Targeting vulnerable microcircuits in the ventral hippocampus of male transgenic mice to rescue Alzheimer-like social memory loss

BACKGROUND

Episodic memory loss is a prominent clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is closely related to tau pathology and hippocampal impairment. Due to the heterogeneity of brain neurons, the specific roles of different brain neurons in terms of their sensitivity to tau accumulation and their contribution to AD-like social memory loss remain unclear. Therefore, further investigation is necessary.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of AD-like tau pathology by Tandem mass tag proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis, social behavioural tests, hippocampal electrophysiology, immunofluorescence staining and in vivo optical fibre recording of GCaMP6f and iGABASnFR. Additionally, we utilized optogenetics and administered ursolic acid (UA) via oral gavage to examine the effects of these agents on social memory in mice.

RESULTS

The results of proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses revealed the characteristics of ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) under both physiological conditions and AD-like tau pathology. As tau progressively accumulated, vCA1, especially its excitatory and parvalbumin (PV) neurons, were fully filled with mislocated and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau). This finding was not observed for dorsal hippocampal CA1 (dCA1). The overexpression of human tau (hTau) in excitatory and PV neurons mimicked AD-like tau accumulation, significantly inhibited neuronal excitability and suppressed distinct discrimination-associated firings of these neurons within vCA1. Photoactivating excitatory and PV neurons in vCA1 at specific rhythms and time windows efficiently ameliorated tau-impaired social memory. Notably, 1 month of UA administration efficiently decreased tau accumulation via autophagy in a transcription factor EB (TFEB)-dependent manner and restored the vCA1 microcircuit to ameliorate tau-impaired social memory.

CONCLUSION

This study elucidated distinct protein and phosphoprotein networks between dCA1 and vCA1 and highlighted the susceptibility of the vCA1 microcircuit to AD-like tau accumulation. Notably, our novel findings regarding the efficacy of UA in reducing tau load and targeting the vCA1 microcircuit may provide a promising strategy for treating AD in the future.

Deficit of perineuronal net induced by maternal immune activation mediates the cognitive impairment in offspring during adolescence

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is considered a risk factor for neurodevelopment in the offspring, resulting in behavioral abnormalities. Furthermore, adolescence is a vulnerable period for developing different psycho-cognitive deficits. Here, we aimed to observe the cognitive consequences of prenatal MIA exposure in adolescents and explored the underlying mechanisms. We divided dams into CON and MIA groups after inducing a mouse model of MIA using lipopolysaccharide (120μg/kg) on gestational day 15. Open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests were performed on postnatal day (PD) 35-37. The expression of hippocampal Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA)⁺ perineuronal net (PNN), parvalbumin (PV), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1(Iba-1) were evaluated using immunofluorescence, and the expression of matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) in the hippocampus was assessed using the western blot. Following the infusion of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) into CA1 in the offspring from the CON group on PD 30, they were divided into ChABC and Sham groups. OF, EPM, and NOR were performed on PD 35-37. Compared to the CON group, decreased exploration time of the novel object and preference ratio were observed in the MIA group. Meanwhile, the MIA group presented significantly decreased WFA⁺ PNN in CA1, increased Iba-1⁺ microglia, and MMP-9 in the hippocampus. Additionally, the density of PV⁺ neurons and GFAP⁺ astrocytes was comparable between both groups. After digesting the PNN, the exploration time of novel object and preference ratio decreased in the ChABC group compared to the Sham group. Conclusively, the PNN deficit in CA1 caused by prenatal MIA might, at least partially, induce cognitive impairment in adolescents. Microglia and MMP-9 may also be potential candidates for PNN deficit after MIA.

Esophageal granular cell tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND

Esophageal granular cell tumor (eGCT) is a relatively rare, usually benign neoplasm of the neuroectoderm. It is derived from Schwann cells. Clinical symptoms of this disease are non-specific. However, the most common presenting symptom is dysphagia, which is mostly misdiagnosed as esophageal polyps under gastroscopy, yet it has a 2% chance of forming cancers. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with solitary eGCT, then analysed retrospectivelyanalyze the clinical features and elucidate on the reduction of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 52-year-old woman was diagnosed with “esophageal granulossoma” after esophagoscopy, which was mistaken for eGCT.

CONCLUSION

eGCT diagnosis depends on characteristic pathomorphologies and detection of the S-100 protein. Endoscopic mucosal resection is the preferred therapeutic method.

Self-redox reaction driven in situ formation of Cu2O/Ti3C2Tx nanosheets boost the photocatalytic eradication of multi-drug resistant bacteria from infected wound

BACKGROUND

MXenes with interesting optical and electrical properties have been attractive in biomedical applications such as antibacterial and anticancer agents, but their low photogeneration efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and poor stability are major concerns against microbial resistance.

METHODS

Water-dispersible single layer Ti₃C₂T_x-based MXene through etching tightly stacked MAX phase precursor using a minimally intensive layer delamination method. After addition of Cu(II) ions, the adsorbed Cu(II) ions underwent self-redox reactions with the surface oxygenated moieties of MXene, leading to in situ formation of Cu₂O species to yield Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets (heterostructures).

RESULTS

Under NIR irradiation, the Cu₂O enhanced generation of electron-hole pairs, which boosted the photocatalytic production of superoxide and subsequent transformation into hydrogen peroxide. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance of Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets with sharp edges is attributed to the direct contact-induced membrane disruption, localized photothermal therapy, and in situ generated cytotoxic free radicals. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets reduced at least tenfold upon NIR laser irradiation compared to pristine Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets. The Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets were topically administrated on the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected wounds on diabetic mice.

CONCLUSION

Upon NIR illumination, Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets eradicated MRSA and their associated biofilm to promote wound healing. The Cu₂O/Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets with superior catalytic and photothermal properties have a great scope as an effective antimicrobial modality for the treatment of infected wounds.

Fasudil Promotes α-Synuclein Clearance in an AAV-Mediated α-Synuclein Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease by Autophagy Activation

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, but the disease-modifying therapies focusing on the core pathological changes are still unavailable. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been suggested as a promising target for developing neuroprotective therapies in PD.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the promotion of α-synuclein (α-syn) clearance in a rat model.

METHODS

In a rat model induced by unilateral injection of adeno-associated virus of serotype 9 (AAV9) expressing A53T α-syn (AAV9-A53T-α-syn) into the right substantia nigra, we aimed to investigate whether Fasudil could promote α-syn clearance and thereby attenuate motor impairments and dopaminergic deficits.

RESULTS

In our study, treatment with Fasudil (5 mg/kg rat weight/day) for 8 weeks significantly improved the motor deficits in the Cylinder and Rotarod tests. In the in vivo positron emission tomography imaging with the ligand 18F-dihydrotetrabenazine, Fasudil significantly enhanced the dopaminergic imaging in the injected striatum of the rat model (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle group, p < 0.01 vs. left striatum in Fasudil group). The following mechanistic study confirmed that Fasudil could promote the autophagic clearance of α-syn by Becline 1 and Akt/mTOR pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that Fasudil, the ROCK2 inhibitor, could attenuate the anatomical and behavioral lesions in the Parkinsonian rat model by autophagy activation. Our results identify Fasudil as a drug with high translational potential as disease-modifying treatment for PD and other synucleinopathies.

[Prevalence and related factors of CD4+T lymphocytes immune recovery among adult HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture]

Objective: To analyze the longitudinal characteristics of CD4⁺T lymphocytes (CD4) among the adult HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the related factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort of adult HIV/AIDS starting ART in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong) in 2007-2016 was followed up to December 31, 2018. Group-based trajectory models were utilized to identify CD4 subgroups based on immune recovery (whether and when CD4 reached the average level of >500 cells/μl). The demographics and information at ART baseline were described, and the related factors were analyzed with polytomous logistic regression. The SAS 9.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 7 605 adults with HIV/AIDS were included, of which the median (P₂₅,P₇₅) age at ART were 36 (30,43) years old, 61.0% were male, 42.5% were Han nationality, and 60.8% with the education of primary school or below. The follow-up duration M (P₂₅, P₇₅) was 6.1 (4.1,8.1) years. HIV/AIDS in Dehong showed four CD4 trajectory subgroups from low to high: below the average level, primary recovery to a normal level, full recovery to a moderate level, and normal steady level, accounting for 34.4%, 39.8%, 20.6%, and 5.2%, respectively. When compared with corresponding control groups, age <35 years at ART, female, education of middle school or above, sexual transmission, no opportunistic infection, CD4 ≥200 cells/μl, baseline regimen with tenofovir (TDF) and time from HIV diagnosis to ART <1 year were the related factors facilitating the higher CD4 subgroups. Conclusions: The various CD4 immune recoveries of HIV/AIDS were changing patterns after ART. Starting ART with a high CD4 level was beneficial to CD4 recovery to normal level during the follow-up period. Early initiation of ART and exceptional attention to CD4 immune recovery should be encouraged after the ART.

Disease Progression in Patients with Parkin-Related Parkinson's Disease in a Longitudinal Cohort

BACKGROUND

There was a paucity of follow-up studies in the disease progression of early-onset PD patients with Parkin mutations (Parkin-EOPD). Here we conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the progression of motor and cognitive features of Parkin-EOPD patients.

METHODS

Genetic analysis was performed via target sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Thirty patients carrying homozygous or compound heterozygous Parkin mutations with at least 2 follow-up revisions were investigated as the Parkin-EOPD group. Fifty-two patients with at least 2 follow-up revisions, who did not have any known causative PD mutations, GBA or LRRK2 risk variants, a heterozygous Parkin mutation or 2 Parkin mutations without a segregation test, were defined as the genetically undefined EOPD (GU-EOPD) group. A linear mixed-effect model was implemented to evaluate longitudinal changes in motor symptoms and cognition.

RESULTS

At baseline, the Parkin-EOPD group had a lower Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score (UPDRS-III) (off-medication) than the GU-EOPD group, without significant differences in cognition. A longitudinal study showed the estimated progression rate per year (standard error) of the UPDRS-III score (off-medication) was lower in the Parkin-EOPD group (0.203 [0.3162] points per year) than in the GU-EOPD group (1.056 [0.3001] points per year). The difference in the UPDRS-III score rate between the 2 groups was 0.853 (0.4183) (P = 0.042). The Parkin-EOPD group showed better maintenance of spatial processing ability compared with the GU-EOPD group (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Parkin-EOPD patients showed a slower deterioration of motor symptoms and a better spatial processing ability than GU-EOPD patients, which suggests that subtyping according to genetic features can help predict PD progression. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

TGM6 variants in Parkinson's disease: clinical findings and functional evidence

TGM6 encodes transglutaminase 6, which catalyzes the covalent crosslinking of proteins through transamination reactions. Variants in TGM6 have been identified as the cause of spinocerebellar ataxia type 35. However, we found 12 TGM6 variants of low frequency among 308 patients with Parkinson's disease using next-generation sequencing technologies and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification, including two variants TGM6 p.R111C and p.L517W, which have been reported to affect functions of transglutaminase 6 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 35 cases. The characteristics of these TGM6 carriers were summarized. To clarify the role of TGM6 variants in Parkinson's disease, we constructed the plasmids of wild-type TGM6 and TGM6 p.R111C, p.P359L, p.L517W to transfect A53T-SH-SY5Y cells and conducted transglutaminase assay, western blots, immunofluorescence, and cell viability assay. Results revealed that the distribution and expression levels of transglutaminase 6 were not affected by TGM6 variants. However, the variants showed lower transglutaminase activity than wild-type transglutaminase 6. The overexpression of wild-type TGM6 was proved to relieve the cell damage, down-regulate the level of α-synuclein and enhance autophagy. These effects were weakened in cells transfected with mutant TGM6 plasmids. Our results suggested that there may be some relationship between TGM6 and Parkinson's disease. TGM6 carriers in Parkinson's disease patients presented with typical parkinsonism but progressed slower. The high expression level of wild-type transglutaminase 6 may protect cells by decreasing α-synuclein and enhancing autophagy.

[Early containment strategies and core measures for prevention and control of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China]

In December 2019, novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and spread rapidly across the country. In the early stages of the epidemic, China adopted the containment strategy and implemented a series of core measures around this strategic point, including social mobilization, strengthening case isolation and close contacts tracking management, blocking epidemic areas and traffic control to reduce personnel movements and increase social distance, environmental measures and personal protection, with a view to controlling the epidemic as soon as possible in limited areas such as Wuhan. This article summarizes the background, key points and core measures in the country and provinces. It sent prospects for future prevention and control strategies.

[Progress in studies on obstructive sleep apnea and intestinal microecological balance]

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea （OSA） is closely related to the development of various diseases. Hypoxic perfusion caused by OSA can mediate the occurrence of inflammatory reactions or aggravate metabolic disorders to affect intestinal microecological balance. Intestinal bacteria can participate in the development of inflammatory reaction or metabolic disorder by itself or its components, and the oxidative stress reaction of the body develops in a vicious circle. The mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, so we reviewed the research progress on OSA and intestinal microecological balance.

[Effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress and negative emotional states in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress, anxiety and depression in patients with OSA. Method:Ninety patients with moderate and severe OSA patients with negative emotions diagnosed by PSG, self-rating depression scale （SDS） and self-rating anxiety scale （SAS） were selected from the respiratory department of our hospital from February 2015 to February 2018. According to the random number table method, the patients were randomly divided into non-invasive ventilator group, rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group and rhodiola rosea group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the non-invasive ventilator group were treated with continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） for 3 months, and those in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group were treated with oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months on the basis of CPAP, and those in the rhodiola rosea treatment group were treated with pure oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months. The changes of SDS and SAS before and after the three groups were compared, and the changes of serum SOD and MDA were detected by immunoenzyme-linked adsorption for comparative analysis. Result:There were no significant differences in SDS and SAS scores between the three groups （P>0.05）. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group decreased after treatment （P<0.05） compared with those in the non-invasive ventilator group. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola treatment group increased after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the rhodiola treatment group, SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola+non-invasive breathing group decreased after treatment （P<0.05）. Three group patients were no significant difference in serum SOD and malondialdehyde （MDA） before treatment （P>0.05）. Compared with before treatment, serum SOD level were all increased and MDA level were all decreased in the three groups after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with noninvasive breathing unit after treatment, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）, and for the treatment group after treatment in patients with serum SOD levels drop, the MDA levels （P<0.05）, and the after rhodiola rosea treatment group compared, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Rhodiola may improve the negative emotions such as anxiety and depression by inhibiting oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in patients with OSA.

[Epidemiological analysis of the deaths with antiretroviral treatment among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from 2005 to 2015]

Objective: To analyze the deaths with antiretroviral treatment among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from 2005 to 2015, in order to understand the epidemiological characteristics and to further reduce the mortality rate in Liangshan Prefecture. Methods: The relevant information was collected through the Management Database of Antiretroviral Treatment from the National AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Information System. Results: From 2005 to 2015, a total of 14 219 adult HIV/AIDS patients received antiretroviral treatment and 1 425 death cases were reported during the treatment. The cause of death was mainly AIDS-related diseases (58.9%), and the cumulative mortality rate was 10.02%. Gender, age, the way of infection, duration of antiretroviral therapy, clinical stage when received antiretroviral therapy, and CD(4)(+) T lymphocyte levels were factors for the mortality rate (P<0.001). The mortality increased with older age, higher initiation clinical stage and lower level of CD(4)(+) T lymphocyte. Among the death cases, 82.6% were male, 1 182 (82.9%) were married or cohabited, most aged between 30-39 years old (48.6%). At the initial point of receiving antiretroviral therapy, 49.7% of the cases with CD(4)(+)T lymphocytes levels< 200/μl, 61.2% of the deaths cases were>1 000 copies/ml during the last viral load test, and 16.2% of deaths were ≥500/μl in the last CD(4)(+)T lymphocyte test; 44.5% of deaths were received antiretroviral treatment within one year. Conclusion: Early and timely antiretroviral therapy should be carried out. It is necessary to strengthen the propaganda of antiretroviral therapy and to improve the management quality of follow-up information of antiretroviral therapy case files, and to improve the medication compliance of patients.

Two novel mutations of PEX6 in one Chinese Zellweger spectrum disorder and their clinical characteristics

Background

Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD) is an autosomal recessive peroxisome biogenesis disorder (PBD) caused by bi-allelic mutations in any of the 13 PEX family genes.

Methods

We reported a Chinese PBD-ZSD patient with compound heterozygous mutations of PEX6 detected by target sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The clinical materials were collected. In silico analysis were used to evaluate the pathogenicity of the two mutations. An updated review summarized the genotype-phenotype correlation of PBD patients with PEX6 mutations.

Results

The patient was diagnosed as PBD-ZSD and displayed retinitis pigmentosa, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, hypotonia, developmental delay, ovarian and enamel dysplasia. Elevated very long chain fatty acids were shown and a pattern of leukodystrophy was displayed through MRI. The two mutations were novel with p.Cys358* and p.Leu83Pro, both classified as pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guideline. Phenotype-genotype correlations were shown in the reported patients with PBD-ZSD continuum.

Conclusions

we reported the first Chinese PBD-ZSD patient with 2 novel mutations in PEX6. Target sequencing and VLFAC were helpful in diagnosis.

[Effect of peripheral hyperinsulinemia on assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin preparations in euglycemic clamp]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of peripheral hyperinsulinemia on assessment of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of insulin preparations in euglycemic clamp. Method: A total of 40 healthy male volunteers aged 18-45 years old in West China Hospital between 2015 and 2017 were divided into euglycemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (A) group and euglycemic clamp (B) group. Humulin R (0.2 U/kg) was given subcutaneously at steady state of clamp after infusion of short-acting insulin in A group while in B group Humulin R was given subcutaneously without establishment of artificial hyperinsulinemia. The blood glucose was maintained within target range during the whole clamp. Result: Maximum insulin concentration [(667±141) pmol/L vs (267±68) pmol/L, P<0.01] and area under curve (AUC) of insulin concentration [(152±32) nmol·L(-1)·min vs (57±7) nmol·L(-1)·min, P<0.01] in A group were higher while maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR) [(3.70±0.70) mg·kg(-1)·min(-1) vs (7.66±2.11) mg·kg(-1)·min(-1), P<0.01] and AUC of GIR [(931±272) mg/kg vs (1 920±452) mg/kg, P<0.01] were lower compared to B group. The serum C-peptide levels were lower in both groups after administration of insulin compared with baseline. Conclusion: It is not necessary applying euglycemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp to evaluate the PK/PD of insulin preparations, which may overestimate the PKparameters and underestimate the PD parameters of insulin preparations.

Multi-functional spintronic devices based on boron- or aluminum-doped silicene nanoribbons

Zigzag silicene nanoribbons (ZSiNRs) in the ferromagnetic edge ordering have a metallic behavior, which limits their applications in spintronics. Here a robustly half-metallic property is achieved by the boron substitution doping at the edge of ZSiNRs. When the impurity atom is replaced by the aluminum atom, the doped ZSiNRs possess a spin semiconducting property. Its band gap is suppressed with the increase of ribbon's width, and a pure thermal spin current is achieved by modulating ribbon's width. Moreover, a negative differential thermoelectric resistance in the thermal charge current appears as the temperature gradient increases, which originates from the fact that the spin-up and spin-down thermal charge currents have diverse increasing rates at different temperature gradient regions. Our results put forward a promising route to design multi-functional spintronic devices which may be applied in future low-power-consumption technologies.

Liquid-like thermal conduction in intercalated layered crystalline solids

As a generic property, all substances transfer heat through microscopic collisions of constituent particles ¹ . A solid conducts heat through both transverse and longitudinal acoustic phonons, but a liquid employs only longitudinal vibrations^2,3. As a result, a solid is usually thermally more conductive than a liquid. In canonical viewpoints, such a difference also serves as the dynamic signature distinguishing a solid from a liquid. Here, we report liquid-like thermal conduction observed in the crystalline AgCrSe₂. The transverse acoustic phonons are completely suppressed by the ultrafast dynamic disorder while the longitudinal acoustic phonons are strongly scattered but survive, and are thus responsible for the intrinsically ultralow thermal conductivity. This scenario is applicable to a wide variety of layered compounds with heavy intercalants in the van der Waals gaps, manifesting a broad implication on suppressing thermal conduction. These microscopic insights might reshape the fundamental understanding on thermal transport properties of matter and open up a general opportunity to optimize performances of thermoelectrics.

Zigzag C2N nanoribbons with edge modifications as multi-functional spin devices

Recently, a holey two-dimensional (2D) C₂N crystal with a wide band gap has been successfully synthesized. However, its non-magnetic property largely limits real applications in spintronics. Here we find that edge magnetism can be introduced by tailoring the holey 2D C₂N crystal into nanoribbons with zigzag edges. When edge N atoms are bare or passivated by H atoms, the device can be used to design high-performance thermospin devices and thermal rectifiers. This is ascribed to the emergence of a spin semiconducting property with a wide band gap. Moreover, if the edge N atoms are passivated by O atoms, the device shows a half-metallic property; meanwhile an obvious spin Seebeck effect can also be observed when a temperature difference is applied across the device.

[Factors associated with adherence of highly active antiretroviral therapy among 386 HIV/AIDS patients in 3 provinces of China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate adherence and the influence factors among patients who are on antiretrovirus therapy (ART) of 3 provinces in China.

METHODS

This study selected 18-year-old and older AIDS patients as the survey objects who initiated anti-retrovirus therapy between April and September of 2014 and kept on the treatment for one year in Yunnan,Sichuan,and Hu'nan province. Information of demography, treatment and social support was collected by questionnaires. Adopt SSRS questionnaire to calculate the information of objective support, subjective support and utilization of social support. χ(2) test and logistic regression were performed to examine relationships between factors and adherence.

RESULTS

A total of 386 patients with medication were investigated. Among them, there were 365 (94.6%) cases who were compliant to the ART, and 357 (92.5%) cases can take their pills on time, and 29 (7.5%) cases take their medication in excess of the prescribed time more than two hours. Social support score was 27.2 ± 7.3, including objective support score (5.6 ± 2.7), subjective support score (16.1 ± 4.8), and utilization of social support (5.5 ± 1.9). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that adherence was significantly associated with the correct cognition of medication (OR (95%CI): 3.24 (1.17-9.00)), the self-awareness of the drug regimen was not complexity (OR (95%CI): 9.34 (3.27-26.68)), taking medication 1 time a day (OR (95%CI): 4.00 (1.35-11.84)), and the batter utilization of social support (OR (95%CI): 1.49 (1.06-2.01)). Married/cohabiting or farmers tend to be nonadherenced, while the OR (95%CI) was 0.24 (0.08-0.67) and 0.23 (0.08-0.69), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The patients among these provinces were compliant to the ART, and most of them can take their pills on time. The social support score of these patients was lower than normal person. Participants who have correct cognition of medication, thinking their drug regimen was not complexity; Taking medication 1 time a day or have high level of utilization of social support showed a significantly higher level of self-reported adherence.

Carbon-based molecular devices: Fano effects controlled by the molecule length and the gate voltage

Fano effect is an important quantum phenomenon in mesoscopic systems, which arises from an interference between the localized state and the extended state. Here we observe an obvious Fano effect near the Fermi level in an all-carbon molecular device consisting of an acene molecule sandwiched between two zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) electrodes. By increasing the length of the molecule, an extended state gradually evolves into a localized state. With the aid of the nearby extended state, a Fano effect is achieved. Using a gate voltage, we can easily tune the Fano effect induced by the single-transmission channel. When the spin degree of freedom is involved, the all-carbon device can show a half-metallic property with positive or negative 100% spin polarization at the Fermi level under the gate voltage; meanwhile the spin thermoelectric effect can also be enhanced.

Human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope gene activates the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel in human neuroblastoma cells through CREB

Numerous studies have shown that human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W) envelope gene (env) is related to various diseases but the underlying mechanism has remained poorly understood. Our previous study showed that there was abnormal expression of HERV-W env in sera of patients with schizophrenia. In this paper, we reported that overexpression of the HERV-W env elevated the levels of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel protein 3 (SK3) in human neuroblastoma cells. Using a luciferase reporter system and RNA interference method, we found that functional cAMP response element site was required for the expression of SK3 triggered by HERV-W env. In addition, it was also found that the SK3 channel was activated by HERV-W env. Further study indicated that cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was required for the activation of the SK3 channel. Thus, a novel signaling mechanism of how HERV-W env influences neuronal activity and contributes to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia was proposed.

Multiclass microarray data classification based on confidence evaluation

Microarray technology is becoming a powerful tool for clinical diagnosis, as it has potential to discover gene expression patterns that are characteristic for a particular disease. To date, this possibility has received much attention in the context of cancer research, especially in tumor classification. However, most published articles have concentrated on the development of binary classification methods while neglected ubiquitous multiclass problems. Unfortunately, only a few multiclass classification approaches have had poor predictive accuracy. In an effort to improve classification accuracy, we developed a novel multiclass microarray data classification method. First, we applied a "one versus rest-support vector machine" to classify the samples. Then the classification confidence of each testing sample was evaluated according to its distribution in feature space and some with poor confidence were extracted. Next, a novel strategy, which we named as "class priority estimation method based on centroid distance", was used to make decisions about categories for those poor confidence samples. This approach was tested on seven benchmark multiclass microarray datasets, with encouraging results, demonstrating effectiveness and feasibility.

Soybean isoflavone alleviates β-amyloid 1-42 induced inflammatory response to improve learning and memory ability by down regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 expression and nuclear factor-κB activity in rats

β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced learning and memory impairment in rats is believed to be associated with inflammation. Cytokine production is a key pathologic event in the progression of inflammatory processes. In this rat study, soybean isoflavones (SIF) was used to investigate it's protective effects on inflammation caused by β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), which is associated with learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer disease. We characterized the learning and memory ability. cytokine profiles of circulating interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum and the expression of Toll like receptor4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) mRNA and protein in the brain tissue following intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1-42 by miniosmotic pump for 14 days. The results showed that functional deficits of learning and memory in SIF treatment groups were significantly improved compared to the control group without SIF treatment in water maze test. The serum IL-1β and TNF-α level were significantly increased, and the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein in the brain were up-regulated, indicating inflammation response was initiated following administration of Aβ1-42. After intragastric pre-treatment with SIF, inflammatory cytokines was significantly reduced and also SIF reversed the Aβ1-42 induced up-regulation of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in the brain and expression of NF-κB p65 in nuclei. These results suggested that SIF reduced the cytokine cascade and inflammatory response induced by Aβ1-42 which could result in the improvement of spatial learning and memory ability impairment in the rats.

First report of human infection by Rhodoplanes sp., Alphaproteobacteria in China

We isolated a novel strain of Alphaproteobacteria from a patient, who had medical history of chronic rhinitis for more than twenty years and recently experienced local skin abscess and ulcer. He eventually died of multiple organ failure due to multi-antibiotics resistance. We identified the microorganism by 16SrRNA sequencing and found that it belonged to the genus Rhodoplanes. It was named as Rhodoplanes sp. strain ZLJ-0. It is resumed that Rhodoplanes sp. strain ZLJ-0 might be an emerging human pathogen involving in unknown febrile conditions and could cause local infection of any tissues or organs. Differential diagnosis of febrile patients should be conducted in clinical practice and research on emerging pathogens of Alphaproteobacteria should be performed to determine the epidemiology, clinical symptoms and pathogenic features of these pathogens.

6-Hydr-oxy-3-(hydroxy-imino)indolin-2-one

In the title compound, C(8)H(6)N(2)O(3), the indol-2-one system is almost planar [maximum deviation = 0.010 (3) Å]. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular N-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. π-π contacts between the indole ring systems [centroid-centroid distances = 3.494 (1), 3.731 (1) and 3.736 (1) Å] may further stabilize the structure.

Observations on ozone treatment of excess sludge

This work experimentally studied the effects of ozonation treatment on waste sludge. During the treatment process, various parameters characterizing sludge were investigated. A substantial reduction in the volume of sludge and the release of intracellular and extracellular materials were observed. With the increase of ozone dose, the settleability and water content of sludge improved obviously, but the filterability of sludge deteriorated drastically. In addition, the evolution of particle size was evaluated, which proved the breakup of sludge flocs and cells. There existed a threshold of ozone dose which was 0.04 gO(3)/gMLSS in this work. Above the threshold, the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), protein, carbohydrate, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in supernatant increased remarkably and the electron transport system (ETS) sludge activity decreased. Organic nitrogen and organic phosphorus occupied the main part of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the supernatant.

Autologous Schwann cells drive regeneration through a 6-cm autogenous venous nerve conduit

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex series of events, involving bi-directional interactions between regenerating axons and Schwann cells. These authors have demonstrated in their laboratory that nerves will regenerate through a 3-cm autogenous venous nerve conduit (AVNC) in an animal model and, with Dr. David Chiu, a similar distance in the human. They have shown that the upper limit of nerve regeneration in an empty AVNC was 3 cm, with no evidence of nerve growth at the 6-cm mark (no-growth model). Most recently, they have demonstrated rapid growth at 1 month in a 3-cm AVNC filled with Schwann cells, compared to poor-to-no-regrowth at 1 month in controls. While, in theory, Schwann-cell-derived growth factor should be sufficient to supplant the requirement for Schwann cells, in practice, therapies with growth factors have failed in clinical trials, with some resulting in severe morbidity and mortality for the subjects. The present study showed excellent nerve regeneration through a 6-cm AVNC with the addition of autologous Schwann cells, breaking the barrier in the previous no-growth model. In the first stage, autologous Schwann cells were harvested from the contralateral peroneal nerve of the rabbit and expanded in culture. The Schwann cells were purified to >99 percent homogeneity using differential adhesion and antibody-compliment-mediated cytolysis. In the second stage, 6 cm of gluteal vein were harvested and used as a conduit that was filled with either Matrigel or a slurry of Matrigel and 10(6)/ml autologous Schwann cells (n=6 control and 6 experimental animals). The non-donor side peroneal was exposed and transected, leaving a gap of 6 cm. The filled gluteal vein graft (AVNC) was then anastomosed to the proximal and distal peroneal nerve stumps, and the rabbits were allowed to recover. Four months postoperatively, the animals were subjected to transcardiac perfusion with EM grade fixative. The grafts were analyzed at the light and electronmicroscopic levels, and showed excellent growth of nerve at 6 cm, the distal end of the AVNC.

[The imaging principles and the structure of the low-dose digital radiographic device]

This article introduced A new type of X-ray radiographic device, which uses MWPC as the low-dose detector with the machinery and computer to reconstruct the X-ray digital images. In this paper, the advantages and the disadvantages of the device are analysed, thus much improvement has been made to make it better and more efficient.

Development of biodegradable films from whey proteins by cross-linking and entrapment in cellulose

When cross-linked by heating or by gamma-irradiation and entrapped in cellulose, whey proteins can generate insoluble biofilms with good mechanical properties and high resistance to attack by proteolytic enzymes. Interchain cross-linking of proteins generated an increase in the puncture strength, and a decrease in water vapor permeability. Gelatin was added in film formulation as a stabilizer to improve the puncture strength and film appearance. The structure of the biofilms was also analyzed. SDS-PAGE revealed that heating and gamma-irradiation produce an increase of the molecular weight of the cross-linked protein. Size exclusion chromatography showed a molecular mass of 40 kDa for un-cross-linked whey proteins, whereas for the soluble fractions of the cross-linked proteins, molecular distributions were between 600 and 3800 kDa for the heated proteins and between 1000 and 2000 kDa for gamma-irradiated proteins. No major alteration of the structural conformation of the proteins was observed by FTIR for biofilms obtained after heat treatment, whereas gamma-irradiation induced some modifications in the protein structure. X-ray diffraction analysis suggests that cross-linking by gamma-irradiation seems to modify the conformation of proteins, which became more ordered and more stable.

Mechanical and structural properties of milk protein edible films cross-linked by heating and gamma-irradiation

The mechanical properties of cross-linked edible films based on calcium caseinate and two type of whey proteins (commercial and isolate) were investigated. Cross-linking of the proteins was carried out using thermal and radiative treatments. Size-exclusion chromatography performed on the cross-linked proteins showed that gamma-irradiation increased the molecular weight of calcium caseinate, while it changed little for the whey proteins. However, heating of the whey protein solution induced cross-linking. For both cross-linked proteins, the molecular weight distribution was >/=2 x 10(3) kDa. Combined thermal and radiative treatments were applied to protein formulations with various ratios of calcium caseinate and whey proteins. Whey protein isolate could replace up to 50% of calcium caseinate without decreasing the puncture strength of the films. Films based on commercial whey protein and calcium caseinate were weaker than those containing whey protein isolate. Electron microscopy showed that the mechanical characteristics of these films are closely related to their microstructures.

Self-organization of scattering in photorefractive KNbO(3) into a reconfigurable hexagonal spot array

The scattering cone (~2 degrees ) from an Ar laser beam (514 nm) in photorefractive KNbO(3):Fe has been observed to transform into a reconfigurable hexagonal spot array. This phenomenon can be explained through the creation of laser-induced transmission and reflection grating arrays.

[Treatment of purpuric nephritis in children with Tripterygium wilfordii and radix Salviae miltiorrhizae]

This paper dealt with the data of Tripterygium wilfordii polyoglucoside (1 mg/kg.d) combined with Radix Salvaie multiorrhizae (6-15 g/d) for treating purpuric nephritis (group-A), compared with the control group of using Tripterygium wilfordii polyoglucoside treatment only (group-B). The average time of edema-disappearing and blood pressure-resuming to normal range were 8.72 +/- 3.07 and 7.44 +/- 5.17 days in group-A, which were much better than those in group-B (P < 0.05). The average time of blood urine-disappearing in group-A and group-B were 36.37 +/- 11.50 and 47.73 +/- 14.03 days respectively. The average time on C3 in the urine resumed to normal in groups A and B were 40.33 +/- 4.51 and 50.00 +/- 5.30 days respectively (P < 0.01). The time of microcirculation of nail fold returned to normal after treatment in group-A and group-B were 39.00 +/- 11.03 and 66.00 +/- 9.01 days respectively (P < 0.001). These results indicated that the effect of group-A was much better than that of group-B.

Suppression of hemodynamic change before extubation--lidocaine through modified endotracheal tube

Twenty females, aged 31 to 49 years, scheduled for abdominal total hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups in this study. An epidural catheter was placed at T11-12 before general anesthesia. All patients receive the combination of epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia for the operation and relief of pain postoperatively. The modified endotracheal tube we used is shown in Fig. 1. For patients in group I (Lidocaine group), 2 mL 4% lidocaine solution was injected through the catheter to desensitize the tracheal mucosa around the cuff after the surgeon had removed the uterus. In group II (Control group), no special management was made. All patients were not extubated until they were considered to be awake. Systolic blood pressure at three and one minute before extubation and pulse rate recorded at one minute before extubation showed in patients of group I were statistically smoother than those recorded in group II (p less than 0.01). All patients had gag reflex just after awake extubation.