[Social support status and related influential factors of patients with acute coronary syndrome]

Objectives: To investigate the social support status, related influential factors and the impact on one year outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), our data might be helpful to provide basis for making new treatment strategy aimed at improving social support for patients with ACS. Methods: From January 2013 to June 2014, a total of 778 hospitalized patients with ACS were enrolled in the study. All patients completed enhancing recovery in coronary heart disease patients social support inventory(ESSI), general anxiety disorder scale(GAD-7), patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9), short-form 12 health survey questionnaire(SF-12), sleep questionnaire and demographic questionnaire within 7 days after admission and at 6 months and one year post discharge. Multiple linear regressions were performed to analyze factors that influenced the social support. Results: The total score of social support was 17.08±3.61, 17.72±3.04, and 17.76±3.05 respectively in patients with ACS at baseline, 6 months and 12 months after discharge. Patients had a higher point of social support at 6 months (t=-2.69, P<0.01) and 12 months (t=-2.86, P<0.01) after discharge than at baseline. Multiple regression analysis for baseline data identified five significant predictors of low social support status: workers or farmers (t=2.82, P<0.01), low family monthly income (t=2.42, P<0.05), anxiety (t=-3.66, P<0.01), depression (t=-3.22, P<0.01) and low quality of life (t=4.38, P<0.01). Conclusions: Social support of patients with ACS is lower in China, and there are significant relationships between low social support and occupation, economic status, anxiety, depression, quality of life of ACS patients.

Histamine facilitates GABAergic transmission in the rat entorhinal cortex: Roles of H1 and H2 receptors, Na+ -permeable cation channels, and inward rectifier K+ channels

In the brain, histamine (HA) serves as a neuromodulator and a neurotransmitter released from the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN). HA is involved in wakefulness, thermoregulation, energy homeostasis, nociception, and learning and memory. The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) receives inputs from the TMN and expresses HA receptors (H1 , H2 , and H3 ). We investigated the effects of HA on GABAergic transmission in the MEC and found that HA significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) with an EC50 of 1.3 µM, but failed to significantly alter sIPSC amplitude. HA-induced increases in sIPSC frequency were sensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX), required extracellular Ca2+ , and persisted when GDP-β-S, a G-protein inactivator, was applied postsynaptically via the recording pipettes, indicating that HA increased GABA release by facilitating the excitability of GABAergic interneurons in the MEC. Recordings from local MEC interneurons revealed that HA significantly increased their excitability as determined by membrane depolarization, generation of an inward current at -65 mV, and augmentation of action potential firing frequency. Both H1 and H2 receptors were involved in HA-induced increases in sIPSCs and interneuron excitability. Immunohistochemical staining showed that both H1 and H2 receptors are expressed on GABAergic interneurons in the MEC. HA-induced depolarization of interneurons involved a mixed ionic mechanism including activation of a Na+ -permeable cation channel and inhibition of a cesium-sensitive inward rectifier K+ channel, although HA also inhibited the delayed rectifier K+ channels. Our results may provide a cellular mechanism, at least partially, to explain the roles of HA in the brain. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

TRPM2 Promotes Neurotoxin MPP+/MPTP-Induced Cell Death

In neurons, Ca²⁺ is essential for a variety of physiological processes that regulate gene transcription to neuronal growth and their survival. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ions (MPP⁺) are potent neurotoxins that selectively destroys the dopaminergic (DA) neurons and mimics Parkinson's disease (PD) like symptoms, but the mechanism as how MPP⁺/MPTP effects DA neuron survival is not well-understood. In the present study, we found that MPP⁺ treatment increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activates and upregulates the expression and function of melastatin-like transient receptor potential (TRPM) subfamily member, melastatin-like transient receptor potential channel 2 (TRPM2). Correspondingly, TRPM2 expression was also increased in substantia nigra of MPTP-induced PD mouse model and PD patients. ROS-mediated activation of TRPM2 resulted in an increased intracellular Ca²⁺, which in turn promoted cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. Intracellular Ca²⁺ overload caused by MPP⁺-induced ROS also affected calpain activity, followed by increased caspase 3 activities and activation of downstream apoptotic pathway. On the other hand, quenching of H₂O₂ by antioxidants, resveratrol (RSV), or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively blocked TRPM2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx, decreased intracellular Ca²⁺ overload, and increased cell survival. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of TRPM2 or knockdown of TRPM2 using siRNA, but not control siRNA, showed an increased protection by preventing MPP⁺-induced Ca²⁺ increase and inhibited apoptosis. Taken together, we show here a novel role for TRPM2 expression and function in MPP⁺-induced dopaminergic neuronal cell death.

Development of a cellular biosensor system for genotoxicity detection based on Trp53 promoter

OBJECTIVE

To develop a mouse cell biosensor system for the high-throughput genotoxicity detection of chemicals, such as environmental pollutants.

METHOD

We developed a novel reporter vector pGL4-GFP, wherein the firefly luciferase reporter gene in the pGL4.82 vector was replaced by the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene from the pAcGFP1-N1 vector. To construct the reporter pGL4-p53-GFP (p53 promoter linked to GFP), a fragment containing the p53 gene promoter was generated by amplifying a region from -481 to +180 of mouse genomic DNA isolated from mouse tail tissue. We developed a mouse cell biosensor system for the high-throughput genotoxicity detection of new drugs by stably integrating the reporter plasmid of pGL4-p53-GFP into the mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Various genotoxic agents were used to treat this biosensor system. The resulting fluorescence was directly observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the GFP protein level was measured through Western blot analysis.

RESULT

The biosensor system was treated with genotoxic agents, such as doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and benzo(a)pyrene. The GFP protein expression was significantly increased in cells exposed to genotoxic agents but negatively responded to the non-genotoxic agent dimethyl sulfoxide, thereby proving the specificity and sensitivity of the biosensor system.

CONCLUSION

This novel in vitro biosensor system can be especially useful in genotoxicity detection.

Reducing thermal crosstalk in ten-channel tunable slotted-laser arrays

Given the tight constraints on the wavelength stability of sources in optical networks, the thermal crosstalk between operating devices in a ten-channel thermally-tunable slotted laser array for DWDM applications has been investigated. It was found experimentally the current standard thermal solution with the laser array chip mounted on an AlN carrier does not allow for wavelength stability of ± 25 GHz ( ± 2 K) with a temperature rise of 5 K measured in a device with 100 mA (CW) applied to a neighbouring laser (device spacing = 360 µm). A combined experimental/numerical approach revealed solid state submounts comprising diamond or highly ordered pyrolytic graphite are inadequate to reduce crosstalk below an allowable level. Numerical simulations of advanced cooling technologies reveal a microfluidic enabled substrate would reduce thermal crosstalk between operational devices on the chip to acceptable levels. Critically our simulations show this reduced crosstalk is not at the expense of device tunability as the thermal resistance of individual lasers remains similar for the base and microfluidic cases.

Neurotensinergic augmentation of glutamate release at the perforant path-granule cell synapse in rat dentate gyrus: Roles of L-Type Ca²⁺ channels, calmodulin and myosin light-chain kinase

Neurotensin (NT) serves as a neuromodulator in the brain where it is involved in modulating a variety of physiological functions including nociception, temperature, blood pressure and cognition, and many neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Whereas there is compelling evidence demonstrating that NT facilitates cognitive processes, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. Because the dentate gyrus expresses high densities of NT and NT receptors, we examined the effects of NT on the synaptic transmission at the synapse formed between the perforant path (PP) and granule cells (GC) in the rats. Our results demonstrate that NT persistently increased the amplitude of the AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs at the PP-GC synapse. NT-induced increases in AMPA EPSCs were mediated by presynaptic NTS1 receptors. NT reduced the coefficient of variation and paired-pulse ratio of AMPA EPSCs suggesting that NT facilitates presynaptic glutamate release. NT increased the release probability and the number of readily releasable vesicles with no effects on the rate of recovery from vesicle depletion. NT-mediated augmentation of glutamate release required the influx of Ca(2+) via L-type Ca(2+) channels and the functions of calmodulin and myosin light chain kinase. Our results provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the roles of NT in the hippocampus.

Neurotensinergic Excitation of Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells via Gαq-Coupled Inhibition of TASK-3 Channels

Neurotensin (NT) is a 13-amino acid peptide and serves as a neuromodulator in the brain. Whereas NT has been implicated in learning and memory, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are ill-defined. Because the dentate gyrus receives profound innervation of fibers containing NT and expresses high density of NT receptors, we examined the effects of NT on the excitability of dentate gyrus granule cells (GCs). Our results showed that NT concentration dependently increased action potential (AP) firing frequency of the GCs by the activation of NTS1 receptors resulting in the depolarization of the GCs. NT-induced enhancement of AP firing frequency was not caused indirectly by releasing glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, or dopamine, but due to the inhibition of TASK-3 K(+) channels. NT-mediated excitation of the GCs was G protein dependent, but independent of phospholipase C, intracellular Ca(2+) release, and protein kinase C. Immunoprecipitation experiment demonstrates that the activation of NTS1 receptors induced the association of Gαq/11 and TASK-3 channels suggesting a direct coupling of Gαq/11 to TASK-3 channels. Endogenously released NT facilitated the excitability of the GCs contributing to the induction of long-term potentiation at the perforant path-GC synapses. Our results provide a cellular mechanism that helps to explain the roles of NT in learning and memory.

Cross interaction of dopaminergic and adrenergic systems in neural modulation

Catecholamines including dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) are widely distributed in the body and exert extensive physiological functions by serving as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators. Alterations in the level of these two catecholamines underlie many neurological and psychiatric disorders. The pharmacology of both DA and NE including their individual receptors, signaling mechanisms, agonists and antagonists has been extensively studied. Whereas the traditional idea is that neurotransmitters specifically interact with their receptors, there is compelling evidence indicating that DA and NE exert biological actions by activating the receptors of other family in a variety of regions. Here, I review the experimental evidence showing cross activation of each other's receptors by these two catecholamines. This promiscuous interaction may represent a novel way for catecholamines to exert their functions.

Misdiagnosis and long-term outcome of 13 patients with acute thallium poisoning in China

PURPOSE

To analyze clinical feature and evaluate long-term outcome of patients with thallium poisoning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational series of cases with acute thallium poisoning was analyzed retrospectively in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between 2000 and 2010. The clinical data including symptom, determination of thallium level, treatment, neurophysiological examination, and neuropsychological evaluation were analyzed. The patients were followed up until December 2012.

RESULTS

Seven men and six women were enrolled in the study. The median patient age was 37 years (range: 15-53 years). The median duration of hospitalization was 44 days (range: 7-72). All the patients were misdiagnosed initially. One patient died in the hospital. The other 12 patients were followed for a median of 7 years (range: 1-12 years) after discharge from hospital. One patient died from leukemia in the first year of follow-up. Long-term outcome results showed peripheral neuropathy improved substantially. However, many patients have mild or moderate sequelae in sensory nerve fibers of distal lower extremity. A sural nerve biopsy in one patient revealed shrunken axons, distorted myelin sheath, and myelinated fibers loss. During follow-up period, problem of intelligence (4/12 patients, 33%), memory impairment (4/12, 33%), anxiety (6/12, 50%), and depression (5/12, 42%) were demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis of thallium poisoning. Mild or moderate neurological sequelae may last for a long time after thallium poisoning.

Effects of d-α-tocopherol and dietary energy on growth and health of preruminant dairy calves

To observe the effects of supplemental dietary d-α-tocopherol in relation to dietary energy on growth and immune status in dairy calves, 32 newborn Holstein bull calves were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments for 5 wk in a 2 × 2 factorial, randomized complete block, split-plot design. Calves received moderate growth (MG) or low growth (LG) all-milk dietary treatments, formulated to support daily gains of 0.5 or 0.25 kg/d, respectively, per the dietary energy recommendation for milk-fed calves according to the National Research Council's Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Calves in both groups were either injected i.m. with Vital E-A+D (injectable solution of vitamins E, A, and D) on d 1 and supplemented with Emcelle Tocopherol (micellized vitamin E) via milk daily (MG-S and LG-S), or were not supplemented (MG-C and LG-C) during the study period. Total weight gain of MG calves was greater than that of LG calves and tended to be greater in MG-S calves than in MG-C calves. Calves receiving vitamin supplementation demonstrated greater concentrations of plasma α-tocopherol, retinol, and 25-(OH)-vitamin D than did control calves, whereas MG calves demonstrated a lower concentration of plasma α-tocopherol than did LG calves. The apparent increased utilization of α-tocopherol by MG calves was accompanied by a rise in serum haptoglobin, a positive acute-phase protein and indicator of inflammation, especially in MG-C calves. Serum amyloid A, also a positive acute-phase protein, was not different among groups, but was elevated from baseline in all groups during wk 1 through 3. Plasma IgG1 concentrations were higher in MG-S and LG-S calves than in their nonsupplemented dietary counterparts, whereas plasma IgG2, IgA, and IgM concentrations were not different among groups. In summary, dietary supplementation of d-α-tocopherol improved plasma α-tocopherol status and tended to increase growth in calves fed for 0.5 kg of average daily gain. Vitamin supplementation ameliorated the rise of serum haptoglobin associated with acute inflammation in MG calves, and may have improved passive transfer of maternal antibody. These results indicate a role for α-tocopherol in prevention of proinflammatory state associated with greater dietary energy and onset of infectious disease.

Enhanced field emission properties from CNT arrays synthesized on Inconel superalloy

One of the most promising materials for fabricating cold cathodes for next generation high-performance flat panel devices is carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For this purpose, CNTs grown on metallic substrates are used to minimize contact resistance. In this report, we compare properties and field emission performance of CNTs grown via water assisted chemical vapor deposition using Inconel vs silicon (Si) substrates. Carbon nanotube forests grown on Inconel substrates are superior to the ones grown on silicon; low turn-on fields (∼1.5 V/μm), high current operation (∼100 mA/cm(2)) and very high local field amplification factors (up to ∼7300) were demonstrated, and these parameters are most beneficial for use in vacuum microelectronic applications.

Androgen receptor inducing bladder cancer progression by promoting an epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The study investigated the role of androgen receptor (AR) as a potential target for the treatment of bladder cancer in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition or transformation (EMT). Cell proliferation, and migration capacity were determined in bladder cancer T24 cells treated with small interfering RNA directed against AR, and expression levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin and N- cadherin were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Tumour cell growth was evaluated in vivo in T24 tumour-bearing nude mice receiving electroporation-assisted administration of anti-AR small interfering RNA. It was found that low AR expression decreased proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells. In vivo experiments showed that silencing AR expression significantly suppressed AR-positive bladder tumour growth with decreased cell proliferation. Low AR level of T24 bladder cancer cells treated with dehydrotestosterone (DHT) decreased expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin and N-cadherin expression, indicating a strong sensitivity to the EMT and In cells with low AR content, TGF-β induced down-regulation of E-cadherin and β-catenin. It is concluded that suppression of AR expression decreased the production of TGF-β, inhibiting EMT and bladder cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, implying that its use might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bladder cancer.