The Sympathetic-Immune Milieu in Metabolic Health and Diseases: Insights from Pancreas, Liver, Intestine, and Adipose Tissues

Sympathetic innervation plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance and contributes to metabolic pathophysiology. Recent evidence has begun to uncover the innervation landscape of sympathetic projections and sheds light on their important functions in metabolic activities. Additionally, the immune system has long been studied for its essential roles in metabolic health and diseases. In this review, the aim is to provide an overview of the current research progress on the sympathetic regulation of key metabolic organs, including the pancreas, liver, intestine, and adipose tissues. In particular, efforts are made to highlight the critical roles of the peripheral nervous system and its potential interplay with immune components. Overall, it is hoped to underscore the importance of studying metabolic organs from a comprehensive and interconnected perspective, which will provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.

The impact of self-directed learning experience and course experience on learning satisfaction of university students in blended learning environments: the mediating role of deep and surface learning approach

Introduction

With the rapid development of technology and the evolution of educational ideas, the blended learning model has become the new norm in higher education. Therefore, based on Biggs' learning process theory, this study aims to investigate the relationships between learning experience, learning approaches, and learning satisfaction of university students within the Chinese blended learning context to explore the dynamic process and mechanism of blended learning.

Methods

The Chinese modified versions of the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning, the Course Experience Questionnaire, and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire were administered to 939 Chinese university first-grade students (444 men, 495 women). The data were analyzed by using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) technique.

Results

The results demonstrated that, among Chinese university students, there were significant correlations between the self-directed learning experience, the course experience, the deep learning approach, the surface learning approach, and learning satisfaction. Additionally, the learning approaches mediated the association between the self-directed learning experience and learning satisfaction and between the course experience and learning satisfaction.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the facilitative effect of university students' self-directed learning experience and course experience on their learning satisfaction and how this effect is triggered through the mediating role of different learning approaches with the blended learning context. This study shows the learning behaviors and psychology in a blended learning environment, thus revealing the new learning characteristics of university students by integrating the self-learning characteristics of blended learning into the framework of learning process theory. The findings contribute to assisting blended learning providers in delivering targeted interventions to enhance students' learning satisfaction.

The relationship between Chinese university students' learning preparation and learning achievement within the EFL blended teaching context in COVID-19 post-epidemic era: The mediating effect of learning methods

The effectiveness of the blended teaching model in improving university students' English learning achievement has been frequently reported in China in the post-pandemic era. However, such research has seldom explored the students' entire EFL (English as a foreign language) learning process and mechanism from the perspective of learners within this model. This study therefore used the 3P (presage, process and product) teaching and learning theory to explore the mediating role of learning methods (i.e., learning engagement and academic procrastination) in the relationship between learning preparation (i.e., academic self-concept and course experience) and learning achievement within the Chinese EFL blended teaching context from the perspective of learners. In this study, 942 Chinese university students (male: N = 447; female: N = 495) participated in a survey and completed electronic questionnaires on EFL-related academic self-concept, learning engagement, academic procrastination, and learning achievement. The data were analyzed using AMOS software and a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The results showed that both students' academic self-concept and course experience directly and positively predicted their English learning achievement. Moreover, students' academic self-concept of learning achievement was partially mediated by learning engagement and academic procrastination, whereas the effect of course experience on learning achievement was fully mediated by learning engagement and academic procrastination. After discussing these findings, suggestions as well as limitations for future studies will be given.

Active Precipitation of Radiation Belt Electrons Using Rocket Exhaust Driven Amplification (REDA) of Man-Made Whistlers

Ground-based very low frequency (VLF) transmitters located around the world generate signals that leak through the bottom side of the ionosphere in the form of whistler mode waves. Wave and particle measurements on satellites have observed that these man-made VLF waves can be strong enough to scatter trapped energetic electrons into low pitch angle orbits, causing loss by absorption in the lower atmosphere. This precipitation loss process is greatly enhanced by intentional amplification of the whistler waves using a newly discovered process called rocket exhaust driven amplification (REDA). Satellite measurements of REDA have shown between 30 and 50 dB intensification of VLF waves in space using a 60 s burn of the 150 g/s thruster on the Cygnus satellite that services the International Space Station. This controlled amplification process is adequate to deplete the energetic particle population on the affected field lines in a few minutes rather than the multi-day period it would take naturally. Numerical simulations of the pitch angle diffusion for radiation belt particles use the UCLA quasi-linear Fokker Planck model to assess the impact of REDA on radiation belt remediation of newly injected energetic electrons. The simulated precipitation fluxes of energetic electrons are applied to models of D-region electron density and bremsstrahlung X-rays for predictions of the modified environment that can be observed with satellite and ground-based sensors.

Machine Learning Algorithms are Superior to Conventional Regression Models in Predicting Risk Stratification of COVID-19 Patients

Background

It is very important to determine the risk of patients developing severe or critical COVID-19, but most of the existing risk prediction models are established using conventional regression models. We aim to use machine learning algorithms to develop predictive models and compare predictive performance with logistic regression models.

Methods

The medical record of 161 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed January-April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: asymptomatic-moderate group (132 cases) and severe or above group (29 cases). The clinical features and laboratory biomarkers of these two groups were compared. Machine learning algorithms and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to construct two COVID-19 risk stratification prediction models, and the area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare the predictive efficacy of these two models.

Results

A machine learning model was constructed based on seven characteristic variables: high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), age, neutrophil count (Neuc), hemoglobin (HGB), percentage of neutrophils (Neur), and platelet distribution width (PDW). The AUC of the model was 0.978 (95% CI: 0.960-0.996), which was significantly higher than that of the logistic regression model (0.827; 95% CI: 0.724-0.930) (P=0.002). Moreover, the machine learning model's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were better than those of the logistic regression model.

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms improve the accuracy of risk stratification in patients with COVID-19. Using detection algorithms derived from these techniques can enhance the identification of critically ill patients.

FOXN2 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of FOXN2 (Fork head Box N2) in mediating the proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine expression of FOXN2 in HCC tissues and cells. Transfection of plasmid containing FOXN2 was used to exogenously overexpress FOXN2 in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell assay were applied to detect the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells, respectively.

RESULTS

FOXN2 expression decreased significantly in both HCC tissues and cells (p<0.05). Upregulation of FOXN2 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

FOXN2 acts as a regulator in the progression of HCC. Our findings suggest that FOXN2 may be a novel therapeutic monitoring and prognosis biomarker in HCC.

Safely Social: Promoting and Sustaining Adolescent Engagement in Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE

Adolescents are at risk for violating COVID-19 social distancing measures owing to salient developmental needs for autonomy and relatedness. This intensive longitudinal study investigated the initiation and sustainment of adolescents' daily social distancing behaviors.

METHODS

Focus group and daily-diary approaches were used to collect 6,216 assessments from a nationwide American adolescent sample (n = 444; M_age = 15.1; 40% male; 42% black/African American, 40% white/European American, 10% Latinx, 6% Asian American, 2% Native American) over the course of 14 days at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

When adolescents were motivated by preventing others from getting sick, they were more likely to engage in social distancing (same day: B = .50, SE = .09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.32, .68] p < .001; next day: B = .49, SE = .09, 95% CI [.31, .67] p < .001). Daily social support from friends (same day: B = .04, SE = .02, 95% CI [.01, .08] p < .05; next day: B = .08, SE = .02, 95% CI [.05, .12] p < .001), connectedness with friends via technology (same day: B = .23, SE = .04, 95% CI [.14, .32] p < .001; next day: B = .12, SE = .05, 95% CI [.03, .21] p < .001), and practical knowledge about ways to prevent contracting and transmitting COVID-19 (same day: B = .12, SE = .02, 95% CI [.08, .17] p < .001; next day: B = .05, SE = .02, 95% CI [.01, .10] p < .05) positively predicted adolescents' same- and next-day engagement in social distancing.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents who were motivated by the desire to protect others were more likely to engage in social distancing. In addition, adolescents who learned about preventative health behaviors for mitigating COVID-19, received peer support, and remained virtually connected with friends were more likely to engage in daily social distancing at the onset of the pandemic.

Immunorelated gene polymorphisms associated with acute myeloid leukemia

Although the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still unknown, accumulating evidence has revealed that immune response plays a vital part in the pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the involvement of 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of immunorelated genes, including cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-9, IL-12A, IL-22, interferon (IFN-α) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1], transcriptional regulatory genes (TBX21, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5B, STAT6, GATA3, FOXP3 and IRF4) and others (IL2RA, IL6R, NFKBIA) in 269 AML in-patients and 200 healthy controls. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the SNPs and clinical characteristics. Immunorelated SNP genotyping was performed on the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. All the SNPs in healthy controls were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. All final P-values were adjusted by Bonferroni multiple testing. Our results showed that IL-22 (rs2227491) was significantly associated with the white blood cell (WBC) counts. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B (STAT-5B) (rs6503691) showed a close relationship with the recurrent genetic abnormalities in patients with AML. We verified the negatively independent effect of age and risk of cytogenetics on overall survival (OS). More importantly, the GG genotype of IL-12A (rs6887695) showed a negative impact on AML prognosis independently. Furthermore, the relative expression of IL-12 was decreased in GG genotype, no matter under a co-dominant or recessive model. However, no correlation was observed between the SNPs mentioned above and disease susceptibility, risk stratification and survival. Our findings suggest that immunorelated gene polymorphisms are associated with prognosis in AML, which may perform as novel inspection targets for AML patients.

Seated reach capabilities for ergonomic design and evaluation with consideration of reach difficulties

This paper aimed to identify the reach capabilities of 26 seated subjects considering the reach difficulty, orientation and other potential factors, and to find a method to model the minimum reach capability surfaces for fixed and adjustable seats. The reach capability radius was used as a measure of the reach capability and theoretically modeled. Based on the test data of seated reach, the distribution of the reach capability radius was analyzed. The strategy to select the minimum reach envelopes was constructed to accommodate a sufficient percentage of the target population for both fixed and adjustable seats. For adjustable seats, a method was developed to derive the reach capability data from the tested individual reach capability data by introducing seating position models to re-position the individual reach capability data. An application case was realized based on the cab packaging data of a mini-van, and the minimum reach envelopes of different difficulties were created and validated to accommodate 90% of the target population.

Voltammetric Determination of Dinonyl Diphenylamine and Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Mineral and Synthetic Oil

A method is reported for the determination of diphenylamine and butylated hydroxytoluene in mineral and synthetic oil. The procedure used differential pulse voltammetry with a glassy carbon electrode. This method was then used for determining these antioxidants in supporting electrolyte consisting of dilute sulfuric acid and sodium dodecyl sulfonate in ethanol. Anodic peaks were obtained for both analytes. Oxidation peaks at 250 mV were observed from a mixture of butylated hydroxytoluene and dinonyl diphenylamine, allowing their simultaneous determination. This approach was successfully used for the determination of dinonyl diphenylamine and butylated hydroxytoluene in fortified mineral and synthetic oils with good accuracy and precision.

Effect of aqueous solution and load on the formation of DLC transfer layer against Co-Cr-Mo for joint prosthesis

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating exhibits excellent mechanical properties such as high hardness, low friction and wear, which offer a promising solution for the metal-on-metal hip joint implants. In the study, the hydrogen-free DLC coating with the element Cr as the interlay addition was deposited on the surface of the Co-Cr-Mo alloy by a unbalanced magnetron sputtering method. The coating thickness was controlled as 2 µm. Nano-indentation test indicated the hardness was about 13 GPa. DLC coated Co-Cr-Mo alloy disc against un-coated Co-Cr-Mo alloy pin (spherical end SR9.5) comprised the friction pairs in the pin-on-disc tribotest under bovine serum albumin solution (BSA) and physiological saline(PS).The tribological behavior under different BSA concetrations(2-20 mg/ml), and applied load (2-15N) was investigated.DLC transfer layer did not form under BSA solution, even though different BSA concetration and applied load changed. The coefficient of friction(COF) under 6 mg/ml BSA at 10 N was the lowest as 0.10. A higher COF of 0.13 was obtained under 20 mg/ml BSA. The boundary absorption layer of protein is the main factor for the counterparts. However, the continous DLC transfer layer was observed under PS solution, which make a lower COF of 0.08.

Comparison of oxidation resistance of UHMWPE and POM in H2O2 solution from ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics simulations

The oxidation mechanism of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyoxymethylene (POM) in hydrogen peroxide solution was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations via reactive force field (ReaxFF) method. MD results from ReaxFF suggested that UHMWPE provided better antioxidation activity at high temperature (>373 K) than its POM counterpart in the same concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution. Furthermore, POM was relatively more susceptible to erosion and swelling because of the infiltration of H2O2 solution. Calculations of the diffusion coefficient at different temperatures permit further understanding of the chemical phenomena involved in the level of oxidation in the course of MD simulations. Results of the simulations are generally consistent with the previous experimental available in literature. The simulations also provide new insights into understanding the mechanism resulting oxidation products among the interested polymers.

The Biomimetic Shark Skin Optimization Design Method for Improving Lubrication Effect of Engineering Surface

Nature has long been an important source of inspiration for mankind to develop artificial ways to mimic the remarkable properties of biological systems. In this work, a new method was explored to fabricate a biomimetic engineering surface comprising both the shark-skin, the shark body denticle, and rib morphology. It can help reduce water resistance and the friction contact area as well as accommodate lubricant. The lubrication theory model was established to predict the effect of geometric parameters of a biomimetic surface on tribological performance. The model has been proved to be feasible to predict tribological performance by the experimental results. The model was then used to investigate the effect of the grid textured surface on frictional performance of different geometries. The investigation was aimed at providing a rule for deriving the design parameters of a biomimetic surface with good lubrication characteristics. Results suggest that: (i) the increase in depression width ratio [Formula: see text] decreases its corresponding coefficient of friction, and (ii) the small coefficient of friction is achievable when [Formula: see text] is beyond 0.45. Superposition of depth ratio Γ and angle's couple under the condition of [Formula: see text] < 0.45 affects the value of friction coefficient. It shows the decrease in angle decreases with the increase in dimension depth [Formula: see text].

The effects of Ti carbonization on the nucleation and oriented growth of diamond films on cemented carbide

To better understand the influence of carbonization of the Ti interlayer on diamond nucleation and growth, a series of Ti/diamond composite films were deposited on cemented carbide (WC:Co) substrates using a two-step deposition technique. The microstructural properties of the composite films were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Raman spectroscopy, and their tribological properties were evaluated using a ball-on-disc tester and a metalloscope. The results showed that differences in carbonization for five Ti interlayers of different thicknesses led to variations in the preferred orientations of the TiC layers and in the subsequent nucleation and oriented growth of diamond. This suggests that Ti carbonization significantly influences the nucleation and growth of diamond and subsequently causes variations in the tribological properties of the produced diamond films.

Adrenomedullin and adrenotensin regulate collagen synthesis and proliferation in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

To understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and extracellular-matrix accumulation in the development of pulmonary hypertension and remodeling, this study determined the effects of different doses of adrenomedullin (ADM) and adrenotensin (ADT) on PASMC proliferation and collagen synthesis. The objective was to investigate whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling was involved in ADM- and ADT-stimulated proliferation of PASMCs in 4-week-old male Wistar rats (body weight: 100-150 g, n=10). The proliferation of PASMCs was examined by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation. A cell growth curve was generated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Expression of collagen I, collagen III, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The effects of different concentrations of ADM and ADT on collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 protein expression were determined by immunoblotting. We also investigated the effect of PD98059 inhibition on the expression of p-ERK1/2 protein by immunoblotting. ADM dose-dependently decreased cell proliferation, whereas ADT dose-dependently increased it; and ADM and ADT inhibited each other with respect to their effects on the proliferation of PASMCs. Consistent with these results, the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and p-ERK1/2 in rat PASMCs decreased after exposure to ADM but was upregulated after exposure to ADT. PD98059 significantly inhibited the downregulation by ADM and the upregulation by ADT of p-ERK1/2 expression. We conclude that ADM inhibited, and ADT stimulated, ERK1/2 signaling in rat PASMCs to regulate cell proliferation and collagen expression.

In vivo synthesis of calcium oxalate whiskers on CoCrMo alloy surfaces via biomineralization

Surface treatments using bio-technology are valuable and fascinating in the sense that such treatments are natural and yield good biocompatibility. Calcium oxalate whiskers for biomedical applications were successfully synthesized on the CoCrMo alloy surfaces implanted in Aloe leaves which consist of many active bio-chemical elements. The effect of surface wettability and surface morphology on the formation of whiskers was investigated using four differently treated CoCrMo surfaces: (i) smoothly polished surface, (ii) electrochemical etched surface, (ii) textured surface with dimples, and (iv) parallel orientated-grooved surface. Results showed that the formed whiskers had a length ranging between 100 μm and 600 μm, and a diameter in the range of 2 μm to 5 μm. Electrochemically etched surfaces had better wettability and were favorably for growing whiskers. Surface morphology with (i) dimple textures or (ii) parallel grooves facilitated the effective control of the size and amount of the grown whiskers.

Associations between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Acute Mountain Sickness

Objective:

This study investigated associations between polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and susceptibility to acute mountain sickness.

Methods:

Two hundred Han Chinese soldiers who developed acute mountain sickness after rapidly ascending to an altitude of < 3600 m and 200 control soldiers (who did not develop the condition) were enrolled in the study. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VEGF gene were genotyped in all the study participants. Plasma VEGF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 40 subjects with acute mountain sickness and 40 controls before and after exposure to high altitude.

Results:

The frequencies of the rs3025039 genotype and allele were significantly different between the groups. Two SNPs, rs3025039 (which involves a C→T allele variation at position 936 in the 3′ untranslated region) and rs3025030 (which involves a G→C allele variation in the intronic sequence), were associated with a decreased risk of acute mountain sickness.

Conclusion:

The SNPs rs3025039 and rs3025030 of the VEGF gene may be associated with a decreased risk of acute mountain sickness development.

First Report of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Exserohilum rostratum on Pineapple in Hainan Province, China

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is an important perennial monocotyledonous plant that serves as an important fruit crop globally and is also produced in the Hainan Province of China where production in 2009 was 296,600 t. In July 2009, atypical symptoms of a leaf spot disease were observed on mature pineapple leaves in Chengmai County; approximately 15% of plants propagated from suckers became symptomatic after 150 to 300 days, eventually causing a 3 to 10% yield loss. In the initial infection stage, grayish white-to-yellowish white spots emerged on the leaf surfaces that ranged from 1.0 to 2.4 × 0.3 to 0.7 cm; black specks were not always present in the spots. Leaf spots also had distinctive light brown-to-reddish brown banding pattern on the edges. Several spots would often merge to form large lesions, 6.5 to 15.4 × 2.5 to 5.6 cm, covering more than 67% of the leaf surface, which can lead to death of the plant. Infected pineapple leaves collected from an orchard of Chengmai County were surface sterilized (75% ethanol for 30 s, 0.1% HgCl₂ for 2 min, and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water). Leaf pieces were placed on potato dextrose agar medium and then incubated at 25°C. The emerging fungal colonies were grayish white to brown. Similar strains were obtained from Qionghai City and Wanning City subsequently. Two isolates, ITF0706-1 and ITF0706-2, were used in confirmation of the identity of the pathogen and in pathogenicity tests. Colonies were fast growing (more than 15 mm per day at 25 to 30°C) with dense aerial mycelia. Conidia were fusiform, pyriform to oval or cylindrical, olive brown to dark brown, 3 to 10 septate (typically 5 to 8), 33.2 to 102.5 × 9.0 to 21.3 μm, with a strongly protruding hilum bulged from the basal cell, which were similar to the Type A conidia described by Lin et al. (3). The strains were subjected to PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 regions with universal primer pair ITS1/ITS4. The ITS sequence comparisons (GenBank Accession Nos. JN711431 and JN711432) shared between 99.60 and 99.83% identity with the isolate CATAS-ER01 (GenBank Accession No. GQ169762). According to morphological and molecular analysis, the two strains were identified as Exserohilum rostratum (Drechs.) Leonard & Suggs. Pathogenicity experiments were conducted five times and carried out by spraying a conidial suspension (10⁵ CFU/ml) on newly matured leaves of healthy pineapple plants; plants sprayed with sterile water served as the negative control. Plants were incubated in the growth chamber at 20 to 25°C. Symptoms of leaf spot developed on test plants 7 days after inoculation while the control plants remained asymptomatic. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with the reisolation of the two fungal strains. Currently, E. rostratum is one of the most common pathogens on Bromeliads in Florida (2) and has been reported on Zea mays (4), Musa paradisiacal (3), and Calathea picturata (1) in China, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot disease caused by E. rostratum on pineapple in Hainan Province of P.R. China. References: (1) L. L. Chern et al. Plant Dis. 95:1033, 2011. (2) R. M. Leahy. Plant Pathol. Circ. No. 393. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry, 1999. (3) S. H. Lin et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 40:246, 2011. (4) J. N. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. Bull. 10:181, 2001.

266 THE SHORT TIME TREATMENT WITH SODIUM BUTYRATE ON GERMINAL VESICLE STAGE OOCYTES IMPROVES OOCYTE QUALITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE IN PIGS

Oocyte maturation is a complex process during which the epigenetic modifications are dramatically changed, especially the histone acetylation and phosphorylation. Sodium butyrate (NaBu) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that results in a more open structure of DNA. The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of NaBu in the meiosis of porcine oocytes and the subsequent embryonic developmental competence. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were collected from ovaries obtained at a local slaughterhouse. The COC were randomly divided into 3 groups and matured in vitro in medium (Hao et al. 2006) supplemented with 1 μM NaBu for 2 h [germinal vesicle (GV) stage, group 1] or for 22 h [GV to GV breakdown (GVBD) stage, group 2] or without treatment (control, group 3). After 44 h of in vitro maturation, the oocytes were denuded by 0.2% hyaluronidase, and oocytes with evenly dark ooplasm and visible first polar bodies were considered matured. The cortical granule distribution of matured oocytes was examined with immunostaining. The relative expression of CyclinB and Cdc2 of 3 group oocytes was determined with real-time PCR. Some matured oocytes from each group were collected and stimulated with electric pulse (2 direct current pulses of 1.2 kV cm–1 for 30 μs). The rate of parthenogenetic blastocyst was recorded, and cell number of each blastocyst was determined under an inverted fluorescence microscope after staining with 10 μg mL–1 of Hoechst 33342. The following results were found. 1) Compared with the control group (n = 70, 67.74 ± 1.64), oocyte maturation rates of group 1 and group 2 decreased significantly along with the extended treatments (n = 70, 59.57 ± 5.29 and 46.99 ± 1.22, respectively; P < 0.05). 2) The long time (22 h) treatment with NaBu inhibited the developmental competence (blastocyst rate) of oocytes (n = 30, 15.33 ± 3.47 v. 27.16 ± 2.10 P < 0.05), and the short time (2 h) treatment with NaBu on GV-stage oocytes inhibited the meiotic process slightly but improved the blastocyst rate (n = 30, 33.93 ± 2.51 v. 27.16 ± 2.10; P < 0.05). 3) The short time (2 h) treatment resulted in the migration of more cortical granules into the plasmasmic membrane and formed a monolayer with the membrane (compared with the control). 4) The exposure to NaBu from GV to GVBD stage induced the expression of the CyclinB and Cdc2 in the matured oocytes (4.68 ± 0.45 and 5.80 ± 0.58, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with the control. 5) Short time (2 h) exposure to NaBu on GV-stage oocytes inhibited the expression of the Cdc2 but increased the expression of the CylinB in the matured oocytes (0.43 ± 0.06 and 1.65 ± 0.26, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with the control. In conclusion, results of this study demonstrate that exposure to NaBu inhibits porcine oocyte meiosis in proportion to treatment length. However, a 2-h treatment with 1 μM NaBu improves oocyte developmental competence to the blastocyst stage. These results are useful for improving the developmental competent of oocytes for IVF and in vitro embryo production. This work was supported by a grant (No. 2009CB941001) from the National Basic Research Program of China.

Influence of Cr contents and nanograin sizes on microstructure, mechanical and sliding tribological behaviors of hard Cr-diamond-like carbon films

The influence of Cr content and nanograin size on the microstructure, the mechanical and sliding tribological behaviors of Cr-containing diamond-like carbon (Cr-DLC) films, deposited on (100) Si substrate by a mid-frequency dual-magnetron system, was explored. The Cr-containing nanoparticles (combining Cr with C) were dispersed in the amorphous DLC matrix while some nanoparticles were transformed into compounds of C/Cr. The incorporation of Cr into Cr-DLC films improved the crystallinity of the Cr-rich nanoparticles and partially converted the nanoparticles to Cr/C phase. The films with Cr content ranging between 5-10 at% and with Cr-containing nanograin sizes in range of 15-27 nm were found to possess higher hardness, lower intrinsic stress, lower coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate than those of 16-28 at% Cr content and 46-74 nm nanograin sizes. The superhard Cr-DLC film with 8.3 at% Cr and 18.4 nm Cr-containing grain gave the favorable micro-tribological characteristics with COF at micro approximately 0.1 and wear rate at 3.6 x 10(-8) mm3/Nm.

Impact of functional bowel symptoms on quality of life and fatigue in quiescent Crohn disease and irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn disease (CD) have impaired quality of life (Qol) associated with fatigue. Whether IBS-like symptoms have a similar impact on Qol and fatigue in quiescent CD than in IBS is currently unknown. Our aims were (i) to evaluate the prevalence of IBS-like symptoms in quiescent CD and (ii) to compare the impact of IBS-like symptoms on Qol and fatigue in both diseases.

METHODS

A total of 92 quiescent CD, 40 IBS and 20 healthy subjects similar in age were included prospectively in five French academic centers. IBS symptoms were evaluated through the Rome III criteria. The severity of IBS symptoms, Qol, fatigue, depression and anxiety was measured using questionnaires (Francis Score, Likert scales, Fatigue Impact Scale, short-form Beck and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

KEY RESULTS

Irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms were found in 42/92 (45.6%) patients with quiescent CD. The presence of IBS-like symptoms was associated with significant more profound alterations of Qol, high scores of fatigue, depression, but similar levels of anxiety. Compared to CD patients with IBS-like symptoms, IBS patients had more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and alterations of Qol, but similar scores of fatigue, depression and anxiety. In quiescent CD patients, fatigue was independently associated with the presence of IBS-like symptoms (OR = 1.018, 95% CI: 1.002-1.034, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The prevalence of IBS-like symptoms is elevated in quiescent CD. The presence of IBS-like symptoms in quiescent CD is probably associated with the range of fatigue/depression disorders. The mechanism underlying the occurrence of IBS-like symptoms in quiescent CD needs to be further explored.

Influence of ag content and nanograin size on microstructure, mechanical and sliding tribological behaviors of Ag-DLC films

Diamonds like carbon (Ag-DLC) films of nine Ag contents were deposited on (100) Si substrate in a mid-frequency dual-magnetron system. The influence of Ag content and nanograin size on the microstructure, mechanical properties and sliding tribological behaviors of the films has been investigated. It is found that (i) the Ag nanocrystallites were dispersed in the amorphous DLC matrix, and increasing Ag content resulted in an upward tendency of the Ag nanocrystallite size; (ii) the films with Ag content ranging between 3.3-11.4 at% and with Ag nanograin sizes in range of 5.4-16.8 nm exhibited higher hardness, lower intrinsic stress, better adhesion, and lower friction coefficient and wear rate as compared with those of 14.7-23.6 at% Ag content and 19.7-34.7 nm nanograin sizes; and (iii) the best combined properties were achieved for the film deposited with 8.7 at% Ag and with grain size 12.9 nm.

Survey of heavy metal pollution and assessment of agricultural soil in Yangzhong district, Jiangsu Province, China

We investigated concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Ni, and Cr in samples of soil, cereal, and vegetables from Yangzhong district, China. Compared to subsoils, the sampled topsoils are enriched in Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As. High levels of Cd and Hg are observed in most agricultural soils. Concentrations of Cr and Ni show little spatial variation, and high Cu, Pb, and Zn contents correspond well to areas of urban development. High As contents are primarily recorded at the two ends of the sampled alluvion. The contents of Cd, Hg, and total organic carbon (TOC) increase gradually to maximum values in the upper parts of soil profiles, while Cr and Ni occur in low concentrations within sampled profiles. As, Pb, Cu, and Zn show patterns of slight enrichment within the surface layer. Compared to data obtained in 1990, Cd and Hg show increased concentrations in 2005; this is attributed to the long-term use of agrochemicals. Cr and Ni contents remained steady over this interval because they are derived from the weathering of parent material and subsequent pedogenesis. The measured As, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents show slight increases over time due to atmospheric deposition of material sourced from urban anthropogenic activity. Low concentrations of heavy metals are recorded in vegetables and cereals because the subalkaline environment of the soil limits their mobility. Although the heavy metal concentrations measured in this study do not pose a serious health risk, they do affect the quality of agricultural products.

Association of the spectral features of heart period signal with SNP of NOS in the Chinese Han nationality population

To explore association of the spectral features of heart period signal with SNPs at 5 sites of NOS gene in the subjects (male89, female77, aged 62.40+/-2.5 yrs) by allele specific primer PCR technique. It was found that the TT allelic genotype of NOS2 C-1173T associated with the highest RPH and TT allelic genotype of NOS3 G894T associated with the highest APH in HPS spectral parameters. This suggests the SNPs of NOS2 C-1173T and NOS3 G894T may be the deep layer factors to result in the variability of HPS spectral parameters.

Metabolism of O6-propyl and N6-propyl-carbovir in CEM cells

The metabolism of O6-propyl-carbovir and N6-propyl-carbovir, two selective inhibitors of HIV replication, has been evaluated in CEM cells. Both compounds were phosphorylated in intact cells to carbovir-5'-triphosphate. The metabolism of these two agents was inhibited by deoxycoformycin and mycophenolic acid, but not erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine. No evidence of the 5'-triphosphate of either compound was detected in CEM cells.

Substrate specificity of human glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase

The nucleotide substrate specificity of human glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase, a chemotherapeutic target, has been examined. The enzyme accepts the sarcosyl analog of glycinamide ribonucleotide, carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide, and two phosphonate derivatives of carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide with V/K values, relative to that obtained for beta-glycinamide ribonucleotide, of 1, 27, 1.4, and 2.9%, respectively. Several other analogs of carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide, namely a truncated phosphonate and 2',3'-dideoxy- and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide, were inhibitors of the enzyme, competitive against glycinamide ribonucleotide, with Ki values approximately 100 times higher than the Km for -glycinamide ribonucleotide. Although the results of the present study parallel those obtained previously with the avian enzyme (V. D. Antle, D. Liu, B. R. McKellar, C. A. Caperelli, M. Hua, and R. Vince (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 6045-6049), quantitative differences between the two enzyme species have been uncovered.

"First aid for scalds" campaign: reaching Sydney's Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic speaking communities

OBJECTIVES

As a serious yet preventable problem, scald injuries in children have been a priority for prevention in Australia and other developed countries. Not only can the occurrence of scalds be prevented, but immediate first aid treatment offers an effective method for secondary prevention, reducing the severity of scalds. Despite the success of scald prevention initiatives, local evidence suggested that first aid knowledge was lacking in some minority ethnic groups. To redress this gap, the "First Aid for Scalds" campaign for those from a non-English speaking background was specifically targeted to three ethnic groups (Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic), with the aim of increasing the proportions of parents and caregivers who had correct knowledge of first aid treatment for scalds. The primary strategy was a media campaign, including advertisements on ethnic radio and in ethnic newspapers.

METHODS

The evaluation design included formative research and impact evaluation. The impact evaluation study involved random population based telephone surveys with each of the three language groups, before and after the campaign, to assess the reach and effectiveness of the campaign.

RESULTS

After the campaign, there were significant increases in the proportion of people who knew the correct first aid treatment for scalds. There were substantial variations in campaign recall and knowledge between each of the three language groups. The largest improvement was found in the Vietnamese group.

CONCLUSION

The association between campaign recall and increase in correct knowledge, and the absence of any similar interventions during the campaign period, give credence to the conclusion that the changes observed were a result of the campaign. The results demonstrate the value of community based injury prevention campaigns specifically targeting linguistically diverse communities.

Cervical screening among immigrant Vietnamese women seen in general practice: current rates, predictors and potential recruitment strategies

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain cervical screening rates among Vietnamese women attending Vietnamese-speaking general practitioners (GPs) in Sydney, their recall of opportunistic recruitment by these GPs and their preferences for strategies to encourage screening.

METHOD

Women born in Vietnam aged 18-69 years were recruited through the waiting room of their GP and completed questionnaires in either Vietnamese or Chinese before and after their consultation.

RESULTS

Of 355 women seen during the survey period, 170 were ineligible. Of those eligible, 118 women (64% response rate) completed waiting room questionnaires. Of 86 women 'at risk', 56 (65%) reported having a cervical smear within two years or due on that day; 26 (86%) of those 30 women overdue for screening reported visiting a GP at least twice in the past six months. After adjustment for age and education, women who were more acculturated or had resided in Australia for the most years remained significantly more likely to be screened (p = 0.027 and p = 0.037 respectively). In the follow-up questionnaire, returned by 49 women (52%) who agreed to receive it, recall of opportunistic advice from the GP was low. Female GPs, free screening and more information in Vietnamese were the three most popular recruitment strategies.

CONCLUSION

Study confirms low participation rates in cervical screening by Vietnamese women using self-report. Recent immigrants and the least acculturated are least likely to be screened.

IMPLICATIONS

A community-based strategy involving Vietnamese-speaking GPs shows promise, inviting behavioural evaluation.

Free split and segmental latissimus dorsi muscle transfer in one stage for facial reanimation

The authors report the experience in facial reanimation using free innervated split and segmental latissimus dorsi muscle flap one-stage transfer in 86 patients with longstanding facial palsy. The segmental latissimus dorsi was taken from the distal part of the muscle so that the muscle flap had an ultra-long neurovascular pedicle of 13 to 17.5 cm in length. The muscle flap was made thinner by splitting the segmental muscle. The split segmental muscle flap was transferred to the paralyzed side of the face with its ultra-long neurovascular pedicle passing through a tunnel in the upper lip to the normal side of the face. The neurovascular pedicle of the muscle flap was anastomosed with the facial nerve, artery, and veins, respectively, on the normal side of the face. The operation was designed without the cross-facial nerve graft stage. From 1986 to October of 1997, 86 patients with long-standing facial paralysis were treated in our department. The duration of facial palsy in this series ranged from 1.5 to 51 years. A satisfactory result was obtained in 80 cases, evaluated at 8 months to 2 years postoperatively. The expression movement of the soft tissues of the face can be seen not only over transferred muscle but also on the paralyzed muscle covered by the splitting muscle flap. It is supposed that this is the result of muscle-muscle neurolization. Study of 66 specimens of latissimus dorsi muscle in the cadavers is discussed.

Heterozygous osteopetrotic (op) mutation reduces atherosclerosis in LDL receptor- deficient mice

Previous studies of osteopetrotic (op) mice lacking macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) have revealed an inhibition of atherosclerosis development in the apolipoprotein E (apo E)-deficient model and in a diet-induced model. Using LDL receptor-deficient mice, we now show that atheroma development depends on M-CSF concentration, as not only did homozygous osteopetrotic (op/op) mice have dramatically reduced lesions (approximately 0.3% of control lesion size) but heterozygous (op/+) mice had lesions < 1% of controls. Mice heterozygous for the op mutation (op/+) had plasma levels of M-CSF about half those in controls (+/+). The finding that an approximately 2-fold reduction in M-CSF expression reduced lesion size approximately 100-fold suggests the requirement for a threshold level of M-CSF. The effect of M-CSF on atherosclerosis did not appear to be mediated either by changes in plasma lipoprotein levels or alterations in the number of circulating monocytes, since both op/op and op/+ mice exhibited higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein particles and (op/+) mice showed a near normal number of circulating monocytes. LDL receptor-null littermates of genotypes from op/op, op/+, to +/+ showed monocyte differentials of approximately 4.5, 8, and 10%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that the effects of M-CSF on atherogenesis may not be mediated by expression of M-CSF systemically or by modulation of the number of circulating monocytes. These studies support the conclusion that M-CSF participates critically in fatty streak formation and progression to a complex fibrous lesion.

Decrease of very late activation antigen-4 and CD36 on reticulocytes in sickle cell patients treated with hydroxyurea

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by repeated vaso-occlusive events, which result in substantial morbidity. Abnormal adhesion of sickle red blood cells (RBC) to the vascular endothelium is postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusion. Two adhesion receptors, very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) and CD36, are found in unusually high numbers on sickle cell reticulocytes and do mediate adhesion of sickle RBC to endothelium. Hydroxyurea (HU) therapy results in fewer vaso-occlusive episodes, and we postulated that HU-related modulation of VLA-4 and CD36 receptors may contribute to its clinical benefit. Using flow cytometry, eight patients were followed from the onset of HU treatment through a mean treatment length of 200 +/- 49 days. Mean corpuscular volume and percent fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) increased from 87% +/- 6% to 98% +/- 9% and 6.6% +/- 3.9% to 12.7% +/- 5.6%, respectively. The percentage of reticulocytes expressing VLA-4 decreased from 29.0% +/- 5.9% to 14.9% +/- 2.3% (P = .0003). Two thirds of the total decrease in VLA-4 expression occurred after 10 weeks of HU and plateaued by 20 weeks. Changes in VLA-4 expression occurred before substantial increases in Hb F. The percentage of reticulocytes expressing CD36 decreased from 55.3% +/- 6.4% to 42.6% (P = .0046). Changes in adhesion receptor expression were not caused by a decrease in reticulocytosis with HU therapy. This report is the first to associate a decrease in adhesion receptor expression with a therapy known to reduce the clinical severity of SCD.

Six-Year Experience with CarboMedics Prosthetic Heart Valves

Between July 1989 and July 1995, 89 CarboMedics prosthetic heart valves were implanted in 70 patients (38 males, 32 females) ranging in age from 13 to 54 years (mean 33 years). Forty-one of these patients underwent mitral valve replacement, 10 had aortic valve replacement, and 19 had double aortic and mitral valve replacement. Early mortality was 4.9%, 0%, and 15.8% respectively in these groups. Mean follow-up time was 3.4 years and was 95.4% complete (3 lost). There were 5 late deaths (7.7%); 1 in the mitral group, 1 in the aortic group, and 3 who had double valve replacements. Three of these late deaths were considered valve-related. The 5-year actuarial survival rates, hospital mortality excluded, were 97% for mitral, 88% for aortic, and 88% for double valve replacement. Preoperatively, 80% of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, whereas postoperatively, 99.5% of the patients were in class I or II. No structural failures were observed. There was 1 case of systemic embolism and 1 case of valve thrombosis, neither of these patients were taking anticoagulants. Hemorrhage was the most frequent complication; 1 of 4 events was fatal. A less intensive warfarin regimen and improvement in hepatic function may reduce hemorrhagic risk while maintaining thromboembolic protection. On the basis of this experience, the CarboMedics prosthetic heart valve appears to be an excellent mechanical prosthesis for cardiac valve replacement, in terms of hemodynamic performance and low thrombogenicity, in patients receiving anticoagulants.

Substrate specificity of glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase from chicken liver

Several analogs of glycinamide ribonucleotide and phosphoribosylamine have been prepared and evaluated as substrates for glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase purified from chicken liver. Glycinamide ribonucleotide analogs include side chain modifications wherein the glycine side chain (R = CH2NH2) has been replaced by R = CH2NHCH3 and R = CH2CH2NH2, ribose ring replacement by chiral cyclopentane and cyclopentene derivatives, and phosphate replacement by phosphonates. All of these, with the exception of the O-phosphonate, served as substrates for the reverse enzymatic reaction, with Vmax values comparable to that obtained with glycinamide ribonucleotide, although the Km values ranged from 21 to 118 times the Km for glycinamide ribonucleotide. Analogs of phosphoribosylamine examined as substrates for the forward reaction consist of chiral derivatives of cyclopentane and cyclopentene and a chiral carbocyclic phosphonate. These also served as substrates, with Km values ranging from 5 to 23 times the Km for phosphoribosylamine and with diminished Vmax values. These studies have begun to define the structural features of the nucleotide substrate necessary to support enzymatic activity. Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) and beta-alanine were also accepted as substrates, albeit with reduced affinity compared with glycine.

Substrate specificity of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase from chicken liver

Several glycinamide ribonucleotide analogs have been prepared and evaluated as substrates and/or inhibitors of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase from chicken liver. The side chain modified analogs, in which the glycine side chain, R = CH2NH2, has been replaced by R = CH2NHCH3 and R = CH2CH2NH2, are substrates, with V/K (relative intensity) of 2.4% and 16.3%, respectively. Several carbocyclic analogs of glycinamide ribonucleotide, including the phosphonate derivative of carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide, did not serve as substrates, but were inhibitors of the enzyme, competitive against glycinamide ribonucleotide, with Ki values ranging from 7.4 to 23.6 times the Km for glycinamide ribonucleotide. However, the O-phosphonate analog of carbocyclic glycinamide ribonucleotide did support enzymatic activity, with V/K (relative intensity) of 0.8%. In addition, glycinamide ribonucleoside was neither a substrate for, nor an inhibitor of, glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase. Furthermore, alpha-glycinamide ribonucleotide had no effect on enzyme activity. These studies have begun to define the structural features of the nucleotide substrate required to support enzymatic activity.

Detection of altered membrane phospholipid asymmetry in subpopulations of human red blood cells using fluorescently labeled annexin V

The phospholipids of the human red cell are distributed asymmetrically in the bilayer of the red cell membrane. In certain pathologic states, such as sickle cell anemia, phospholipid asymmetry is altered. Although several methods can be used to measure phospholipid organization, small organizational changes have been very difficult to assess. Moreover, these methods fail to identify subpopulations of cells that have lost their normal phospholipid asymmetry. Using fluorescently labeled annexin V in flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, we were able to identify and quantify red cells that had lost their phospholipid asymmetry in populations as small as 1 million cells. Moreover, loss of phospholipid organization in subpopulations as small as 0.1% of the total population could be identified, and individual cells could be studied by fluorescent microscopy. An excellent correlation was found between fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis results using annexin V to detect red cells with phosphatidylserine (PS) on their surface and a PS-requiring prothrombinase assay using similar red cells. Cells that bound fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled annexin V could be isolated from the population using magnetic beads covered with an anti-FITC antibody. Evaluation of blood samples from patients with sickle cell anemia under oxygenated conditions demonstrated the presence of subpopulations of cells that had lost phospholipid asymmetry. While only a few red cells were labeled in normal control samples (0.21% +/- 0.12%, n = 8), significantly increased (P < .001) annexin V labeling was observed in samples from patients with sickle cell anemia (2.18% +/- 1.21%, n = 13). We conclude that loss of phospholipid asymmetry may occur in small subpopulations of red cells and that fluorescently labeled annexin V can be used to quantify and isolate these cells.

Possible contribution of a glutathione conjugate to the long-duration action of beta-funaltrexamine

The fumaramate derivative of naltrexone, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), is a highly selective long-lasting mu opioid receptor antagonist that is active both in vitro and in vivo, presumably as a result of covalent binding to a mu receptor-based sulfhydryl group. Glutathione, which occurs in significant levels in brain and liver, was found to undergo a Michael-type reaction with beta-FNA in the test tube to give a stable conjugate 3 which occurred as an isomeric mixture. When tested in the GPI and MVD smooth muscle preparations, 3 was found to possess one-tenth the agonist activity of beta-FNA is both tissues, but showed no irreversible antagonist activity. The same result was found for the cysteine conjugate 4, except for some irreversible antagonism in the MVD. Both conjugates antagonize the antinociceptive effect of morphine in the mouse radiant heat tail-flick assay on icv administration. This antagonism persisted and actually increased over 24 h and generally paralleled the duration profile of beta-FNA. On sc administration, beta-FNA and 3 showed similar duration of antagonistic effect, while 4 exhibited only marginal activity at the early time interval. When the compounds are compared by the dose to produce equivalent antagonism, beta-FNA and 3 appeared equally effective and accessible by either route, whereas 4 showed a large difference between the two routes. It is possible that the ultra-long antagonism of the conjugates may result from their enzymatic conversion to beta-FNA in the central nervous system in view of the fact that conjugate 5, which cannot be converted to beta-FNA, did not produce antagonism of long duration in vivo. Alternatively, the protracted antagonism could arise from sequestration of 3 and 4 in tissue compartments that interface with mu opioid receptors.