Influence of a new 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, YKP10811, on visceral hypersensitivity in rats triggered by stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Adverse effects of previously developed 5-HT4 receptor agonists to treat functional constipation (FC) and constipation IBS (IBS-C) patients have limited their use but have given rise to new and more selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists. This work was aimed to evaluate the influence of YKP10811, a new potent 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, on rat models of colorectal hypersensitivity to distension.

METHODS

Male and female rats were submitted to colorectal distension (CRD) before and after trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) infusion, acute (PRS) or chronic (water avoidance -10 days - WAS) stress. Electromyographic (EMG) response of abdominal muscles to CRD (15-60 mmHg) was used to measure pain. Changes of colonic tone were also evaluated. The influence of YKP10811 was compared to that of tegaserod with or without exposure of rats to a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist in TNBS treated rats and to both tegaserod and CP-154,526, a corticotropine releasing factor-R1 antagonist in WAS. We tested a possible pharmacological tachyphylaxis of YKP10811 in TNBS-induced hypersensitivity.

KEY RESULTS

YKP10811 (30 mg/kg) had no effect on basal sensitivity and tone in male and female rats but suppressed TNBS-induced hypersensitivity, an effect blocked by the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist GR113808 (10 mg/kg, SC). YKP10811 attenuated acute PRS-induced but not chronic WAS-induced colonic hypersensitivity. In addition, YKP10811 but not tegaserod reduced TNBS-induced colorectal hypersensitivity after 7 days of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

YKP10811exhibits antinociceptive activity in inflammation and acute stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity through 5-HT4 receptors but unlike tegaserod, YKP10811 maintains its activity after repeated administrations and may represent a new candidate to treat IBS-C patients.

Moderators and Predictors of Response to Eating Disorder Risk Factor Reduction Programs in Collegiate Female Athletes

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this paper was to investigate moderators and predictors of response to two programs designed to reduce eating disorder risk factors in collegiate female athletes. This study served as an ancillary study to a parent trial that investigated the feasibility of an athlete modified cognitive dissonance-based program (AM-DBP) and an athlete modified healthy weight intervention program (AM-HWI).

DESIGN

157 female collegiate athletes were randomized to either the AM-DBP or the AM-HWI program. Participants completed surveys at baseline, post-intervention, 6 weeks, and 1 year.

METHODS

After classifying sports as either lean or non-lean, we investigated if sport type acted as a moderator of program response to AM-DBP and AM-HWI using ANOVAs. Next, we examined whether baseline thin-ideal internalization, weight concern, shape concern, bulimic pathology, dietary restraint, and negative affect acted as predictors of changes in bulimic pathology using linear regression models.

RESULTS

Athletes in non-lean sports who received AM-DBP showed more improvement in negative affect versus non-lean sport athletes in AM-HWI. Higher baseline scores of bulimic pathology predicted greater response in bulimic pathology to both programs at 6-weeks. In contrast, athletes with higher dietary restraint and negative affect baseline scores showed decreased response to both interventions at 6-weeks. Finally, athletes with higher baseline shape concern showed a decreased response to the AM-HWI intervention at the post intervention time point.

CONCLUSION

Results from the present study indicate that lean/non-lean sport may not play a strong role in determining response to efficacious programs. Further, factors such as pre-existing bulimic pathology, dietary restraint, negative affect, and shape concern may affect general response to intervention versus specific responses to specific interventions.

A new cellular model of pathological TDP-43: The neurotoxicity of stably expressed CTF25 of TDP-43 depends on the proteasome

The C-terminal fragments-25(CTF25) of TDP-43 is a fragment of TAR DNA-binding protein 43kDa (TDP-43), which is involved in RNA metabolism, neurite outgrowth, and neuronal development and stress granules. Not until recently did evidence suggest that CTF25 might play an important role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. However, mechanical details on CTF25 causing motor neuron degeneration still remain unknown. To study the toxicity of CTF25 of TDP-43, we established a cellular model stably expressing CTF25 of TDP-43. Herein, we found that stably expressed CTF25 could induce significant oxidative stress and was mainly degraded by the proteasome pathway in cells. Furthermore, the neurotoxicity of CTF25 of TDP-43 was dependent on proteasome activity. In addition, electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling and cristae dilation in cells expressing CTF25 and that CTF25 aggregates were characterized by filamentous bundles and electron dense granular material. In conclusion, the new cellular model mimics classical toxic TDP-43 cellular model and interestingly the toxicity of CTF25 is dependent on the proteasome.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways are involved in regulating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated amyloid-β uptake in SH-SY5Y cells

Intraneuronal accumulation of beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) is an early pathological change in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies demonstrate that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) binds to soluble Aβ with a high affinity. In vitro and in vivo experiments also show that Aβ activates p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways via the α7nAChR. Interestingly, it has been reported that p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways affect the regulation of receptor-mediated endocytosis. These data suggest that MAPK signaling pathways maybe involved in the regulation of α7nAChR-mediated Aβ uptake. However, the evidence for this hypothesis is lacking. In the present study, we examined whether Aβ1-42 oligomers activate MAPK signaling pathways via α7nAChR, and assessed the role of MAPK signaling pathways in the regulation of Aβ1-42 uptake by α7nAChR. We confirm that undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells are capable of taking up extracellular Aβ1-42. The internalization of Aβ1-42 accumulates in the endosomes/lysosomes and mitochondria. MAPK signaling pathways are activated by Aβ1-42 via α7nAChR. Aβ1-42 and α7nAChR are co-localized in SH-SY5Y cells and the expression of α7nAChR involves in Aβ1-42 uptake and accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells. Our data demonstrate that Aβ1-42 induces an α7nAChR-dependent pathway that relates to the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, resulting in internalization of Aβ1-42. Our findings suggest that α7nAChR and MAPK signaling pathways play an important role in the uptake and accumulation of Aβ1-42 in SH-SY5Y cells. Blockade of α7nAChR may have a beneficial effect by limiting intracellular accumulation of amyloid in AD brain and serves a potential therapeutic target for AD.

Evaluation of a Korean version of a tool for assessing the incorporation of human factors into a medication-related decision support system: the I-MeDeSA

OBJECTIVE

The Instrument for Evaluating Human-Factor Principles in Medication-Related Decision Support Alerts (I-MeDeSA) was developed recently in the US with a view towards improving considerations of human-factor principles when designing alerts for clinical decision support (CDS) systems. This study evaluated the generalizability of this tool, in cooperation with its authors, across cultures by applying it to a Korean system. We also examined opportunities to promote user acceptance of the system.

METHODS

We developed a Korean version of the I-MeDeSA (K-I-MeDeSA) and used it to evaluate drug-drug interaction alerts in a large academic tertiary hospital in Seoul. We involved four reviewers (A, B, C, and D). Two (A and B) conducted the initial independent scoring, while the other two (C and D) performed a final review and assessed feedback from the initial reviewers. The obtained scores were compared with those from 13 previously reported CDS systems. The feedback was summarized qualitatively.

RESULTS

The translation of the I-MeDeSA had excellent interrater agreement in terms of face validity (scale-level content validity index = 0.95). The system's K-I-MeDeSA score was 10 out of 26, with a good agreement between reviewers (κ = 0.77), which showed a lack of human-factor considerations. The reviewers readily identified two of the nine principles that needed primary improvement: prioritization and text-based information. The reviewers also expressed difficulty judging the following four principles: alarm philosophy, visibility, color, and learnability and confusability.

CONCLUSION

The K-I-MeDeSA was semantically and operationally equivalent to the original tool. Only minor cultural problems were identified, leading the reviewers to suggest the need for clarification of certain words plus a more detailed description of the tool's rationale and exemplars. Further evaluation is needed to empirically assess whether the implementation of changes in an electronic health record system could improve the adoption of CDS alerts.

Multi-profile hidden Markov model for mood, dietary intake, and physical activity in an intervention study of childhood obesity

Motivated by an application to childhood obesity data in a clinical trial, this paper describes a multi-profile hidden Markov model (HMM) that uses several temporal chains of measures respectively related to psychosocial attributes, dietary intake, and energy expenditure behaviors of adolescents in a school setting. Using these psychological and behavioral profiles, the model delineates health states from the longitudinal data set. Furthermore, a two-level regression model that takes into account the clustering effects of students within school is used to assess the effects of school-based and community-based interventions and other risk factors on the transition between health states over time. The results from our study suggest that female students tend to decrease their physical activities despite a high level of anxiety about weight. The finding is consistent across intervention and control arms.

Controllable transition of silk fibroin nanostructures: an insight into in vitro silk self-assembly process

Silk fiber is one of the strongest and toughest biological materials with hierarchical structures, where nanofibril with size <20nm is a critical factor in determining its excellent mechanical properties. Although silk nanofibrils have been found in natural and regenerated silk solutions, there is no way to actively control nanofibril formation in aqueous solution. This study shows a simple but effective method of preparing silk nanofibrils by regulating the silk self-assembly process. Through a repeated drying-dissolving process, a silk fibroin solution composed of metastable nanoparticles was first prepared and then used to reassemble nanofibrils with different sizes and secondary conformations under various temperatures and concentrations. These nanofibrils have a similar size to that of natural fibers, providing a suitable unit to further assemble the hierarchical structure in vitro. Several important issues, such as the relationships between silk nanofibrils, secondary conformations and viscosity, are also investigated, giving a new insight into the self-assembly process. In summary, besides rebuilding silk nanofibrils in aqueous solution, this study provides an important model for furthering the understanding of silk structures, properties and forming mechanisms, making it possible to regenerate silk materials with exceptional properties in the future.

High resolution microendoscopy for classification of colorectal polyps

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

It can be difficult to distinguish adenomas from benign polyps during routine colonoscopy. High resolution microendoscopy (HRME) is a novel method for imaging colorectal mucosa with subcellular detail. HRME criteria for the classification of colorectal neoplasia have not been previously described. Study goals were to develop criteria to characterize HRME images of colorectal mucosa (normal, hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, cancer) and to determine the accuracy and interobserver variability for the discrimination of neoplastic from non-neoplastic polyps when these criteria were applied by novice and expert microendoscopists.

METHODS

Two expert pathologists created consensus HRME image criteria using images from 68 patients with polyps who had undergone colonoscopy plus HRME. Using these criteria, HRME expert and novice microendoscopists were shown a set of training images and then tested to determine accuracy and interobserver variability.

RESULTS

Expert microendoscopists identified neoplasia with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 67 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 58 % - 75 %), 97 % (94 % - 100 %), and 87 %, respectively. Nonexperts achieved sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 73 % (66 % - 80 %), 91 % (80 % - 100 %), and 85 %, respectively. Overall, neoplasia were identified with sensitivity 70 % (65 % - 76 %), specificity 94 % (87 % - 100 %), and accuracy 85 %. Kappa values were: experts 0.86; nonexperts 0.72; and overall 0.78.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the new criteria, observers achieved high specificity and substantial interobserver agreement for distinguishing benign polyps from neoplasia. Increased expertise in HRME imaging improves accuracy. This low-cost microendoscopic platform may be an alternative to confocal microendoscopy in lower-resource or community-based settings.

Antinociceptive curcuminoid, KMS4034, effects on inflammatory and neuropathic pain likely via modulating TRPV1 in mice

BACKGROUND

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of beneficial effects including anti-inflammation and analgesia. However, poor bioavailability of curcumin hinders its clinical application. To overcome this limitation, we modified the structure of curcumin and synthesized new derivatives with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. Recently, curcumin has been shown to have an antagonizing effect on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ion channels. We investigated the antinociceptive activity of KMS4034 which had the most favourable pharmacokinetics among the tested curcumin derivatives.

METHODS

To evaluate the mechanism of the antinociceptive effects of KMS4034, capsaicin (I(CAP))- and heat (I(heat))-induced currents in TRPV1 expressing HEK293 cells were observed after the application of KMS4034. Nociceptive behavioural measurement using the hot-plate test, formalin test, and chronic constriction injury (CCI) model were evaluated in mice. Also, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was stained immunohistochemically in the L4/5 dorsal horns in mice with neuropathic pain.

RESULTS

I(CAP) (P<0.01) and I(heat) (P<0.05) of TRPV1 were significantly blocked by 10 μM KMS4034. Behaviourally, noticeable antinociceptive effects after 10 mg kg(-1) of KMS4034 treatment were observed in the first (P<0.05) and second phases (P<0.05) of the formalin and hot-plate tests. The mechanical threshold of CCI mice treated with 10 mg kg(-1) KMS4034 was significantly increased compared with control. Immunohistochemical CGRP expression was decreased in the lamina I-II of the lumbar dorsal horns in KMS4034-treated CCI mice compared with the control (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

KMS4034 may be an effective analgesic for various pain conditions.

Enhanced rates of herbicide metabolism in low herbicide-dose selected resistant Lolium rigidum

Lolium rigidum is an obligately cross-pollinated, genetically diverse species and an economically important herbicide resistance-prone weed. Our previous work has demonstrated that recurrent selection of initially susceptible L. rigidum populations with low herbicide rates results in rapid herbicide resistance evolution. Here we report on the mechanisms endowing low-dose-selected diclofop-methyl resistance in L. rigidum. Results showed that resistance was not due to target-site ACCase mutations or overproduction, or differential herbicide leaf uptake and translocation. The in vivo de-esterification of diclofop-methyl into phytotoxic diclofop acid was rapid and similar in resistant versus susceptible populations. However, further metabolism of diclofop acid into non-toxic metabolites was always faster in resistant plants than susceptible plants, resulting in up to 2.6-fold lower level of diclofop acid in resistant plants. This corresponded well with up to twofold higher level of diclofop acid metabolites in resistant plants. The major polar metabolites of diclofop acid chromatographically resembled those of wheat, a naturally tolerant species. Clearly, recurrent selection at reduced herbicide rates selected for non-target-site-based enhanced rates of herbicide metabolism, likely involving cytochrome P450 monooxygenases.

An endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis inversely correlates with side population phenotype and function in human lung cancer cells

The side population (SP) in human lung cancer cell lines and tumors is enriched with cancer stem cells. An endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis known as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), characterized for its ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), has been shown by several laboratories to impede tumor progression through MMP-dependent or -independent mechanisms. We recently reported that forced expression of TIMP-2, as well as the modified form Ala+TIMP-2 (that lacks MMP inhibitory activity) significantly blocks growth of A549 human lung cancer cells in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying TIMP-2 antitumor effects are not fully characterized. Here, we examine the hypothesis that the TIMP-2 antitumor activity may involve regulation of the SP in human lung cancer cells. Indeed, using Hoechst dye efflux assay and flow cytometry, as well as quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis, we found that endogenous TIMP-2 mRNA levels showed a significant inverse correlation with SP fraction size in six non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. In A549 cells expressing increased levels of TIMP-2, a significant decrease in SP was observed, and this decrease was associated with lowered gene expression of ABCG2, ABCB1 and AKR1C1. Functional analysis of A549 cells showed that TIMP-2 overexpression increased chemosensitivity to cytotoxic drugs. The SP isolated from TIMP-2-overexpressing A549 cells also demonstrated impaired migratory capacity compared with the SP from empty vector control. More importantly, our data provide strong evidence that these TIMP-2 functions occur independent of MMP inhibition, as A549 cells overexpressing Ala+TIMP-2 exhibited identical behavior to those overexpressing TIMP-2 alone. Our findings provide the first indication that TIMP-2 modulates SP phenotype and function, and suggests that TIMP-2 may act as an endogenous suppressor of the SP in human lung cancer cells.

Establishment of Eimeria tenella (local isolate) in chicken embryos

Development of an in vitro Eimeria (E.) tenella model could be valuable as a tool for vaccine, coccidiostats or molecular biology research. 1.0 × 10,000 sporozoites per 0.1 mL were inoculated into the allantoic cavity of ten-day-old chicken embryos. The complete life-cycle of E. tenella was accomplished in eight-nine days at 37 °C and 70% humidity. The addition of 100 U insulin to the embryos could remarkably improve the output of oocysts. The development of the parasite within the embryos was systematically observed, allowing guidelines to be set regarding the appropriate times at which different developmental stages of the parasite may be sampled.

First Report of Laurel Oak as a Host for the Pecan Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne partityla, in Florida

Roots of laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia Michx.), member of the family Fagaceae, were found to be heavily galled by the pecan root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne partityla, in two separate home gardens between 2010 and 2012, in Alachua Co., FL. Distinct round galls were observed on secondary and tertiary roots. Internally, root-knot nematode females were clearly visible when the roots were thinly sliced and egg masses were seen protruding from the root surfaces. The nematode species identification was performed using morphology of the male stylet, selected characters of the second-stage juveniles (J2), female perineal patterns, and esterase (EST) and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) isozyme phenotypes. Morphology of perineal patterns of females, body, stylet, and tail length of the J2 and males all matched those of the original description of M. partityla (2). A swollen deeply grooved rectum was observed in the J2. The male stylet had a blunt tip with a prominent thickening at the junction between the cone and shaft. The stylet knobs of males and females were bipartite, each incised by a deep medium longitudinal groove (2). The isozyme phenotypes (EST = Mp3; Mdh = N1a) were consistent with those previously reported for M. partityla from Florida (1). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (3) and ribosomal internal transcriber spacer (ITS) DNA (4) of females were amplified to further confirm the nematode species identification. The mtDNA amplification using the C2F3/1108 primer set (3) and the ITS amplification using a recently available M. partityla specific primer set (4) produced fragments of approximately 530 bp and 550 bp, respectively. These were consistent with those already reported for this nematode species. This first report of a plant host for the pecan root-knot nematode outside of the family Juglandaceae indicates that the nematode may have migrated from Quercus species to pecan trees during the period when orchards were being established in Florida. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the pecan root-knot nematode infecting laurel oak. References: (1) J. A. Brito et al. Nematology 10:757, 2008. (2) Kleynhans, K. P. N. Phytophylatica 18:103, 1986. (3) T. O. Powers et al., J. Nematol. 37:226, 2005. (4) R. A. Stamler. M. S. thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, 2009.

First Report of Meloidogyne enterolobii Infecting Euphorbia punicea in Florida

Euphorbia punicea (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as Jamaican poinsettia, is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and flashy red bracts. Bracts are sharply contrasted by rosettes of dark green leaves and can be observed in early summer, spring, fall, and winter. This shrub, native to Jamaica, is suitable in southern climates both in the landscape and as a seasonal patio container plant. Outdoors, the plants can reach as high as 5 meters. In January of 2012, E. punicea plants growing in an ornamental nursery in Dade Co., Florida, were observed with stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Root systems of affected plants were collected and sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nematology Laboratory, Gainesville, FL. Root systems showing symptoms of root-knot nematode infections were heavily galled and had already started rotting. Galls were observed in the primary, secondary, and tertiary roots. Species identification was initially performed using morphology and morphometrics. The morphology of the perineal patterns and measurements of selected characters of the second-stage juveniles fit those of the original description for M. enterolobii (3). The nematode species identification was confirmed using PCR to amplify mtDNA with the C2F3/1108 primer set (1) and a species-specific SCAR primer set, MK7-F/MK7-R (2). The PCR products were approximately 700 bp for mtDNA and approximately 520 bp for the SCAR, which were identical to those previously reported for M. enterolobii (1, 2). Sanitation practices should be implemented to avoid the spread of this nematode species within and between ornamental nurseries. Planting material should be produced in media free of this pathogen to avoid its introduction into uninfested nurseries and landscape areas. M. enterolobii has a wide host range, including cover and vegetable crops, fruit trees, herbs, and ornamental and weed plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of E. punicea as a host of M. enterolobii. References: (1) T. O. Powers et al. J. Nematol. 37:226, 2005. (2) M. S. Tigano et al. Plant Pathol. 59:1054, 2010. (3) B. Yang and J. D. Eisenback. J. Nematol. 15:381, 1983.

Delayed treatment with human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells attenuates diabetic renal injury

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Excess accumulation of extracellular matrix and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition contribute to renal fibrosis, which is associated with DKD. The present study examined whether delayed treatment with human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells (hUCB-SC) showed a therapeutic effect on DKD progression. Experimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg) into 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Age-matched control rats received an equivalent volume of sodium citrate buffer alone. At 4 weeks after the STZ injection when diabetic renal injury had developed, hUCB-SC were administered (1 × 10(6) cells/rat) through the tail vein. Four weeks after administering the hUCB-SC, rats were sacrificed and we measured indices of DKD, including urinary protein excretion as well as fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin mRNA, and protein expression. Diabetic rats developed significantly increased urinary protein excretion and renal hypertrophy compared to those in control rats. Renal expression of fibronectin and α-SMA mRNA, and protein were increased significantly in diabetic rats compared to those in the controls. E-cadherin protein expression in diabetic kidneys decreased significantly. Intravenously administered hUCB-SC effectively reduced proteinuria, renal fibronectin, and α-SMA up-regulation, as well as renal E-cadherin down-regulation in diabetic rats without a significant effect on blood glucose. Engrafted hUCB-SC in diabetic kidneys were confirmed by human DNA PKcs. The results demonstrated that delayed treatment with hUCB-SC attenuated the progression of diabetic renal injury.

Effects of genistein and daidzein on hippocampus neuronal cell proliferation and BDNF expression in H19-7 neural cell line

OBJECTIVES

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and symptoms in postmenopausal and elderly women. However, ERT is associated with increased risk of uterine and breast cancer. Dietary phytoestrogens have been suggested as a potential alternative to ERT, while little information is available regarding the effects and the underlying mechanisms of such treatment on central neuron function. The present study aimed to determine the effects of phytoestrogens including genistein and daidzein on the proliferation and survival of the hippocampus neural cells, which are of importance in learning and memory function.

MEASUREMENTS

H19-7/IGF-IR neural cell line was cultured in DMEM absented of serum for 72 h, and treated with various concentrations of genistein, daidzein or 17β-estradiol. Neuronal cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT and BrdU assay, respectively Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. The effects of genistein and daidzein on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The effect of Trk receptors inhibitor on genistein and daidzein - induced hippocampus neuronal cell proliferation was also examined.

RESULTS

17β-estradiol, genistein and daidzein ranged from 20 nM to 2000 nM significantly promoted hippocampus neuronal cell viability and proliferation. Similar to the effect of 17β-estradiol, genistein and daidzein induced an increase in the percentage of cells in S phase. Genistein and daidzein significantly increased the expression of BDNF mRNA and protein levels. The effect of genistien and daidzein on hippocampus neuronal proliferation was blocked by K252a, a selective Trk receptors inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that genistein and daidzein improved hippocampus neuronal cell viability and proliferation in vitro. These neuroprotective effects might be mediated by BDNF-Trk pathway.

Measurement of the ZZ production cross section and limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge couplings in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.02 fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is presented. Twelve events containing two Z boson candidates decaying to electrons and/or muons are observed, with an expected background of 0.3 ± 0.3(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) events. The cross section measured in a phase-space region with good detector acceptance and for dilepton masses within the range 66 to 116 GeV is σ(ZZ → ℓ+ ℓ- ℓ+ ℓ-)(fid) = 19.4(-5.2)(+6.3)(stat)(-0.7)(+0.9)(syst) ± 0.7(lumi) fb. The resulting total cross section for on-shell ZZ production, σ(ZZ)(tot) = 8.5(-2.3)(+2.7)(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) ± 0.3(lumi) pb, is consistent with the standard model expectation of 6.5(-0.2)(+0.3) pb calculated at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge boson couplings are derived.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography and volume-rendered imaging for evaluation of cellophane banding in a dog with extrahepatic portosystemic shunt

A 4-year-old, 1.8 kg, male, castrated Maltese was presented for evaluation of urolithiasis. Urinary calculi were composed of ammonium biurate. Preprandial and postprandial bile acids were 44.2 and 187.3 μmol/ , respectively (reference ranges 0–10 and 0–20 μmol/ , respectively). Single-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) with volume-rendered imaging (VRI) was obtained. VRI revealed a portocaval shunt originating just cranial to a tributary of the gastroduodenal vein and draining into the caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen. CTA revealed a 3.66 mm-diameter shunt measured at the level of the termination of the shunt and a 3.79 mm-diameter portal vein measured at the level between the origin of the shunt and the porta of the liver. Surgery was performed using cellophane banding without attenuation. Follow-up single-phase CTA with VRI was obtained 10 weeks after surgery. VRI revealed no evidence of portosystemic communication on the level of a cellophane band and caudal to the cellophane band. CTA demonstrated an increased portal vein diameter (3.79–5.27 mm) measured at the level between the origin of the shunt and the porta of the liver. Preprandial and postprandial bile acids were 25 and 12.5 μmol/ , respectively (aforementioned respective reference ranges), 3 months post-surgery. No problems were evident at 6 months.

Protective effects of bone morphogenetic protein 7 against amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) has neuroprotective effects against ischemia, oxidation stress, and lipopolysaccharide, but its role on amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we exposed PC12 cells to Aβ25-35 for 26 h to induce neurotoxicity, and added exogenous BMP7 at 2 h to observe the neuroprotective effects. The protective mechanisms involved, mostly related to inhibition of cell apoptosis and oxidation stress, were analyzed. In rat in vivo experiments, we bilaterally injected Aβ1-40 into the basal forebrain to simulate neuropathological processes in AD, performed the Morris water maze test to evaluate the effect of Aβ on spatial learning and memory, and explored the change of endogenous BMP7 expression in the brain. The present study demonstrated that BMP7 prevented neuronal injuries in PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35, including cell apoptosis and morphological impairment of dendrites as well as oxidation stress. BMP7 treatment significantly protected PC12 cells against Aβ25-35-induced injury and inhibited the increasing content of the Bax gene and the decreasing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the rat basal forebrain obviously inhibited the rat's spatial learning ability and memory, and significantly induced downregulation of endogenous BMP7 in the basal forebrain while upregulating it in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that BMP7 has neuroprotective effects against Aβ, which may be mediated through inhibition of Bax gene expression during cell apoptosis and elevation of SOD activities during the oxidative stress response. On the other hand, endogenous BMP7 may have a potential self-modulation capacity through negative feedback between the region of the basal forebrain and the hippocampus as a protective cytokine.

Biodegradation of beta-cypermethrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid by a novel Ochrobactrum lupini DG-S-01

A newly isolated bacterium DG-S-01 from activated sludge utilized beta-cypermethrin (beta-CP) and its major metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) as sole carbon and energy source for growth in mineral salt medium (MSM). Based on the morphology, physio-biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, DG-S-01 was identified as Ochrobactrum lupini. DG-S-01 effectively degraded beta-CP with total inocula biomass A(590 nm) = 0.1-0.8, at 20-40 °C, pH 5-9, initial beta-CP 50-400 mg L(-1) and metabolized to yield 3-PBA leading to complete degradation. Andrews equation was used to describe the special degradation rate at different initial concentrations. Degradation rate parameters q(max), K(s) and K(i) were determined to be 1.14 d(-1), 52.06 mg L(-1) and 142.80 mg L(-1), respectively. Maximum degradation was observed at 30 °C and pH 7.0. Degradation of beta-CP was accelerated when MSM was supplemented with glucose, beef extract and yeast extract. Studies on biodegradation in liquid medium showed that over 90% of the initial dose of beta-CP (50 mg L(-1)) was degraded under the optimal conditions within 5d. Moreover, the strain also degraded beta-cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, cyhalothrin and deltamethrin. These results reveal that DG-S-01 may possess potential to be used in bioremediation of pyrethroid-contaminated environment.

High- and low-temperature manipulation during late incubation: effects on embryonic development, the hatching process, and metabolism in broilers

Temperatures continuously higher and lower than the standard incubation temperature by 3°C from embryonic d 16 until embryonic d 18.5 result in differential effects on embryonic development, the hatching process, and embryonic metabolism. Embryos in the high-temperature group were forced into a state of malnutrition by the temperature treatment, as reflected by reduced embryo growth and yolk consumption, resulting in a significantly lower chick weight at hatch. In addition, altered air cell and blood gases as well as a retarded hatching process further indicated reduced growth of embryos exposed to higher incubation temperatures during the latter part of incubation. In addition, hatchability was significantly reduced by the high-temperature treatment due to higher embryonic mortality during the treatment period and the hatching process. Levels of blood glucose, lactate, liver glycogen, plasma triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids indicated an altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism for the high-temperature group. Although the hatching process of embryos exposed to lower incubation temperatures was also significantly retarded, their embryonic development and growth were strikingly similar to those of the control group.

First Report of Bursaphelenchus thailandae on Pinus densiflora in Korea

A survey of nematodes on Pinus densiflora in Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province, Korea was conducted in 2008. Namyangju is located in an area with pine wilt caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and monitoring of wilt has been conducted periodically. Nematodes were extracted from wood chips by the Baermann's funnel method and were cultured on a medium of Botrytis cinerea. During the survey, B. xylophilus and B. thailandae were detected. B. thailandae was found in 20% of the trees tested and usually was found alone without B. xylophilus. Population density of B. thailandae ranged from 8,000 to 15,000 nematodes per 100 g of wood chips. The species was identified by morphology and molecular characterization. B. thailandae was differentiated from B. xylophilus by slight swellings of the stylet knobs, protruding vulval flaps and pointed tail in females, and the male spicule with distinctive shading in the dorsal region. Morphometric data was obtained by measurements of 20 females and 10 males: female, body length = 951.3 ± 56.6 μm, a = 31.8 ± 1.9, b = 10.8 ± 0.9, c = 23.4. ± 0.8, V = 76.2 ± 0.8, stylet length = 14.5 ± 0.6 μm, length of postuterine sac = 90.3 ± 13.5 μm; male, body length = 838.0 ± 71.5 μm, a = 31.1 ± 2.1, b = 5.2 ± 0.5, c = 30.4 ± 2.7, stylet length = 13.5 ± 1.1 μm, spicules length = 16.5 ± 0.7 μm. Measurements were compared with the original description of B. thailandae reported by Braasch and Braasch-Bidasak (1), which showed that the Korean isolate was larger in most body sizes. For molecular diagnosis, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and D2-D3 rDNA were amplified by PCR (US/PTC-0220; Bio Rad, Hercules, CA). The sequences of ITS and D2-D3 rDNA of B. thailandae from P. densiflora showed 98 and 99% homology to those of B. thailandae from GenBank Accession Nos. AM157746 and DQ497184, respectively. B. thailandae was originally described on Pinus merkusi in Pai, North Thailand (1) while Ningbo Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau in China reported a detection of B. thailandae in the imported packaging wood from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Italy, and the United States (2). However, packaging wood is a circulating product and the establishment of B. thailandae in those countries is not confirmed. The pathogenicity of B. thailandae on coniferous trees remains to be determined. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. thailandae on P. densiflora in a natural area in Korea. References: (1) H. Braasch and R. Braasch-Bidasak. Nematology 4:853, 2002. (2) J. Gu et al. For. Pathol. 36:323, 2006.