Neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in Taiwan: A cross-section, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been a global public health threat since December 2019. This study aims to investigate the neurological characteristics and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Taiwanese children, using data from a collaborative registry.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional, multi-center study was done using an online network of pediatric neurological COVID-19 cohort collaborative registry.

RESULTS

A total of 11160 COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) visits and 1079 hospitalizations were analyzed. Seizures were the most common specific neurological symptom, while encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was the most prevalent severe involvement. In ED patients with neurological manifestations, severe neurological diagnosis was associated with visual hallucination, seizure with/without fever, behavior change, decreased GCS, myoclonic jerk, decreased activity/fatigue, and lethargy. In hospitalized patients with neurological manifestations, severe neurological diagnosis was associated with behavior change, visual hallucination, decreased GCS, seizure with/without fever, myoclonic jerk, fatigue, and hypoglycemia at admission. Encephalitis/ADEM was the only risk factor for poor neurological outcomes at discharge in hospitalized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological complications are common in pediatric COVID-19. Visual hallucination, seizure, behavior change, myoclonic jerk, decreased GCS, and hypoglycemia at admission are the most important warning signs of severe neurological involvement such as encephalitis/ADEM.

Myt1 overexpression mediates resistance to cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint kinase inhibitors

Cell cycle checkpoint kinases serve as important therapeutic targets for various cancers. When they are inhibited by small molecules, checkpoint abrogation can induce cell death or further sensitize cancer cells to other genotoxic therapies. Particularly aberrant Cdk1 activation at the G2/M checkpoint by kinase inhibitors causing unscheduled mitotic entry and mitotic arrest was found to lead to DNA damage and cell death selectively in cancer cells. Promising drugs inhibiting kinases like Wee1 (Adavosertib), Wee1+Myt1 (PD166285), ATR (AZD6738) and Chk1 (UCN-01) have been developed, but clinical data has shown variable efficacy for them with poorly understood mechanisms of resistance. Our lab recently identified Myt1 as a predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor, Adavosertib. Here, we investigate the role of Myt1 overexpression in promoting resistance to inhibitors (PD166285, UCN-01 and AZD6738) of other kinases regulating cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that Myt1 confers resistance by compensating Cdk1 inhibition in the presence of these different kinase inhibitors. Myt1 overexpression leads to reduced premature mitotic entry and decreased length of mitosis eventually leading to increased survival rates in Adavosertib treated cells. Elevated Myt1 levels also conferred resistance to inhibitors of ATR or Chk1 inhibitor. Our data supports that Myt1 overexpression is a common mechanism by which cancer cells can acquire resistance to a variety of drugs entering the clinic that aim to induce mitotic catastrophe by abrogating the G2/M checkpoint.

Beta Amyloid Oligomers with Higher Cytotoxicity have Higher Sidechain Dynamics

The underlying biophysical principle governing the cytotoxicity of the oligomeric aggregates of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides has long been an enigma. Here we show that the size of Aβ40 oligomers can be actively controlled by incubating the peptides in reverse micelles. Our approach allowed for the first time a detailed comparison of the structures and dynamics of two Aβ40 oligomers of different sizes, viz., 10 and 23 nm, by solid-state NMR. From the chemical shift data, we infer that the conformation and/or the chemical environments of the residues from K16 to K28 are different between the 10-nm and 23-nm oligomers. We find that the 10-nm oligomers are more cytotoxic, and the molecular motion of the sidechain of its charged residue K16 is more dynamic. Interestingly, the residue A21 exhibits unusually high structural rigidity. Our data raise an interesting possibility that the cytotoxicity of Aβ40 oligomers could also be correlated to the motional dynamics of the sidechains.

Comparison of LED and LASER Colonoscopy About Linked Color Imaging and Blue Laser/Light Imaging of Colorectal Tumors in a Multinational Study

INTRODUCTION

In light-emitting diode (LED) and LASER colonoscopy, linked color imaging (LCI) and blue light/laser imaging (BLI) are used for lesion detection and characterization worldwide. We analyzed the difference of LCI and BLI images of colorectal lesions between LED and LASER in a multinational study.

METHODS

We prospectively observed lesions with white light imaging (WLI), LCI, and BLI using both LED and LASER colonoscopies from January 2020 to August 2021. Images were graded by 27 endoscopists from nine countries using the polyp visibility score: 4 (excellent), 3 (good), 2 (fair), and 1 (poor) and the comparison score (LED better/similar/LASER better) for WLI/LCI/BLI images of each lesion.

RESULTS

Finally, 32 lesions (polyp size: 20.0 ± 15.2 mm) including 9 serrated lesions, 13 adenomas, and 10 T1 cancers were evaluated. The polyp visibility scores of LCI/WLI for international and Japan-expert endoscopists were 3.17 ± 0.73/3.17 ± 0.79 (p = 0.92) and 3.34 ± 0.78/2.84 ± 1.22 (p < 0.01) for LED and 3.30 ± 0.71/3.12 ± 0.77 (p < 0.01) and 3.31 ± 0.82/2.78 ± 1.23 (p < 0.01) for LASER. Regarding the comparison of lesion visibility about between LED and LASER colonoscopy in international endoscopists, a significant difference was achieved not for WLI, but for LCI. The rates of LED better/similar/LASER better for brightness under WLI were 54.5%/31.6%/13.9% (International) and 75.0%/21.9%/3.1% (Japan expert). Those under LCI were 39.2%/35.4%/25.3% (International) and 31.3%/53.1%/15.6% (Japan expert). There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy and the comparison score of BLI images between LED and LASER.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences of lesion visibility for WLI/LCI/BLI between LED and LASER in international endoscopists could be compared to those in Japanese endoscopists.

A fast blind zero-shot denoiser

Image noise is a common problem in light microscopy. This is particularly true in real-time live-cell imaging applications in which long-term cell viability necessitates low-light conditions. Modern denoisers are typically trained on a representative dataset, sometimes consisting of just unpaired noisy shots. However, when data are acquired in real time to track dynamic cellular processes, it is not always practical nor economical to generate these training sets. Recently, denoisers have emerged that allow us to denoise single images without a training set or knowledge about the underlying noise. But such methods are currently too slow to be integrated into imaging pipelines that require rapid, real-time hardware feedback. Here we present Noise2Fast, which can overcome these limitations. Noise2Fast uses a novel downsampling technique we refer to as ‘chequerboard downsampling’. This allows us to train on a discrete 4-image training set, while convergence can be monitored using the original noisy image. We show that Noise2Fast is faster than all similar methods with only a small drop in accuracy compared to the gold standard. We integrate Noise2Fast into real-time multi-modal imaging applications and demonstrate its broad applicability to diverse imaging and analysis pipelines.

COUP-TFI specifies the medial entorhinal cortex identity and induces differential cell adhesion to determine the integrity of its boundary with neocortex

Development of cortical regions with precise, sharp, and regular boundaries is essential for physiological function. However, little is known of the mechanisms ensuring these features. Here, we show that determination of the boundary between neocortex and medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), two abutting cortical regions generated from the same progenitor lineage, relies on COUP-TFI (chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor I), a patterning transcription factor with graded expression in cortical progenitors. In contrast with the classical paradigm, we found that increased COUP-TFI expression expands MEC, creating protrusions and disconnected ectopic tissue. We further developed a mathematical model that predicts that neuronal specification and differential cell affinity contribute to the emergence of an instability region and boundary sharpness. Correspondingly, we demonstrated that high expression of COUP-TFI induces MEC cell fate and protocadherin 19 expression. Thus, we conclude that a sharp boundary requires a subtle interplay between patterning transcription factors and differential cell affinity.

Characterization of Piezoelectric Properties of Ag-NPs Doped PVDF Nanocomposite Fibres Membrane Prepared by Near Field Electrospinning

BACKGROUND

In this study, Near-field electrospinning (NFES) technique used with a cylindrical collector to fabricate a large area permanent piezoelectric micro and nanofibers by a prepared solution. NFES requires a small electric field to fabricate fibers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper to investigate silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP)/ Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite as the best piezoelectric material with improved properties to produced tremendously flexible and sensitive piezoelectric material with pertinent conductance.

METHOD

In this paper we used controllable electrospinning technique based on Near-field electrospinning (NFES)The process parameter for Ag-NP/PVDF composite electrospun fiber based on pure PVDF fiber. A PVDF solution concentration of 18 wt.% and 6 wt.% silver nitrate which is relative to the weight of PVDF wt.% with 1058 µS conductivity fibers have been directly written on a rotating cylindrical collector for aligned fiber PVDF/Ag-NP fibers are patterned on fabricated copper (Cu) interdigitated electrodes were implemented on a thin flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) used as a package to enhance the durability of the PVDF/ Ag-NP device.

RESULTS

A notable effect on the piezoelectric response has been observed after Ag-NP addition confirmed by XRD characterization and tapping test of Ag-NP/PVDF composite fiber. The morphology of the PVDF/Ag-NP fibers and measure diameter by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Optical micrograph (OM), of fiber. Finally, The result shows that diameter of PVDF/Ag-NP fibers up to ~7 μm. The. High diffraction peak at 2θ = 20.5˚ was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the piezoelectric crystal β-phase structure. While the electromechanical conversion is found enhance from ~0.1 V to ~1 V by the addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in the PVDF solution.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we can say that confirmed and validated the addition of Ag-NP in PVDF could enhance the piezoelectric property by using NFES technique with improved crystalline phase content can be useful for a wide range of power and sensing applications like biomedical devices and energy harvesting, among others.

Phosphorylation of adducin-1 by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is important for epidermal growth factor-induced cell migration

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is predominantly expressed in neuron and plays an important role in neuronal physiology. Increasing evidence also indicates that Cdk5 may contribute to malignant progression of some types of cancers; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we found that Cdk5 directly phosphorylated the actin-binding protein adducin-1 (ADD1) at T724 in vitro and in intact cells. The capability of the phosphomimetic T724D mutant to bind to actin filaments was lower than that of wild type ADD1 and the T724A mutant. Cdk5 co-localized with ADD1 at the lamellipodia upon epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. The increased lamellipodia formation and cell migration of human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 by EGF were accompanied by Cdk5 activation and increased phosphorylation of ADD1 at T724. Depletion of Cdk5 in MDA-MB-231 cells abrogated the effects of EGF on ADD1 T724 phosphorylation, lamellipodia formation, and cell migration. Likewise, depletion of ADD1 suppressed the effects of EGF on lamellipodia formation, cell migration, and invasion, all of which were restored by FLAG-ADD1 WT and the T724D mutant, but not the T724A mutant. Together, our results suggest that phosphorylation of ADD1 at T724 by Cdk5 is important for EGF-induced cell migration and invasion.

Adducin-1 is essential for spindle pole integrity through its interaction with TPX2

Bipolar spindle assembly is necessary to ensure the proper progression of cell division. Loss of spindle pole integrity leads to multipolar spindles and aberrant chromosomal segregation. However, the mechanism underlying the maintenance of spindle pole integrity remains unclear. In this study, we show that the actin‐binding protein adducin‐1 (ADD1) is phosphorylated at S726 during mitosis. S726‐phosphorylated ADD1 localizes to centrosomes, wherein it organizes into a rosette‐like structure at the pericentriolar material. ADD1 depletion causes centriole splitting and therefore results in multipolar spindles during mitosis, which can be restored by re‐expression of ADD1 and the phosphomimetic S726D mutant but not by the S726A mutant. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ADD1 at S726 is crucial for its interaction with TPX2, which is essential for spindle pole integrity. Together, our findings unveil a novel function of ADD1 in maintaining spindle pole integrity through its interaction with TPX2.

Neural control of sweat secretion: a review

BACKGROUND

Humans have 4 million exocrine sweat glands, which can be classified into two types: eccrine and apocrine glands. Sweat secretion, a constitutive feature, is directly involved in thermoregulation and metabolism, and is regulated by both the central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS).

OBJECTIVES

To explore how sweat secretion is controlled by both the CNS and the ANS and the mechanisms behind the neural control of sweat secretion.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search on PubMed for reports in English from 1 January 1950 to 31 December 2016.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Acetylcholine acts as a potent stimulator for sweat secretion, which is released by sympathetic nerves. β-adrenoceptors are found in adipocytes as well as apocrine glands, and these receptors may mediate lipid secretion from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. The activation of β-adrenoceptors could increase sweat secretion through opening of Ca²⁺ channels to elevate intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Ca²⁺ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate play a part in the secretion of lipids and proteins from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. The translocation of aquaporin 5 plays an important role in sweat secretion from eccrine glands. Dysfunction of the ANS, especially the sympathetic nervous system, may cause sweating disorders, such as hypohidrosis and hyperhidrosis.

Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in healthy and Pasteurella multocida-infected rabbits

The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome were studied in healthy and Pasteurella multocida-infected rabbits after a single intramuscular (IM) injection at 2 mg/kg of its sulfate salt. Twelve female New Zealand white rabbits (2.0-2.5 kg) were used; six of them served as controls, and the other six had been infected with P. multocida; the experiments were conducted 1-2 days after nasal inoculation of P. multocida when rabbits showed the signs of respiratory infection. Plasma concentrations of cefquinome were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The values of elimination half-life, area under the curve, area under the first moment curve, and mean residence time were significantly lower in infected rabbits (0.48 hr, 4.54 hr*μg/ml, 3.63 hr* hr*μg/ml and 0.8 hr, respectively) than healthy rabbits (0.72 hr, 9.11 hr*μg/ml, 9.85 hr* hr*μg/ml and 1.1 hr, respectively), whereas total body clearance was significantly higher in infected than healthy rabbits. Therefore, P. multocida infection caused significant changes in some of the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefquinome in rabbits. These pharmacokinetic changes may affect dose regimen when used in P. multocida-infected rabbits.

Development of a heat vulnerability index for New York State

OBJECTIVES

The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are increasing in New York State (NYS) and have been linked with increased heat-related morbidity and mortality. But these effects are not uniform across the state and can vary across large regions due to regional sociodemographic and environmental factors which impact an individual's response or adaptive capacity to heat and in turn contribute to vulnerability among certain populations. We developed a heat vulnerability index (HVI) to identify heat-vulnerable populations and regions in NYS.

STUDY DESIGN

Census tract level environmental and sociodemographic heat-vulnerability variables were used to develop the HVI to identify heat-vulnerable populations and areas.

METHODS

Variables were identified from a comprehensive literature review and climate-health research in NYS. We obtained data from 2010 US Census Bureau and 2011 National Land Cover Database. We used principal component analysis to reduce correlated variables to fewer uncorrelated components, and then calculated the cumulative HVI for each census tract by summing up the scores across the components. The HVI was then mapped across NYS (excluding New York City) to display spatial vulnerability. The prevalence rates of heat stress were compared across HVI score categories.

RESULTS

Thirteen variables were reduced to four meaningful components representing 1) social/language vulnerability; 2) socioeconomic vulnerability; 3) environmental/urban vulnerability; and 4) elderly/ social isolation. Vulnerability to heat varied spatially in NYS with the HVI showing that metropolitan areas were most vulnerable, with language barriers and socioeconomic disadvantage contributing to the most vulnerability. Reliability of the HVI was supported by preliminary results where higher rates of heat stress were collocated in the regions with the highest HVI.

CONCLUSIONS

The NYS HVI showed spatial variability in heat vulnerability across the state. Mapping the HVI allows quick identification of regions in NYS that could benefit from targeted interventions. The HVI will be used as a planning tool to help allocate appropriate adaptation measures like cooling centers and issue heat alerts to mitigate effects of heat in vulnerable areas.

Review of triazine antiprotozoal drugs used in veterinary medicine

Triazines are relatively new antiprotozoal drugs that have successfully controlled coccidiosis and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. These drugs have favorably treated other protozoal diseases such as neosporosis and toxoplasmosis. In this article, we discuss the pharmacological characteristics of five triazines, toltrazuril, ponazuril, clazuril, diclazuril, and nitromezuril which are used in veterinary medicine to control protozoal diseases which include coccidiosis, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, neosporosis, and toxoplasmosis.

Adducin family proteins possess different nuclear export potentials

Background

The adducin (ADD) family proteins, namely ADD1, ADD2, and ADD3, are actin-binding proteins that play important roles in the stabilization of membrane cytoskeleton and cell-cell junctions. All the ADD proteins contain a highly conserved bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) at the carboxyl termini, but only ADD1 can localize to the nucleus. The reason for this discrepancy is not clear.

Methods

To avoid the potential effect of cell-cell junctions on the distribution of ADD proteins, HA epitope-tagged ADD proteins and mutants were transiently expressed in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and their distribution in the cytoplasm and nucleus was examined by immunofluorescence staining. Several nuclear proteins were identified to interact with ADD1 by mass spectrometry, which were further verified by co-immunoprecipitation.

Results

In this study, we found that ADD1 was detectable both in the cytoplasm and nucleus, whereas ADD2 and ADD3 were detected only in the cytoplasm. However, ADD2 and ADD3 were partially (~40%) sequestered in the nucleus by leptomycin B, a CRM1/exportin1 inhibitor. Upon the removal of leptomycin B, ADD2 and ADD3 re-distributed to the cytoplasm. These results indicate that ADD2 and ADD3 possess functional NLS and are quickly transported to the cytoplasm upon entering the nucleus. Indeed, we found that ADD2 and ADD3 possess much higher potential to counteract the activity of the NLS derived from Simian virus 40 large T-antigen than ADD1. All the ADD proteins appear to contain multiple nuclear export signals mainly in their head and neck domains. However, except for the leucine-rich motif (³⁷⁷FEALMRMLDWLGYRT³⁹¹) in the neck domain of ADD1, no other classic nuclear export signal was identified in the ADD proteins. In addition, the nuclear retention of ADD1 facilitates its interaction with RNA polymerase II and zinc-finger protein 331.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that ADD2 and ADD3 possess functional NLS and shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus. The discrepancy in the subcellular localization of the ADD isoforms arises due to their different nuclear export capabilities. In addition, the interaction of ADD1 with RNA polymerase II and zinc-finger protein 331 implicates a potential role for ADD1 in the regulation of transcription.

Impact of carprofen administration on stress and nociception responses of calves to cautery dehorning

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of carprofen administered immediately before cautery dehorning on nociception and stress. Forty Holstein calves aged approximately 6 to 8 wk old were either placebo treated and sham dehorned ( = 10) or cautery dehorned following administration of carprofen (1.4 mg/kg) subcutaneously ( = 10) or orally ( = 10) or a subcutaneous and oral placebo ( = 10) in a randomized, controlled trial. All animals were given a cornual nerve block using lidocaine before dehorning. Response variables including mechanical nociception threshold, ocular temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were measured before and following cautery dehorning for 96 h. Blood samples were also collected over 96 h following dehorning and analyzed for plasma cortisol and substance P concentrations by RIA. Plasma carprofen concentration and ex vivo PGE concentrations were also determined for this time period. Average daily gain was calculated for 7 d after dehorning. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with repeated measures, controlling for baseline values by their inclusion as a covariate in addition to planned contrasts. Dehorning was associated with decreased nociception thresholds throughout the study and a stress response immediately after dehorning, following the loss of local anesthesia, and 48 h after dehorning compared with sham-dehorned calves. Carprofen was well absorbed after administration and reached concentrations that inhibited ex vivo PGE concentrations for 72 h (subcutaneous) and 96 h (oral) compared with placebo-treated calves ( < 0.05). Carprofen-treated calves tended to be less sensitive ( = 0.097) to nociceptive threshold tests. Overall, at the dosing regimen studied, the effect of carprofen on sensitivity and stress following cautery dehorning was minimal. Consideration of route of administration and dose determination studies may be warranted.

The effects of firocoxib on cautery disbudding pain and stress responses in preweaned dairy calves

Perioperative analgesic effects of oral firocoxib following cautery disbudding were investigated in preweaned calves. Twenty Holstein calves approximately 4 to 6wk old received a single oral dose of firocoxib, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory, at 0.5mg/kg (n=10) or placebo (n=10) in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Responses, including ocular temperature determined by infrared thermography, pressure algometry measuring mechanical nociception threshold, and heart rate, were evaluated at 2, 4, 7, 8, and 24h after cornual nerve block and cautery disbudding. Blood samples were collected over 96h and analyzed for plasma cortisol and substance P concentrations by RIA. Additionally, ex vivo prostaglandin E2 concentrations were determined over a 72-h study period using an enzyme immunoassay. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with repeated measures. An inhibition of ex vivo prostaglandin E2 synthesis was observed from 12 to 48h following disbudding in calves treated with firocoxib. Cautery disbudding was associated with an increased nociception for the duration of sampling (24h). During the initial 24-h period following disbudding, no difference in response between treatment groups was noted. Following 24h, mean cortisol concentrations diverged between the 2 study groups with placebo-treated calves having increased cortisol concentrations at approximately 48h after disbudding. Furthermore, the overall integrated cortisol response as calculated as area under the effect curve tended to be reduced in firocoxib-treated calves. The prolonged effects of cautery dehorning require further investigation. Moreover, the effect of firocoxib on cortisol reduction observed in this study requires additional exploration.

Isradipine prevents rotenone-induced intracellular calcium rise that accelerates senescence in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Previous research demonstrated that rotenone (RT) induces neuronal injury partially by increasing intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i), and inducing oxidative stress, leading to a neurodegenerative disorder. However, the mechanism of RT-induced injury remains elusive. Recent work revealed that Ca(2+) signaling is important for RT-induced senescence in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In the present study, we found that in SH-SY5Y cells, RT increased [Ca(2+)]i, senescence associated β-galactosidase activity, aggregation of lipofuscin, production of reactive oxygen species, G1/G0 cell cycle arrest, and activation of p53/p21 signaling proteins. In addition, RT decreased the expression of the signaling proteins for cell proliferation and survival, Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), cyclin D1, and Akt. Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with isradipine, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, or EGTA antagonized these effects of RT. These results suggested that application of isradipine might be a novel approach to prevent RT-induced neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson's disease.

Development of indirect ELISAs for differential serodiagnosis of classical and highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

The objective of this study was to develop two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (iELISAs) for detection of serum antibodies against classical vaccine strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV). To detect the common antibodies against classical and HP-PRRSV, the coating antigen used in the iELISA (designated iELISA-180) was the antigen of Nsp2-180, the 180aa at amino terminal of Nsp2. To detect the different antibodies against classical and HP-PRRSV, the coating antigen in the second iELISA (designated iELISA-D29) was Nsp2-D29, the deleted 29aa in Nsp2 of HP-PRRSV. The antigen concentration and serum dilutions were optimized using a draughtboard titration. The cut-off values of 0.361 at OD(450nm) for the iELISA-180 and 0.27 at OD(450nm) for the iELISA-D29 were determined by testing a panel of 120 classical PRRSV positive and 198 PRRSV negative pig serum samples, which generated the specificity of 97.1% and 96.7%, the sensitivity of 96.9% and 96.3% for iELISA-180 and iELISA-D29, respectively. The agreements between the Western blot and iELISA-180 and iELISA-D29 were 98%, 96.7%, respectively. The developed iELISAs can be used to differentiate serologically HP-PRRSV from the vaccinated or classical PRRSV in clinical serum samples.

Photodissociation dynamics of methoxybenzoic acid at 193 nm

The theoretical prediction and experimental confirmation of the 1πσ* repulsive excited state along O-H bond of phenol have large impact on the interpretation of phenol and tyrosine photochemistry. In this work, we investigated the photodissociation dynamics of 2-, 3-, and 4-methoxybenzoic acid (MOBA) in a molecular beam at 193 nm using multimass ion imaging techniques. In addition, the ground state and the excited state potential energy surfaces of MOBA were investigated using ab initio calculations, and branching ratios were predicted by Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory. The results show that (1) the excited state potential of 1πσ* along O-CH(3) bond remains similar to that of phenol and anisole, (2) CH(3) elimination is the major channel for three MOBA isomers, and (3) photofragment translational energy distributions show bimodal distributions, representing the dissociation on the ground state and repulsive excited state, respectively. Comparison to the study of hydroxbenzoic acid [Y. L. Yang, Y. A. Dyakov, Y. T. Lee, C. K. Ni, Y. L. Sun, and W. P. Hu, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 034314 (2011)] shows that only the intramolecular hydrogen bonding has significant effects on the excited state dynamics of phenol chromophores.

Endocardial cushion morphogenesis and coronary vessel development require chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II

OBJECTIVE

Septal defects and coronary vessel anomalies are common congenital heart defects, yet their ontogeny and the underlying genetic mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII, NR2F2) in cardiac organogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed embryos deficient in COUP-TFII and observed a spectrum of cardiac defects, including atrioventricular septal defect, thin-walled myocardium, and abnormal coronary morphogenesis. We show by expression analysis that COUP-TFII is expressed in the endocardium and the epicardium but not in the myocardium of the ventricle. Using endothelial-specific COUP-TFII mutants and molecular approaches, we show that COUP-TFII deficiency resulted in endocardial cushion hypoplasia. This was attributed to the reduced growth and survival of atrioventricular cushion mesenchymal cells and defective epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in the underlying endocardium. In addition, the endocardial EMT defect was accompanied by downregulation of Snai1, one of the master regulators of EMT, and upregulation of vascular endothelial-cadherin. Furthermore, we show that although COUP-TFII does not play a major role in the formation of epicardial cell cysts, it is critically important for the formation of epicardium. Ablation of COUP-TFII impairs epicardial EMT and coronary plexus formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal that COUP-TFII plays cell-autonomous roles in the endocardium and the epicardium for endocardial and epicardial EMT, which are required for proper valve and coronary vessel formation during heart development.

Resveratrol helps recovery from fatty liver and protects against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by hepatitis B virus X protein in a mouse model

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that has beneficial effects across species and various disease models. Here, we investigate whether resveratrol is effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using HBV X protein (HBx) transgenic mice. We found that resveratrol (30 mg/kg/d) has a therapeutic effect on HBx-induced fatty liver and the early stages of liver damage. Resveratrol decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and transiently stimulated hepatocyte proliferation. Interestingly, resveratrol inhibited LXRα and downregulated the expression of the lipogenic genes, Srebp1-c and PPARγ. The decrease in Srebp1-c seems to further downregulate the expression of its target genes, Acc and Fas. In addition, resveratrol stimulated the activity of Ampk and SirT1. Thus, resveratrol has a pleiotropic effect on HBx transgenic mice in terms of the downregulation of lipogenesis, the promotion of transient liver regeneration, and the stimulation of antioxidant activity. Furthermore, at the later precancerous stages, resveratrol delayed HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis and reduced HCC incidence from 80% to 15%, a 5.3-fold reduction. Resveratrol should be considered as a potential chemopreventive agent for HBV-associated HCC.

Carbon dioxide insufflation during withdrawal of the colonoscope improved postprocedure discomfort: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

In colonoscopy, the question of when and how to use carbon dioxide (CO(2)) insufflation remains uncertain. Inspection for the pathological changes during colonoscopy takes place during the withdrawal of the scope. This study aimed to determine whether CO(2) insufflation only at the withdrawal of the colonoscope has an effect comparable to that of CO(2) usage throughout the course of the procedure. Symptomatic patients were randomized in three groups: (1) patients given air insufflation (A; n = 33); (2) patients given CO(2) insufflation only at the time of scope withdrawal (CW; n = 33); and (3) patients given the CO(2) insufflation (C; n = 34) for the whole course of the colonoscopy. Patients were requested to answer questionnaires about their pain score during, at the end, and 1 h after the colonoscopy by using a pain numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10. The disparities of the pain score were noted at the end of the procedure and 1 h after the procedure (p = 0.026 and p < 0.001, respectively). We further analyzed the scores between two of the three groups. Both CW (vs. A; procedure end: p = 0.012, 1 h after: p = 0.001) and C (vs. A; procedure end: p = 0.072, 1 h after: p < 0.001) showed less postprocedure pain when compared with the group A. The pain score between CW and C were similar at each time segment (procedure end: p = 0.555, 1 h after: p = 0.491). CO(2) insufflation merely at the withdrawal of the colonoscope improved postprocedural abdominal discomfort and the effect was not inferior to that of full course CO(2) insufflation.

Combinatorial treatment of bone marrow stem cells and stromal cell-derived factor 1 improves glycemia and insulin production in diabetic mice

Transdifferentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells for the treatment of diabetes have shown promising but inconsistent results. We examined the potential for attracting bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to the pancreas using a chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). SDF-1 treatment markedly increased the number of GFP labeled BMSCs in the pancreas, but surprisingly, the majority was observed in liver. The liver cells had typical pancreatic endocrine cell gene expression including insulin I, insulin II, PDX-1, somatostatin, and glucagon. Combined treatment with SDF-1 and BMSC transplant reduced hyperglycemia and prolonged the long-term survival of diabetic mice, and a sub group had complete normoglycemia (<150 mg/dl), restored blood insulin levels, and normal glucose tolerance. Our results suggest that SDF-1 could potentially be used to improve the homing of stem cells and β-cell regeneration. The mechanism appears to involve an increase in insulin producing cells mainly in the liver.

Mechanisms of p-methoxycinnamic acid-induced increase in insulin secretion

p-Methoxycinnamic acid (p-MCA) is a cinnamic acid derivative that shows various pharmacologic actions such as hepatoprotective and antihyperglycemic activities. The present study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which p-MCA increases [Ca²⁺]i and insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. p-MCA (100 μM) increased [Ca²⁺]i in INS-1 cells. The p-MCA-induced insulin secretion and rise in [Ca²⁺]i were markedly inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺ or in the presence of an L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker nimodipine. These results suggested that p-MCA increased Ca²⁺ influx via the L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Diazoxide, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel opener, did not alter p-MCA-induced insulin secretion, nor [Ca²⁺]i response. In addition, p-MCA enhanced glucose-, glibenclamide-induced insulin secretion whereas it also potentiated the increase in insulin secretion induced by arginine, and Bay K 8644, an L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonist. Taken together, our results suggest that p-MCA stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by increasing Ca²⁺ influx via the L-type Ca²⁺ channels, but not through the closure of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels.

Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists as flea adulticides in small animals

Fleas are significant ectoparasites of small animals. They can be a severe irritant to animals and serve as a vector for a number of infectious diseases. In this article, we discuss the pharmacological characteristics of four insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists used as flea adulticides in dogs and cats, which include three neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran) and a macrocyclic lactone (spinosad). Insect nAChR agonists are one of the most important classes of insecticides, which are used to control sucking insects on both plants and animals. These novel compounds provide a new approach for practitioners to safely and effectively eliminate adult fleas.

Regulation of Ca(2+)-entry in pancreatic α-cell line by transient receptor potential melastatin 4 plays a vital role in glucagon release

Elevation in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration stimulates glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells. The Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 channel (TRPM4) is critical for Ca(2+) signaling. However, its role in glucagon secreting α-cells has not been investigated. We identified TRPM4 gene expression and protein in the αTC1-6 cell line using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, we performed a detailed biophysical characterization of the channel using the patch-clamp technique to confirm that currents typical for TRPM4 were present in αTC1-6 cells. To investigate TRPM4 function, we generated a stable knockdown clone using shRNA and a lentiviral vector. Inhibition of TRPM4 significantly reduced the responses to different agonists during Ca(2+) imaging analysis with Fura-2AM. The reduction in the magnitude of Ca(2+) signals resulted in decreased glucagon secretion. These results suggested that depolarization by TRPM4 may play an important role in controlling glucagon secretion from α-cells and perhaps glucose homeostasis.

Application of high-frequency ultrasound for the detection of surgical anatomy in the rodent abdomen

Rats are used extensively in abdominal disease research. To monitor disease progress in vivo, high-frequency ultrasound (HFU) can be a powerful tool for obtaining high-resolution images of biological tissues. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the correlation between rat anatomy and corresponding HFU images. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent abdominal scans using HFU (40 MHz) surgical procedures to identify abdominal organs and major vessels as well as in situ scanning to confirm the imaging results. The results were compared with those of human abdominal organs in ultrasonographic scans. The rat liver, paired kidneys, stomach, intestines, and major blood vessels were identified by HFU and the ultrasonic morphologies of the liver and kidneys showed clear differences between rats and humans. Clinically relevant anatomical structures were identified using HFU imaging of the rat abdomen, and these structures were compared with the corresponding structures in humans. Increased knowledge with regard to identifying the anatomy of rat abdominal organs by ultrasound will allow scientists to conduct more detailed intra-abdominal research in rodents.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds and kidney dysfunction in thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) workers

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted during the manufacturing of thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs), exposure to some of which has been reported to be associated with kidney dysfunction, but whether such an effect exists in TFT-LCD industry workers is unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to VOCs and kidney dysfunction among TFT-LCD workers. The results showed that ethanol (1811.0+/-1740.4 ppb), acetone (669.0+/-561.0 ppb), isopropyl alcohol (187.0+/-205.3 ppb) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) (102.9+/-102.0 ppb) were the four dominant VOCs present in the workplace. The 63 array workers studied had a risk of kidney dysfunction 3.21-fold and 3.84-fold that of 61 cell workers and 18 module workers, respectively. Workers cumulatively exposed to a total level of isopropyl alcohol, PGMEA and propylene glycol monomethyl ether> or =324 ppb-year had a significantly higher risk of kidney dysfunction (adjusted OR=3.41, 95% CI=1.14-10.17) compared with those exposed to <25 ppb-year after adjustment for potential confounding factors. These findings indicated that array workers might be the group at greatest risk of kidney dysfunction within the TFT-LCD industry, and cumulative exposure to specific VOCs might be associated with kidney dysfunction.

TRPM4 impacts on Ca2+ signals during agonist-induced insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells

TRPM4 is a Ca(2+)-activated non-selective cation (CAN) channel that functions in cell depolarization, which is important for Ca(2+) influx and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. We investigated TRPM4 expression and function in the beta-cell lines HIT-T15 (hamster), RINm5F (rat), beta-TC3 (mouse), MIN-6 (mouse) and the alpha-cell line INR1G9 (hamster). By RT-PCR, we identified TRPM4 transcripts in alpha- and beta-cells. Patch-clamp recordings with increasing Ca(2+) concentrations resulted in a dose-dependent activation of TRPM4 with the greatest depolarizing currents recorded from hamster-derived cells. Further, Ca(2+) imaging experiments revealed that inhibition of TRPM4 by a dominant-negative effect significantly decreased the magnitude of the Ca(2+) signals generated by agonist stimulation compared to control cells. The decrease in the [Ca(2+)](i) resulted in reduced insulin secretion. Our data suggest that depolarizing currents generated by TRPM4 are an important component in the control of intracellular Ca(2+) signals necessary for insulin secretion and perhaps glucagon from alpha-cells.

Plasma vasopressin concentrations in healthy foals from birth to 3 months of age

BACKGROUND

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has received increased attention in equine critical care but there is minimal information of AVP concentration in foals. The clinical usefulness of measuring AVP in ill foals depends on knowledge of age-related changes in AVP concentrations in healthy foals.

HYPOTHESIS

Plasma AVP concentrations will be significantly different when measured from birth to 3 months of age in healthy foals.

ANIMALS

Thirteen healthy university-owned foals.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study. Blood was collected from healthy foals at birth and 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 84 days of age. Plasma was harvested and plasma AVP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were detected in plasma AVP concentrations over the study period. Plasma AVP concentrations over the entire study period was 6.2+/-2.5 pg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

There was no age-related variation in plasma AVP concentrations detected in healthy foals from birth to 3 months of age suggesting that AVP concentrations are similar across foals of these ages.

Comparison of two-phase (201)Tl SPECT with chest CT to differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions

AIM

This study was conducted to compare the performance of (201)Tl single photon emission computed tomography ((201)Tl SPECT) with chest computed tomography (CT) in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy patients with confirmed diagnostic thoracic lesions found in chest radiographs were prospectively examined by (201)Tl SPECT. The performance of (201)Tl SPECT in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions was evaluated in 161 patients with a measurable retention index (RI), using the region-of-interest method. Chest CT scans were retrospectively collected from 165 patients and were interpreted by two independent observers.

RESULTS

The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves were 0.85 using the RI value to differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.9%, 83.1%, and 76.4%, respectively, with a cutoff level for the RI set at 20%. Similarly, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of chest CT scans to differentiate malignancies from benign lesions were 78.2%, 69.7% and 74.9%, respectively. Focusing on patients with concordant results in both (201)Tl SPECT and chest CT scans, we can differentiate thoracic malignancies from benign lesions with a sensitivity of 89.1%, a specificity of 90%, and an accuracy of 89.4%.

CONCLUSION

Both (201)Tl SPECT and chest CT scans are useful imaging tools in differentiating thoracic malignancies from benign lesions, with an accuracy of around 75%. By combining these two image modalities, the accuracy improves to 89.4%, which may circumvent the need for invasive procedures for certain equivocal cases, using either single image alone.

Topoisomerase 2α plays a pivotal role in the tumor biology of stage IV thymic neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Microsatellite studies in histologic types B3 and C thymic neoplasia detected gains on chromosome 17q, which contains the Her-2/neu and its juxtaposed topoisomerase 2alpha (T2alpha) genes. The study aimed to evaluate their impact on tumor biology and survival of advanced thymic neoplasia patients.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2005, 36 consecutive stage IV thymic carcinoma patients were treated, 18 men and 18 women, aged 11 to 84 years. There were 22 thymic carcinoma, 13 type B3, and 1 type B2 thymoma. Patients received treatment consisting of surgical resection, combination chemotherapy with the CAP (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, cisplatin) regimen, or radiation therapy potentiated by high-dose weekly 5-fluorouracil infusion. Permutations of these 3 treatment modalities were prescribed as necessary.

RESULTS

T2alpha gene amplification was detected in 4 of 14 thymic carcinoma and 1 of 15 type B3 thymoma. Three thymic carcinoma patients had Her-2/neu coamplification and these 3 patients had rapidly growing tumor and extensive disease at initial diagnosis. CAP was prescribed in 28 patients and 20 patients responded (response rate, 71.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.8% to 85%); all responders overexpressed (> or = 10% nuclei positive) the T2alpha protein, whereas 4 nonresponders had very low expression. T2alpha overexpression predicts CAP response, and its absence predicts resistance (P = .001). Overall survival was significantly prolonged if the tumor was resectable (P = .001), of type B3 histology (P = .0039), and had no Her-2 gene amplification (P = .0081).

CONCLUSION

T2alpha and Her-2/neu genes play a pivotal role in the tumor biology, CAP response, and survival of advanced thymic neoplasia patients.

Importance of amino acid alterations and expression of penicillin-binding protein 5 to ampicillin resistance of Enterococcus faecium in Taiwan

The importance of the amino acid sequence in the C-terminal domain of penicillin-binding protein 5 (PBP5) and the levels of PBP5 expression to ampicillin resistance of Taiwan clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecium were studied. Sequence data revealed the existence of 12 amino acid sequence variants within the C-terminal domain of PBP5 in the 33 tested isolates (ampicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 1 mg/L to >256 mg/L). Western blot analyses of the levels of PBP5 showed that, with few exceptions, lower amounts of PBP5 were present in the susceptible strains than in the resistant strains. More importantly, a significant correlation (P=0.004, Fisher's exact test) between the expression of PBP5 and ampicillin resistance was detected. Point mutations in PBP5, including addition of aspartic acid or serine after position 466 and change of methionine to alanine or threonine at position 485, alanine or isoleucine to threonine at position 499 and glutamate to valine at position 629, were found to be significantly associated with ampicillin resistance. A significant correlation was obtained for the combined mutation (alleles 10 and 11), suggesting that combined mutation of PBP5 can be a marker for ampicillin resistance of E. faecium.

Role of pleural fluid C-reactive protein concentration in discriminating uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusions from complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema

The aim of this study was to determine whether pleural fluid C-reactive protein (CRP) is useful in distinguishing complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion (CPPE) and empyema from uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusions (UPPE). A total of 69 consecutive patients with parapneumonic effusions were enrolled in the study: 29 with UPPE, 29 with CPPE, and 11 with empyema. Concentrations of standard biochemical parameters together with CRP in the pleural fluid were measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Pleural CRP was significantly higher in CPPE (11.6 mg/dl) and in empyema (12.2 mg/dl) than in UPPE (3.9 mg/dl). A cutoff value of 8.7 mg/dl for pleural CRP in the diagnosis of CPPE and empyema resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.80, 0.97 and 0.94, respectively. Traditional lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) > or = 1000 U/L and glucose < or = 60 mg/dl can differentiate CPPE and empyema from UPPE, with the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC achieving 0.75/0.60.1.00/1.00,0.95/0.22, respectively. However, for the detection of CPPE and empyema, the combination of pleural fluid CRP > or = 8.7 mg/dl and LDH > or = 1000 U/L was valuable in achieving a sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 0.97/1,00/0.95. This study suggests that measurement of pleural CRP can be useful in the workup of patients with a parapneumonic effusion in order to differentiate CPPE from UPPE.

Use of confocal linescan to document ciliary beat frequency

We present a method to document ciliary beat frequency with the linescan function of a scanning confocal microscope, using ciliated tracheal cells and free-swimming rotifers as examples. Depending on the clarity of the original data, the ciliary beat frequency can be determined from the confocal linescan directly or from an intensity linescan analysis of the original data. Fast Fourier transform treatment of the data can be used to verify the derived ciliary beat frequency. The linescan approach allows analysis of simple ciliary movements displayed by the ciliated tracheal cells, as well as complex movements performed by free-swimming rotifers while feeding.

Complete recovery time after exhaustion in high-intensity work

This study was aimed to investigate complete recovery time (CRT) after exhaustion in high-intensity work. Twenty-four subjects were divided into two groups based on the cardiorespiratory capability index, which was measured in a maximum capacity test. Each subject then performed two cycling tests (at 60% and 70% maximum working capacity). The subject continued cycling until exhaustion in each test and then sat recovering until he/she no longer felt fatigue or until the oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) returned to their baselines, whichever was longer. The results indicated that HR required the longest time to recover and, consequently, HR data were adopted to set the CRT. The CRT was significantly correlated with the cardiorespiratory capability index and the relative workload indices: RVO2 and RHR. The RVO2 was the average elevation in VO2 during work from the resting level as a percentage of maximum VO2 reserve. The RHR's definition was similar to that of RVO2. Based on the obtained CRT-prediction model, the CRT for a high-cardiorespiratory-capability person was 20.8, 22.1, 23.4, and 24.7 min at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% RHR levels, respectively. These suggested CRT values should be increased by 10 min for a low-cardiorespiratory-capability person.

Comparison of quantitative 99mTc-HMPAO and 67Ga citrate lung scans in patients with active diffuse infiltrative lung disease

Diffuse infiltrative lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that predominantly affect the lung parenchyma and spare the airway. To objectively assess the degree of pulmonary vascular endothelium damage in active ILD, lung/liver uptake ratios (L/L ratios) on 99mTc hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) lung scans were determined in 21 patients with active ILD. Meanwhile, the 67Ga citrate uptake index (GUI) on 67Ga lung scans was measured in order to evaluate the severity of lung inflammation in active ILD. The results show there were statistically significant differences between normal controls and patients with active ILD, as shown in the L/L ratio and GUI. However, when the patients were divided into two groups: (1) eight patients with normal chest X-ray findings, and (2) 13 patients with abnormal X-ray findings, there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 for the results of L/L ratio and GUI. In addition, no correlation between the degree of damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium and the severity of lung inflammation was found. In conclusion, L/L ratios on 99mTc-HMPAO lung scans and GUI on 67Ga lung scans are different to the findings of chest X-rays and have the potential to objectively detect the degree of damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium and the severity of lung inflammation in active IDL. However, the relationship between L/L ratio and GUI in active ILD is not significant.