Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with type 1 diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism on type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of science, Wanfang data, VIP database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and SinoMed were searched. A total of 17 case-control studies analyzing ACE I/D polymorphism and type 1 DN risk were included in the present meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, a significant increased risk was found in allele comparison (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.05-1.28, p = 0.04), dominant comparison (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.14-2.15, p = 0.006) and homozygote comparison (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.06-2.19, p = 0.02). In subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, the risk of type 1 DN in Asian population was increased in allele comparison (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.15-3.42, p = 0.01), recessive comparison (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.51-4.10, p = 0.0004), dominant comparison (OR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.90-5.23, p < 0.00001), and homozygote comparison (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.02-8.06, p = 0.05). However, there was no association between the ACE I/D genetic variants and type 1 DN in Caucasian populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis results indicate that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to type 1 DN development, especially in the Asian groups with type 1 diabetes. The current findings need to be confirmed by future well-designed and larger sample size primary studies in populations with different ethnicities.

Antitumor and immunomodulation activities of polysaccharide from Phellinus baumii

A homogeneous polysaccharide (PPB) was purified from fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii. And in vitro antitumor and immunomodulation activities were investigated on HeLa, SGC-7901 and RAW264.7 cell lines. PPB inhibited the proliferation of HeLa and SGC-7901 cells significantly, and flow cytometric studies revealed that PPB could mediate the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and S phases. Furthermore, PPB could promote the growth and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells, activate the secretion of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, which indicated that PPB had low toxicity. The results make PPB as a candidate adjuvant in cancer therapy.

Relationship between TBX20 gene polymorphism and congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease in children is a type of birth defect. Previous studies have suggested that the transcription factor, TBX20, is involved in the occurrence and development of congenital heart disease in children; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms are yet to be evaluated. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the TBX20 polymorphism and the occurrence and development of congenital heart disease. The TBX20 gene sequence was obtained from the NCBI database and the polymorphic locus candidate was predicted. Thereafter, the specific gene primers were designed for the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) of DNA extracted from the blood of 80 patients with congenital heart disease and 80 controls. The results of the PCR were subjected to correlation analysis to identify the differences between the amplicons and to determine the relationship between the TBX20 gene polymorphism and congenital heart disease. One of the single nucleotide polymorphic locus was found to be rs3999950: c.774T>C (Ala265Ala). The TC genotype frequency in the patients was higher than that in the controls, similar to that for the C locus. The odds ratio of the TC genotypes was above 1, indicating that the presence of the TC genotype increases the incidence of congenital heart diseases. Thus, rs3999950 may be associated with congenital heart disease, and TBX20 may predispose children to the defect.

Human melanopsin-AAV2/8 transfection to retina transiently restores visual function in rd1 mice

AIM

To explore whether ectopic expression of human melanopsin can effectively and safely restore visual function in rd1 mice.

METHODS

Hematoxylin-eosin staining of retinal sections from rd1 mice was used to detect the thickness of the outer nuclear layer to determine the timing of surgery. We constructed a human melanopsin-AAV2/8 viral vector and injected it into the subretinal space of rd1 mice. The Phoenix Micron IV system was used to exclude the aborted injections, and immunohistochemistry was used to validate the ectopic expression of human melanopsin. Furthermore, visual electrophysiology and behavioral tests were used to detect visual function 30 and 45d after the injection. The structure of the retina was compared between the human melanopsin-injected group and phosphate buffer saline (PBS)-injected group.

RESULTS

Retinas of rd1 mice lost almost all of their photoreceptors on postnatal day 28 (P28). We therefore injected the human melanopsin-adeno-associated virus (AAV) 2/8 viral vector into P30 rd1 mice. After excluding aborted injections, we used immunohistochemistry of the whole mount retina to confirm the ectopic expression of human melanopsin by co-expression of human melanopsin and YFP that was carried by a viral vector. At 30d post-injection, visual electrophysiology and the behavioral test significantly improved. However, restoration of vision disappeared 45d after human melanopsin injection. Notably, human melanopsin-injected mice did not show any structural differences in their retinas compared with PBS-injected mice.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic expression of human melanopsin effectively and safely restores visual function in rd1 mice.

Phase Structure of Strong-Field Tunneling Wave Packets from Molecules

We study the phase structure of the tunneling wave packets from strong-field ionization of molecules and present a molecular quantum-trajectory Monte Carlo model to describe the laser-driven dynamics of photoelectron momentum distributions of molecules. Using our model, we reproduce and explain the alignment-dependent molecular frame photoelectron spectra of strong-field tunneling ionization of N_{2} reported by M. Meckel et al. [Nat. Phys. 10, 594 (2014)]. In addition to modeling the low-energy photoelectron angular distributions quantitatively, we extract the phase structure of strong-field molecular tunneling wave packets, shedding light on its physical origin. The initial phase of the tunneling wave packets at the tunnel exit depends on both the initial transverse momentum distribution and the molecular internuclear distance. We further show that the ionizing molecular orbital has a critical effect on the initial phase of the tunneling wave packets. The phase structure of the photoelectron wave packet is a key ingredient for modeling strong-field molecular photoelectron holography, high-harmonic generation, and molecular orbital imaging.

Selective non-zinc binding MMP-2 inhibitors: Novel benzamide Ilomastat analogs with anti-tumor metastasis

Novel Ilomastat analogs with substituted benzamide groups, instead of hydroxamic acid groups, were designed, synthesized and evaluated against MMP-2 and MMP-9. Among these analogs, the most potent compound 10a exhibited potent inhibitory activity against MMP-2 with IC50 value of 0.19 nM, which is 5 times more potent than that of Ilomastat (IC50=0.94 nM). Importantly, 10a exhibited more than 8300 fold selectivity for MMP-2 versus MMP-9 (IC50=1.58 μM). Molecular docking studies showed that 10a bond to the catalytic active pocket of MMP-2 by a non-zinc-chelating mechanism which was different from that of Ilomastat. Furthermore, the invasion assay showed that 10a was effective in reducing HEY cells invasion at 84.6% in 50 μM concentration. For 10a, the pharmacokinetic properties had been improved and especially the more desirable t1/2z was achieved compared with these of the lead compound Ilomastat.

Gelatinases promote calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells by up-regulating bone morphogenetic protein-2

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), also known as gelatinase A, is involved in vascular calcification. Another member of gelatinases is MMP-9 (gelatinase B). However, the role of gelatinases in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification is not well understood. The current study aims to clarify the relationship between gelatinases and vascular calcification and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Beta-glycerophosphate (β-GP) was used to induce calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with or without 2-[[(4-Phenoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-thiirane (SB-3CT), a specific gelatinases inhibitor. Levels of calcification were determined by assessing calcium content and calcification area of VSMCs. Phenotype transition of VSMCs was observed by assessing expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), smooth muscle α-actin (SM-α-actin) and desmin. Gelatin zymography was applied to determine the activities of gelatinases, and western blot was applied to determine expressions of gelatinases, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and msh homeobox homolog 2 (Msx-2). Gelatinases inhibition by SB-3CT alleviated calcification and phenotype transition of VSMCs induced by β-GP. Increased gelatinases expression and active MMP-2 were observed in calcifying VSMCs. Gelatinases inhibition reduced expression of RUNX2, Msx-2 and BMP-2. BMP-2 treatment increased expressions of RUNX2 and Msx-2, while noggin, an antagonist of BMP-2, decreased expressions of RUNX2 and Msx-2. Gelatinases promote vascular calcification by upregulating BMP-2 which induces expression of RUNX2 and Msx-2, two proteins associated with phenotype transition of VSMCs in vascular calcification. Interventions targeting gelatinases inhibition might be a proper candidate for ameliorating vascular calcification.

Effect of progranulin (PGRN) on the proliferation and senescence of cervical cancer cells

We investigated the effect of progranulin (PGRN) expression on the proliferation and senescence of cervical cancer cells. PGRN small interfering RNA (siRNA) was introduced into the SiHa and HeLa cell lines of human cervical carcinoma using liposome-mediated transfection. The expression levels of PGRN in each cell line after transfection of PGRN siRNA were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Senescence in the cell lines was detected using the β-galactosidase-staining test, and proliferation was detected by clone formation. The RT-PCR assay showed that the expression of PGRN in all of the cell lines transfected with PGRN siRNA markedly decreased. In the clone-forming test, compared with the control group, the colony-forming ability in all cell lines decreased significantly after transfection with PGRN siRNA. The β-galactosidase-staining experiments showed that the phenomenon of cell aging in the PGRN interference group was more obvious than in the control group. After the cervical cancer cells had been transfected with PGRN siRNA, cell senescence was accelerated and clone-forming ability was markedly reduced. This suggests that PGRN can promote the proliferation of the cervical cancer cell line; proliferation of cervical cancer cells is achieved by inhibiting their senescence.

Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway of hepatic stellate

This study investigated the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMCs) on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced activation of the Smad signaling pathway in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). There were four experimental groups: 1) a blank control group, 2) a TGF-β1 treatment group, 3) an MSC-combined group, and 4) an induced MSC-combined group. Isolation and culture of rat liver HSCs in vitro and the proliferation of HSCs in each group were detected by MTT method. The expression of α-SMA and the TGF receptors (TbRI and II) were determined by immunohistochemical staining of HSCs in all groups, while Smad2/3, Smad4, and Smad7 mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR for HSCs in each group. TGF-β1 treatment significantly promoted the proliferation of HSCs (P < 0.01); it has different inhibition effects on the proliferation of HSCs in the MSC-combined group and in the induced MSC-combined group (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 treatment also enhanced the expression of α-SMA as compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Alternatively, when compared with the pure TGF-β1 group, the MSC-combined group and the induced MSC-combined group showed lower α-SMA expression (P < 0.05). Activation of HSCs induced by TGF-β1, TβRI and TβRII fluorescence was (+ + +); the fluorescences of TβRI and TβRII in MSC-combined group and in induced MSC-combined group were (+ +) and (± ~ +), respectively. The expressions of TβRI and TβRII in activated HSCs induced by TGF-β1 were significantly decreased in the MSC-combined group (P < 0.05) and in the induced MSC-combined group (P < 0.01). The expression of HSC Smad2/3 and Smad4 was reduced in the MSC-combined group (P < 0.05) and in the induced MSC-combined group (P < 0.01), as compared to the TGF-β1 group. However, the expression of Smad7 in HSCs was upregulated in the MSC-combined group (P < 0.05) and in the induced MSC-combined group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that BMCs can inhibit the activation and proliferation of HSCs by downregulating the expression of TβRI and TβRII in the cell membrane of HSCs. Moreover, BMCs can upregulate the expression of Smad7 and downregulate the expression of Smad2/3 and Smad4 in the HSCs induced by TGF-β1, which resulted in an inhibition of HSC activation.

Hybrids of phenylsulfonylfuroxan and coumarin as potent antitumor agents

Sixteen furoxan-based nitric oxide (NO) releasing coumarin derivatives (6a-c, 8a-g, 10a, 13a,b, 15, and 17a,b) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against the A549, HeLa, A2780, A2780/CDDP, and HUVEC cell lines. Most derivatives displayed potent antiproliferation activities. Among them, 8b exhibited the strongest antiproliferation activity on the four sensitive cell lines mentioned above and three drug resistant tumor cell lines A2780/CDDP, MDA-MB-231/Gem, and SKOV3/CDDP with IC50 values from 14 to 53 nM and from 62 to 140 nM, respectively. Furthermore, 8b inhibited the growth of A2780 in vivo and displayed lower toxicity on nontumorigenesis T29, showing good selectivity against malignant cells in vitro. Preliminary pharmacological studies showed that 8b induces apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in the A2780 cell line, and disrupts the phosphorylation of MEK1 and ERK1. Overall, the NO-releasing capacity and the inhibition of ERK/MAPK pathway signaling may explain the potent antineoplastic activity of these compounds.

[Sorption and desorption characteristics of different structures of organic phosphorus onto aluminum (oxyhydr) oxides]

The sorption and desorption characteristics of four kinds of organic phosphorus with different molecular structures (glycerophosphate (GP), glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP)) on three kinds of aluminum (oxyhydr)oxides (amorphous Al(OH)3, boehmite, and alpha-Al2O3) were studied. The underlying mechanisms were also illustrated. Results showed that the maximum sorption amounts of OP onto Al (oxyhydr)oxides, on a per gram dry weight basis, decreased as following: amorphous Al(OH)3 > boehmite > alpha-Al2O3. This mainly related to the mineral crystallinity and surface heterogeneity. With the exception of sorption of IHP on amorphous Al (OH)3, the maximum sorption density decreased with increasing molecular weight (MW) of OP, following the order: GP > G6P > ATP > IHP. However, the sorption amount of IHP on amorphous Al (OH)3 was much higher than those of other OP, due to the transformation of surface complexes of IHP to surface precipitation and thus enhancing the sorption. The sorption kinetics results showed that sorption of OP underwent the first onset rapid sorption, i. e. a certain amount of sorption occurred within an onset extremely short period, and a following long and slow sorption process. Amorphous Al (OH)3 had the greatest onset rapid sorption density, and the onset rapid sorption density of OP on Al (oxyhydr) oxides decreased with increasing MW. Desorption capacities of OP by KCl and citrate solutions related to the surface affinity between OP and boehmite. Initial desorption percentages by KCl decreased in the order: G6P (10.53%) > GP(6.91%) > ATP (3.06%) > IHP (0.8%). The maximum desorption percentages of OP by citrate were 4-5 times greater than those by KCl. During resorption process of P by KCl, the maximum desorption rate achieved after a fast desorption in a few hours, followed by diffusion-resorption during which the desorption percentage gradually decreased. Specially, both diffusion-resorption and surface precipitation promoted the resorption of IHP on mineral surface. Conclusively, the strong specific sorption of OP occurs on the surface of Al (oxyhydr) oxides, and molecular structure and size of OP as well as the crystallinity and crystal structure of minerals are the key factors affecting the interfacial reactions and environmental behaviors of OP.

Alternative splicing and retinal degeneration

Alternative splicing is highly regulated in tissue-specific and development-specific patterns, and it has been estimated that 15% of disease-causing point mutations affect pre-mRNA splicing. In this review, we consider the cis-acting splice site and trans-acting splicing factor mutations that affect pre-mRNA splicing and contribute to retinal degeneration. Numerous splice site mutations have been identified in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and various cone-rod dystrophies. Mutations in alternatively spliced retina-specific exons of the widely expressed RPGR and COL2A1 genes lead primarily to X-linked RP and ocular variants of Stickler syndrome, respectively. Furthermore, mutations in general pre-mRNA splicing factors, such as PRPF31, PRPF8, and PRPF3, predominantly cause autosomal dominant RP. These findings suggest an important role for pre-mRNA splicing in retinal homeostasis and the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases. The development of novel therapeutic strategies to modulate aberrant splicing, including small molecule-based therapies, has the potential to lead to new treatments for retinal degenerative diseases.

Perineuronal nets increase inhibitory GABAergic currents during the critical period in rats

AIM

To investigate inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ergic postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in layer IV of the rat visual cortex during the critical period and when plasticity was extended through dissolution of the perineuronal nets (PNNs).

METHODS

We employed 24 normal Long-Evans rats to study GABAA-PSC characteristics of neurons within layer IV of the visual cortex during development. The animals were divided into six groups of four rats according to ages at recording: PW3 (P21-23d), PW4 (P28-30d), PW5 (P35-37d), PW6 (P42-44d), PW7 (P49-51d), and PW8 (56-58d). An additional 24 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) degradation rats (also Long-Evans) were generated by making a pattern of injections of chondroitinase ABC (chABC) into the visual cortex 1 week prior to recording at PW3, PW4, PW5, PW6, PW7, and PW8. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the effect of chABC injection on CSPGs. PSCs were detected with whole-cell patch recordings, and GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs were pharmacologically isolated.

RESULTS

IPSC peak current showed a strong rise in the age-matched control group, peaked at PW5 and were maintained at a roughly constant value thereafter. Although there was a small increase in peak current for the chABC group with age, the peak currents continued to decrease with the delayed highest value at PW6, resulting in significantly different week-by-week comparison with normal development. IPSC decay time continued to increase until PW7 in the control group, while those in the chABC group were maintained at a stable level after an initial increase at PW4. Compared with normal rats, the decay times recorded in the chABC rats were always shorter, which differed significantly at each age. We did not observe any differences in IPSC properties between the age-matched control and penicillinase (P-ase) group. However, the change in IPSCs after chABC treatment was not reflected in the total PSCs or in basic membrane properties in layer IV of the rat visual cortex.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that rather than rapidly increasing during the critical period for neuronal plasticity, IPSCs in layer IV of rat visual cortex are maintained at an immature level when PNNs are removed by chABC. This suggests that GABA receptor maturation involves the conformation of the CSPGs in PNNs.

Generation and immunity testing of a recombinant adenovirus expressing NcSRS2-NcGRA7 fusion protein of bovine Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum is the etiologic agent of bovine neosporosis, which affects the reproductive performance of cattle worldwide. The transmembrane protein, NcSRS2, and dense-granule protein, NcGRA7, were identified as protective antigens based on their ability to induce significant protective immune responses in murine neosporosis models. In the current study, NcSRS2 and NcGRA7 genes were spliced by overlap-extension PCR in a recombinant adenovirus termed Ad5-NcSRS2-NcGRA 7, expressing the NcSRS2-NcGRA7 gene, and the efficacy was evaluated in mice. The results showed that the titer of the recombinant adenovirus was 10(9)TCID50/ml. Three weeks post-boost immunization (w.p.b.i.), the IgG antibody titer in sera was as high as 1:4,096. IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were significantly different from the control group (P<0.01). This research established a solid foundation for the development of a recombinant adenovirus vaccine against bovine N. caninum.

Chromosomal Mapping and QTL Analysis of Resistance to Downy Mildew in Cucumis sativus

Downy mildew of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a major foliar disease worldwide. The cucumber inbred lines K8 (resistant to downy mildew) and K18 (susceptible) were used to study the inheritance of resistance to downy mildew. Chromosomal mapping of the resistance genes was completed to provide a theoretical basis for the resistance mechanisms and for marker assisted selection (MAS). Inoculation was used to test the level of resistance to P. cubensis in the F₂ and F_2:3 families derived from the cross K8 × K18. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis, combined with bulked segregation analysis (BSA), was done with the DNA of F₂ plants using 2,360 pairs of SSR primers. JoinMap Version 3.0 and MapInspect were used to construct SSR linkages and to verify the relationships between these SSR linkages and cucumber chromosomes. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of downy mildew resistance was done using MapQTL Version 4.0. Inheritance of resistance to downy mildew in K8 was quantitative. Five QTLs for resistance to downy mildew were detected: dm1.1, dm5.1, dm5.2, dm5.3, and dm6.1. The loci of dm1.1 and dm6.1 were on chromosomes 1 and 6, respectively. The loci of dm5.1, dm5.2, and dm5.3 were on chromosome 5, and were linked. Six linked SSR markers for these five QTLs were identified: SSR31116, SSR20705, SSR00772, SSR11012, SSR16882, and SSR16110. Six and four nucleotide binding site (NBS)-type resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were predicted in the region of dm5.2 and dm5.3, respectively. These results will be of benefit for fine-mapping the major QTLs for downy mildew resistance, and for MAS in cucumber.

Discovery of flavonoid derivatives as anti-HCV agents via pharmacophore search combining molecular docking strategy

Common feature based pharmacophore and structure-based docking approaches have been employed in the identification of novel anti-HCV candidates from our in-house database. A total of 31 hits identified in silico were screened in vitro assay. 20 Compounds demonstrated anti-HCV activities (EC(50)<50 μM), including two naturally occurring flavones apigenin (21) and luteolin (22) with low micromole EC(50) values and three compounds (23, 24 and 25) of novel scaffolds with moderate potencies. In addition, pharmacophore refinement was also conducted based on the current knowledge of flavone-derived anti-HCV candidates and the results of combined in silico and in vitro assays.

(E)-3-(8-Benz-yloxy-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-1-[2-hy-droxy-4,6-bis-(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one

In the title mol-ecule, C(28)H(28)O(9), the phenol and the benzene rings adjacent to the α,β-unsaturated ketone unit are inclined at 9.15 (13)° to each other. The terminal phenyl ring is oriented with respect to the phenol ring at a dihedral angle of 85.88 (13)°. In the crystal, the methyl-ene C atoms of the dihydro-dioxine ring are disordered over two sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.463 (18):0.537 (18), and both disordered components of the dihydro-dioxine ring adopt twisted-chair conformations. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond and weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure.

Immunocapture UPPCR combined with DGGE for rapid detection of Shigella species

AIMS

To develop an immunocapture universal primer PCR (iUPPCR) combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and evaluate it as a method permitting rapid detection of Shigella species and their serotypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This method amplifying the conserved regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes of different species or serotypes of Shigella dysentery bacilli captured and enriched by polyvalent antibodies can detect and distinguish causative pathogens rapidly. Four serotypes from three Shigella species including Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1, Shigella boydii serotype 1, Shigella flexneri serotypes 1a and 3a were examined.

CONCLUSION

Our approach could be adopted for not only axenic bacterial population but also mixed communities and achieve rapid detection of various bacteria from the same genus or species in one sample.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The iUPPCR-DGGE method was shown to be more convenient than serotype-specific-antibody-based method of iUPPCR for Shigella species detection and it could be also applied to the quick detection for other kinds of pathogens with many serotypes.

[Cloning of human TRAIL cDNA and its expression in COS-7 cells]

The human TRAIL cDNA was amplified with the total RNA from the human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 by means of RT-PCR, and was cloned into the pGEM-T vector. The DNA sequence analysis showed that it was consistent with the published sequence. Then, the insert of human TRAIL cDNA was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3. The hybrid plasmid pcDNA3-hTRAIL was transformed into COS-7 cells, and transiently expressed in the COS-7 cells. The activity of the expressed product could induce apoptosis in U937 cell line.

Dynamic muscle force predictions from EMG: an artificial neural network approach

EMG signals of dynamically contracting muscle have never been used to predict experimentally known muscle forces across subjects. Here, we use an artificial neural network (ANN) approach to first derive an EMG-force relationship from a subset of experimentally determined EMGs and muscle forces; second, we use this relationship to predict individual muscle forces for different contractile conditions and in subjects whose EMG and force data were not used in the derivation of the EMG-force relationship; and third, we validate the predicted muscle forces against the known forces recorded in vivo. EMG and muscle forces were recorded from the cat soleus for a variety of locomotor conditions giving a data base from three subjects, four locomotor conditions, and 8-16 steps per subject and condition. Considering the conceptual differences in the tasks investigated (e.g. slow walking vs. trotting), the intra-subject results obtained here are superior to those published previously, even though the approach did not require a muscle model or the instantaneous contractile conditions as input for the force predictions. The inter-subject results are the first of this kind to be presented in the literature and they typically gave cross-correlation coefficients between actual and predicted forces of >0.90 and root mean square errors of <15%, thus they were considered excellent. From the results of this study, it was concluded that ANNs represent a powerful tool to capture the essential features of EMG-force relationships of dynamically contracting muscle, and that ANNs might be used widely to predict muscle forces based on EMG signals.

Prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the Canadian population: findings from the DIGEST study. Domestic/International Gastroenterology Surveillance Study

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the general population are poorly defined. Most data are obtained from selected samples derived from patients presenting to health care providers. As part of a larger international effort (The DIGEST study), we examined the prevalence of upper GI symptoms among the general Canadian population, as well as their psychosocial and economic impact.

METHODS

A sample of 1036 adults was studied, its demographic characteristics closely matching those of the general Canadian population. A validated detailed questionnaire measured the prevalence, severity, and frequency of 15 digestive symptoms, as well as demographic information, use of medication and medical resources, other illnesses, and dietary habits. The Psychological General Well-Being Index, a self-administered questionnaire, assessed the individual's subjective sense of well-being.

RESULTS

Of the sample population, 28.6% reported substantial symptoms in the preceding 3 months, the majority (111/153 subjects) for >1 yr; 34.1% reported having never experienced significant GI symptoms. The most bothersome symptoms were primarily related to dysmotility-like symptoms in 54.9% of those with chronic symptoms, ulcer-like symptoms in 12.4%, and related to heartburn in 42.5%. Chronic upper GI symptoms were associated with a highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease in all facets of the Psychological General Well Being Index.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper GI symptoms are very prevalent in the general Canadian population and substantially affect the quality-of-life and psychological well-being of those affected. Dysmotility-like symptoms, rather than heartburn, are the most common chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population.

[Assignment of a novel zinc finger gene ZNF191 to human chromosome 18Q12.1 by human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panel and fluorescent in situ hybridization]

A novel human zinc finger gene, ZNF191, was assigned to chromosome 18 by hybridization of human/rodent hybrid cell panel to a full-length cDNA as a probe. Meanwhile, a human genomic DNA lambda/DASH library was screened using this cDNA probe and several positive clones were obtained. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed by using one of these positive clones, 16-1, as a probe. Thus, the ZNF191 gene was precisely mapped in 18q12. 1. To date, some hereditary diseases and tumors have been found to be associated with this region by analysis of genetic linkage and loss of heterozygosity. Hence, it suggested that the gene ZNF191 can be taken as a candidate gene responsible for those diseases and tumors.