Multiple-Dose Plasma Pharmacokinetic and Safety Study of LY450108 and LY451395 (AMPA Receptor Potentiators) and Their Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Healthy Human Subjects

The objective of this study was to measure the steady-state cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of LY450108 and LY451395 (positive modulators of AMPA receptors) in healthy subjects after the administration of 1 mg and 5 mg. Secondary objectives included the evaluation of safety, pharmacokinetics, and steady-state ratio of plasma:CSF concentrations of LY450108 and LY451395 after multiple dosing. This study was an open-label, multiple oral dose study evaluating 1 mg and 5 mg LY450108 and 1 mg and 5 mg LY451395 in 12 (3 subjects per dosing group) healthy subjects, aged 18 to 49 years. Twelve healthy male subjects completed the study. LY450108 and LY451395 were quantifiable in CSF after 1-mg and 5-mg multiple-dose administrations with plasma:CSF ratio of 82:1 and 44:1, respectively. LY450108 and LY451395 1 mg and 5 mg were measured in the CSF. Single and multiple oral doses of LY450108 and LY451395 were determined to be safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects.

Neural transdifferentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on hydrophobic polymer-modified surface and therapeutic effects in an animal model of ischemic stroke

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multi-lineage differentiation potential and can become cells of mesodermal and neural lineages. These stem cells thus hold considerable clinical promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. For successful regeneration of damaged neural tissues, directed differentiation of neural or neuronal precursor cells from MSCs and integration of transplanted cells are pivotal factors. We induced MSCs into neurogenesis using a modified protocol. The therapeutic potency of the resulting neural progenitor cells in a rat model of ischemic stroke was analyzed. Using a highly hydrophobic diphenylamino-s-triazine-bridged p-phenylene (DTOPV)-coated surface and adopting a procedure for propagation of neural stem cells, we efficiently converted MSCs into neurosphere-like cellular aggregates (NS-MSCs). The spherical cells were subsequently induced to differentiate into neural cells expressing neuroectodermal markers. To determine whether these cells had neuronal fates and induced neuro-protective effects in vivo, NS-MSCs were intra-cerebrally administered to rats 48h after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAo). The results showed a remarkable attenuation of ischemic damage with significant functional recovery, although the cells were not fully incorporated into the damaged tissues on post-operative day 26. Improvement in the NS-MSC-transplanted rats was faster than in the MSC group and suppression of inflammation was likely the key factor. Thus, our culture system using the hydrophobic surface of a biocompatible DTOPV coating efficiently supported neural cell differentiation from MSCs. Neural-primed MSCs exhibited stronger therapeutic effects than MSCs in rat brains with pMCAo.

Transforming growth factor-β gene silencing using adenovirus expressing TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 shRNA

Tumor cells secrete a variety of cytokines to outgrow and evade host immune surveillance. In this context, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an extremely interesting cytokine because it has biphasic effects in cancer cells and normal cells. TGF-β1 acts as a growth inhibitor in normal cells, whereas it promotes tumor growth and progression in tumor cells. Overexpression of TGF-β1 in tumor cells also provides additional oncogenic activities by circumventing the host immune surveillance. Therefore, this study ultimately aimed to test the hypothesis that suppression of TGF-β1 in tumor cells by RNA interference can have antitumorigenic effects. However, we demonstrated here that the interrelation between TGF-β isotypes should be carefully considered for the antitumor effect in addition to the selection of target sequences with highest efficacy. The target sequences were proven to be highly specific and effective for suppressing both TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression in cells after infection with an adenovirus expressing TGF-β1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). A single base pair change in the shRNA sequence completely abrogated the suppressive effect on TGF-β1. Surprisingly, the suppression of TGF-β1 induced TGF-β3 upregulation, and the suppression of TGF-β2 induced another unexpected downregulation of both TGF-β1 and TGF-β3. Taken together, this information may prove useful when considering the design for a novel cancer immunogene therapy.

Usefulness of slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) for reducing metallic artifacts in 3-T MRI

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) in 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) in minimizing metallic artifacts in patients with spinal prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained for this study. Twenty-seven spine MR scans were performed with metal artifact reduction SEMAC between May 2011 and July 2012 in patients with metallic devices. The MR scans were performed on a 3-T MR system (Achieva; Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) including SEMAC-corrected T2-weighted axial/sagittal images and two-dimensional fast spin echo (FSE) axial/sagittal images. The SEMAC-corrected images were compared to conventional T2-weighted FSE images. Two musculoskeletal radiologists qualitatively analyzed the images in terms of visualization of the pedicle, vertebral body, dural sac, intervertebral disc, intervertebral neural foramina, screws and metallic artifacts. The paired images were rated using a 5-point scale. P values less than .05 were considered to indicate statistically significant differences.

RESULTS

The SEMAC-corrected MR images significantly reduced the metal-related artifacts. The T2-weighted images with SEMAC sequences enabled significantly improved periprosthetic visualizations of the pedicle, vertebral body, dural sac and neural foramina, with the exception of the intervertebral disc (P<.05). In addition, there was significant improvement in prosthesis visualization (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

MR images with SEMAC can reduce metal-related artifacts, providing improved delineation of the prosthesis and periprosthetic region. However, for the evaluation of the intervertebral disc, the SEMAC-corrected MR images showed no significant benefits.

Aquatic toxicity assessment of phosphate compounds

OBJECTIVES

Tricalcium phosphate and calcium hydrogenorthophosphate are high production volume chemicals, mainly used as foodstuff additives, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, synthetic resin, and disinfectants. Phosphate has the potential to cause increased algal growth leading to eutrophication in the aquatic environment. However, there is no adequate information available on risk assessment or acute and chronic toxicity. The aim of this research is to evaluate the toxic potential of phosphate compounds in the aquatic environment.

METHODS

An aquatic toxicity test of phosphate was conducted, and its physico-chemical properties were obtained from a database recommended in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidance manual. An ecotoxicity test using fish, Daphnia, and algae was conducted by the good laboratory practice facility according to the OECD TG guidelines for testing of chemicals, to secure reliable data.

RESULTS

THE RESULTS OF THE ECOTOXICITY TESTS OF TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND CALCIUM HYDROGENORTHOPHOSPHATE ARE AS FOLLOWS: In an acute toxicity test with Oryzias latipes, 96 hr 50% lethal concentration (LC(50)) was >100 (measured:>2.14) mg/L and >100 (measured: >13.5) mg/L, respectively. In the Daphnia test, 48 hr 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) was >100 (measured: >5.35) mg/L and >100 (measured: >2.9) mg/L, respectively. In a growth inhibition test with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, 72 hr EC(50) was >100 (measured: >1.56) mg/L and >100 (measured: >4.4) mg/L, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of the ecotoxicity test of phosphate using fish, Daphnia, and algae, L(E)C(50) was above 100 mg/L (nominal), indicating no toxicity. In general, the total phosphorus concentration including phosphate in rivers and lakes reaches levels of several ppm, suggesting that phosphate has no toxic effects. However, excessive inflow of phosphate into aquatic ecosystems has the potential to cause eutrophication due to algal growth.

TREK-1 and Best1 channels mediate fast and slow glutamate release in astrocytes upon GPCR activation

Astrocytes release glutamate upon activation of various GPCRs to exert important roles in synaptic functions. However, the molecular mechanism of release has been controversial. Here, we report two kinetically distinct modes of nonvesicular, channel-mediated glutamate release. The fast mode requires activation of G(αi), dissociation of G(βγ), and subsequent opening of glutamate-permeable, two-pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 through direct interaction between G(βγ) and N terminus of TREK-1. The slow mode is Ca(2+) dependent and requires G(αq) activation and opening of glutamate-permeable, Ca(2+)-activated anion channel Best1. Ultrastructural analyses demonstrate that TREK-1 is preferentially localized at cell body and processes, whereas Best1 is mostly found in microdomains of astrocytes near synapses. Diffusion modeling predicts that the fast mode can target neuronal mGluR with peak glutamate concentration of 100 μM, whereas slow mode targets neuronal NMDA receptors at around 1 μM. Our results reveal two distinct sources of astrocytic glutamate that can differentially influence neighboring neurons.

Overexpression of Uromodulin-like1 accelerates follicle depletion and subsequent ovarian degeneration

Murine Uromodulin-like 1 (Umodl1) encodes Ca²⁺-dependent EGF-like membrane-bound proteins. This study presents its novel expression in the immune and female reproductive systems. Upon stimulation by CD3/CD28 antibodies, Umodl1 showed a prompt and robust response in the proliferating CD4⁺ T cells, suggesting its implication in immune defense against pathogens. In ovary, Umodl1 is regulated by gonadotropins. Mice carrying extra copies of functional Umodl1 were generated by BAC transgenesis. Defects in the female reproductive system became evident from 4 months of age, manifested by reduced or diminished fertility. Histology revealed that the ovaries contained very few discernible follicles in the cortical region, and were devoid of distinguishable corpus lutea (CL). Among the multilayered preantral follicles, elevated apoptosis was observed in both the oocytes and surrounding granulosa cells (GCs). Furthermore, a high level of PPARγ indicated an abnormal adipogenesis in the mutant ovaries, which resulted in the conversion of GCs into adipocytes. By 6 months of age, all mutant mice became anovulatory. Ovarian tissues including CL, follicles of various stages and associated stromal cells were degenerated. Altered expression of AMH, follicle-stimulating hormone and other ovary-specific marker genes such as Gdf-9, Rnf35, NOHLH and Gcx-1 further demonstrated that the molecular properties of the mutant ovaries have been severely disturbed. This work presents a novel animal model for investigating the pathogenesis of premature ovarian failure or early ovarian ageing.

Measurement of direct photons in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We report the measurement of direct photons at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. The direct photon signal was extracted for the transverse momentum range of 4 GeV/c<p(T)<22 GeV/c, using a statistical method to subtract decay photons from the inclusive photon sample. The direct photon nuclear modification factor R(AA) was calculated as a function of p(T) for different Au+Au collision centralities using the measured p+p direct photon spectrum and compared to theoretical predictions. R(AA) was found to be consistent with unity for all centralities over the entire measured p(T) range. Theoretical models that account for modifications of initial direct photon production due to modified parton distribution functions in Au and the different isospin composition of the nuclei predict a modest change of R(AA) from unity. They are consistent with the data. Models with compensating effects of the quark-gluon plasma on high-energy photons, such as suppression of jet-fragmentation photons and induced-photon bremsstrahlung from partons traversing the medium, are also consistent with this measurement.

Evaluation of patient-centered electronic health record to overcome digital divide

Advances and wide acceptance of information and communication technology (ICT) have made development and implementation of web-based electronic personal health records (PHRs) more feasible than ever before, and previous studies have demonstrated some of its potential and promises. However, this type of ICT-dependent approach inherits its own vulnerabilities of exposing the society to digital divide, commonly described as the gap that exists among individuals and communities with regards to the haves and have-nots of information and modern communications technologies. To address these concerns and improve healthcare outcomes, we have developed and customized a web-based patient-centered electronic PHR, named the Personal Health Information Management System (PHIMS), and evaluated the system at the Everett Housing Authority, which provides housings for low-income ncome families and elderly or disabled populations. A preliminary study demonstrates that 92% of the participating residents are satisfied with the PHIMS system in general. Some of the residents found PHIMS records very useful for their clinic visits.

Evaluation of patient-centered electronic health record to overcome digital divide

Advances and wide acceptance of information and communication technology (ICT) have made development and implementation of web-based electronic personal health records (PHRs) more feasible than ever before, and previous studies have demonstrated some of its potential and promises. However, this type of ICT-dependent approach inherits its own vulnerabilities of exposing the society to "digital divide", commonly described as the gap that exists among individuals and communities with regards to the 'haves' and 'have-nots' of information and modern communications technologies. To address these concerns and improve healthcare outcomes, we have developed and customized a web-based patient-centered electronic PHR, named the Personal Health Information Management System (PHIMS), and evaluated the system at the Everett Housing Authority, which provides housings for low-income families and elderly or disabled populations. A preliminary study demonstrates that 92% of the participating residents are satisfied with the PHIMS system in general. Some of the residents found PHIMS records very useful for their clinic visits.

Observation of direct-photon collective flow in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV

The second Fourier component v(2) of the azimuthal anisotropy with respect to the reaction plane is measured for direct photons at midrapidity and transverse momentum (p(T)) of 1-12 GeV/c in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV. Previous measurements of this quantity for hadrons with p(T) < 6 GeV/c indicate that the medium behaves like a nearly perfect fluid, while for p(T) > 6 GeV/c a reduced anisotropy is interpreted in terms of a path-length dependence for parton energy loss. In this measurement with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider we find that for p(T) > 4 GeV/c the anisotropy for direct photons is consistent with zero, which is as expected if the dominant source of direct photons is initial hard scattering. However, in the p(T) < 4 GeV/c region dominated by thermal photons, we find a substantial direct-photon v(2) comparable to that of hadrons, whereas model calculations for thermal photons in this kinematic region underpredict the observed v(2).

A Practical Activity Recognition Approach Based on the Generic Activity Framework

In spite of the obvious importance of activity recognition technology for human centric applications, state-of-the-art activity recognition technology is not practical enough for real world deployments because of the insufficient accuracy and lack of support for programmability. The authors introduce a generic activity framework to address these issues. The generic activity framework is a refined hierarchical composition structure of the traditional activity theory. New activity recognition algorithms that can cooperate with the proposed activity framework and model are proposed. To be practical, activity recognition technology should also be programmable. The hierarchical aspects of our generic activity framework help to improve activity recognition programmability. The generic activity framework decouples the observation subsystem (i.e., the sensor set) from the rest of the activity model. The authors demonstrate the value of this decoupling by experimentally comparing the level of user effort needed in making sensor changes and the ramifications of such changes on model updates. They compare the level of effort required by the authors’ model to the requirements of previously reported approaches.