Neural mechanisms distinguishing two types of cooperative problem-solving approaches: An fNIRS hyperscanning study

Collaborative cooperation (CC) and division of labor cooperation (DLC) are two prevalent forms of cooperative problem-solving approaches in daily life. Despite extensive research on the neural mechanisms underlying cooperative problem-solving approaches, a notable gap exists between the neural processes that support CC and DLC. The present study utilized a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning technique along with a classic cooperative tangram puzzle task to investigate the neural mechanisms engaged by both friends and stranger dyads during CC versus DLC. The key findings of this study were as follows: (1) Dyads exhibited superior behavioral performance in the DLC task than in the CC task. The CC task bolstered intra-brain functional connectivity and inter-brain synchrony (IBS) in regions linked to the mirror neuron system (MNS), spatial perception (SP) and cognitive control. (2) Friend dyads showed stronger IBS in brain regions associated with the MNS than stranger dyads. (3) Perspective-taking predicted not only dyads' behavioral performance in the CC task but also their IBS in brain regions associated with SP during the DLC task. Taken together, these findings elucidate the divergent behavioral performance and neural connection patterns between the two cooperative problem-solving approaches. This study provides novel insights into the various neurocognitive processes underlying flexible coordination strategies in real-world cooperative contexts.

Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms after ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy: a cross-sectional survey of frontline nursing staff in Chinese hospitals

Background

After the Chinese government announced the end of the dynamic zero-COVID policy on January 8, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic peaked. Frontline nursing staff are at high risk of infection transmission due to their frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. In addition, due to the ending of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, frontline nursing staff have grappled with increased workload, fatigue, and more. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff and its influencing factors following the end of the policy.

Methods

Between January and February 2023, this study was conducted by the Wenjuanxing platform to survey frontline nursing staff in a hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. All the nursing staff included in this study had a COVID-19 infection. The questionnaires included the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), PC-PTSD-5 Chinese Version Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, The 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-2) Scale, and the burden of COVID-19 Scale. Binary logistic regression methods were used to identify variables associated with insomnia symptoms.

Results

Among the 694 frontline nursing staff, 74.5% (517/694) exhibited insomnia symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), the burden of COVID-19 (p < 0.05), PTSD (p < 0.001), and higher technical titles (p < 0.008) were highly correlated with insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff. Psychological resilience (p < 0.001) was a protective factor for insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff.

Conclusion

After ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff is generally higher. This study highlights the association between insomnia symptoms and PTSD, fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 burden, and resilience. Psychological assistance is needed for frontline nursing staff to prevent insomnia symptoms and protect the mental health of frontline nursing staff after the end of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy.

Practical synthesis of allylic amines via nickel-catalysed multicomponent coupling of alkenes, aldehydes, and amides

Molecules with an allylic amine motif provide access to important building blocks and versatile applications of biologically relevant chemical space. The need for diverse allylic amines requires the development of increasingly general and modular multicomponent reactions for allylic amine synthesis. Herein, we report an efficient catalytic multicomponent coupling reaction of simple alkenes, aldehydes, and amides by combining nickel catalysis and Lewis acid catalysis, thus providing a practical, environmentally friendly, and modular protocol to build architecturally complex and functionally diverse allylic amines in a single step. The method is remarkably simple, shows broad functional-group tolerance, and facilitates the synthesis of drug-like allylic amines that are not readily accessible by other methods. The utilization of accessible starting materials and inexpensive Ni(ii) salt as the alternative precatalyst offers a significant practical advantage. In addition, the practicality of the process was also demonstrated in an efficient, gram-scale preparation of the prostaglandin agonist.

Social Rejection but Not Ostracism Increases Cognitive Effort Avoidance

Purpose

Social exclusion has been found to have a significant impact on cognitive control processing. However, the existing research on this topic has yielded inconsistent findings, possibly due to variations in the type of exclusion and individuals' cognitive effort. Two studies were conducted to explore the influence of social rejection and ostracism on cognitive effort avoidance.

Participants and Methods

Study 1 involved forty-six adults who were randomly divided into a rejection group and a control group using a get-acquainted paradigm. The demand selection task (DST) was used to measure cognitive effort avoidance. In Study 2, forty-eight adults were recruited, Cyberball and DST paradigms were used to evoke ostracism and test cognitive effort avoidance, respectively.

Results

The results of study 1 showed that individuals who were socially rejected by their partners exhibited impaired response accuracy of cognitive control and increased cognitive effort avoidance. This indicates that social rejection has a negative impact on cognitive control processing and that individuals may be more likely to avoid cognitive effort when experiencing social rejection. The results of study 2 showed that ostracism had an impact on both response speed and accuracy, but it did not significantly affect cognitive effort avoidance. This indicates that social rejection affects cognitive control processing differently than ostracism, and individuals are more likely to avoid cognitive effort when experiencing social rejection.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that social rejection and ostracism have different effects on cognitive effort, which may contribute to the inconsistent cognitive performance during social exclusion. Future research may explore the underlying mechanisms that lead to these differences and examine how individuals can mitigate the negative effects of social exclusion on cognitive control processing.

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory

Background

The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) was an appropriate assessment tool that included all the principal dimensions related to autism defined in DSM-5 for the general population. However, its validity and reliability in the general Chinese population still need to be examined.

Purpose

We revised the inventory and estimated the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the CATI among 2232 general undergraduates.

Methods

The Chinese version of the CATI (CATI-C) was administered to 2259 undergraduates using the online Questionnaires Star electronic system. Internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across gender were calculated. In order to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cut-off score of the CATI-C, an analysis using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was performed.

Results

The CATI-C includes 35 items of two factors and six dimensions. CFA demonstrated that the fit index of the structure of the scale was good (Satorra-Bentler chi-square/degrees of freedom [S-Bχ² /df] = 2.406, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMR] = 0.038, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.037, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.929, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.917). The convergent validity examined based on the Autism Spectrum Quotient total score was satisfactory (r = 0.54). The internal consistency reliability of social factor, non-social factor, and total scores were 0.87, 0.85, and 0.90. The test-retest reliability was 0.80. A cut-off score of 115 provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for the CATI-C (sensitivity = 0.926, specificity = 0.781, and Youden's index = 0.707).

Conclusion

The CATI-C has satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring autistic traits. It showed a good model fit for social and non-social second-order bifactors and measurement invariance across gender.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of PGLa-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays

Objectives: This study investigated the antimicrobial effect and anti-inflammatory activities of PGLa-loaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs) in osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Methods: The surface morphology and roughness of three titanium (Ti) substrates (Ti, TiO₂ NTs, PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs) were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The wettability of three titanium substrates was evaluated by contact angle. Biocompatibility of PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs were evaluated in MG-63 cells (cell adhesion, proliferation, cytoskeletal evaluation and alkaline phosphatase activity). Spread plate counting method was used to evaluate antibacterial abilities of the titanium substrates. The calcein AM/PI staining evaluated cell viability of MG-63 cells on the substrates with or without proinflammatory factors (TNF-α). Results: The average surface roughness of untreated Ti, TiO₂ NTs, PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs were found to be 135.8 ± 6.4 nm, 300.5 ± 10.5 nm, 348.9 ± 16.9 nm, respectively. The contact angle of the untreated Ti was 77.4° ± 6.6°. TiO₂ NTs displayed excellent wettability which of contact angle was 12.1° ± 2.9°. The contact angle of the PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs was 34.6° ± 4.9°. MG-63 cells on surface of PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs showed better cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic activity. The antibacterial rate of PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs group significantly increased (84.6% ± 5.5%, p < 0.05). The rate of dead cells on the surfaces of the PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs with TNF-α decreased significantly (4.49% ± 0.02, p < 0.01). Conclusion: PGLa-loaded TiO₂ NTs have multi-biofunctions including biocompatibility, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory-short form (CATI-SF-C) in the general population

The current study aims to provide psychometric analyses of a shortened version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) from three different samples administered to 4910 Chinese populations (56.864 % females, mean age 19.857 ± 4.083) aged 14-56. The factor structure of CATI in Chinese was examined by confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling, and a 24-item Chinese version short form of CATI (CATI-SF-C) was developed. The validity (structure validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity) and reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) were evaluated, and the predictive ability for classifying autism was examined (Youden's Index = 0.690). According to these findings, the CATI-SF-C is a reliable and valid autistic traits assessment tool for the general population.

NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in digestive system tumors

Programmed cell death (PCD) refers to cell death in a manner that depends on specific genes encoding signals or activities. PCD includes apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and necrosis (programmed necrosis). Among these mechanisms, pyroptosis is mediated by the gasdermin family and is accompanied by inflammatory and immune responses. When pathogens or other danger signals are detected, cytokine action and inflammasomes (cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes) lead to pyroptosis. The relationship between pyroptosis and cancer is complex and the effect of pyroptosis on cancer varies in different tissue and genetic backgrounds. On the one hand, pyroptosis can inhibit tumorigenesis and progression; on the other hand, pyroptosis, as a pro-inflammatory death, can promote tumor growth by creating a microenvironment suitable for tumor cell growth. Indeed, the NLRP3 inflammasome is known to mediate pyroptosis in digestive system tumors, such as gastric cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, in which a pyroptosis-induced cellular inflammatory response inhibits tumor development. The same process occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma and some colorectal cancers. The current review summarizes mechanisms and pathways of pyroptosis, outlining the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in digestive system tumors.

Lnc-17Rik promotes the immunosuppressive function of Myeloid-Derived suppressive cells in esophageal cancer

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a population of immature bone marrow cells that accumulate in large numbers in the spleen, peripheral blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and local and metastatic foci of tumors. C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) play key roles in regulating the immunosuppressive function and differentiation of MDSCs. Our study revealed that the long noncoding RNA Lnc-17Rik was able to promote immunosuppression in tumors by facilitating the activation and expression of key genes involved in MDSC differentiation. Lnc-17Rik was shown to directly interact with CHOP and C/EBPβ LIP to facilitate their dissociation from the transcriptional repressor complex involving C/EBP LAP/LIP/CHOP. Moreover, Lnc-17Rik increased the association of WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) with C/EBP LAP, promoting H3K4me3 enrichment in the promoter regions of arginase 1 (Arg-1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) to enhance the expression of these genes. Furthermore, using a CD45 chimeric model we confirmed that Lnc-17Rik promoted the differentiation of monocytic (M)-MDSCs in vivo with the introduction of Lnc-17Rik-overexpressing MDSCs shown to promote tumor growth as a result of enhancing their immunosuppressive function. Notably, human Lnc-17Rik is highly homologous to mouse Lnc-17Rik and fulfills similar functions in human MDSC-like cells. In addition, we also found a high level of Lnc-17Rik in peripheral blood MDSC of patients with esophageal cancer. These findings suggest that Lnc-17Rik plays an important role in controlling the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in the tumor environment and may further serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with esophageal cancer.

Academic Passion and Subjective Well-Being among Female Research Reserve Talents: The Roles of Psychological Resilience and Academic Climate

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between academic passion (AP) and subjective well-being (SWB), along with the mediating role of psychological resilience (PR) and the moderating role of academic climate (AC), among Chinese female research talent in reserve. A convenience sampling method was used to select 304 female master's degree students from several universities in the central region of China a questionnaire survey. The results show that: (1) AP has a positive predictive effect on the SWB of female reserve research talents; (2) PR partially mediated the relationship between the AP and SWB of female reserve research talents; (3) AC moderated the relationship between the AP and SWB of female reserve research talents. Thus, the findings of this study support a moderated mediation model that explores the relationship between AP and SWB for female research backups, with PR as the mediating variable and AC as the moderating variable. These findings provide a new perspective with which to explore the mechanisms influencing the subjective well-being of female research reserves.

Does cone-beam computed tomography examination increase the micronuclei frequency in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells after cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination.

METHODS

We performed language-independent computer-assisted data searches using PubMed databases, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science all databases, and Google Scholar. The literature on micronucleus (MN) frequency of clinical trials before and after CBCT examination was included. The frequency of MN in exfoliated cells of the human oral mucosa was the primary outcome of the study. All statistical analyses were performed with R (version 4.1.0), RStudio (version 2022.02.2 + 485) software, and Meta packages (version 5.2-0). Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies by the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) Modified scale with minor modifications. The heterogeneity of the data was analyzed using I² statistics, in which I² > 50% was considered substantial heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 559 articles were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, nine full-text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility, and six observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The present study showed a significant increase in MN frequency of human oral mucosal exfoliated cells 10 days after CBCT examination compared to baseline (SMD = - 0.56, 95%-CI = - 0.99 ~ - 0.13, p = 0.01). Because of the high heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 72%), after removing one study that was the main source of heterogeneity, excluding the study (I² = 47%), the common-effect model was chosen, and the meta-analysis also showed that the frequency of MN in human oral mucosa exfoliated cells increased significantly 10 days after CBCT examination (SMD =  - 0.35, 95%-CI =  - 0.59 ~  - 0.11, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

This review suggested that CBCT examination increases the frequency of micronuclei in oral mucosal exfoliated cells.

Influence of Social Exclusion on Cool and Hot Inhibitory Control in Chinese College Students

Social exclusion can affect nearly every aspect of a person's mental health, both on an emotional and cognitive level. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether cool or hot inhibitory control capacity varied under social exclusion. More precisely, participants who had experienced and not experienced social exclusion were compared to explore the influence of social exclusion on cool and hot inhibitory controls. Social exclusion was induced through the use of a Cyberball game, and participants were divided into an exclusion group and an inclusion group. The number Stroop task and emotional face Stroop task were used to measure the cool and hot inhibitory control, respectively. In the cool Stroop task, participants had to refrain from reading printed digits to identify the number of items presented in the array. In the hot Stroop task, participants had to inhibit the meaning of the word to identify the emotion displayed on the face. Reaction time, accuracy, and Stroop interference were analyzed to compare the inhibitory control between the exclusion group and the inclusion group. The results showed an extension of the response time in the exclusion group compared to the inclusion group. We found a higher interference effect in the number of Stroop tasks in the exclusion group than that in the inclusion group, but it was not significant in the emotional face Stroop task. The results suggest that the cognitive and emotional basis of inhibitory control may differ during social exclusion. The present findings expand our understanding of how social exclusion affects cool and hot inhibitory controls and their internal psychological mechanism.

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) potentiates the aggressive process of oral squamous cell carcinoma by binding to interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a frequent threatening head and neck malignancy. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) was identified to be upregulated in OSCC and its high expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. This paper set out to assess the influence of SHMT2 on OSCC progression and the potential mechanisms related to interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2). First of all, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot examined the expression of SHMT2 and ILF2 in OSCC cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays appraised cell proliferation. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining was to estimate the apoptotic rate of cells. Further, wound healing and transwell assays verified the migration and invasion of cells. Western blot was adopted to detect the expression of factors related to apoptosis, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The possible interaction of SHMT2 and ILF2 was predicted by a Molecular INTeraction (MINT) and BioGRID databases and determined using co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Subsequently, ILF2 was overexpressed to investigate whether SHMT2 regulated OSCC progression by binding to ILF2. Results implied that SHMT2 possessed increased expression in OSCC cells, and OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion, EMT were inhibited and apoptosis was potentiated after its silencing. ILF2 bound to SHMT2 and ILF2 expression was downregulated after SHMT2 silencing in OSCC cells. Importantly, ILF2 overexpression abolished the suppressive role of SHMT2 interference in the progression of OSCC. Collectively, SHMT2 could promote the progression of OSCC by binding to ILF2.

Inhibitory control training and transcranial direct current stimulation of the pre-supplementary motor area: behavioral gains and transfer effects

Inhibitory control is a critical part of executive function and an important cognitive process in daily life. It is currently unclear how to optimally improve inhibitory control ability through behavior training and other interventions. Here, we explored the factors that influence inhibition control training in two experiments, focusing on the gains and transfer effects of training. Experiments 1 and 2 investigated the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the pre-supplementary motor area and an increase in training duration on the training effect for inhibitory control, respectively, as well as the transfer effects when participants completed the Stroop and directed forgetting tasks. The results showed a stable training effect in relation to inhibitory control and a transfer effect for the Stroop task. Anodal tDCS in the pre-supplementary motor area could effectively improve inhibitory control ability, but not further enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. Moreover, increasing the training duration did not enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. The addition of tDCS and the extension of training duration failed to enhance the training effect, indicating that there may be a limitation of improvement in inhibitory control. The findings provide evidence regarding the further intervention effects of behavioral training and tDCS.

Analysis and Evaluation on Characteristics of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Coastal Farmland Soil along the Wuma River

The thesis is aimed to provide a reference for the sustainable utilization of farmland soils along the Wuma River, an upstream tributary of the Chishui River in Guizhou Province. Geo accumulation index method, Nemero comprehensive pollution index method, and potential ecological hazard index method were used based on the experimental data for analyzing and evaluating the heavy metal pollution status of farmland soil along Wuma River. The results showed that: (1) The contents of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg in farmland soil exceeded the soil background values of 9.82%, 47.80%, 13.72% and 76.06% in Guizhou Province, respectively, but did not exceed the standard limit class II based on the environmental quality. (2). The pollutants of Pb and Zn in the research area mainly come from mineral exploitation, waste residue accumulation, and transportation. The enrichment of Cr and Cu may originate from the domestic garbage dumping and incinerated waste by residents along the coast and irrational agricultural activities. The main contents of Cd, As and Hg come from soil geochemistry. (3) The ranking of accumulations of eight heavy metals was IPb>IHg>ICu>INi>IZn>ICr>IAs>ICd, among which Pb was non-moderately polluted and the remaining heavy metals were at the clean level; Nemero comprehensive pollution index showed that As, Cr, Zn, and Ni were mildly polluted, while Pb, Hg, and Cu were moderately polluted. The ranking of potential ecological risk levels for the eight heavy metals was Hg, Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Cd, Cr, Zn. The overall ecological risk level is mild.

Updating the NLRC4 Inflammasome: from Bacterial Infections to Autoimmunity and Cancer

Inflammasomes comprise a family of cytosolic multi-protein complexes that modulate the activation of cysteine-aspartate-specific protease 1 (caspase-1) and promote the maturation and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, leading to an inflammatory response. Different types of inflammasomes are defined by their sensor protein which recognizes pathogenic ligands and then directs inflammasome assembly. Although the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of most inflammasomes are still unclear, NLRC4 inflammasomes have emerged as multifaceted agents of the innate immune response, playing important roles in immune defense against a variety of pathogens. Other studies have also expanded the scope of NLRC4 inflammasomes to include a range of inherited human autoimmune diseases as well as proposed roles in cancer. In this review article, we provide an updated overview of NLRC4 inflammasomes, describing their composition, activation mechanisms and roles in both microbial infections and other disease conditions.

Fearful faces modulate cognitive control under varying levels of uncertainty: An event-related potential study

Cognitive control can reduce uncertainty, but few studies have investigated temporal dynamics of the flexible allocation of resources under varying levels of uncertainty. We used a revised majority function task with emotional faces and event-related potentials to investigate this process. The task incorporated different ratios of face orientation to quantify uncertainty. Participants performed slower in high uncertainty than in other levels. Under low uncertainty, participants showed greater amplitudes of frontal N200 and late frontal wave to neutral faces than fearful faces. Parietal P300 amplitudes decreased from low uncertainty to high uncertainty, and fearful faces elicited greater P300 amplitudes than neutral faces under all levels of uncertainty. These results suggest that emotion and uncertainty interacted in the frontal cortex during both early and late stages, while no interaction existed in the parietal cortex during the late stage. The interference of fearful faces is lessened by increasing cognitive control under high uncertainty in the frontal cortex, suggesting that humans possess the ability to flexibly allocate mental resources in the temporal domain. Our findings provide evidence to support the fronto-parietal network hypothesis of cognitive control in a novel perspective of uncertainty.

Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger 1 in Airway Smooth Muscle of Allergic Inflammation Mouse Model

Cytosolic free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) is essential for airway contraction, secretion and remodeling. [Ca²⁺]_cyt homeostasis is controlled by several critical molecules, one of which is the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger 1 (NCX1) in the plasma membrane. Since little is currently known about NCX1 in the airway smooth muscle and its involvement in airway diseases, the present study was designed to investigate the expression and function of NCX1 in normal airway smooth muscle and its relevance to airway inflammation. Western blot analysis, tracheal smooth muscle contraction, and [Ca²⁺]_cyt measurements were performed in mouse tracheal smooth muscle tissues and primary airway smooth muscle cell cultures. Additional studies were performed in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Our data showed that NCX1 proteins were expressed in the human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), murine airway and whole lung. Carbachol raised [Ca²⁺]_cyt in mouse tracheal smooth muscle cells and induced murine tracheal contraction, all of which were significantly attenuated by KB-R7943, a selective NCX inhibitor. Removal of extracellular Na⁺ increased [Ca²⁺]_cyt in HBSMCs and mouse tracheal SMCs, which was dependent on extracellular Ca²⁺ and sensitive to KB-R7943. TNF-α treatment of HBSMCs significantly upregulated mRNA and protein expression of NCX1 and enhanced NCX activity. Finally, KB-R7943 abolished the airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Together, these findings indicate that NCX1 in airway smooth muscle may play an important role in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, and downregulation or inhibition of NCX1 may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for asthma.

[Changes of distal-less homeobox genes 5 and Msh homeobox 1 in a rat model of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw]

Objective: To further study the effects of distal-less homeobox gene 5 (Dlx-5) and Msh homeobox 1 (Msx-1) in the pathogenic mechanism of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) . Methods: Twenty-four SD rats were divided into two groups, the experimental group was injected intraperitoneally with zoledronic acid for 12 weeks (0.2 mg/kg, three times a week), and the control group was injected with saline solution for 12 weeks. The first mandibular molars were extracted after 12 weeks. All of the animals were sacrificed eight weeks after teeth extraction. The BRONJ was diagnosed by gross observation, X-ray examination and histopathlolgical examination. Through real-time PCR, the expression level of Dlx-5 and Msx-1 were detected in the mandible of BRONJ samples and normal samples. Results: X-ray examination and histopathlolgical analysis showed the presence of BRONJ. The results of real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of Dlx-5 were increased (P=0.001) and the expression level of Msx-1 was decreased (P=0.001) in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusions: Dlx-5 and Msx-1 genes play roles in the pathogenic mechanism of BRONJ.

Decision-Making in Adolescents with Profound Hearing Loss

People with profound hearing loss show differences in language-related cognitive functions that may affect decision-making processes, but few studies have examined their decision-making behavior. The current study used the Iowa Gambling Task and the Game of Dice Task to explore the decision-making characteristics of adolescents with profound hearing loss. In the Iowa Gambling Task, deaf adolescents were more inclined to choose from the deck of infrequent losses with large immediate gains and larger future losses. In the Game of Dice Task, the deaf adolescents showed a preference for high-risk choices with high gains and high losses. These results suggest that deaf adolescents show a stronger preference for choices with immediate high gains and underestimate the potential risks, which may be related to differences in executive function or utilization of feedback.

Inhibition of PSMD4 alters ZP1 ubiquitination state and sperm-oocyte-binding ability in pigs

The aim of this study was to determine how the duration of culture affects the ubiquitination of zona pellucida (ZP) proteins (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3) during porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. We analysed the changes in ZP protein ubiquitination under three conditions: (i) during oocyte maturation from stage GV to MII; (ii) in oocytes cultured for different periods of time; and (iii) in oocytes treated with an antibody against PSMD4. Our results show that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, while ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage, and band intensities for these proteins were significantly different between the GV and MII stages (p < .05). We also found that ubiquitination occurs in ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 after cultured for 46, 52, 58 and 64 hr, and that the level of ubiquitinated ZP1 was significantly different in oocytes that were cultured for different time periods. Finally, treatment with an antibody against PSMD4 resulted in a significant decrease in ZP1 ubiquitination (p < .05), without affecting ZP2 or ZP3. The number of attached sperms per oocyte was also significantly different between control and anti-PSMD4-treated groups. Thus, we concluded that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, and ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage. As the duration of culture increases, the ubiquitination levels of ZP proteins decrease. We also found that PSMD4 improves ZP1 ubiquitination during in vitro culture of porcine oocytes and effectively inhibits sperm-oocyte binding.

The activation of interactive attentional networks

Attention can be conceptualized as comprising the functions of alerting, orienting, and executive control. Although the independence of these functions has been demonstrated, the neural mechanisms underlying their interactions remain unclear. Using the revised attention network test and functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined cortical and subcortical activity related to these attentional functions and their interactions. Results showed that areas in the extended frontoparietal network (FPN), including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, frontal eye fields (FEF), areas near and along the intraparietal sulcus, anterior cingulate and anterior insular cortices, basal ganglia, and thalamus were activated across multiple attentional functions. Specifically, the alerting function was associated with activation in the locus coeruleus (LC) in addition to regions in the FPN. The orienting functions were associated with activation in the superior colliculus (SC) and the FEF. The executive control function was mainly associated with activation of the FPN and cerebellum. The interaction effect of alerting by executive control was also associated with activation of the FPN, while the interaction effect of orienting validity by executive control was mainly associated with the activation in the pulvinar. The current findings demonstrate that cortical and specific subcortical areas play a pivotal role in the implementation of attentional functions and underlie their dynamic interactions.

[Effect of zoledronic acid on cell proliferation and apoptosis of human periodontal fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of different concentrations of zoledronic acid on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells proliferation and apoptosis, and to investigate the mechanism of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) caused by zoledronic acid.

METHODS

Different concentrations (0, 0.5, l.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L) of zoledronic acid acted on the HGF. After 24 hours, flow cytometry was used to detect the rate of apoptosis and methyl thiazolyl terazolium (MTT) assay used to observe the proliferation of HGF. The effect of different concentrations of zoledronic acid on cell proliferation was examined by proliferation test on day 2, 4 and 7.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry showed that when the concentration of zoledronic acid was 0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L, the apoptosis rate was (0.67 ± 0.50)%, (2.13 ± 0.21)%, (3.27 ± 0.23)%, (4.17 ± 0.35)%, (9.87 ± 1.79)% respectively. The difference in HGF cells between control group and zoledronic acid groups was significant (P < 0.05) at three concentrations of zoledronic acid (1.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L). The cell proliferation test showed an concentration-time dependent effect. With increase of concentration and time, the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited. There was significant difference in absorbance value among the different concentration groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Zoledronic acid can inhibit HGF proliferation and promote its apoptosis.

Graphene induced high-Q hybridized plasmonic whispering gallery mode microcavities

A novel hybridized plasmonic whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities composed of graphene monolayer coated ZnO microrod with hexagonal cross section were proposed that operates in the ultraviolet region. π and π + σ surface plasmon modes in graphene monolayer at 4.7 eV and 14.6 eV can be used to achieve the near field coupling interaction between surface plasmonic modes and the conventional WGM microcavity modes in the ultraviolet band. Significantly, the coupling, happened in the evanescent wave field excited along the interface between ZnO and graphene, can lead to distinct optical field confinement and lasing enhancement experimentally, so as well as WGM lasing characteristics, such as the higher cavity quality factor (Q), narrower linewidth, lasing intensities enhancement. The results could provide a platform to study hybridized plasmonic cavity dynamics, and also provides the building blocks to construct graphene based novel microcavity for high performance ultraviolet laser devices with potential application to optical signal processing, biological monitoring, and so on.

Numerical magnitude modulates temporal comparison: an ERP study

Time is believed to be a part of the generalized magnitude system just like space and quantity. Previous research suggests that time perception can be affected by magnitude in some non-temporal dimensions. Here we address two questions. First, could the influence be caused by an abstract magnitude component without perceptual variables? Second, what are the underlying mechanisms of the influence? Participants compared a pair of durations defined by two Arabic digits in a hundreds of milliseconds range. They performed more accurately when the shorter durations were defined by lower numeric value digits (small digits) and the longer durations were defined by higher value digits (large digits) than they did in the reversed condition. Event-Related Potential (ERP) results showed that the CNVs corresponding to the first duration (CNV1), to the second duration (CNV2) and the N1 were all enhanced when durations marked by small digits than that marked by large ones. Combining the electrophysiological data with the behavioral results, we suggest that digits can modulate performance of temporal comparison at the relatively early stage of perceptual processing. One possible explanation of the current results is that selective temporal attention and subsequent expectation may be involved in this modulation.

Alternative delivery of insulin via eye drops

BACKGROUND

Various insulin delivery systems have been considered for systemic absorption other than injections. Although the ocular route has been suggested, its use is limited by the amount of insulin absorbed systemically via eyes. In order to improve the absorption rate of insulin into systemic circulations, the effects of pH and absorption enhancers were studied with rabbit eyes.

METHODS

Insulin eye drops were instilled into eyes of rabbits, and their blood glucose levels were measured with a Glucoscan 200 Meter (Lifescan, Mountain View, CA).

RESULTS

Systemic absorption of insulin via the ocular route was much more prominent at higher pH (8.0) than at lower pH (3.5). When absorption enhancers such as glycocholate and fusidic acid were added, the insulin absorption increased further markedly.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to administer insulin through the eyes at pH 8.0 with low concentrations of glycocholate or fusidic acid to achieve the therapeutic efficacy of insulin to lower blood glucose to normal levels.

Effects of N-nitropyrazoles on ocular blood flow of rabbits and retinal function recovery of rat eyes after ischemic insults

Twelve compounds of N-nitropyrazoles were studied for their effects on ocular blood flow in rabbits and retinal function recovery in rat eyes after ischemic insults. Of the twelve N-nitropyrazoles examined, nine increased choroidal blood flow while five increased retinal blood flow significantly. On the other hand, all twelve compounds increased blood flow in iris and ciliary muscle without exception. As for retinal function recovery after ischemic insult in rat eyes, eight out of the twelve compounds showed more significant facilitation than the control. The structure activity relationship of the N-nitropyrazoles to increase ocular blood flow and to facilitate retinal function recovery after ischemic insults were discussed.

Effects of nitric oxide donors on the retinal function measured with electroretinography

It has been reported that nitric oxide raises c-GMP in the vascular muscle to cause vasodilation and to improve blood flow in the retina. Consequently, a diverse group of potential nitric oxide (NO) donors were synthesized and evaluated for their effectiveness in improving the retinal function after ischemic insult. These compounds include an NO carrier, N-acetyl-S-nitrosoglutathione (RVC-593), several NO donors such as N-nitropyrazole derivatives (RVC-595, RVC-596, RVC-597, RVC-598, and RVC-599) and two fused N-heterocycles, 4H-[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-dione 1-oxides, (RVC-600 and RVC-601). Most of the compounds demonstrated the pharmacological activity in the ophthalmic model, except the pyrazole derivatives (RVC-595, RVC-596 and RVC-599) that bear bulky aromatic substituents at the R2-position.

Antiuveitis and inhibition of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cell cultures by interleukin-1 blockers, CK 125, CK 126 and CK 128

Three new interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers, CK 125, CK 126 and CK 128, were studied for their effects on IL-1-induced uveitis in rat eyes. They were more potent (at 3-10 mg/kg t.i.d.) than prednisolone (20 mg/kg t.i.d.) in effectively inhibiting posterior uveitis. They were also found to inhibit fibroblast-like corneal cells at 10-300 micrograms/ml concentrations and conjunctival cells at 1-30 micrograms/ml levels. The incorporation of leucine into corneal and conjunctival cells was either stimulated or unaffected by CK 126, indicating that the inhibition of cell growth has nothing to do with the protein synthesis. However, the incorporation of uridine into corneal and conjunctival cells was markedly inhibited by CK 126 at 3-30 micrograms/ml concentrations whereas the incorporation of thymidine into the cells was inhibited at a lesser extent than that of uridine. These results indicate that cell inhibition by CK 126 could be related mainly to the synthesis of mRNA and, to a lesser extent, to DNA synthesis.

Inhibition of interleukin-1-induced uveitis and corneal fibroblast proliferation by interleukin-1 blockers

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is known to trigger induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to persistently mass produce nitric oxide (NO) to induce various diseases such as cancer, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and eye diseases, including uveitis, retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and myopia. Therefore, IL-1 blockers could become an important class of drugs to fight numerous diseases. Among the many compounds studied so far, 1-methyl hydrazino analogs are among the most promising agents to be developed. A minor structural change of 1-methyl hydrazino group into 1-methyl thiosemicarbazido group enhanced their anti-inflammatory activity but reduced their antiproliferation activity on corneal fibroblast cell growth.

Effects of interleukin-1 blockers on corneal fibroblast proliferation in vitro and ocular inflammation in vivo

The success of keratorefractive surgical procedures is limited by the wound healing process in the corneal stroma. The proliferation and matrix synthesis of corneal stromal fibroblasts is the central element of the wound healing process that is triggered by an initial inflammation. In order to develop new therapeutic strategies to reduce wound healing intensity, we investigated the effect of newly synthesized interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers on the proliferation of cultured rabbit corneal fibroblasts and the ocular inflammation induced by IL-1. It was found that the addition of IL-1 blockers, such as CK-135 to CK-145, led to a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation after 24, 48 and 72 hr of incubation. The isotope incorporation study showed that the syntheses ofDNA and mRNA were suppressed whereas that of protein was enhanced or unaffected. These compounds also demonstrated a potent anti-inflammation action in the rat uveitis model. Our results indicate that CK (Chiou-Kumamoto) compounds may be valuable therapeutic agents for the prevention of postoperative complications after corneal keratorefractive surgical procedures.

Suppression of interleukin-1alpha-induced uveitis and inhibition of fibroblast-like cell proliferation by synthetic interleukin-1 blockers

To treat uveitis and prolong the functional life of filtration surgery on glaucomatous eyes, some interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers were used to inhibit IL-1-induced uveitis in rat eyes and to suppress proliferation of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cells in the cell cultures, respectively. It was found in this research that the blood-aqueous barrier can be broken by IL-1alpha to allow fluorescein to enter the eyeballs and to be detected by fluorotron. The uveitis was effectively blocked by the IL-1 blockers studied in this research. It was also noted that the proliferation of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cells was effectively inhibited by IL-1 blockers. The inhibition of cell growth seems to be caused primarily by the inhibition of RNA synthesis. There was a significant difference in the potency of IL-1 blockers to inhibit corneal vs. conjunctival cells. It was noted that conjunctival cells were more easily inhibited by IL-1 blockers than corneal cells. These results indicate that IL-1 blockers can suppress the proliferation of conjunctival cells at dose levels which do not affect the normal cell growth of corneal cells.

Improvement of ocular blood flow and retinal functions with puerarin analogs

Ischemic retinopathy and, particularly, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are difficult eye diseases to treat. Since the etiology of these diseases is inadequate blood circulation in the retina and choroid, drugs which can improve blood circulation to these tissues should be beneficial to these diseases. Since fovea is avascular, AMD is closely related to choroidal vascular abnormalities, and drugs which show strong effects to increase choroidal blood flow would be particularly useful. Puerarin and all its derivatives, except ET (puerarin disubstituted with -CH2CH2OH), showed marked increase of choroidal blood flow at various time periods. Even ET showed a tendency to increase choroidal blood flow, though it was not statistically significant. As for b wave recovery, all puerarin analogs showed strong recovery of retinal function after ischemic insult for 30 min. These results indicate that puerarin analogs could be used for the treatment of ischemic retinopathy, and AMD in particular.

Effects of crocin analogs on ocular blood flow and retinal function

Ischemic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are the leading ocular diseases that cause blindness. The etiology of these diseases is due in part to the reduction of blood flow in the retina and/or choroid. Crocin analogs isolated from Crocus sativus L. were found to significantly increase the blood flow in the retina and choroid and to facilitate retinal function recovery. Increased blood flow due to vasodilation presumably improves oxygenation and nutrient supply of retinal structures. These results indicated that crocin analogs could be used to treat ischemic retinopathy and/or age-related macular degeneration. It was noted that disaccharide analogs of crocin, such as crocin-1 and crocin-2, were less potent than monosaccharide analogs of crocin, such as crocin-3 and crocin-4, constituting an interesting structure-activity relationship.

Effects of some N-nitropyrazole derivatives on ocular blood flow and retinal function recovery after ischemic insult

Ocular blood flow and retinal function were determined in this study with colored microspheres and b-wave amplitude of electroretinography, respectively. It was found that N-nitropyrazole analogs can facilitate the retinal function recovery efficiently after ischemic insult primarily through increase of choroidal blood flow specifically. Since age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused mainly by the choroidal vascular abnormality and/or insufficiency, these N-nitropyrazole analogs are of potential use in the treatment of AMD.

Anti-inflammation and antifibroblastic actions of interleukin-1 blockers

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers, CK 127 and CK 129, were found to inhibit IL-1-induced posterior uveitis very effectively at 3-10 mg/kg i.p. and were more potent than prednisolone which required at least 20 mg/kg i.p. to achieve the same level of anti-uveitis action. CK 127 and CK 129 were also found to be effective in inhibiting fibroblast-like corneal cells at 30-300 micrograms/ml and conjunctival cells at 0.3-10 micrograms/ml. These results indicate that IL-1 blockers are more potent in inhibiting the cell growth of conjunctival cells than that of corneal cells. From in vitro cell culture experiments, it was found that inhibition of cell growth could be due primarily to the inhibition of DNA. Although the inhibition of cell growth was due mainly to the inhibition of DNA synthesis, mRNA synthesis was also markedly inhibited. In both cells, the protein synthesis was unaffected in a few cases and markedly stimulated in most cases.

Anti-uveitis and inhibition of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cells by interleukin-1 blockers

Effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers, CK130 and CK131, on IL-1-induced uveitis and proliferation of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cells were investigated in this study. It was found that CK130 and CK131 inhibited IL-1-induced uveitis in rat eyes effectively at 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Further, CK130 and CK131 inhibited fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cell growth effectively at 10-300 microg/ml and 30-300 microg/ml, respectively. It was also found that DNA synthesis was markedly reduced by CK130 and CK131 at 30-100 microg/ml. RNA synthesis was also inhibited by these CK compounds but protein synthesis was little affected or enhanced.

Effective treatment of experimental uveitis with interleukin-1 blockers, CK 123 and CK 124

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers are known to inhibit IL-1-induced uveitis. CK 123 and CK 124 are new IL-1 blockers which showed potent anti-uveitis actions that are more potent than the classic corticosteroid, prednisolone. In addition to anti-inflammation, CK 123 and CK 124 were also found to inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cells, indicating that these compounds could be used not only as anti-uveitis agents but also as useful agents to prolong the functional period of aqueous humor outflow after trabeculectomy. It was also found that DNA and mRNA synthesis were markedly inhibited by CK 123 and CK 124, yet the protein synthesis was either untouched or enhanced.

Antagonism of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced uveitis with synthetic IL-1 blockers

Because of the discovery of potent interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocking effects by CK-103A (4,6-dihydropyridazino[4,5-c]pyridazin-5 (1H)-ones) on rat uveitis induced by IL-1, numerous derivatives of CK-103A have been synthesized and their efficacies on the same animal model studied. The uveitis was induced by injection of 1 ng IL-1/10 microliters intravitreally. The inflammation reached peak at 12 hr after the injection of IL-1. The prevention/blockade of IL-1-induced uveitis was measured at this peak inflammation time point. It was found that 8 out of 12 CK-analogs studied produced an effective blockade of IL-1-induced uveitis. Most of them were at least equipotent or even more potent than prednisolone in blocking IL-1-induced uveitis. It is concluded that most dihydropyridazinopyridazin derivatives are effective anti-uveitis compounds. Some could be found to be safe and useful for the treatment of this dreadful disease.

Efficacy of oxymetazoline eye drops in non-infectious conjunctivitis, the most common cause of acute red eyes

Oxymetazoline (OMZ) is an alpha-adrenergic agonist which causes potent vasoconstriction in various tissues. Thus, its effects on red eye conjunctivitis induced by histamine and arachidonic acid were tested in rabbit eyes. It was found that a brief conjunctivitis induced by 0.01% of histamine can be eliminated effectively by 0.001, 0.004, and 0.016% of OMZ. The long lasting conjunctivitis induced by 0.3% arachidonic acid can also be markedly reduced by 0.004, 0.008, and 0.016% of OMZ. These results indicate that OMZ is a potent, long acting decongestant for conjunctival red eye syndrome.

Inhibitory effects of tetrandrine on intracellular free Ca2+ increase induced by glutamate, serotonin and histamine in dissociated retina cells

The effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on the elevation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by glutamate, serotonin and histamine in dissociated rabbit retina cells were studied. The changes of [Ca2+]i were reflected by the fluorescent indicator, Fura-2/AM, employed. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (1.3 mM), glutamate, serotonin and histamine significantly increased the [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner. Glutamate (100 microM), serotonin (100 microM) and histamine (200 microM) markedly increased the [Ca2+]i of retina cells by 165%, 126% and 58%, respectively. Tet 30 microM significantly inhibited the increase of [Ca2+]i induced by glutamate (100 microM), serotonin (100 microM) and histamine (200 microM) by 28.0%, 46.8% and 29.0%, respectively. A lower concentration (10 microM) of Tet also produced an inhibitory effect on the increase of [Ca2+]i but was less effective than the Tet 30 microM. In Ca(2+)-free Hank's solution, Tet did not produce a significant inhibitory effect on the increase of [Ca2+]i caused by serotonin and histamine. These results indicate that Tet exercises blocking Ca2+ influx from the extracellular site via NMDA, 5-HT2 and H1-receptor operated Ca2+ channels and has no obvious effect on the Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Inhibition of high K+ and norepinephrine-induced free intracellular calcium by tetrandrine in dissociated rabbit retina cells

The effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on the changes of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by high concentration of K+ and norepinephrine is dissociated rabbit retina cells were studied. The changes of [Ca2+]i were reflected by the fluorescent indicator, Fura-2/AM, employed. The resting [Ca2+]i was 223 +/- 27 nM in Hank's solution containing 1.3 mM Ca2+. Tet at 30 microM did not affect the resting [Ca2+]i when the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was in the range of 0-2 mM. Tet at 1-100 microM suppressed the [Ca2+]i elevation induced by high concentration of K+ in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of K+ was 50 mM IC50 for Tet was 10.9 microM. Although Tet at high concentration (30 microM) suppressed the [Ca2+]i increases induced by norepinephrine (0.1-100 nM) in the presence of Ca2+ at 1.3 mM, failed to do the same at lower concentration of Tet (1-10 microM), however, Tet at 30 microM did not effect the release of intracellular Ca2+ stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the Ca(2+)-free Hank's solution. These results indicate that Tet is able to block Ca2+ influx from extracellular site via voltage-sensitive ionic channels and at high concentration via receptor-operated ionic channels in retina cells.

Inhibitory effect of tetrahydroberberine on platelet aggregation and thrombosis

Tetrahydroberberine (THB), an alkaloid extracted from Corydalis ambigua, inhibited the rabbit platelet aggregation triggered by arachidonic acid (AA), ADP, and collagen with IC50 of 0.86, 1.31, and 1.10 mmol.L-1, respectively. THB reduced the thromboxane B2 (TXB2) generation in rabbit platelet-rich plasma triggered by AA. THB 30 mg.kg-1.d-1 ip for 3 or 5 d restrained the ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rats. THB 30 mg.kg-1.d-1 ip for 1, 3, or 5 d inhibited the AA-induced platelet aggregation in rats. THB 15-30 mg.kg-1 iv showed an inhibition of venous thrombosis in rats. The results show that THB is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo and is a promising antithrombotic drug.

Effects of tetrahydroberberine on ischemic and reperfused myocardium in rats

The effects of tetrahydroberberine (THB) on ischemic and reperfused myocardium were studied in comparison with verapamil (Ver). In anesthetized rats, THB and its analogues, l-THP and l-SPD, reduced the infarct size after 4 h of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. In Langendorff hearts, in common with Ver, THB 1 and 10 mumol.L-1 markedly decreased the incidences of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the reperfusion period. The malondialdehyde content and xanthine oxidase activity were also decreased in global ischemic-reperfused hearts pretreated with THB (P < 0.01, or P < 0.05). It suggested that THB could protect the myocardium from ischemic and reperfusion injury.