of the test cross populations, suggesting parallel relationships between the genes involving in evolution and QTLs controlling grain yield and yield components in the process of differentiation of rice (O. sativa L.). Further analysis indicated that fertility was a main factor affecting the heterosis for grain yield in inter-subspecific rice hybrids. The fertility was conditioned by both intra-locus and inter-locus gene interactions and favorable genic interactions could raise it accordingly.

Dose control with cell lines used for encapsulated cell therapy

Cell therapy-use of cells to deliver active factors-is an emerging technique in treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Successful devices maintain cell viability and functionality over extended implant periods. Use of dividing cell lines to deliver therapeutic factors has been studied extensively. One emerging issue is the tendency of cells to continue proliferation within the intracapsular environment-potentially outstripping nutrient supply. This work presents a method of controlling proliferation and delivering therapeutic molecules within a dose range. The method entails encapsulation into a hollow fiber device of discrete numbers of cell-containing microcarriers. Proliferation control is attained by embedding cell-containing microcarriers in nonmitogenic hydrogels. PC-12 cells secreting L-dopa and dopamine was the model cell line tested. Feasibility of the method in controlling growth of normally rapidly dividing cells in the intracapsular environment was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Control nonmicrocarrier PC-12 cell devices had approximately fourfold greater expansion in cell number compared to experimental microcarrier-containing devices over 4 weeks in vitro and in vivo after implant into rat striatum. Ability to control dose released over a several-fold range was demonstrated with encapsulated PC-12 cells delivering neurotransmitters and C2C12 mouse myoblast cells delivering neurotrophic factors (CNTF).

STR HUMARA locus gene and genotype frequencies in Han and Bei populations in China

For the purpose of the population genetics study of the HUMARA locus, the allele, and genotype frequencies were determined in two Chinese population samples (Han-101, Bei-113) using PCR, PAGE, and silver staining. Fourteen alleles were found. The size of amplified fragments were 258 bp-315 bp. The observed heterozygosities were 0.83 in the Han population and 0.73 in the Bei population respectively. The expected heterozygosities were 0.91 in the Han population and 0.97 in the Bei population respectively. Both populations meet Hardy-Weinberg expectation, Han population x2 = 17.7206, df = 11, p > 0.05; Bei population x2 = 7.4268, df = 10, p > 0.05. The discrimination power were 0.95 in females and 0.89 in males in the Han population, 0.94 in females and 0.88 in males in the Bei population. Thus, the allelic frequency data can be used in the personal identification and parentage testing in the forensic science practice. The PCR test established in this study is robust and reproducible.

Oxidative stress induced by MPTP and MPP(+): selective vulnerability of cultured mouse astrocytes

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were examined in cultured cortical, striatal and mesencephalic mouse astrocytes after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) treatment. Linear regression analysis showed that control mesencephalic (slope coefficient=0.01) astrocytes had a three-fold (F-test, p<0.05) greater rate of change in ROS production when compared to cortical (0.003) or striatal (0.003) astrocytes. However, when treated with 500 microM MPTP for 120 min, mesencephalic and striatal astrocytes demonstrated a decreased and increased rate of change in ROS production respectively. On the other hand, when treated with 10 microM MPP(+), a significant increase in the rate of change in ROS formation was observed in both mesencephalic and striatal astrocytes, with mesencephalic astrocytes producing a four-fold greater increase when compared to striatal astrocytes. Cortical astrocytes did not show any significant changes in ROS production when treated with MPTP or MPP(+). When astrocytes were treated with MPTP over a 24 h period, striatal astrocytes demonstrated significant increases in SOD activity to 12 h, followed by a return towards control levels after 8 h treatment. In contrast, mesencephalic astrocytes showed trends for a decrease in SOD production as well as a significant decrease in ATP levels by 24 h MPTP treatment. The present results suggested that mesencephalic astrocytes are more vulnerable to oxidative stress when compared to striatal astrocytes, given their greater rates of ROS production at basal and MPP(+) conditions. Striatal astrocytes, on the other hand, may have a more protective capacity against oxidative stress by producing greater SOD activities.

The nucleotide sequence of the 3'-terminal region of dasheen mosaic virus (Caladium isolate) and expression of its coat protein in Escherichia coli for antiserum production

A caladium isolate of dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV-Ch) was cloned as cDNA from genomic RNA. The sequence of the 3'-terminal 3158 nucleotides, which consisted of the 3'-terminus of the NIa gene, the NIb gene, the coat protein (CP) gene, and a 246-nucleotide non-coding region, was between 57-68% similar at the nucleotide level and 72-82% similar at the amino acid level when compared with other potyviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of aligned, selected potyviral CP sequences indicate that DsMV-Ch is similar to DsMV isolates infecting taro and closely related to the bean common mosaic virus subgroup in the genus Potyvirus. A recombinant DsMV-Ch CP (approximately 39 kDa) expressed in E. coli was used as an immunogen and the resulting antiserum reacted with DsMV and several other potyviruses in Western blots and indirect ELISA.

Tomato chlorosis virus: a new whitefly-transmitted, Phloem-limited, bipartite closterovirus of tomato

ABSTRACT Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is the second whitefly-transmitted, phloem-limited, bipartite closterovirus described infecting tomato. ToCV is distinct from tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV), based on lack of serological and nucleic acid cross-reactions and differences in vector specificity. TICV is transmitted only by the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), whereas ToCV is transmitted by the greenhouse whitefly, the banded-wing whitefly (T. abutilonea), and Bemisia tabaci biotypes A and B (B. argentifolii). Double-stranded (ds) RNA analyses of ToCV show two prominent dsRNAs of approximately 7,800 and 8,200 bp, with several small dsRNAs. Digoxigenin-11-UTP-labeled riboprobes derived from cDNA clones representing portions of RNAs 1 and 2 were used in Northern blot hybridizations to detect two large nonhomologous dsRNAs and a subset of smaller dsRNAs. These probes were used in dot blot hybridizations to detect ToCV in infected tomato. Inclusion bodies and cytoplasmic vesicles were consistently observed in phloem tissues of ToCV-infected Nicotiana clevelandii. Computer-assisted sequence analysis showed significant homology between ToCV clones that hybridize specifically with RNAs 1 and 2 and the lettuce infectious yellows virus methyltransferase of RNA 1 and the HSP70 heat shock protein homolog of RNA 2, respectively. Thus, ToCV is another member of the growing subgroup of bipartite closteroviruses transmitted by whiteflies.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) synthetic polymer foams as scaffolds for cell encapsulation

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) foams were used as scaffolds in hollow fiber membrane-based cell encapsulation devices. The surrounding permselective membrane serves as an immunoisolation barrier while allowing metabolites and other small molecules to be freely transported. The internal matrix defines the microenvironment for the encapsulated cells. PC12 cell-containing devices represent one possible strategy for safe transplantation of dopamine-secreting cells for the treatment of dopamine-deficient diseases such as Parkinson's disease. PC12 cells--a dopamine-secreting cell line--were encapsulated with PVA foam as a matrix material in the lumen of these hollow fibers. In this work, we demonstrate the presence of the PVA matrix increased the catecholamine secretion efficiency of the cells as compared to devices containing a chitosan matrix. Devices were implanted in vivo into rodent striatum and device output of catecholamines was measured preimplant and post-explant. Evoked stores of dopamine remained constant (preimplant vs explant) for devices encapsulated with the foam matrix and increased with devices encapsulated with chitosan matrix. Cell proliferation within devices was inhibited in the presence of the foam matrix. Cell viability and distribution was significantly improved with the inclusion of the foam matrix in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In comparison to chitosan--a typical matrix material for PC12 cells--addition of a foam-type matrix altered the encapsulated cell microenvironment and resulted in more efficient secretion of catecholamines and improved distribution within the device resulting in smaller necrotic regions and a lower rate of cell proliferation.

Differentiation and classification of parental lines and favorable genic interactions affecting F1 fertility in distant crosses of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study was intended to investigate the extent of genetic differentiation in parental lines of rice hybrids and to analyze the genetic basis underlying the fertility phenomenon in distant crosses. Two subsets of rice material (111 entries in total) were used, including 81 doubled-haploid (DH) lines and 30 Indica and Japonica rice varieties or lines (as a control). The DH lines was derived from a heterotic Indica/Japonica cross (Gui630/02428) by anther culture. The materials in the control represent a broad spectrum of the Asian cultivated rice gene pool including landraces, primitive cultivars, historically important cultivars, modern elite cultivars, super rice and parents of superior hybrids. In accordance with the NC II design, 57 out of the DH lines were test-crossed to two important wide compatibility lines: photoperiod-sensitive genetic male sterile (PGMS) line N422s and thermo-sensitive genetic male sterile (TGMS) line Peiai64s. The F1s and their parents, 182 entries in total, were examined for the performance of seven traits in a replicated field trial. All the rice materials was surveyed for polymorphisms using 92 RFLP markers selected from two published molecular marker linkage maps. Genotypes of the F1 hybrids at the molecular-marker loci were deduced from the parental genotypes. The analysis showed that there were two types of genetic differentiation in the two subsets of rice material; that is, qualitative differentiation in the control and quantitative differentiation in the DH lines. In addition, favorable genic interactions (both intra- or inter-locus) contributed to better increase the fertility in hybrids of distant crosses through incorporation of a wide-compatibility line as the female parent. Favorable genic interactions can be applied in hybrid rice breeding programs by selecting parents with an appropriate extent of genetic differentiation.