Heparin-functionalized collagen matrices with controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor

Tissue engineering scaffolds with controlled long-term release of growth factors are constructed in an attempt to mimic the intelligent ability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to release endogenous growth factors. In this study, collagen sponges (Collagen group) were modified by N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) crosslinking (EDC/NHS group) and heparin immobilization (EDC/NHS-H group), and subsequently seeded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Native and modified sponges were pre-adsorbed with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to evaluate the sustained release and bioactive maintenance of bFGF from the sponges. We found that modified collagen matrices permitted HUVECs to proliferate and migrate well and to distribute uniformly. The EDC/NHS-H group exhibited an excellent sustained-release profile and bioactive maintenance of the pre-adsorbed bFGF as compared with the Collagen and EDC/NHS groups. These results suggest that heparin-functionalized collagen matrices can support a controlled release of bFGF and thus, have potential as a tissue engineering scaffold.

Freewheel training decreases pro- and increases anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in mouse intestinal lymphocytes

Intestinal inflammation and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may occur due to imbalances in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Long-term exercise reduces the risk for IBD. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term wheel running in healthy mice on intestinal lymphocyte (IL) expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine proteins. In addition, pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and the percentage of early apoptotic, late apoptotic, and dead IL were measured with wheel running and following acute aerobic exercise. Female C57BL/6 mice were given 16 weeks of wheel running (WR) or a control condition (No WR) and at the end of training were assigned to a single acute treadmill exercise session with sacrifice immediately, 2h after, or 24h after completion of exercise, or were not run (sedentary) with respect to the acute treadmill exercise. Intestinal lymphocytes were assessed for pro-(TNF-α, IL-17) and anti-(IL-10) inflammatory, and pleiotropic (IL-6) cytokines, and pro-(caspase 3 and 7, AIF) and anti-(Bcl-2) apoptotic protein expression. The percent of early (Annexin(+)) and late (Annexin(+)PI(+)) apoptotic, and dead (PI(+)) IL was determined. WR mice had lower TNF-α and caspase 7, and higher IL-10 and IL-6 expression in IL than No WR mice. A single exposure to intense aerobic treadmill exercise increased pro-(TNF-α) and anti-(IL-10) inflammatory cytokine and pro-apoptotic protein (caspase 3) expression in IL. The percent of early and late apoptotic, and dead IL were higher after acute exercise. Although long-term voluntary wheel running did not protect against acute exercise-induced changes in IL cytokine expression or apoptosis, there was an overall 'anti-inflammatory' effect observed as a result of wheel running in healthy mice.

Infectious bursal disease virus as a surrogate for studies on survival of various poultry viruses in compost

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is resistant to many environmental stresses and often persists on farms for months. This study investigated survival of a vaccine strain of IBDV in the bursa of Fabricius and splenic tissue from experimentally infected chickens and in splenic tissue and manure that had been inoculated with the virus. The specimens buried in compost were contained within nylon mesh bags, and the tissues were enclosed within the abdominal cavity of chicken carcasses. Extracts of composted specimens were inoculated into Vero cell cultures, and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR was used to quantify the virus in the cultures. By day 7 in compost, the temperature had been slightly above 55 C for 2.6 days and IBDV had been inactivated in specimens that had been inoculated with virus but had survived in tissues that had been taken from infected chickens. By day 14, the temperature had been above 55 C for 8.8 days and the virus was inactivated in all specimens. The results suggest that composting of poultry carcasses and manure would help to break the cycle of infection with IBDV and that the virus could be valuable as a surrogate for predicting the inactivation of less resistant viruses during composting.

Degradation of foot-and-mouth disease virus during composting of infected pig carcasses

The objective of this study was to investigate the inactivation and degradation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus during composting of infected pig carcasses as measured by virus isolation in tissue culture and by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). Three FMD-infected pig carcasses were composted in a mixture of chicken manure and wood shavings in a biocontainment level 3 facility. Compost temperatures had reached 50 degrees C and 70 degrees C by days 10 and 19, respectively. Under these conditions, FMD virus was inactivated in specimens in compost by day 10 and the viral RNA was degraded in skin and internal organ tissues by day 21. In comparison, at ambient temperatures close to 20 degrees C, FMD virus survived to day 10 in the skin tissue specimen from the pig that had the highest initial level of viral RNA in its tissues and the viral RNA persisted to day 21. Similarly, beta-actin mRNA, tested as a PCR control, persisted to day 21 in specimens held at ambient temperatures, but it was degraded in the remnants of tissues recovered from compost on day 21. Results from this study provide evidence that composting could be used for safe disposal of pig carcasses infected with FMD virus.

Increasing incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Ontario, Canada: evidence from health administrative data

OBJECTIVE

Health administrative databases can be used to track chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to validate a case ascertainment definition of paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using administrative data and describe its epidemiology in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

A population-based clinical database of patients with IBD aged <15 years was used to define cases, and patient information was linked to health administrative data to compare the accuracy of various patterns of healthcare use. The most accurate algorithm was validated with chart data of children aged <18 years from 12 medical practices. Administrative data from the period 1991-2008 were used to describe the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Ontario children. Changes in incidence were tested using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Accurate identification of children with IBD required four physician contacts or two hospitalisations (with International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes for IBD) within 3 years if they underwent colonoscopy and seven contacts or three hospitalisations within 3 years in those without colonoscopy (children <12 years old, sensitivity 90.5%, specificity >99.9%; children <15 years old, sensitivity 89.6%, specificity >99.9%; children <18 years old, sensitivity 91.1%, specificity 99.5%). Age- and sex-standardised prevalence per 100 000 population of paediatric IBD has increased from 42.1 (in 1994) to 56.3 (in 2005). Incidence per 100 000 has increased from 9.5 (in 1994) to 11.4 (in 2005). Statistically significant increases in incidence were noted in 0-4 year olds (5.0%/year, p = 0.03) and 5-9 year olds (7.6%/year, p<0.0001), but not in 10-14 or 15-17 year olds.

CONCLUSION

Ontario has one of the highest rates of childhood-onset IBD in the world, and there is an accelerated increase in incidence in younger children.

Survival of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in compost and at ambient temperatures based on virus isolation and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR

In four composting experiments, survival of avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses was assessed by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) and by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Specimens contained in nylon mesh bags consisted of 20-g samples of chicken manure, used litter, or feed that had been inoculated with allantoic fluid containing an AI virus (H6N2, Expt. 1) or an ND vaccine virus (Expt. 2). Other specimens consisted of 20-g samples of infected ECEs that had been homogenized and mixed with corn silage. As a control, allantoic fluid diluted in phosphate-buffered saline was contained in sealed vials. Except for the feed, in which the AI virus was inactivated soon after the specimen was inoculated, on day 0 the specimens buried in compost or placed outside at ambient temperatures contained at least 5.0 log10 of virus and 7.7 log10 of viral RNA. By day 7, temperatures in compost ranged from 50 C to 65 C, and viruses had been killed in all specimens in bags. In comparison, viruses in sealed vials remained viable to day 10. Viral RNA in mesh-bag specimens had been degraded to nondetectable levels by day 10, but it was still detected in sealed vials on day 21. In specimens that were held at ambient temperatures (13 C-28 C), the viruses in mesh-bag specimens were inactivated by day 21, but their RNA was still detected. In comparison, the viruses in sealed vials survived to day 21. In Expts. 3 and 4, viruses were inactivated in carcass specimens and in whole ECEs during composting. In an in vitro experiment, the time required for a 1-log10 reduction of viruses was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in water extracts from compost than in phosphate buffers at temperatures of 25 C to 45 C. This study provided evidence that microbial activity during composting contributed to the rapid killing of AI and ND viruses and to the degradation of their viral RNA.

Voluntary exercise training in mice increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and decreases the expression of TNF-alpha in intestinal lymphocytes

Acute exercise in mice induces intestinal lymphocyte (IL) apoptosis. Freewheel running reduces apoptosis and forced exercise training increases splenocyte antioxidant levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of freewheel running and acute exercise on mouse IL numbers and concentrations of apoptosis and antioxidant proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines in IL. Female C57BL/6 mice had access to in-cage running wheels (RW) or cages without wheels (NRW) for 16 weeks and were randomized at the end of training to no exercise control (TC) or to treadmill exercise with sacrifice after 90 min of running (TREAD; 30 min, 22 m min(-1); 30 min, 25 m min(-1); 30 min, 28 m min(-1); 2 degrees slope). IL were analyzed for pro-(caspase 3 and 7) and anti-(Bcl-2) apoptotic proteins, endogenous antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase: GPx; catalase: CAT) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha. RW mice had higher cytochrome oxidase (p<0.001) and citrate synthase (p<0.01) activities in plantaris and soleus muscles and higher GPx and CAT expression in IL (p<0.05) (indicative of training) compared with NRW mice. TNF-alpha expression was lower (p<0.05) and IL numbers higher (p<0.05) in RW vs. NRW mice. No training effect was observed for apoptotic protein expression, although TREAD resulted in higher caspase and lower Bcl-2. These results suggest that freewheel running in mice for 16 weeks enhances antioxidant and reduces TNF-alpha expression in IL but does not reduce pro-apoptotic protein expression after acute exercise. Results are discussed in terms of implications for inflammatory bowel diseases where apoptotic proteins and TNF-alpha levels are elevated.

Survival of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in compost and at ambient temperatures based on virus isolation and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR

In four composting experiments, survival of avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses was assessed by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) and by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Specimens contained in nylon mesh bags consisted of 20-g samples of chicken manure, used litter, or feed that had been inoculated with allantoic fluid containing an AI virus (H6N2, Expt. 1) or an ND vaccine virus (Expt. 2). Other specimens consisted of 20-g samples of infected ECEs that had been homogenized and mixed with corn silage. As a control, allantoic fluid diluted in phosphate-buffered saline was contained in sealed vials. Except for the feed, in which the AI virus was inactivated soon after the specimen was inoculated, on day 0 the specimens buried in compost or placed outside at ambient temperatures contained at least 5.0 log10 of virus and 7.7 log10 of viral RNA. By day 7, temperatures in compost ranged from 50 C to 65 C, and viruses had been killed in all specimens in bags. In comparison, viruses in sealed vials remained viable to day 10. Viral RNA in mesh-bag specimens had been degraded to nondetectable levels by day 10, but it was still detected in sealed vials on day 21. In specimens that were held at ambient temperatures (13 C-28 C), the viruses in mesh-bag specimens were inactivated by day 21, but their RNA was still detected. In comparison, the viruses in sealed vials survived to day 21. In Expts. 3 and 4, viruses were inactivated in carcass specimens and in whole ECEs during composting. In an in vitro experiment, the time required for a 1-log10 reduction of viruses was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in water extracts from compost than in phosphate buffers at temperatures of 25 C to 45 C. This study provided evidence that microbial activity during composting contributed to the rapid killing of AI and ND viruses and to the degradation of their viral RNA.

A novel diketopiperazine improves functional recovery given after the onset of 6-OHDA-induced motor deficit in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cyclo-L-glycyl-L-2-allylproline (NNZ-2591), a modified diketopiperazine, is neuroprotective and improves long-term function after hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury in rats. The present studies were designed to examine both the neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions of NNZ-2591 on neurochemical and behavioural changes in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

To examine its protective effect, either NNZ-2591 (20 ng.day(-1)) or saline was given intracerebroventricularly for 3 days starting 2 h after 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced unilateral striatal lesion. In a subsequent experiment either NNZ-2591 (0.2, 1 and 5 mg.day(-1), s.c.) or saline was administered daily for 14 days starting 2 weeks after the lesion. Behavioural and neurochemical outcomes were examined using the adjusting step test and immunohistochemical staining.

KEY RESULTS

Cyclo-L-glycyl-L-2-allylproline given 2 h after the lesion reduced the degree of motor deficit compared with the saline-treated group. Delayed treatment with NNZ-2591, initiated after the onset of motor deficit, significantly improved motor function from week 7 onwards compared with the saline-treated group. Neither treatment regime altered nigrostriatal dopamine depletion. NNZ-2591 significantly enhanced the expression of doublecortin-positive neuroblasts in the sub-ventricular zone.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These studies reveal that early treatment with NNZ-2591 protects against the motor deficit induced by 6-OHDA and that treatment initiated after the establishment of motor impairment significantly improves long-term motor function. These effects of NNZ-2591 on functional recovery were independent of dopamine depletion and also appeared not to be symptomatic as the improved motor function was long-lasting. NNZ-2591 has potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders.

Development of methods for detection and quantification of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in compost by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and virus isolation

Composting has been used for disposal of poultry carcasses and manure following outbreaks caused by avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), but methods are needed to test for survival of the viruses in compost to ensure biosecurity. Methods developed in the present study include extracting viruses from compost and purifying viral RNA. The extracted viruses were detected by virus isolation using embryonated chicken eggs, and the purified RNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RRT-PCR). The virus isolation and the RRT-PCR methods were evaluated with 3 compost preparations that were produced from chicken manure mixed with corn silage, wood shavings, or wheat straw. The detection limits of both methods were 1,700 and 1,000 embryo lethal doses of AIV and NDV per gram of compost, respectively. The copy number of viral RNA quantified by RRT-PCR was highly correlated with the amount of virus in compost. The results suggested that the RRT-PCR method may be used as an alternative to the virus isolation method for rapid detection and accurate quantification of AIV and NDV in compost.

Repeated exercise in mice alters expression of IL-10 and TNF-alpha in intestinal lymphocytes

Intestinal inflammation is characterized by mucosal damage that may arise, in part, to imbalances in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of repeated bouts of strenuous exercise on cytokine expression in mouse intestinal lymphocytes (IL). Thirty-four female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups: three repeated bouts of treadmill running separated by 24h followed by sacrifice immediately or after a 24h period or a sedentary (no exercise) control. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, were measured in IL by Western blotting. IL-10 concentration increased by 48% (p<0.05) in the immediate group compared to the sedentary control. TNF-alpha levels in mouse IL were significantly lower 24h after completion of the exercise protocol compared to the immediate group (p<0.05). The results suggest a possible physiological compensation in which intestinal lymphocytes increase the expression of IL-10 in response to exercise-induced stress.

A distinct spectrum of SLC26A4 mutations in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct in China

There is a worldwide interest in studying SLC26A4 mutations that are responsible for enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) in different ethnic background and populations. The spectrum of SLC26A4 mutations in Chinese population is yet to be fully characterized. In this study, all the 21 exons of SLC26A4 were screened in 107 Chinese patients with hearing loss associated with EVA or both EVA and Mondini dysplasia (MD), taken from six multiplex and 95 simplex families. The two types of control populations consisted of 84 normal-hearing subjects and 46 sensorineural hearing loss subjects without inner ear malformations. Biallelic mutations were found in 12 patients from multiplex families and 84 patients (88.4%) from the simplex families. In addition, monoallelic variant was detected in nine patients in the remaining 11 simplex families. Overall, up to 97.9% patients were found having at least one possible pathogenic variant in SLC26A4, with most having biallelic variants consistent with recessive inheritance of this disorder. A total of 40 mutations including 25 novel mutations were identified in the Chinese patients but were not detected in all the controls except for one normal subject. For the Chinese mutation spectrum of SLC26A4 gene, IVS 7-2A>G mutation was the most common form accounting for 57.63% (102/177) of all the mutant alleles.

Got pure blood in fetal rats?

Have you felt frustration when fetal blood is needed for your studies in rats, or have you been concerned about fetal rat "blood" collected from decapitation? The traditional approach has been to collect fetal blood from decapitation of fetuses. The new method of collecting fetal blood is from the fetal heart, and makes it possible to obtain pure fetal blood at near-term in rodents for fetal studies. This study also demonstrated a significant difference of fetal blood oxygen levels between the traditional and new methods of blood collection.

Peripheral administration of a novel diketopiperazine, NNZ 2591, prevents brain injury and improves somatosensory-motor function following hypoxia-ischemia in adult rats

The current study describes the neuroprotective effects of an endogenous diketopiperazine, cyclo-glycyl-proline (cyclic GP), in rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and the pre-clinical development of an analogue, cyclo-L-glycyl-L-2-allylproline (NNZ 2591), modified for improved bioavailability. The compounds were given either intracerebroventricularly or subcutaneously 2h after hypoxia-ischemia. Histology, immunohistochemistry and behavior were used to evaluate treatment effects. The central uptake of NNZ 2591 was also examined in normal and hypoxic-ischemic injured rats by HPLC-mass spectrometry. Central administration of cyclic GP or NNZ 2591 reduced the extent of brain damage in the lateral cortex, the hippocampus and the striatum (p<0.001), with NNZ 2591 being more potent. NNZ 2591 was stable in the plasma and crossed the blood-brain barrier independent of hypoxic-ischemic injury. The level of NNZ 2591 in the CSF was maintained for 2 h after a single subcutaneous dose, and modest neuroprotection was seen after a bolus subcutaneous administration (overall p<0.001). Treatment with NNZ 2591 for 5 d subcutaneously improved somatosensory-motor function (p<0.05) and long-term histological outcome (overall p<0.0001). NNZ 2591 treatment not only reduced both caspase-3 mediated apoptosis and microglial activation but also enhanced astrocytic reactivity, which may mediate its protective effect. The pharmacokinetic profile and potent long-term protective effects of NNZ 2591 suggests its utility for the treatment of ischemic brain injury and other neurological conditions requiring chronic intervention.

Optimization and comparison of three methods for extraction of volatile compounds from Cyperus rotundus evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

The essential oil of Cyperus rotundus has multiple pharmacological activities. Therefore, the extraction with high yield and quality is very important for preparation of essential oil of C. rotundus. In this paper, three methods, namely hydrodistillation (HD), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), for extraction of volatile compounds from C. rotundus were optimized and compared by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among eight identified compounds in C. rotundus, five components including alpha-copaene, cyperene, beta-selinene, beta-cyperone and alpha-cyperone were quantitatively determined or estimated using alpha-cyperone as standard, which showed that PLE had the highest extraction efficiency, while SFE had the best selectivity for extraction of beta-cyperone and alpha-cyperone. The contents of ingredients from C. rotundus extracted with HD, PLE and SFE are significantly different, which suggest that comparison of chemical components and pharmacological activities of different extracts is helpful to elucidate the active components in C. rotundus and control its quality.

Countermeasures against space radiation induced oxidative stress in mice

Of particular concern for the health of astronauts during space travel is radiation from protons and high atomic number (Z), high energy particles (HZE particles). Space radiation is known to induce oxidative stress in astronauts after extended space flight. In the present study, the total antioxidant status was used as a biomarker to evaluate oxidative stress induced by proton and HZE particle radiation in the plasma of CBA mice and the protective effect of dietary supplement agents. The results indicate that exposure to proton and HZE particle radiation significantly decreased the plasma level of total antioxidants in the irradiated CBA mice. Dietary supplementation with L: -selenomethionine (SeM) or a combination of selected antioxidant agents (which included SeM) could partially or completely prevent the decrease in the total antioxidant status in the plasma of animals exposed to proton or HZE particle radiation. These findings suggest that exposure to space radiation may compromise the capacity of the host antioxidant defense system; this adverse biological effect can be prevented at least partially by dietary supplementation with agents expected to have effects on antioxidant activities.

A rapid method for the simultaneous determination of 11 saponins in Panax notoginseng using ultra performance liquid chromatography

A rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo diode array detection method (UPLC-PDA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 saponins, namely notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd and Rg3 in Panax notoginseng. The analysis was performed on Acquity UPLC system with Acquity UPLC BEH C(18) column and gradient elution of water and acetonitrile in 12 min. The high correlation coefficient (r(2)>0.9968) values indicated good correlations between the investigated compounds' concentrations and their peak areas within the test ranges. The LOQ and LOD were lower to 0.2-2.4 and 0.1-1.8 ng on column, respectively. The overall intra- and inter-day variations (R.S.D.) of 11 saponins were lower than 3.1%. The developed method was successfully used for the analysis of saponins in P. notoginseng with overall recovery of 93.0-101.6% for the analytes. The results show that UPLC is a powerful tool for analysis of components in Chinese medicines.

Influence of Temperature on Survival and Conjugative Transfer of Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Plasmids in Chicken Manure and Compost Microcosms

The aim of this study was to determine if mobile plasmids carrying antibiotic-resistant genes could survive and be transferred in chicken manure maintained under conditions similar to those found in commercial cage layer operations and during composting. Escherichia coli J5 harboring a self-transmissible plasmid (RP4) and E. coli C600 harboring a mobile plasmid (pIE723) were used as plasmid donors; E. coli CV601 was used as a plasmid recipient. At 23 degrees C both plasmids were transferred to E. coli CV601 in chicken manure and in compost microcosms that consisted of a mixture of chicken manure and peat. The transfer frequencies ranged from 8.1 x 10(-5) to 2.4 x 10(-3) per donor cell in manure and from 2.4 x 10(-5) to 5.5 x 10(-4) per donor cell in compost microcosms. After 45 d of incubation at 23 degrees C, RP4, but not pIE723, was recovered by an exogenous isolation method although their E. coli hosts were not cultured from the microcosms. However, when the temperatures of the compost microcosms were elevated to 50 degrees C or above, neither the plasmids nor their E. coli hosts could be detected. The results suggested that composting of chicken manure at high temperatures could help prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes via plasmids in the environment.