Use of short echo time two-dimensional 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in temporal lobe epilepsy with negative magnetic resonance imaging findings

We evaluated short echo time two-dimensional 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (2D-1HMRS) with the point-resolved spatial selection (PRESS) protocol in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and described the characteristics of 2D-(1)HMRS in the epileptic focus. Thirty-eight TLE patients with negative conventional MRI findings and 10 healthy controls were studied by 2D-1HMRS. A 128-channel prolonged video-electroencephalographic (EEG) method was used as the standard for epileptogenic focus localization to evaluate N-acetyl aspartate/(choline + creatine + phosphocreatine) (NAA/[Cho + Cr-PCr]), glutamate + glutamine/creatine (Glx/Cr-PCr) and myo-inositol/Cr-PCr ratios in patients with negative MRI findings. The 2D-1HMRS showed that 32/38 patients and all healthy controls had stable baselines and good signal-to-noise ratios. Compared with the healthy controls, 32 patients showed abnormal NAA/(Cho + Cr-PCr) ratios in the hippocampus and, in 25 of these patients, focus lateralization agreed with the EEG. It is concluded that short echo time 2D-1HMRS with the PRESS protocol can help find abnormalities in lateralization of temporal epilepsy in patients with negative MRI findings.

The relationship between Chinese construction workers' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour: a structural equation model

This study explored the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in migrant urban construction workers using structural equation modelling (SEM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 male subjects on three building sites in Shenyang City. The SEM model of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour was built using LISREL version 8.5 and it fitted the data well, as shown by an adjusted goodness of fit index of 0.82 and a root mean square error of approximation of 0.094. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was closely correlated with attitudes and behaviour. Age was an important factor affecting HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. These findings suggest that increasing HIV/AIDS-related knowledge could improve the attitude and behaviour of migrant urban construction workers, enabling them to avoid high-risk behaviour that increases the spread of HIV/AIDS. Any intervention used will need to take the important factor of age into consideration.

Reliability and validity testing of the SF-36 questionnaire for the evaluation of the quality of life of Chinese urban construction workers

The quality of life (QOL) of the Chinese 'floating' migrant population is of growing concern. Urban construction workers are the main migrant population in China, but there is little published research on their QOL. The reliability and validity of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire were assessed by conducting a population-based study of migrant construction workers in Shenyang, China. Two construction sites were randomly selected from each of the five districts of Shenyang City and 1200 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to rurally-registered, non-Shenyang workers aged > or = 16 years at these sites. A total of 1125 questionnaires were evaluated. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the SF-36 questionnaire was 0.821 while the respective Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each dimension was > 0.70. Results showed that the SF-36 questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity, and that it can be used to measure QOL among Chinese migrant urban construction workers.

Cytokines and angiogenic factors in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with interferon-alpha: association of pretreatment serum levels with survival

BACKGROUND

To correlate serum cytokine and angiogenic factor (CAF) levels with overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum CAF levels were measured in 103 patients treated on a randomized trial with IFN-alpha 0.5 million units (MU) twice daily or 5 MU daily. Concentrations of 17 analytes were determined by multiplex bead immunoassays [vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF(A)) and several cytokines] or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (basic fibroblast growth factor). We used proportional hazards models to evaluate the effect of CAF levels and clinical factors on OS.

RESULTS

Pretreatment serum interleukin (IL) 5, IL-12 p40, VEGF(A), and IL-6 levels and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center risk grouping independently correlated with OS, with hazard ratios of 2.33, 2.00, 2.07, 1.82, and 0.39, respectively (concordance index = 0.69 for the combined model versus 0.60 for the CAF model versus 0.52 for the clinical model). Based on an index derived from these five risk factors (RFs), patients with 0-2 RF had a median OS time of 32 months versus 9 months for patients with 3-5 RF (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CAF profiling contributes to prognostic evaluation in mRCC and helps to identify a subset of patients with 20% 5-year OS.

Fibronectin adsorption studied using neutron reflectometry and complementary techniques

In implantology it is known that fibronectin affects cell-substrate adhesion, consequently, the structure and composition of the initially adsorbed fibronectin layer to a large extent determines the biological response to a biomaterial implanted into the body. In this study we have used neutron reflectometry and quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation to investigate the amount of fibronectin adsorbed, the layer density, thickness and structure of films adsorbed to polished silicon oxide surfaces. We have cultured MG63 osteoblast-like cells on surfaces coated and uncoated with fibronectin and monitored the cellular response to these surfaces. The results show that at fibronectin concentrations in the range 0.01 to 0.1 mg/ml a single highly hydrated layer of fibronectin approximately 40-50 Å in thickness adsorbs to a polished silicon oxide surface and is likely to correspond to one diffuse monolayer of fibronectin arranged side-on. Cells cultured on this fibronectin layer have dramatically different morphology and growth to those grown on bare surfaces. Using a model silicon oxide surface has enabled us to study the substrate/protein interface, together with the impact of a fibronectin layer on the cellular response using consistent experimental conditions across a unique set of experimental techniques.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome, cohesin, and beyond

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) (OMIM #122470, #300590 and #610759) is a dominant genetic disorder with multiple organ system abnormalities which is classically characterized by typical facial features, growth and mental retardation, upper limb defects, hirsutism, gastrointestinal and other visceral system involvement. Mutations in three cohesin proteins, a key regulator of cohesin, NIPBL, and two structural components of the cohesin ring SMC1A and SMC3, etiologically account for about 65% of individuals with CdLS. Cohesin controls faithful chromosome segregation during the mitotic and meiotic cell cycles. Multiple proteins in the cohesin pathway are also involved in additional fundamental biological events such as double-strand DNA break repair and long-range regulation of transcription. Moreover, chromosome instability was recently associated with defective sister chromatid cohesion in several cancer studies, and an increasing number of human developmental disorders is being reported to result from disruption of this pathway. Here, we will discuss the human disorders caused by alterations of cohesin function (termed 'cohesinopathies'), with an emphasis on the clinical manifestations of CdLS and mechanistic studies of the CdLS-related proteins.

Parquet approximation for the 4x4 Hubbard cluster

We present a numerical solution of the parquet approximation, a conserving diagrammatic approach which is self-consistent at both the single-particle and the two-particle levels. The fully irreducible vertex is approximated by the bare interaction thus producing the simplest approximation that one can perform with the set of equations involved in the formalism. The method is applied to the Hubbard model on a half-filled 4x4 cluster. Results are compared to those obtained from determinant quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC), FLuctuation EXchange (FLEX), and self-consistent second-order approximation methods. This comparison shows a satisfactory agreement with DQMC and a significant improvement over the FLEX or the self-consistent second-order approximation.

Long-lasting infiltration anaesthesia by lidocaine-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in hydrogel in rats

BACKGROUND

Infiltration of a long-lasting anaesthetic is helpful during the post-operative period. The recently developed local drug delivery system, biodegradable nanoparticles in a thermo-sensitive hydrogel (nanogel system), may possibly provide an extended duration of drugs. Therefore, we evaluated whether prolonged infiltration anaesthesia could be achieved by loading lidocaine into this delivery system.

METHODS

Thirty male rats were randomized into five groups of six rats each: saline; 2% hydrochloride lidocaine solution; lidocaine-loaded nanogel system and its compositing formulations, namely lido-nano gel; lido-nano; and lidogel. Durations of local anaesthesia with subcutaneously injected agents were measured by tail flick latency tests in a randomized, blind fashion.

RESULTS

Lido-nano gel produced effective anaesthesia for 360+/-113 min, compared with 150+/-33 min by lidogel, 180+/-37 min by lido-nano, and 110+/-45 min by lidocaine solution (P<0.001, means+/-SD), and elicited complete sensory blockade for 300+/-114 min, compared with 75+/-37 min by lidogel, 105+/-53 min by lido-nano, and 60+/-33 min by lidocaine solution (P<0.001, means+/-SD) without severe skin/systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Lidocaine-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in hydrogel produced prolonged infiltration anaesthesia in rats without severe toxicity, indicating a possible way to develop long-lasting local anaesthetics.

High pressure Raman investigations of multiferroic BiFeO(3)

We have reported a Raman scattering investigation of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO(3)) under high pressure up to 50 GPa. Distinct changes in the Raman spectra show evidence for three pressure-induced structural transitions. The abrupt frequency redshifts of the Raman modes near 300 cm(-1) at around 3 GPa are attributed to the modulation of the FeO(6) octahedral tilts. The disappearance of the modes below 250 cm(-1) at 8.6 GPa, together with the enhancement of the two modes in the range of 300-400 cm(-1), indicate the phase transition from the rhombohedral to orthorhombic symmetry. Afterward, the E-3 and E-4 modes disappear at 44.6 GPa, pointing to the occurrence of the orthorhombic-cubic phase transition, which is consistent with the previous postulate that an orthorhombic-cubic transition takes place across the metal-insulator transition at high pressures.

Effects of losartan on fibrinolytic parameters and von Willebrand factor in Chinese subjects with hypertension: a comparative study versus atenolol

To compare the effects of losartan and atenolol on plasma fibrinolytic parameters and von Willebrand factor (vWF), Chinese subjects with mild-to-moderate hypertension were randomized to receive losartan (50 mg/day; n = 30) or atenolol (50 mg/day; n = 30) for 8 weeks. If target blood pressure (< 140/90 mmHg) was not achieved at week 4, hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg/day) was also administered. Plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and vWF were determined at baseline and after treatment. Between-group baseline characteristics and blood pressure decrease were comparable. Losartan significantly reduced plasma PAI-1 and vWF and PAI-1/tPA ratio. Atenolol significantly increased plasma tPA, but PAI-1, vWF and PAI-1/tPA ratio were unchanged. In conclusion, losartan, but not atenolol improved the fibrinolytic system and reduced plasma vWF levels in Chinese hypertensives.

Inhibition of autophagy induced by overexpression of mda-7/interleukin-24 strongly augments the antileukemia activity in vitro and in vivo

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24) is a novel candidate of tumor suppressor that can selectively induce apoptosis experimentally in a spectrum of human cancer cells including leukemia cells. However, a recent study suggests that mda-7/IL-24 promotes the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia B-cells. In this study, we showed that mda-7/IL-24 was constitutively expressed in leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia samples. Using a conditionally replicating adenovirus expressing mda-7/IL-24 (ZD55-IL-24), we showed that enforced expression of mda-7/IL-24 in leukemia cells induced autophagy, which was triggered by the upregulation of Beclin-1. Immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation studies suggested that mda-7/IL-24 protein interacts with Beclin-1. Class III PI3K/Beclin-1 complex was shown involved in the mda-7/IL-24-induced autophagy. Moreover, autophagy inhibition by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, resulted in a reduced Beclin-1 expression and autophagosome formation associated with significantly enhanced cell death. Importantly, the combination of ZD55-IL-24 with wortmannin elicited a strongly enhanced antileukemia efficacy in established leukemia xenografts. These results suggest that mda-7/IL-24-induced autophagy in leukemia cells may provide survival advantage and mda-7/IL-24 combined with agents that disrupt autophagy is a promising new strategy for the treatment of leukemia.

Mechanism of cardiac preconditioning with volatile anaesthetics

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced cardioprotection. It is not thoroughly understood how volatile anaesthetics protect the myocardium from ischaemia or reperfusion injury, but the overall mechanism is likely to be multifactorial. This review examines the recent experimental and clinical research underlying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in anaesthetic-induced preconditioning. A variety of intracellular signalling pathways have been implicated in the protective phenomenon. Ischaemic preconditioning and anaesthetic-induced preconditioning share similar molecular mechanisms, including activation of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, triggering of second messenger pathways, activation of multiple kinases, mediation of nitric oxide formation and reactive oxygen species release, maintenance of intracellular and/or mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and moderation of the opening of adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels. A more thorough understanding of the multiple signalling steps and the ultimate cytoprotective mechanisms underlying anaesthetic-induced preconditioning may lead to improvements in the management of ischaemia and/or reperfusion injury.

Study on genes with altered expression in alpha-amanitin poisoned mice and evaluation on antagonistic effects of traditional Chinese medicines against toxicity of alpha-amanitin

The forward and reverse cDNA subtractive libraries before and after the toxic effect of alpha-amanitin were constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization and randomly selected clones from each subtractive library were screened by PCR and dot blot hybridization. A total of 85 genes with altered expression were finally identified, with 41 genes from the forward library and 44 from the reverse library. Subsequently, the antagonistic effects of candidate traditional Chinese medicines were evaluated based on the genetic transcription levels of the genes with significant altered expression, including Catnbeta, Flt3-L, IL-7r and Rpo2-4. The results indicated that Silybum marianum (L.) Gaert and Ganoderma lucidum had significant down-regulated effects on the transcription level of Catnbeta that was up-regulated by alpha-amanitin, and the two herbs also up-regulated the transcription levels of Flt3-L and Rpo2-4. Silybum marianum (L.) had significant up-regulated effects on the IL-7r that was down-regulated by alpha-amanitin. These preliminary studies suggested that Silybum marianum (L.) and Ganoderma lucidum were effective antagonists against the toxicity of alpha-amanitin.

K/pi Fluctuations at relativistic energies

We report K/pi fluctuations from Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]= 19.6, 62.4, 130, and 200 GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. K/pi fluctuations in central collisions show little dependence on incident energy and are on the same order as those from NA49 at the Super Proton Synchrotron in central Pb + Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=12.3 and 17.3 GeV. We report results for the collision centrality dependence of K/pi fluctuations and results for charge-separated fluctuations. We observe that the K/pi fluctuations scale with the charged particle multiplicity density.

Classical aspects in above-threshold ionization with a midinfrared strong laser field

We present high resolution photoelectron energy spectra of noble gas atoms from high intensity above-threshold ionization (ATI) at midinfrared wavelengths. An unexpected structure at the very low-energy portion of the spectra, in striking contrast to the prediction of the simple-man theory, has been revealed. A semiclassical model calculation is able to reproduce the experimental feature and suggests the prominent role of the Coulomb interaction of the outgoing electron with the parent ion in producing the peculiar structure in long wavelength ATI spectra.

Lysophosphatidic acid-induced platelet shape change revealed through LPA(1-5) receptor-selective probes and albumin

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a component of mildly-oxidized LDL and the lipid rich core of atherosclerotic plaques, elicits platelet activation. LPA is the ligand of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) of the EDG family (LPA(1-3)) and the newly identified LPA(4-7) subcluster. LPA(4), LPA(5) and LPA(7) increase cellular cAMP levels that would induce platelet inhibition rather than activation. In the present study we quantified the mRNA levels of the LPA(1-7) GPCR in human platelets and found a rank order LPA(4) = LPA(5) > LPA(7) > LPA(6) = LPA(2) >> LPA(1) > LPA(3). We examined platelet shape change using a panel of LPA receptor subtype-selective agonists and antagonists and compared them with their pharmacological profiles obtained in heterologous LPA(1-5) receptor expression systems. Responses to different natural acyl and alkyl species of LPA, and octyl phosphatidic acid analogs, alpha-substituted phosphonate analogs, N-palmitoyl-tyrosine phosphoric acid, N-palmitoyl-serine phosphoric acid were tested. All of these compounds elicited platelet activation and also inhibited LPA-induced platelet shape change after pre-incubation, suggesting that receptor desensitization is likely responsible for the inhibition of this response. Fatty acid free albumin (10 microM) lacking platelet activity completely inhibited platelet shape change induced by LPA with an IC(50) of 1.1 microM but had no effect on the activation of LPA(1,2,3,&5) expressed in endogenously non-LPA-responsive RH7777 cells. However, albumin reduced LPA(4) activation and shifted the dose-response curve to the right. LPA(5) transiently expressed in RH7777 cells showed preference to alkyl-LPA over acyl-LPA that is similar to that in platelets. LPA did not increase cAMP levels in platelets. In conclusion, our results with the pharmacological compounds and albumin demonstrate that LPA does not induce platelet shape change simply through activation of LPA(1-5), and the receptor(s) mediating LPA-induced platelet activation remains elusive.

Depression and low bone mineral density: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies

SUMMARY

The association between depression and loss of bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported inconsistently. This meta-analysis, which pooled results from 14 qualifying individual studies, found that depression was associated with a significantly decreased BMD, with a substantially greater BMD decrease in depressed women and in cases of clinical depression.

INTRODUCTION

The reported association between depression and loss of BMD has been controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether depression and BMD are associated and to identify the variation in some subgroups.

METHODS

English-language articles published before October 2008 were used as the data source. A total of six case-controlled and eight cross-sectional studies met prestated inclusion criteria (N = 10,523). Information on study design, participant characteristics, measurements of BMD and depression, and control for potential confounders was abstracted independently by two investigators using a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

Overall, depression was associated with a significant decrease in mean BMD of spine (-0.053 g/cm(2) [95% confidence interval {CI} -0.087 to -0.018 g/cm(2)]) and hip (-0.052 g/cm(2) [95% CI -0.083 to -0.022 g/cm(2)]). A substantially greater BMD decrease was observed in depressed women (-0.076 g/cm(2) in spine; -0.059 g/cm(2) in hip) and in cases of clinical depression (-0.074 g/cm(2) in spine; -0.080 g/cm(2) in hip).

CONCLUSION

Depression is associated with low BMD, with a substantially greater BMD decrease in depressed women and in cases of clinical depression. Depression should be considered as an important risk factor for osteoporosis.

A +220 GATA motif mediates basal but not endotoxin-repressible expression of the von Willebrand factor promoter in Hprt-targeted transgenic mice

BACKGROUND

The von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene is a marker for spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the endothelium. A GATA motif at +220 has been implicated in basal VWF expression in vitro. Other studies have shown that GATA3 and VWF are transcriptionally downregulated in response to inflammatory mediators.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to determine the importance of the +220 GATA motif in mediating expression of VWF promoter in vivo, and to elucidate whether the GATA element plays a role in spatial and/or temporal regulation of VWF expression.

METHODS

ChIP and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were carried out in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Reporter gene constructs containing 3.6 kb of the human VWF promoter with and without a mutation of the +220 GATA element were transfected into cultured endothelial cells or targeted to the Hprt locus of mice. The Hprt-targeted mice were subjected to endotoxemia.

RESULTS

In protein-DNA binding assays, the +220 GATA motif bound GATA-2, -3 and -6. Mutation of the GATA site resulted in reduced basal promoter activity in HUVEC. When targeted to the Hprt locus of mice, the GATA mutation resulted in a significant, proportionate reduction of promoter activity in LacZ expressing vascular beds. Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a widespread reduction in VWF mRNA expression and promoter activity. LPS-mediated repression of the VWF promoter was unaffected by the GATA mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

A region of the VWF promoter between -2182 and the end of the first intron contains information for LPS-mediated gene repression. The +220 GATA motif is important for basal, but not LPS-repressible expression of the VWF gene.