Isolation of multipotent adult stem cells from the dermis of mammalian skin

We describe here the isolation of stem cells from juvenile and adult rodent skin. These cells derive from the dermis, and clones of individual cells can proliferate and differentiate in culture to produce neurons, glia, smooth muscle cells and adipocytes. Similar precursors that produce neuron-specific proteins upon differentiation can be isolated from adult human scalp. Because these cells (termed SKPs for skin-derived precursors) generate both neural and mesodermal progeny, we propose that they represent a novel multipotent adult stem cell and suggest that skin may provide an accessible, autologous source of stem cells for transplantation.

Insulin-like growth factor I interfaces with brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated synaptic plasticity to modulate aspects of exercise-induced cognitive function

The ability of exercise to benefit neuronal and cognitive plasticity is well recognized. This study reveals that the effects of exercise on brain neuronal and cognitive plasticity are in part modulated by a central source of insulin-like growth factor-I. Exercise selectively increased insulin-like growth factor-I expression without affecting insulin-like growth factor-II expression in the rat hippocampus. To determine the role that insulin-like growth factor-I holds in mediating exercise-induced neuronal and cognitive enhancement, a specific antibody against the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor was used to block the action of insulin-like growth factor-I in the hippocampus during a 5-day voluntary exercise period. A two-trial-per-day Morris water maze was performed for five consecutive days, succeeded by a probe trial 2 days later. Blocking hippocampal insulin-like growth factor-I receptors did not significantly attenuate the ability of exercise to enhance learning acquisition, but abolished the effect of exercise on augmenting recall. Blocking the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor significantly reversed the exercise-induced increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein and pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein, suggesting that the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I may be partially accomplished by modulating the precursor to the mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor. A molecular analysis revealed that exercise significantly elevated proteins downstream to brain-derived neurotrophic factor activation important for synaptic function, i.e. synapsin I, and signal transduction cascades associated with memory processes, i.e. phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase II. Blocking the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor abolished these exercise-induced increases. Our results illustrate a possible mechanism by which insulin-like growth factor-I interfaces with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor system to mediate exercise-induced synaptic and cognitive plasticity.

Utility of a short-term 25% carbohydrate diet on improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To determine if introduction of a low carbohydrate diet might be a useful option for type 2 diabetic patients who do not achieve glucose target levels despite conventional treatment.

METHODS

Subjects with type 2 diabetes, either treated with diet alone (n=9) or second generation sulfonylurea agents (n= 19), which were discontinued, were placed on a diet based on ideal body weight and comprised of 25% carbohydrate. After a mean of 8 weeks, they were then switched to a caloricly equivalent diet, but composed of 55% carbohydrate.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline diet, after 8 weeks of a 25% diet, subjects showed significantly improved glycemia as evidenced by fasting blood glucose values (p<0.005) and hemoglobin A1c levels (p<0.05). Those previously treated with oral hypoglycemic agents showed, in addition, a significant decrease in weight and diastolic blood pressure despite the discontinuation of the oral agent. When then placed on a 55% carbohydrate diet, the hemoglobin A1c rose significantly over the ensuing next 12 weeks (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A low carbohydrate, caloricly-restricted diet has beneficial short-term effects in subjects with type 2 who have failed either diet or sulfonylurea therapy and may obviate the necessity for insulin. Our study also affirms the need for reassessing the role of diet whenever type 2 diabetic patients manifests hyperglycemia, despite conventional oral treatment or diet management.

Orthodontic, genetic, and periodontal considerations in the treatment of impacted maxillary central incisors: A study of twins

Treatment of twins each with one impacted maxillary central incisor and a mesiodens is described. Treatment included rapid expansion, extraction of the mesiodens, surgical exposure of the impacted central incisor, and its forced eruption. The impacted incisor was brought into functional position in one patient but was lost in the other because of insufficient root length and high mobility. Orthodontic, genetic, and periodontal considerations of these 2 cases are evaluated.

Molecular dynamics simulation study of association in trifluoroethanol/water mixtures

Mixtures of Trifluoroethanol (TFE) and water with different proportions are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The radial and spatial distribution functions, as well as the size distribution of TFE clusters are obtained from the trajectories. The variation of radial and spatial distribution functions with composition show that the addition of TFE enhances the water structure, but the hydrogen bonds between TFE molecules are broken as TFE is diluted with water. The TFE-rich solutions have stronger TFE-water hydrogen bonds. The clustering of TFE molecules in low concentration region is attributed to the hydrophobic interactions between CF(3) groups. The distribution of cluster sizes in solution supports these conclusions.

Outcome Determinants of Patients with Traumatic Pelvic Fractures: A Cohort Study in a Level I Trauma Center in Southern Iran

Pelvic fracture is a result of devastating injuries and is usually encountered in conjunction with other life-threatening injuries. The aim of the current study was to determine the outcome determinants of patients with pelvic fractures referred to a large trauma center in southern Iran. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a level I trauma center over a period of three years from 2012 to 2015. We included all patients with pelvic fractures whose medical records had sufficient data. Data were compared between good condition and poor conditions. A total of 327 patients with mean age of 40.1 ± 19.7 years were included. Poor condition was defined as being associated with higher heart rate (p=0.002), lower systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), lower diastolic blood pressure (p=0.002) lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission (p<0.001) and higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p<0.001). Those with poor conditions had significantly higher admission to ICU (p<0.001), higher rate of surgical interventions (p<0.001) and higher mortality (p<0.001). The hospital length of stay (p<0.001) and ICU length of stay (p=0.025) were also longer in those with poor condition. Lower hemoglobin, lower pH, higher heart rate, lower systolic blood pressure, lower GCS on admission and higher ISS were important outcome determinants of traumatic pelvic fractures.

Autophagy-related genes polymorphism in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus is the most common risk factor for developing liver malignancy. Autophagy is an essential element in human cell maintenance. Several studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in liver cancer at different stages. In this systematic review, we intend to investigate the role of polymorphism and mutations of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search was conducted in online databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) using Viruses, Infections, Polymorphism, Autophagy, and ATG. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria.

RESULTS

The primary search results led to 422 studies. By screening and eligibility evaluation, only four studies were relevant. The most important polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma were rs2241880 in ATG16L1, rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5. Furthermore, some polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of HBV infection including, rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs6568431 in ATG5.

CONCLUSION

The current study highlights the importance of rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5 for HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, some mutations in ATG16L1 and ATG5 were important in risk of HBV infection. The study highlights the gap of knowledge in the field of ATG polymorphisms in HBV infection and HBV-induced HCC.

Mapping Stakeholders to Enhance Coordination of Cancer Prevention and Control: The Kenyan Experience

Background: Coordination of stakeholders in cancer prevention and control ensures prudent use of available resources toward a common goal while limiting overlaps and redundancies. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is a statutory body with an overall mandate to coordinate and centralize all activities related to cancer prevention and control in Kenya. To identify baseline status of cancer control stakeholder activity to guide implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy, NCI-K collaborated with US National Cancer Institute (NCI-US) to map stakeholders involved in cancer control in Kenya. Aim: The survey set out to determine the geographical distribution, scope of cancer prevention and control activities, and sources of financing for identified stakeholders involved in cancer prevention and control in Kenya. Methods: Between October 2017 and March 2018, we conducted an online survey among stakeholders involved in cancer prevention, research and control in Kenya adapted from similar stakeholder mapping activities coordinated by NCI-US in other settings. Using attendance lists to past multisectoral forums organized by NCI-K, Kenyan Ministry of Health, and NCI-US, a Google link to a standard pretested questionnaire was circulated. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 52 responses were received with 38 respondents reporting Kenya as their institution country. Twenty (38%) had ongoing activities in all the counties in Kenya. Nairobi County had the highest reported number of active institutions (19) followed by Kisumu (16) and Uasin Gishu (10). The three program focus areas most reported were training 28 (54%), clinic-based screening 27 (52%) and advocacy/information and educational 26 (50%), while the least reported was financing 12 (23%). For organizations involved in cancer screening, 22 (81%) focused on breast cancer while 18 (67%) prioritized cervical cancer. Among the programs that identified cancer prevention as one of their focus areas, a large majority (91%) were involved in health education, while only 1 organization focused on environmental control activities. The most reported source of funding for the cancer programs was grant funding 17 (33%). Conclusion: This stakeholder mapping activity has identified a strong stakeholder presence in most parts of the country while also highlighting gaps in the focus of cancer prevention and control programs. This baseline information on stakeholder activity will help shape future collaborations in cancer prevention and control and will guide NCI-K in developing appropriate policies and ensuring effective coordination.

The role of cholesterol 25-hydroxylase in viral infections: Mechanisms and implications

Viral infections pose significant threats to human health, causing various diseases with varying severity. The intricate interactions between viruses and host cells determine the outcome of infection, including viral replication, immune responses, and disease progression. Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), a potent antiviral molecule. In recent years, increasing evidence has highlighted the critical involvement of CH25H in modulating immune responses and influencing viral infections. Notably, the review discusses the implications of CH25H in viral pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies. It examines the interplay between CH25H and viral immune evasion mechanisms, highlighting the potential of viral antagonism of CH25H to enhance viral replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, it explores the therapeutic potential of targeting CH25H or modulating its downstream signaling pathways as a strategy to control viral infections and enhance antiviral immune responses. This comprehensive review demonstrates the crucial role of CH25H in viral infections, shedding light on its mechanisms of action in viral entry, replication, and immune modulation. Understanding the complex interplay between CH25H and viral infections may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches and the development of antiviral strategies aimed at exploiting the antiviral properties of CH25H and enhancing host immune responses against viral pathogens. In the current review, we tried to provide an overview of the antiviral activity and importance of CH25H in viral pathogenesis.