Association Between Depression or Anxiety and the Risk of Hepatitis B Flares: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose

Depression and anxiety have been reported to increase the risk of infectious diseases and reactivation of latent infection. We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study to determine the relationship between hepatitis B flares and depression or anxiety, utilizing outpatient and inpatient data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research database collected from 2000 to 2015.

Patients and Methods

A total of 12,992 patients with chronic hepatitis B and newly diagnosed anxiety/depression, without advanced liver disease, were propensity score-matched for age, sex, and comorbidities in a 1:4 ratio to 51,968 controls with chronic hepatitis B without depression/anxiety or advanced liver disease. Both groups were followed-up until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the risk factors for hepatitis B flares. The Log rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to assess differences in the cumulative incidence of hepatitis B flares according to anxiety/depression status.

Results

The incidence of hepatitis B flares was higher in the depression/anxiety cohort than in the control cohort (log-rank; p < 0.001). Patients with depression/anxiety had a significantly higher incidence rate of hepatitis B flares than those without depression/anxiety (3017 per 105 person-years versus 2042 per 105 person-years, p = 0.003). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, anxiety/depression was independently associated with an increased risk of hepatitis B flares (hazard ratio, 1.173; 95% confidence interval, 1.033-1.277; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that in patients with chronic hepatitis B without advanced liver disease, those with concomitant depression or anxiety may be at higher risk of hepatitis B flares.

Severe myocardial bridge presenting as paroxysmal atrioventricular block

Chest pain complicated with electrocardiographic changes is not an uncommon scenario in emergency departments, which should be examined cautiously. We describe a 51-years-old man with a myocardial bridge of coronary artery presenting with simultaneous Mobitz type I atrioventricular block on electrocardiography. Echocardiography excluded valvular abnormality and systolic/diastolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis of a myocardial bridge at the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery, involving the most dominant septal perforator branch with marked systolic compression. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and was followed up uneventfully at the outpatient department with medical treatment of diltiazem and clopidogrel. The present case is being reported to highlight that clinicians should be alert to such a congenital abnormality as a potential cause of repeated myocardial infarction and conduction abnormality.

Pheretima aspergillum extract attenuates high-KCl-induced mitochondrial injury and pro-fibrotic events in cardiomyoblast cells

Hyperkalemia is often associated with cardiac dysfunction. In this study an earthworm extract (dilong) was prepared from dried Pheretima aspergillum powder and its effect against high-KCl challenge was determined in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. H9c2 cells pre-treated with dilong (31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL) for 24 hours, where challenged with different doses of KCl treatment for 3 hours to determine the protective mechanisms of dilong against cardiac fibrosis. High-KCl administration induced mitochondrial injury and elevated the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins. The mediators of fibrosis such as ERK, uPA, SP1, and CTGF were also found to be upregulated in high-KCl condition. However, dilong treatment enhanced IGF1R/PI3k/Akt activation which is associated with cell survival. In addition, dilong also reversed high-KCl induced cardiac fibrosis related events in H9c2 cells and displayed a strong cardio-protective effect. Therefore, dilong is a potential agent to overcome cardiac events associated with high-KCl toxicity.

Tid1-S attenuates LPS-induced cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis through ER-a mediated modulation of p-PI3K/p-Akt signaling cascade

Myocardial dysfunction is clinically relevant? repercussion that follows sepsis. Tid 1 protein has been implicated in many biological process. However, the role of Tid 1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis remains elusive. In the current research endeavor, we have elucidated the role of Tid1-S on LPS-induced cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis. Interestingly, we found that overexpression of Tid1-S suppressed TLR-4, NFATc3, and BNP protein expression which eventually led to inhibition of LPS-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, Tid1-S overexpression attenuated cellular apoptosis and activated survival proteins p-PI3K and p^ser473 Akt. Besides this, Tid1-S overexpression enhanced ER-a protein expression. Collectively, our data suggest that Tid1-S plausibly enhance ER-a protein and further activate p-PI3K and p ^ser473 Akt survival protein expression; which thereby led to attenuation of LPS-induced apoptosis in cardiomyoblast cells. Interestingly, our data suggest that Tid1-S is involved in attenuation of cardiomyoblast cells damages induced by LPS.

ERK1/2 mediates the lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and cellular migration in cardiac fibroblasts

Myocardial fibrosis is a critical event during septic shock. Upregulation in the fibrosis signaling cascade proteins such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are widely associated with the development of myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. However, evidences suggest that the common upstream mediators of fibrosis cascade play little role in cardiac fibrosis induced by LPS; further, it is unknown if LPS directly triggers the expressions and/or activity of FGF-2, uPA, tPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cardiac fibroblasts. In the present study, we treated primary cultures of cardiac fibroblasts with LPS to explore whether LPS upregulates FGF-2, uPA, tPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and enhance cellular migration. Further the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these LPS induced responses were identified. Inhibition assays on MAPKs using U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor), CsA (calcineurin inhibitor) and QNZ (NFκB inhibitor) show that LPS-induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cardiac fibroblasts was mediated through ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, our results provide a link between LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and ERK1/2 signaling pathway and thereby implies ERK1/2 as a possible target to regulate LPS induced upregulation of FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and cellular migration in cardiac fibroblasts.

Calcium Channel Blocker-Related Chylous Ascites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Chylous ascites is an uncommon condition characterized by a white, milky-appearing peritoneal fluid, and is related to disruption of the lymphatic system from any cause. There have been very few previous reports of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as potential causes of chylous ascites, and most of the patients were undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

AIMS

To review the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment options, and prognosis of patients with CCB-related chylous ascites.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients with CCB-related chylous ascites from publications in PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS between January 1993 and December 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 48 cases were included. The average age at disease onset was 50.2 ± 10.9 years, with a male:female ratio of 1.5:1.0. The symptoms of abdominal distension/pain and chylous ascites were observed within 48⁻72 h of drug initiation and disappeared within 24 h of drug withdrawal. Rechallenge was performed in 10 patients, and all (100%) of them showed chylous effluents that disappeared within 24 h after stopping drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

To summarize, CCB-related chylous ascites is formed of white, milky ascites/effluents that appear after administration of CCBs. Physicians must be aware of the possibility of chylous ascites when administering CCBs, particularly in patients with renal function impairment or patients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Protective effect of Fisetin against angiotensin II-induced apoptosis by activation of IGF-IR-PI3K-Akt signaling in H9c2 cells and spontaneous hypertension rats

BACKGROUND

Fisetin, a polyphenolic compound, has drawn notable attention owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects. However, the cardiac effects of fisetin are not clear yet.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the present study is to examine the cardioprotective effect of fisetin against Ang-II induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS/STUDY DESIGN

The in vitro protective effect of fisetin was evaluated after the cells were treated with fisetin (50 µM/ml/ 24  h) for 2  h prior or after Ang-II administration to induce apoptosis. For in vivo experiments, SHRs were orally administered with fisetin (10  mg/kg) twice a week for 6 weeks. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining assay and the modulation in the expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and cell survival were determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate the potent cardioprotective efficacy of fisetin against Ang-II induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and in SHR models. Fisetin administration reduced the apoptotic nuclei considerably And reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins such as TNF- α, Fas L, FADD, Cleaved caspase-3 and Cleaved PARP and increased the cell survival and anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2, Bcl-x_L, p-IGF1R, p-PI3K and p-AKT in both in vitro and in vivo models.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results of the present study reveal that fisetin activates the IGF-IR-dependent p-PI3K/p-Akt survival signaling pathway and suppresses the caspase dependent apoptosis.

Overexpression of IGF-IIRα regulates cardiac remodeling and aggravates high salt induced apoptosis and fibrosis in transgenic rats

IGF-IIR activation regulates cardiac remodeling leading to apoptosis. Here, we identified the novel IGF-IIRα (150 KDa), a truncated IGF-IIR transcript enhances cardiac apoptosis under high-salt uptake in transgenic rat model. Echocardiographic analysis revealed decline in ejection fraction and fractional shortening percentage in IGF-IIRα (TG) rats. We found that IGF-IIRα TG rats developed severe apoptosis and fibrosis as identified through TUNEL assay and Masson's trichrome staining. Importantly, the heart functioning, apoptosis, and fibrosis were significantly affected under high-salt conditions in IGF-IIRα (TG) rats. Significant upregulation of apoptosis was evident from decreased Bcl-2, p-AKT, and p-PI3K expressions with concomitant increase in Bad, cytochrome C, cleaved caspase 3 levels. We found that, IGF-IIRα highly induced tissue fibrosis through collagen accumulation (col I, col III) and up regulated various fibrotic markers such as tPA, uPA, TGF-β, and vimentin expressions. The observed upregulation of fibrosis were significantly regulated under high-salt conditions and their over regulation under IGF-IIRα over expressions shows the key role of IGF-IIRα in promoting high-salt induced fibrosis. During IGF-IIRα over expression induced cardiotoxicity, under high salt condition, and it destroys the interaction between CHIP and HSF1, which promotes the degradation of HSF1 and results in upregulation of IGF-IIR/IGF-IIRα expressions. Altogether, the study unveils novel IGF-IIRα in the regulation of cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis under high-salt diet.

Attempted suicide by poisoning of self-prepared arsenic trioxide solution

Introduction:

Arsenic is a traditional poison that has a history extending back to ancient times.

Case presentation:

A 43-year-old male presented to our Emergency Department 50 min after ingestion of 300 mL self-prepared arsenic trioxide solution (砒霜). He produced the solution from heating xionghuang (雄黃), an arsenic sulfide mineral (As4S4) which is a Chinese herb, for academic purposes a few years ago.

Discussion:

Supportive care including fluid replacement and decontamination with gastric lavage and chelation therapy with intravenous dimercaptopropanesulphonate sodium was given to patient. Spot urine arsenic to creatinine ratio significantly decreased from 343,124 nmol/mmol (day 3) to 7116 nmol/mmol (day 5). He had an uneventful course without any neurological deficit.

Conclusions:

Treatment of acute arsenic poisoning includes supportive care, decontamination, and chelation therapy. DMPS is an antidote for arsenic poisoning and its use should be directed by clinical status and urinary arsenic excretion.

Bioactive Peptide Improves Diet-Induced Hepatic Fat Deposition and Hepatocyte Proinflammatory Response in SAMP8 Ageing Mice

Background/Aims: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses therapeutic challenges in elderly subjects. Due to lack of efficient drug therapy, plant-based bioactive peptides have been studied as alternative strategy in NAFLD and for less toxicity in elderly. To mimic fatty liver in aging conditions, researchers highly commended the genetically engineered strains SAMP8 (senescence-accelerated mice prone 8). However, there is a paucity of reports about the anti-steatosis effects of bioactive peptides against fatty liver development under a combined action of high-fat diet exposure and aging process. This study was conducted to evaluate the activity of DIKTNKPVIF peptide synthesized from alcalase-generated potato protein hydrolysate (PH), on reducing HFD-driven and steatosis-associated proinflammatory reaction in ageing model. Methods: Five groups of six-month-old SAMP8 mice (n=4, each) were fed either a normal chow (NC group) for 14 weeks upon sacrifice, or induced with a 6-week HFD feeding, then treated without (HCO group) or with an 8-week simultaneous administration of peptide (HPEP group), protein (HPH group) or probucol (HRX group). Liver organs were harvested from each group for histological analysis and immunoblot assay. Results: In contrast to NC, extensive fat accumulation was visualized in the liver slides of HCO. Following the trends of orally administered PH, intraperitoneally injected peptide reduces hepatic fat deposition and causes at protein level, a significant decrease in HFD-induced proinflammatory mediators p-p38 MAPK, FGF-2, TNF-α, IL-6 with concomitant reactivation of AMPK. However, p-Foxo1 and PPAR-α levels were slightly changed. Conclusion: Oral supplementation of PH and intraperitoneal injection of derived bioactive peptide alleviate proinflammatory reaction associated with hepatosteatosis development in elderly subjects, through activation of AMPK.

ERβ targets ZAK and attenuates cellular hypertrophy via SUMO-1 modification in H9c2 cells

Aberrant expression of leucine zipper- and sterile ɑ motif-containing kinase (ZAK) observed in pathological human myocardial tissue is associated with the progression and elevation of hypertrophy. Our previous reports have correlated high levels of estrogen (E2) and abundant estrogen receptor (ER) α with a low incidence of pathological cardiac-hypertrophy and heart failure in the premenopause female population. However, the effect of elevated ERβ expression is not well known yet. Therefore, in this study, we have analyzed the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of E2 and/or ERβ against ZAK overexpression-induced cellular hypertrophy. We have used transient transfection to overexpress ERβ into the ZAK tet-on H9c2 cells that harbor the doxycycline-inducible ZAK plasmid. The results show that ZAK overexpression in H9c2 cells resulted in hypertrophic effects, which was correlated with the upregulation of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPKs and their downstream transcription factors c-Jun and GATA-4. However, ERβ and E2 with ERβ overexpressions totally suppressed the effects of ZAK overexpression and inhibited the levels of p-JNK, p-p38, c-Jun, and GATA-4 effectively. Our results further reveal that ERβ directly binds with ZAK under normal conditions; however, ZAK overexpression reduced the association of ZAK-ERβ. Interestingly, increase in ERβ and E2 along with ERβ overexpression both enhanced the binding strengths of ERβ and ZAK and reduced the ZAK protein level. ERβ overexpression also suppressed the E3 ligase-casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) and attenuated CBL-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) protein association to prevent PI3K protein degradation. Moreover, ERβ and/or E2 blocked ZAK nuclear translocation via the inhibition of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-1 modification. Taken together, our results further suggest that ERβ overexpression strongly suppresses ZAK-induced cellular hypertrophy and myocardial damage.

Oolong tea prevents cardiomyocyte loss against hypoxia by attenuating p-JNK mediated hypertrophy and enhancing P-IGF1R, p-akt, and p-Badser136 activity and by fortifying NRF2 antioxidation system

Tea, the most widely consumed natural beverage has been associated with reduced mortality risk from cardiovascular disease. Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea containing high levels of catechins, their degree of oxidation varies between 20%-80% causing differences in their active metabolites. In this study we examined the effect of oolong tea extract (OTE) obtained by oxidation at low-temperature for short-time against hypoxic injury and found that oolong tea provides cyto-protective effects by suppressing the JNK mediated hypertrophic effects and by enhancing the innate antioxidant mechanisms in neonatal cardiomyocytes and in H9c2 cells. OTE effectively attenuates 24 h hypoxia-triggered cardiomyocyte loss by suppressing caspase-3-cleavage and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. OTE also enhances the IGFIR/p-Akt associated survival-mechanism involving the elevation of p-Bad^ser136 in a dose-dependent manner to aid cellular adaptations against hypoxic challenge. The results show the effects and mechanism of Oolong tea to provide cardio-protective benefits during hypoxic conditions.

E4BP4 inhibits AngII-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway and promoting calcium uptake

The bZIP transcription factor E4BP4 is a survival factor that is known to be elevated in diseased heart and promote cell survival. In this study the role of E4BP4 on angiotensin-II (AngII)-induced apoptosis has been examined in in vitro cell model. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells that overexpressed E4BP4 were exposed to AngII to observe the cardio-protective effects of E4BP4 on hypertension related apoptosis. The results from TUNEL assays revealed that E4BP4 significantly attenuated AngII-induced apoptosis. Further analysis by Western blot and RT-PCR showed that E4BP4 inhibited AngII-induced IGF-II mRNA expression and cleavage of caspase-3 through the PI3K-Akt pathway. In addition, E4BP4 enhanced calcium reuptake into the sacroplasmic reticulum by down-regulating PP2A and by up-regulating the phosphorylation of PKA and PLB proteins. Our findings indicate that E4BP4 functions as a survival factor in cardiomyoblasts by inhibiting IGF-II transcription and by regulating calcium cycling.

Metabolic Acidosis Complicating Ingestion of Disinfectant Floor Cleaner Containing Butoxyethanol

Butoxyethanol intoxication has seldom been reported. We describe a case of ingestion of butoxyethanol-containing cleaner resulting in high anion gap metabolic acidosis, which resolved after treatment with ethanol and haemodialysis. The presentations and treatments of previous cases are highlighted. Discussion is centred on the toxicological pathway of butoxyethanol and the role of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor.

Comparison of Mortality among Severe Trauma Patients Treated in a Trauma Centre versus a Non-Trauma Centre

Introduction

In Taiwan, patients with major trauma are often sent to the closest non-trauma centre for initial resuscitation and transferred to distant trauma centres subsequently. This study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of severe trauma patients treated in a trauma centre versus in a non-trauma centre.

Methods

This prospective observational study reviewed 223 patients with major trauma (defined as Injury Severity Scale [ISS] score >15) who visited either a Level I trauma centre or a non-trauma centre from April 2013 to March 2014. Data of clinical status, trauma mechanisms, laboratory and radiology, interventions, and mortality/survival were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess effects of initial hospital treatment on mortality.

Results

A total of 158 major trauma patients were taken to the trauma centre hospital, and 65 patients were taken to the non-trauma centre. Age > 70 years (odds ratio [OR] 6.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 38.62, compared to age ≤40 years), Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 3-8 (OR 19.00, 95% CI 2.30-157.01, compared to GCS 13-15), GCS 9-12 (OR 28.88, 95% CI 4.40-189.86, compared to GCS 13-15), ISS score >25 (OR 6.95, 95% CI 1.27-38.08) and taken to non-trauma centre initially (OR 30.90, 95% CI 5.00-191.27) were significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Initial treatment of patients with major trauma in a non-trauma centre was associated with increased mortality compared to initial treatment in a trauma centre.

Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: Updates and Controversies in Acute Phase Management

Background

The management of patients with haemodynamic instability related to pelvic fractures is a major challenge with high mortality and morbidity. The treatment priorities have long been a source of debate. Many advocate emergent external fixation (EX-FIX) as the first line of treatment, whereas another school favours the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE). Decision-making within the ‘Golden Hour’ in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to patients' ultimate outcome. Our aim was to evaluate the current management pathways in our centre and to review the latest literature.

Methods

We present a 2-year case series (from January 2005 to December 2006) of patients with pelvic ring disruption and haemodynamic instability. Data were collected regarding patients' demographics, fracture patterns according to the Young & Burgess classification, concomitant intra-abdominal injuries, treatment pathway and the response to treatment.

Results

There were 7 patients identified. Five were males and 2 were females, with a mean age of 42 years. Fracture types included 3 lateral compression, 1 anteroposterior compression, 2 vertical shear, and 1 combined mechanism. Four patients had significant intraperitoneal haemorrhage identified by Focused Assessment by Sonography for Trauma (FAST). They all needed laporotomy and pelvic packing, initially or subsequently. EX-FIXs were offered to 6 patients as the primary intervention, and 4 of them subsequently required diagnosis with angiography followed by therapeutic embolisation to restore haemodynamic stability. Only 1 patient underwent a second angiographic study to control the arterial bleeding. Two patients died of severe intra-abdominal injuries within 24 hours after admission.

Conclusion

In patients with pelvic fractures and hypotension, EX-FIX is currently the first line of treatment, with variable efficacy. On the other hand, the high successful embolisation rate and reasonable safety profile of TAE in our patients have been impressive. The latter offers a much better alternative to surgical intervention in selected patients. However, precautions should be taken including proper pelvic stabilisation by non-invasive devices, creation of a safe environment in the angiography suite, and early multidisciplinary decision in the ED.

The Use of Glucagon and other Antidotes in a Case of Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose

We report a case of metoprolol and nifedipine overdose complicated by hypotension which responded to intravenous boluses of calcium chloride and glucagon. The blood pressure was subsequently stabilised by continuous glucagon infusion with the aid of an insulin-dextrose drip. The discussion is focused on the role of antidotes and catecholamine inotropes in the management of beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker poisoning.

Work-Related Crushing Injuries with Amputations of Digits, Hands and Forearms

Objective

To review work-related crushing injuries leading to amputation of digits, hands and forearms, by focusing on patients' demographics, and clinical outcomes.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting

Regional hospital, Hong Kong.

Patients

Patients with work-related crushing injuries causing amputation of digits, hands or forearms admitted to hospital for treatment from January 2003 to August 2005.

Methods

Patients' age, sex, past medical history, occupations, context of injuries including injuring objects and levels of amputation were studied. During a 9-month follow up period, patients' need for urgent operation, length of hospital stay, duration of sick leave and change of occupational status were analysed.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were studied. The age distribution ranged from 19 to 81 years, with 50% being less than 40 years of age. Most patients (93%) were healthy adult before the injury. Industries frequently involved were construction (24%), manufacturing (17%) and transportation (14%). Machineries and metallic tools were the most common injuring objects. Eighty-four percent of the amputation injuries involved the finger(s), and 13% the thumb. Most patients (91%) required urgent operation. The mean length of hospital stay was 4 days. The mean duration of sick leave was 152 days. The estimated wage loss was around HK$145,000 per accident. Only 42% of the patients could fully resume working without job restriction.

Conclusion

Traumatic amputation as a severe work-related injury is common in Hong Kong. It frequently affects the young and healthy workforce, resulting in devastating physical and psychological disabilities. The clinical, social and economical significances are enormous and far-reaching.

Cellular apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats attenuated by anthocyanins via activation of IGFI-R/PI3K/Akt survival signaling

Anthocyanins are known cyto-protective agents against various stress conditions. In this study cardio-protective effect of anthocyanins from black rice against diabetic mellitus (DM) was evaluated using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rat model. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were administered with STZ (55 mg kg^-1 , IP) to induce DM; rats in the treatment group received 250 mg oral anthocyanin/kg/day during the 4-week treatment period. DM and the control rats received normal saline through oral gavage. The results reveal that STZ-induced DM elevates myocardial apoptosis and associated proapoptotic proteins but down-regulates the proteins of IGF1R mediated survival signaling mechanism. Furthermore, the functional parameters such as the ejection-fraction and fraction-shortening in the DM rat hearts declined considerably. However, the rats treated with anthocyanins significantly reduced apoptosis and the associated proapoptotic proteins and further increased the survival signals to restore the cardiac functions in DM rats. Anthocyanin supplementation enhances cardiomyocyte survival and restores cardiac function.

Dramatic band gap reduction incurred by dopant coordination rearrangement in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO2

A dramatic band gap narrowing of 1.61 eV has been observed in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO₂ (ceria), as a result of thermal annealing, without changing the ceria crystal structure and the Co concentration. As demonstrated by x-ray absorption fine structures, thermal annealing incurs an oxygen coordination rearrangement around Co atoms from an octahedral coordination to a square-planar coordination. First principle calculation using density functional theory reveals two stable oxygen coordination types surrounding Co, consistent with the experimental observation. The band gap values calculated for the two stable coordination types differ dramatically, reproducing the experimentally observed band gap narrowing. These prominent effects due to local structure rearrangement around dopant atoms can lead to unprecedented methods for band gap engineering in doped nanocrystal oxides.

Effects of lipid form and source on digestibility of fat and fatty acids in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of source (corn DDGS, rice bran, or soybean) or form of oil (extracted or intact) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) and fatty acids. The study determined and compared the ATTD or TTTD of AEE and fatty acids in extracted corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil with intact oil in corn DDGS, full-fat rice bran, and full-fat soybean. Seventy-eight barrows (initial BW = 47.2 ± 3.9 kg; Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were allotted to 1 of 13 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 barrows in each dietary treatment. The 13 experimental diets included 1 cornstarch-soybean meal basal diet (AEE, 0.56%) and 3 diets containing 6% extracted oils (corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil) and 9 diets supplemented with 3 levels of corn DDGS (17%, 34%, and 51%), full-fat rice bran (14%, 28%, and 42%), and full-fat soybean (12%, 24%, and 36%). These diets provided about 2%, 4%, and 6% intact oil, respectively. The barrows were housed in individual metabolism crates and were fed the assigned test diets at 4% of initial BW per day. A 5-d total collection of feces followed a 7-d diet adaptation period. The ATTD of AEE were calculated for each diet. The endogenous flow of AEE associated with each ingredient and values for TTTD were calculated using regression methods. The ATTD of AEE were greater ( < 0.05) for extracted oil than for intact oil. Compared to extracted oil, intact oil had lower ( < 0.01) ATTD of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3). However, a source by form interaction ( < 0.01) was observed for ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3. The ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 in extracted corn and rice oil were greater compared with intact corn DDGS and rice oil ( < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for the ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 between extracted soybean oil and intact oil in full-fat soybean. In conclusion, lipids that are extracted have a greater digestibility compared with intact lipids, and this is especially true regarding saturated fatty acids. The ATTD of AEE in 2 forms of rice oil (intact oil and extracted oil) was less than the values in corn oil and soybean oil. The TTTD of AEE in corn DDGS and full-fat soybeans were greater than in full-fat rice bran.

Potential phytoestrogen alternatives exert cardio-protective mechanisms via estrogen receptors

The 17 beta-estradiol (E2) is a sex hormone that is most abundant and most active estrogen in premenopausal women. The importance of E2 in providing cardioprotection and reducing the occurrence of heart disease in women of reproductive age has been well recognized. There are three subtype of estrogen receptors (ERs), including ERα, ERβ and GPR30 have been identified and accumulating evidence reveal their roles on E2-mediated genomic and nongenomic pathway in cardiomyocytes against various cardiac insults. In this review, we focus on the estrogen and ERs mediated signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes that determines cardio-protection against various stresses and further discuss the clinical implication of ERs and phytoestrogens. Further we provide some insights on phytoeostrogens which may play as alternatives in estrogen replacement therapies.

Social Cooperation and Disharmony in Communities Mediated through Common Pool Resource Exploitation

It was theorized that when a society exploits a shared resource, the system can undergo extreme phase transition from full cooperation in abiding by a social agreement, to full defection from it. This was shown to happen in an integrated society with complex social relationships. However, real-world agents tend to segregate into communities whose interactions contain features of the associated community structure. We found that such social segregation softens the abrupt extreme transition through the emergence of multiple intermediate phases composed of communities of cooperators and defectors. Phase transitions thus now occur through these intermediate phases which avert the instantaneous collapse of social cooperation within a society. While this is beneficial to society, it nonetheless costs society in two ways. First, the return to full cooperation from full defection at the phase transition is no longer immediate. Community linkages have rendered greater societal inertia such that the switch back is now typically stepwise rather than a single change. Second, there is a drastic increase in social disharmony within the society due to the greater tension in the relationship between segregated communities of defectors and cooperators. Intriguingly, these results on multiple phases with its associated phenomenon of social disharmony are found to characterize the level of cooperation within a society of Balinese farmers who exploit water for rice production.

Concentrations of minerals in pig feed ingredients commonly used in China

Mineral concentrations were determined in 13 different feed ingredients commonly used in swine diets. Ingredients included corn and 4 corn co-products: corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, corn germ meal, and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat shorts were also included, and 5 oilseed meals including soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, cottonseed meal, and peanut meal were used as well. Corn grain contained 88.7% dry matter (DM) and 0.46% K (DM basis). Greater concentrations of DM, ash, Ca, P, nonphytate P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were observed in corn gluten feed, corn DDGS, and corn germ meal compared with corn grain (P < 0.05). In general, minerals in corn DDGS were approximately three times greater than in corn grain and about 90% of the total P in corn DDGS was in the nonphytate bound form. Corn gluten meal had the least concentrations (P < 0.05) of most minerals, but the greatest (P < 0.05) concentrations of Fe (373.55 mg/kg, DM basis), Cu (11.88 mg/kg, DM basis), and Se (0.92 mg/kg, DM basis). On a DM-basis, concentrations of DM, Ca, P, phytate bound P, and Fe in wheat grain were 88.2%, 0.10%, 0.34%, 0.16%, and 53.48 mg/kg, respectively. Wheat bran contained more (P < 0.05) K, Mg, Cl, Fe, Zn, and Mn compared with wheat and wheat shorts. On a DM-basis, 2.72% K was observed in soybean meal, which was more (P < 0.05) than in the other oilseed meals. However, rapeseed meal had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of ash (9.37%), Ca (1.01%), P (1.05%), and Fe (526.49 mg/kg) among the oilseed meals, but only 16.2% of the total P in rapeseed meal was non-phytate P. In contrast, more than 50% of the P in soybean meal and peanut meal was non-phytate P. The least (P < 0.05) concentration of Cu (6.73 mg/kg, DM basis) was observed in rapeseed meal and the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration (32.75 mg/kg) was analyzed in sunflower meal. Concentrations of most minerals in soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, cottonseed meal, and peanut meal varied considerably compared with published values. In conclusion, the concentration of minerals in 13 commonly used feed ingredients were analyzed and results indicated considerable variation among and within feed ingredients for most minerals, which for some minerals may be a result of differences in minerals in the soil in which the ingredients were grown, but processing likely also contributes to differences among ingredients.

Attenuation of the LPS-induced, ERK-mediated upregulation of fibrosis-related factors FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by Carthamus tinctorius L in cardiomyoblasts

Severe and potentially fatal hypotension and cardiac contractile dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with sepsis. LPS was previously found to dramatically upregulate expression of fibrosis-related factors FGF-2, uPA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in primary cardiac fibroblasts. MMPs are capable of denaturing and degrading fibrillar collagens and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Studies have shown that dysregulation of expression of MMPs is associated with development of myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling and cardiac fibrosis, which contribute to progression of heart failure. In this study, H9c2 cells and cardiac fibroblasts were divided into five treatment groups: control, LPS (1 μg/mL) and three concentrations of FC_EtOH (Carthami Flos ethanolic extract) (31.25, 62.5, and 125 μg/mL). Phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 was observed to be rapidly induced upon treatment with LPS. In contrast, it was significantly suppressed by the administration of FC_EtOH (125 μg/mL). Effects of FC_EtOH on LPS-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in H9c2 cells occurred directly through ERK1/2 were determined. H9c2 cells were therefore pretreated with EGF-R to activate ERK pathway. Both protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and immunefluorescent signals of MMP-9 were significantly enhanced by EGFR. In contrast, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly reduced after FC_EtOH administration. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that FC_EtOH elicits a protective effect against LPS-induced cardio-fibrosis through the ERK1/2 pathway. Carthamus tinctorius L may potentially serve as a cardio-protective agent against LPS- induced cardiac fibrosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 754-763, 2017.

Energy content and amino acid digestibility of flaxseed expellers fed to growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the DE and ME as well as the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in flaxseed expellers fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, the DE and ME were determined using 66 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 54.2 ± 2.3 kg BW) fed 1 of 11 diets in a completely randomized design. The diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 10 experimental diets containing 29.16% flaxseed expellers supplemented at the expense of corn and soybean meal. In Exp. 2, 11 growing pigs (35.5 ± 3.4 kg), fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum, were assigned to 6 × 11 Youden square design with 6 periods and 11 diets. The diets included a N-free diet based on cornstarch and sucrose and 10 test diets containing 40% flaxseed expellers as the sole source of AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was used as an indigestible marker. There was considerable variation in the chemical composition among the 10 flaxseed expellers. The CV were greater than 10% for ether extract (EE), NDF, ADF, crude fiber, and Ca and ranged from 7 to 12% for the AA. On a DM basis, the DE and ME ranged from 2,786 to 3,730 and from 2,588 to 3,530 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent total tract digestibility of GE ranged from 59.91 to 75.83% (mean = 70.92%). Ether extract, GE, and NDF were the best predictors to determine DE and ME. The best prediction equations were DE = -3,231 + (1.58 × GE) - (25.79 × % NDF) ( = 0.90) or DE = 4,189 + (56.78 × % EE) - (30.59 × % NDF) ( = 0.85) and ME = -2,968 + (1.47 × GE) - (24.82 × % NDF) ( = 0.85) or ME = 3,931 + (53.77 × % EE) - (29.31 × % NDF) ( = 0.82), respectively. In Exp. 2, there were significant differences in the AID and SID of CP and all AA with the exception of Phe ( < 0.05). The AID and SID of CP averaged 70.16 and 78.04%, respectively. For the indispensable AA, the AID and SID of Thr were the least, with average values of 70.70 and 76.68%, respectively. The digestibility of Arg and Met were the greatest, averaging over 88 and 91% for AID and SID, respectively. The AID and SID of Lys ranged from 66.10 to 81.82% (mean = 74.14%) and from 70.90 to 85.41% (mean = 78.13%), respectively. These results indicate that there is significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID and AID of CP and AA among the selected flaxseed expellers. The DE and ME of flaxseed expellers are primarily related to their EE and NDF concentrations.

Andrographis paniculata extract attenuates pathological cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis in high-fat diet fed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) has a considerable medicinal reputation in most parts of Asia as a potent medicine in the treatment of Endocrine disorders, inflammation and hypertension.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Water extract of A. paniculata and its active constituent andrographolide are known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Our aim is to identify whether A. paniculata extract could protect myocardial damage in high-fat diet induced obese mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The test mice were divided into three groups fed either with normal chow or with high fat diet (obese) or with high fat diet treated with A. paniculata extract (2g/kg/day, through gavage, for a week).

RESULTS

We found that the myocardial inflammation pathway related proteins were increased in the obese mouse which potentially contributes to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial apoptosis. But feeding with A. paniculata extract showed significant inhibition on the effects of high fat diet.

CONCLUSION

Our study strongly suggests that supplementation of A. paniculata extract can be used for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in obese patients.

Therapeutic effects of Dioscorea on post-menopause-induced cardiac apoptosis in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Dioscorea on bilateral ovariectomies-induced cardiac Fasdependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways.

METHODS

Forty-eight female Wistar rats at 6-7 months of age were equally divided into a sham-operated group, and a bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) group for 2 months, and the rats in the OVX group were further fed with 0, 250 or 750 mL/kg Dioscorea spp. daily in the 2nd month. The excised hearts were measured by positive terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Dioscorea spp. decreased OVX-induced cardiac TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells; decreased OVX-induced TNF-alpha, Fas ligand, Fas death receptors, Fas-associated death domain, activated caspase-8, and -3 (Fas pathways); decreased OVX-induced Bad, Bax, Bax-to-Bcl2 ratio, activated caspase-9, and -3 (mitochondria pathway).

CONCLUSIONS

Dioscorea spp. prevented ovariectomy-induced cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondriadependent apoptotic pathways in rat models. The fifi ndings may provide possible therapeutic effects of dioscorea for potentially preventing cardiac apoptosis after ovariectomy or post-menopause.

The Nutritive Values in Different Varieties of Corn Planted in One Location Fed to Growing Pigs over Three Consecutive Years

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of variety and planting year on the nutritive values of corn fed to growing pigs. Four corn varieties examined in this experiment were planted in the same village located in Longhua County, Heibei Province, China, in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. During each year, corn was hand-harvested in early October and sun dried to about 14% moisture content. Three batches of twenty-four barrows (33.27±4.30, 31.88±2.93, 34.21±3.81 kg body wight [BW] in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively) were used and allotted to a complete block design with 4 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet. Pigs were individually placed in metabolic crates. The four experimental diets were formulated by mixing each variety of corn and vitamins and minerals, respectively. A five-day collection period followed a seven-day diet acclimation period. The results indicated that variety of corn significantly influenced the available energy content (digestible energy [DE] on dry matter basis, p<0.05; metabolizable energy (ME) on dry matter basis, p<0.05, respectively), and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (p<0.01), dry matter (p<0.05), gross energy (p<0.05), neutral detergent fiber (p<0.01), acid detergent fiber and ether extract (p<0.05). The planting year also significantly influenced the available energy contents (DE on dry matter basis, p<0.05; ME on dry matter basis, p<0.01, respectively) and the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (p<0.01), acid detergent fiber (p<0.01), crude protein (p<0.01), and ether extract (p<0.01). No interaction was observed between the variety and planting year in DE and ME contents in corn. In conclusion, the variety and planting year significantly influenced the available energy and nutrient digestibility of corn fed to growing pigs.

Mechanism of Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea to Inhibit Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy and Apoptosis in Cardiomyoblasts

This study investigates the cardio-protective effect of Nos. 1 and 5 extracts from Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea on H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells treated with isoproterenol (ISO). Treatment with Nos. 1 and 5 extracts increased cell viability and blocked apoptosis in ISO exposed H9c2 cells. Moreover, Nos. 1 and 5 extracts blocked hypertrophy markers like G[Formula: see text]s, calcineurin, NFATc3, and BNP, thereby increasing cell proliferation markers -PI3K and AKT in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, apoptotic proteins, such as caspase-3 and cytochrome c were decreased in H9c2 cells treated with Nos. 1 and 5 extracts. We confirmed that the protective effect of No. 1 extract was partially mediated through the expression of ERK and p38, however, the No. 5 extract showed a protective effect via the ERK, JNK, and p38 pathways. This evidence provides new insights into the pharmacological role and therapeutic mechanism of Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea in heart diseases.

Purple rice anthocyanin extract protects cardiac function in STZ-induced diabetes rat hearts by inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic inflammation, hypertrophy, apoptosis and fibrosis in the heart and subsequently leads to myocardial remodeling, deteriorated cardiac function and heart failure. Anthocyanins are strong antioxidants that show effective cardioprotective properties. Our aim was to determine whether anthocyanin extracted from purple rice provides protective effects in DM hearts. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were administered with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 1 diabetes. Animals were randomly divided into normal group, DM group (induced by 55mg/kg STZ, i.p.) and DM with anthocyanin group (250mg/kg/day, feeding 4 weeks). After treatment, the left ventricular tissues were collected to observe the relevant changes in the heart and the associated molecular events were determined by Western blotting assay. STZ-induced DM increased the proinflammatory signaling proteins in the heart and triggered the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Significant reduction in the heart function index such as left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end-systolic dimension was observed in the STZ-induced DM rat hearts, suggesting myocardial tissue damage and loss of heart function. Treatment with anthocyanin from purple rice extract, however, reduced the effect of DM and showed significant reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Anthocyanin therefore restores the deteriorating cardiac functions in DM rats as evident from their heart functional parameters.

Tanshinone IIA Prevents Leu27IGF-II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Mediated by Estrogen Receptor and Subsequent Akt Activation

IGF-IIR plays important roles as a key regulator in myocardial pathological hypertrophy and apoptosis, which subsequently lead to heart failure. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Tanshinone IIA is an active compound in Danshen and is structurally similar to 17[Formula: see text]-estradiol (E[Formula: see text]. However, whether tanshinone IIA improves cardiomyocyte survival in pathological hypertrophy through estrogen receptor (ER) regulation remains unclear. This study investigates the role of ER signaling in mediating the protective effects of tanshinone IIA on IGF-IIR-induced myocardial hypertrophy. Leu27IGF-II (IGF-II analog) was shown in this study to specifically activate IGF-IIR expression and ICI 182,780 (ICI), an ER antagonist used to investigate tanshinone IIA estrogenic activity. We demonstrated that tanshinone IIA significantly enhanced Akt phosphorylation through ER activation to inhibit Leu27IGF-II-induced calcineurin expression and subsequent NFATc3 nuclear translocation to suppress myocardial hypertrophy. Tanshinone IIA reduced the cell size and suppressed ANP and BNP, inhibiting antihypertrophic effects induced by Leu27IGF-II. The cardioprotective properties of tanshinone IIA that inhibit Leu27IGF-II-induced cell hypertrophy and promote cell survival were reversed by ICI. Furthermore, ICI significantly reduced phospho-Akt, Ly294002 (PI3K inhibitor), and PI3K siRNA significantly reduced the tanshinone IIA-induced protective effect. The above results suggest that tanshinone IIA inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which was mediated through ER, by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting Leu27IGF-II-induced calcineurin and NFATC3. Tanshinone IIA exerted strong estrogenic activity and therefore represented a novel selective ER modulator that inhibits IGF-IIR signaling to block cardiac hypertrophy.

Multi-Strain Probiotics Inhibit Cardiac Myopathies and Autophagy to Prevent Heart Injury in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

High-fat diets induce obesity, leading to cardiomyocyte fibrosis and autophagy imbalance. In addition, no previous studies have indicated that probiotics have potential health effects associated with cardiac fibrosis and autophagy in obese rats. This study investigates the effects of probiotics on high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity and cardiac fibrosis and autophagy in rat hearts. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were separated randomly into five equally sized experimental groups: Normal diet (control) and high-fat (HF) diet groups and groups fed a high-fat diet supplemented with low (HL), medium (HM) or high (HH) doses of multi-strain probiotic powders. These experiments were designed for an 8-week trial period. The myocardial architecture of the left ventricle was evaluated using Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry staining. Key probiotics-related pathway molecules were analyzed using western blotting. Abnormal myocardial architecture and enlarged interstitial spaces were observed in HF hearts. These interstitial spaces were significantly decreased in groups provided with multi-strain probiotics compared with HF hearts. Western blot analysis demonstrated that key components of the TGF/MMP2/MMP9 fibrosis pathways and ERK5/uPA/ANP cardiac hypertrophy pathways were significantly suppressed in probiotic groups compared to the HF group. Autophagy balance is very important in cardiomyocytes. In this study, we observed that the beclin-1/LC3B/Atg7 autophagy pathway in HF was increased after probiotic supplementation was significantly decreased. Together, these results suggest that oral administration of probiotics may attenuate cardiomyocyte fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy and the autophagy-signaling pathway in obese rats.

Cardio Protective Effects of Lumbrokinase and Dilong on Second-Hand Smoke-Induced Apoptotic Signaling in the Heart of a Rat Model

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) has been epidemiologically linked to heart disease among non-smokers. However, the molecular mechanism behind SHS-induced cardiac disease is not well known. This study found that SD rats exposed to cigarette smoke at a dose of 10 cigarettes for 30 min twice a day for 1 month had a reduced left ventricle-to-tibia length ratio (mg/mm), increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis by TUNEL assay and a wider interstitial space by H&E staining. However, lumbrokinase and dilong both reversed the effects of SHS. Western blotting demonstrated significantly increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 in the hearts of the rats exposed to SHS. Elevated protein expression levels of Fas, FADD and the apoptotic initiator activated caspase-8, a molecule in the death-receptor-dependent pathway, coupled with increased t-Bid and apoptotic initiator activated caspase-9 were found. Molecules in the mitochondria-dependent pathway, which disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, were also found in rats exposed to SHS. These factors indicate myocardial apoptosis. However, treatment with lumbrokinase and dilong inhibited SHS-induced apoptosis. Regarding regulation of the survival pathway, we found in western blot analysis that cardiac protein expression of pAkt, Bcl2, and Bcl-xL was significantly down-regulated in rats exposed to SHS. These effects were reversed with lumbrokinase and dilong treatment. The effects of SHS on cardiomyocytes were also found to be mediated by the Fas death receptor-dependent apoptotic pathway, an unbalanced mitochondria membrane potential and decreased survival signaling. However, treatment with both lumbrokinase and dilong inhibited the effects of SHS. Our data suggest that lumbrokinase and dilong may prevent heart disease in SHS-exposed non-smokers.

Protective effects of electroacupuncture at LR3 on cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis in hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at LR3 on blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular remodelling and hypertrophy in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODS

Healthy Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as normotensive controls (control group, n=9). SHRs either remained untreated (SHR group, n=9) or received EA treatment at LR3 (SHR+LR3 group, n=9) or a nearby non-acupuncture point (SHR+sham group, n=9) for 3 weeks. BP was measured on day 3 and day 19. Samples of left ventricle were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or subjected to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP (deoxyuridine triphosphate) nick end labelling (TUNEL) to assess histology and apoptosis, respectively (n=3 per group). Western blotting was used to determine the relative expression of antioxidants and molecular markers of detoxification capacity, cardiac hypertrophy, and apoptosis (n=5 per group).

RESULTS

By day 3, the systolic BP, mean BP, and diastolic BP in the untreated SHRs increased from 169.5±14, 131.6±14, and 112.2±15 mm Hg (at baseline) to 179.6±1, 137.6±4, and 118.7±5 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.001 vs control group). BP in the SHR+LR3 rats was approximately 15 mm Hg lower than the SHR and SHR+sham groups (p<0.05). SHRs also exhibited cardiac hypertrophy (evident from histological and Western blot analyses). However, SHR+LR3 rats showed significant reductions in markers of cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as elevated expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1).

CONCLUSIONS

EA at LR3 reduced BP and had positive effects on markers of cardiac apoptosis and hypertrophy in a rat model of hypertension. Thus, EA is a potentially promising intervention to treat cardiovascular remodelling secondary to hypertension.

Unconventional interplay between heterovalent dopant elements: Switch-and-modulator band-gap engineering in (Y, Co)-Codoped CeO2 nanocrystals

We report the experimental observation and theoretical explanation of an unconventional interplay between divalent Co and trivalent Y dopants, both of which incur oxygen vacancies in the CeO₂ host that has predominantly tetravalent Ce cations. The Co dopant atoms were experimentally found to act as a switch that turns on the dormant effect of Y-modulated band-gap reduction. As revealed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations with structures verified by synchrotron-radiation x-ray measurements, a Co 3d band that hybridizes with Ce 4f band was lowered due to reduced O 2p repulsion arising from oxygen vacancies incurred by Y doping and therefore gave rise to the observed band-gap narrowing effect. Such switch-and-modulator scheme for band-gap engineering in nanocrystal materials can lead to important applications in environmental protection and solar energy harvesting technologies.

Lumbrokinase from earthworm extract ameliorates second-hand smoke-induced cardiac fibrosis

Exposure to tobacco smoke has epidemiologically been linked to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among nonsmokers but the associated molecular events are not well elucidated yet. When Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to second-hand tobacco cigarette smoke twice a day for a 30 days period at an exposure rate of 10 cigarettes/30 min, they showed adverse effects including reduced left ventricle weight, increased cardiac damages, deteriorated cardiac features, and cardiac fibrosis. Exposure to second-hand smoking (SHS) increased the molecular markers of cardiac fibrosis such as urokinase plasminogen activator and matrix metallopeptidases. The modulations in the protein levels were led by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), the transcription factor-specificity protein 1 (SP1), and the fibrogenic master switch-connective for epithelial-mesenchymal transition tissue growth factor there by indicating their effective role in SHS-induced myocardial infraction. Dilong, an edible earthworm extract used in Chinese medicine and its bioactive fibrinolytic enzyme product-lumbrokinase, when administered in rats, restricted the SHS exposure induced cardiac fibrosis and provided cardio-protection. The results show that lumbrokinase and dilong administration can efficiently prevent epidemiological incidence of cardiac disease among SHS-exposed nonsmokers.

Mesenchymal stem cell insights: prospects in cardiovascular therapy

Ischemic heart damage usually triggers cardiomyopathological remodeling and fibrosis, thus promoting the development of heart functional failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous group of cells in culture, with multipotent and hypoimmunogenic characters to aid tissue repair and avoid immune responses, respectively. Numerous experimental findings have proven the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of MSC therapy for cardiac regeneration. Despite that the exact mechanism remains unclear, the therapeutic ability of MSCs to treat ischemia heart diseases has been tested in phase I/II clinical trials. Based on encouraging preliminary findings, MSCs might become a potentially efficacious tool in the therapeutic options available to treat ischemic and nonischemic cardiovascular disorders. The molecular mechanism behind the efficacy of MSCs on promoting engraftment and accelerating the speed of heart functional recovery is still waiting for clarification. It is hypothesized that cardiomyocyte regeneration, paracrine mechanisms for cardiac repair, optimization of the niche for cell survival, and cardiac remodeling by inflammatory control are involved in the interaction between MSCs and the damaged myocardial environment. This review focuses on recent experimental and clinical findings related to cellular cardiomyoplasticity. We focus on MSCs, highlighting their roles in cardiac tissue repair, transdifferentiation, the MSC niche in myocardial tissues, discuss their therapeutic efficacy that has been tested for cardiac therapy, and the current bottleneck of MSC-based cardiac therapies.

Alterations in white matter micro-integrity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus and anterior thalamic radiation of young adult patients with depression

BACKGROUND

This study surveyed the characteristics of white matter (WM) micro-integrity in patients who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) without co-morbidities.

METHOD

A total of 44 patients with MDD and 27 normal controls were enrolled in our study. Diffusion tensor imaging images of patients and controls were pre-processed and analysed to estimate differences in WM micro-integrity between patients and controls by performing comparisons of the values obtained from fractional anisotropy (FA). FA outputs of patients and controls were compared by a non-parametric permutation-based method with global brain volume, age and gender as covariates. In addition, the between-group differences of radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) were assessed to explain the alterations in FA values. Correlations between clinical variables (such as depression severity, anxiety severity, illness duration) and FA values were also estimated in each group and across both groups.

RESULTS

The patients with MDD had significantly lower FA values than the controls, for the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR). The reductions in FA values occurred in combination with elevated RD values in the bilateral SLF and decreased AD values in the bilateral ATR. FA values were negatively correlated with depression severity in the SLF and with illness duration in the right SLF and ATR.

CONCLUSIONS

MDD patients had significant alterations in the WM micro-integrity of the left SLF and the right ATR.

Conduction control at ferroic domain walls via external stimuli

Intriguing functionalities at nano-sized domain walls have recently spawned a new paradigm for developing novel nanoelectronics due to versatile characteristics. In this study, we explore a new scenario to modulate the local conduction of ferroic domain walls. Three controlling parameters, i.e., external electrical field, magnetic field and light, are introduced to the 90° domain walls (90° DWs) of BiFeO₃. Electrical modulation is realized by electrical transport, where the mobility of 90° DWs can be altered by gating voltage. We further use the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling to reveal the inherent magnetism at the DWs. With an established magnetic nature, magnetotransport has been conducted to introduce magnetic controlling parameter, where a giant positive magnetoresistance change can be observed up to 200%. In addition, light modulated conduction, a core factor for multifunctional applications, is successfully demonstrated (current enhancement by a factor of 2 with 11 W white lamp). These results offer new insights to discover the tunability of domain wall nanoelectronics.

Establishing the thermal threshold of the tropical mussel Perna viridis in the face of global warming

With increasing recognition that maximum oxygen demand is the unifying limit in tolerance, the first line of thermal sensitivity is, as a corollary, due to capacity limitations at a high level of organisational complexity before individual, molecular or membrane functions become disturbed. In this study the tropical mussel Perna viridis were subjected to temperature change of 0.4 °C per hour from ambient to 8-36 °C. By comparing thermal mortality against biochemical indices (hsp70, gluthathione), physiological indices (glycogen, FRAP, NRRT) and behavioural indices (clearance rate), a hierarchy of thermal tolerance was therein elucidated, ranging from systemic to cellular to molecular levels. Generally, while biochemical indices indicated a stress signal much earlier than the more integrated behavioural indices, failure of the latter (indicating a tolerance limit and transition to pejus state) occurred much earlier than the other indices tending towards thermal extremities at both ends of the thermal spectrum.

Test of genuine multipartite nonlocality without inequalities

In this Letter we propose a set of conditions on the joint probabilities as a test of genuine multipartite nonlocality without inequality. Our test is failed by all nonsignaling local models in which even nonlocal correlations among some observables (not all) are allowed as long as these correlations respect the nonsignaling principle. A pass of our test by a state therefore indicates that this state cannot be simulated by any nonsignaling local models; i.e., the state exhibits genuine multipartite nonlocality. It turns out that all entangled symmetric n-qubit (n≥3) states pass our test and therefore are n-way nonlocal. Also we construct two Bell-type inequalities from our proposed test whose violations indicate genuine multipartite nonlocal correlations.

Highly efficient beamline and spectrometer for inelastic soft X-ray scattering at high resolution

The design, construction and commissioning of a beamline and spectrometer for inelastic soft X-ray scattering at high resolution in a highly efficient system are presented. Based on the energy-compensation principle of grating dispersion, the design of the monochromator-spectrometer system greatly enhances the efficiency of measurement of inelastic soft X-rays scattering. Comprising two bendable gratings, the set-up effectively diminishes the defocus and coma aberrations. At commissioning, this system showed results of spin-flip, d-d and charge-transfer excitations of NiO. These results are consistent with published results but exhibit improved spectral resolution and increased efficiency of measurement. The best energy resolution of the set-up in terms of full width at half-maximum is 108 meV at an incident photon energy tuned about the Ni L3-edge.

Exercise training enhanced SIRT1 longevity signaling replaces the IGF1 survival pathway to attenuate aging-induced rat heart apoptosis

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death (9.1 %) in Taiwan. Heart function deteriorates with age at a rate of 1 % per year. As society ages, we must study the serious problem of cardiovascular disease. SIRT1 regulates important cellular processes, including anti-apoptosis, neuronal protection, cellular senescence, aging, and longevity. In our previous studies, rats with obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes exhibiting slowed myocardial performance and induced cell apoptosis were reversed via sports training through IGF1 survival signaling compensation. This study designed a set of experiments with rats, in aging and exercise groups, to identify changes in myocardial cell signaling transduction pathways. Three groups of three different aged rats, 3, 12, and 18 months old, were randomly divided into aging groups (C3, A12, and A18) and exercise groups (E3, AE12, and AE18). The exercise training consisted of swimming five times a week with gradual increases from the first week from 20 to 60 min for 12 weeks. After the sports training process was completed, tissue sections were taken to observe cell organization (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain) and apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays) and to observe any changes in the myocardial tissues and proteins (Western blotting). The experimental results show that cardiomyocyte apoptotic pathway protein expression increased with age in the aging groups (C3, A12, and A18), with improvement in the exercise group (E3, AE12, and AE18). However, the expression of the pro-survival p-Akt protein decreased significantly with age and reduced performance. The IGF1R/PI3K/Akt survival pathway in the heart of young rats can indeed be increased through exercise training. As rats age, this pathway loses its original function, even with increasing upstream IGF1. However, levels of SIRT1 and its downstream target PGC-1α were found to increase with age and compensatory performance. Moreover, exercise training enhanced the SIRT longevity pathway compensation instead of IGF1 survival signaling to improve cardiomyocyte survival.