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The Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) is a peer reviewed, PubMed-indexed video journal. Our mission is to increase the productivity of scientific research.

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Articles by Jian Zou in JoVE

Other articles by Jian Zou on PubMed

Sequence Analysis of F Gene of SF02 Isolate of Goose Paramyxovirus and Its Identification by Multiplex RT-PCR

Sheng Wu Hua Xue Yu Sheng Wu Wu Li Xue Bao Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica Sinica. Jul, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12098765

The complete F gene of SF02 of goose paramyxovirus (GPV) has been cloned and analyzed. The sequence analysis demonstrated that the F gene of SF02 contains 1 662 nt and encodes 553 amino acids, and its cleavage activation site of F gene has the same deduced amino acid sequence, (112)R-R-Q-K-R-F(117), as the velogenic (highly pathogenic) strain of newcastle disease virus. The latter correlated with the virulence of the isolate in biological assays. The F gene of SF02 isolate with the domestic standard velogenic strain NDV, F48E9, shared 86.5% homology in nucleotide and 90.8% homology in amino acid sequences. The SF02 isolate is closer to some NDV strains prevalent in Taiwan and West-European countries in recent years. Based on the F gene sequence a multiplex RT-PCR method has been developed. It could be used for the discrimination of GPV from NDV.

[Practicability Study on a Group of Vigilant Chemical Compounds Including Chlorheridine Diacetate]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal of Andrology. 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12479118

To test in vitro the spermatozocidine drug which can also prevent sex transmitting diseases (STD) pathogens.

Poly(vinyl Alcohol)-based Polyelectrolyte Pervaporation Membranes

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Mar, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12783832

By modifying poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), phosphatic anionic PVA (P-PVA) and quaternary ammonium cationic PVA (C-PVA) with various degrees of substitution (D.S.) were synthesized. The effects of synthesis conditions on the degree of substitution were studied. With these two kinds of materials, polyelectrolyte complexes were formed and their solubilities in water were studied. Pervaporation composite membranes were prepared from P-PVA, C-PVA, and their polyelectrolyte complexes. Some of the membranes showed good separation performance. The polyelectrolyte complex membrane prepared by mixing P-PVA (D.S. 2.3%) and C-PVA (D.S. 2.9%) with weight ratio of 1/1, showed a permeation rate of 378 g/m(2)h and separation factor of 2,250 for dehydration of ethanol/water mixture (ethanol 95.4 wt%) at a feed temperature of 75 degrees C. Some factors that influenced pervaporation performance included type of polyelectrolyte, degree of substitution, ratio of polyanion and polycation, feed temperature, feed concentration, and elapsed time. Solvent resistance of pervaporation composite membranes was also evaluated.

Inhibition of Replication of Goose Paramyxovirus SF02 by Hammerhead Ribozyme Targeting to the SF02 F MRNA in Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts

Sheng Wu Hua Xue Yu Sheng Wu Wu Li Xue Bao Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica Sinica. Sep, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12958651

Hammerhead ribozyme RzF598 and its dysfunctional mutant dRzF598 targeting to the (F) gene of goose paramyxovirus SF02 have been designed. The transgenic plasmids pcDNA-RzF598 and pcDNA-dRzF598 were constructed by inserting ribozyme genes into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3. The plasmid pcDNA3 that lacks full ribozyme gene was used as a control. Plasmids pcDNA-RzF598, pcDNA-dRzF598 and pcDNA3 were transfected into chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs). The concentration of virus released by infected CEFs and the survival percentages of CEFs were identified. The results indicated that RzF598 successfully suppressed the replication of SF02 in CEFs. Survival percentage of CEFs being transfected with pcDNA-RzF598 and infected SF02 was up to 78.8%, while the survival percentages of untransfected CEFs and CEFs transfected with pcDNA3 after infection with SF02 were only about 5%.

Alcohol-induced Neurodegeneration: When, Where and Why?

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. Feb, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15112943

This manuscript reviews the proceedings of a symposium organized by Drs. Antonio Noronha and Fulton Crews presented at the 2003 Research Society on Alcoholism meeting. The purpose of the symposium was to examine recent findings on when alcohol induced brain damage occurs, e.g., during intoxication and/or during alcohol withdrawal. Further studies investigate specific brain regions (where) and the mechanisms (why) of alcoholic neurodegeneration. The presentations were (1) Characterization of Synaptic Loss in Cerebella of Mature and Senescent Rats after Lengthy Chronic Ethanol Consumption, (2) Ethanol Withdrawal Both Causes Neurotoxicity and Inhibits Neuronal Recovery Processes in Rat Organotypic Hippocampal Cultures, (3) Binge Drinking-Induced Brain Damage: Genetic and Age Related Effects, (4) Binge Ethanol-Induced Brain Damage: Involvement of Edema, Arachidonic Acid and Tissue Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFalpha), and (5) Cyclic AMP Cascade, Stem Cells and Ethanol. Taken together these studies suggest that alcoholic neurodegeneration occurs through multiple mechanisms and in multiple brain regions both during intoxication and withdrawal.

Role of Protein-protein Interactions in the Antiapoptotic Function of EWS-Fli-1

Oncogene. Sep, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15273724

In the majority of Ewing's family tumors, chromosomal translocation t(11;22) leads to aberrant fusion of RNA-binding protein EWS with DNA-binding ETS transcriptional factor Fli-1. EWS-Fli-1 has altered the transcriptional activity and modulating its downstream target genes through this transcriptional activity is thought to be responsible for this tumor. We have previously shown that both EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 have antiapoptotic activity against several apoptotic inducers. Here, we show that the transcriptional activity of EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 is not essential for its antiapoptotic activity. We also demonstrate that EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 interact with CBP through its amino-terminal region and inhibit the CBP-dependent transcriptional activity of RXR. This activity appears to be independent of DNA-binding activity of EWS-Fli-1. Introduction of the dominant-negative form of CBP into Ewing's sarcoma cells sensitizes these cells against genotoxic or retinoic-acid induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the ability of EWS-Fli-1/Fli-1 to target transcriptional cofactor(s) and modulate apoptotic pathways may be responsible for its antiapoptotic and tumorigenic activities.

Investigation of the Sensitivities of Distinct Gastric Cancer Cells to Parvovirus H-1 Induced Cytotoxicity

Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases. 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15612242

To investigate the sensitivities of distinct gastric cancer cells to parvovirus H-1 induced cytotoxicity and the possible mechanism(s).

Experimental Study of the Killing Effects of Oxymatrine on Human Colon Cancer Cell Line SW1116

Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases. 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15667553

To study the killing effects of oxymatrine (OM) on a human colon cancer cell line, SW1116, and evaluate its antineoplastic mechanism.

TNF Alpha Potentiates Glutamate Neurotoxicity by Inhibiting Glutamate Uptake in Organotypic Brain Slice Cultures: Neuroprotection by NF Kappa B Inhibition

Brain Research. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15713255

Glutamate and the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), have been suggested to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated the interaction of TNF alpha and glutamate on neuronal cell death using fluorescence propidium iodide uptake in rat organotypic hippocampal-entorhinal cortex (HEC) brain slice culture that maintains the cytoarchitecture of the intact brain. Time course and concentration studies indicate that glutamate produced significant neuronal cell death in all four brain areas examined, for example, entorhinal cortex, hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields, and dentate gyrus. TNF alpha alone at concentration of 20 ng/ml caused little or no detectable neuronal cell death, however, when combined with submaximal glutamate (3.3 mM), TNF alpha significantly increased and accelerated glutamate neurotoxicity. TNF alpha potentiation of glutamate neurotoxicity is blocked by NMDA receptor antagonists but not by AMPA antagonists CNQX and NBQX. Studies directly measuring [14C]-glutamate uptake in HEC slices indicate that TNF alpha dose-dependently inhibited glutamate uptake. Further, inhibitors of glial glutamate transporters potentiated glutamate neurotoxicity similar to TNF alpha. The antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and the NF kappa B inhibitor PTD-p65 peptide inhibit NF kappa B activation and TNF alpha potentiation of glutamate neurotoxicity. BHT prevented the inhibition of TNFalpha on glutamate transport in HEC slices and also blocked nuclear translocation of NF kappa B subunit p65. These data indicate that TNF alpha and glutamate can act synergistically to induce neuronal cell death. TNF alpha potentiation of glutamate neurotoxicity through the blockade of glutamate transporter activity may represent an important mechanism of neurodegeneration associated with neuroinflammation.

CREB Gene Transcription Factors: Role in Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15714041

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium presented at the meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in June 2004. The organizers and chairpersons were Subhash C. Pandey and Fulton Crews. The presentations were (1) Ethanol Modulation of CREB: Role in Dependence and Withdrawal, by Fulton Crews; (2) Effects of D1 Dopamine Receptor Activation During Withdrawal From Chronic Morphine: Enhanced CREB Activation and Decreased Conditioned Place Aversion, by Elena H. Chartoff; (3) CREB-Haplodeficient Mice: Role in Anxiety and Alcohol-Drinking Behaviors, by Subhash C. Pandey; and (4) A Role for CREB in Stress and Drug Addiction, by Julie A. Blendy.

Complete Genome Sequence and Biological Characterizations of a Novel Goose Paramyxovirus-SF02 Isolated in China

Virus Genes. Jan, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15744558

A paramyxovirus designated as APMV-1 (NDV) isolate SF02 (abbre. as SF02) was recently isolated from goose in China. SF02 was identified as a member of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genotype VII. NDV strains are generally pathogenic only for fowls, including chicken and pigeon, and not for waterfowls such as goose and duck, whereas SF02 is highly pathogenic for both fowls and waterfowls. In the present study the complete genome consisting of 15, 192 nucleotides of SF02 was sequenced. Genomes of SF02 and all known APMV-1, Strains contain 6 ORFs in the order of NP-P-M-F-HN-L, and that of SF02 had an extra 6 nts between NP and P genes. Moreover, an anti-sense ORF consisting of 549 nt at the 1960 to 1412 and deduced 182 amino acids was found in SF02. The SF02 genome shared 83% identity and its 6 ORFs 81.9-86.1% identities with the reference APMV-1 strains. The possible mechanism determining different host range and pathogenicity is discussed based on genetic analyses.

[Studies on Chemical Constituents of Smilax China]

Zhong Yao Cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials. Jan, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15934238

To study the chemical constituents of the 95% ethanol extract from the rhizome of Smilax china.

Alcoholic Neurobiology: Changes in Dependence and Recovery

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. Aug, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16156047

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium held at the meeting of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA) in Mannheim, Germany, in October, 2004. Chronic alcoholism follows a fluctuating course, which provides a naturalistic experiment in vulnerability, resilience, and recovery of human neural systems in response to presence, absence, and history of the neurotoxic effects of alcoholism. Alcohol dependence is a progressive chronic disease that is associated with changes in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neural gene expression, psychology, and behavior. Specifically, alcohol dependence is characterized by a neuropsychological profile of mild to moderate impairment in executive functions, visuospatial abilities, and postural stability, together with relative sparing of declarative memory, language skills, and primary motor and perceptual abilities. Recovery from alcoholism is associated with a partial reversal of CNS deficits that occur in alcoholism. The reversal of deficits during recovery from alcoholism indicates that brain structure is capable of repair and restructuring in response to insult in adulthood. Indirect support of this repair model derives from studies of selective neuropsychological processes, structural and functional neuroimaging studies, and preclinical studies on degeneration and regeneration during the development of alcohol dependence and recovery form dependence. Genetics and brain regional specificity contribute to unique changes in neuropsychology and neuroanatomy in alcoholism and recovery. This symposium includes state-of-the-art presentations on changes that occur during active alcoholism as well as those that may occur during recovery-abstinence from alcohol dependence. Included are human neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments, changes in human brain gene expression, allelic combinations of genes associated with alcohol dependence and preclinical studies investigating mechanisms of alcohol induced neurotoxicity, and neuroprogenetor cell expansion during recovery from alcohol dependence.

Experimental Study on Anti-neoplastic Activity of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate to Digestive Tract Carcinomas

Chinese Medical Journal. Aug, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16157026

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to have anti-neoplastic activity, but the effective concentration of EGCG and its possible mechanisms are uncertain. The study on the killing effects of EGCG on different digestive tract cancer cell lines can find target sites of its anti-neoplastic effect and provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application in the treatment of cancers.

Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors from Calophyllum Membranaceum

Journal of Natural Products. Oct, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16252917

Chemical investigation of the anti-inflammatory Chinese folk medicine Calophyllum membranaceum has resulted in the isolation and characterization of three new xanthones (1-3), one new biphenyl C-glycoside (4), and one new phenylethanoid glycoside (5) along with 17 known compounds. Their structures were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Two xanthones, 2,6-dihydroxy-1,7-dimethoxyxanthone (1) and 3,4-dihydroxyxanthone, were found to exhibit selective inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (IC(50)=2.99 and 1.80 microM) in vitro.

[An Epidemiological Study on Vaccine Derived Polio Virus Circle in Zhenfeng County of Guizhou Province]

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]. Sep, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16266542

To analyze the event and cause of vaccine derived polio virus (VDPV) circle happened at Yaoshang Village, Wanlan Township, Zhenfeng County, Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province in August 2004.

[Study on an Epidemic Caused by the Vaccine-derived Poliovirus Circulation in Guizhou Province, 2004]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Aug, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16390000

To study the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPVs) that occurred in Zhenfeng county, Guizhou province in 2004 and to discover wild-poliovirus, vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPVs) and other vaccine-associated poliovirus which could cause clinical poliomyelitis.

New Guaiane, Megastigmane and Eudesmane-type Sesquiterpenoids and Anti-inflammatory Constituents from Youngia Japonica

Planta Medica. Feb, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16491450

Eleven sesquiterpenoids have been isolated from the whole plants of Youngia japonica (Asteraceae). Among these sesquiterpenoids, five were identified as new compounds on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical analysis. Their structures were 3-oxo-8alpha-(4-hydoxyphenyl)acetoxy-10(14),11(13)-guaiadien-12,6-olide ( 1), 3beta-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl-beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy]-8alpha-hydroxy-4(15),10(14),11(13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide ( 2), 3beta-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl-beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy]-4(15),10(14),11(13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide ( 3), 3alpha,5beta,6alpha-trihydroxy-4alpha-(beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy)-7-megastigmen-9-one ( 4), and 3alpha-(beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4(15),11(13)-eudesmadien-12-oic acid ( 5). The three known components 3beta-(beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy)-8alpha-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetoxy-4(15),10(14),11(13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide ( 8), 3beta-(beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4(15),10(14),11 (13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide ( 9), and 3alpha-hydroxy-4alpha-(beta- D-glucopyranosyloxy)-5,7-megastigmadien-9-one ( 11) showed inhibitory activity against the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes of mice in vitro at concentrations of 1 x 10 ( - 7), 1 x 10 ( - 6), and/or 1 x 10 ( - 5) M without obvious cytotoxicity. Compound 9, the major component of the plant extract, exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activity at a dosage of 50 mg/kg ( p. o.) in in vivo anti-inflammatory experiments of mice.

Flavan-4-ol Glycosides from the Rhizomes of Abacopteris Penangiana

Journal of Natural Products. Feb, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16499328

Four new flavan-4-ol glycosides, abacopterins A-D (1-4), were isolated from a methanol extract of the rhizomes of Abacopteris penangiana, together with two known compounds, triphyllin A (5) and 6,8-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyanthocyanidin-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activity of 1-5 against HepG2 human hepatoma cells was investigated.

Self-assembly of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes into Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Water: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Nano Letters. Mar, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16522036

We report discoveries from a series of molecular dynamics simulations that single-walled carbon nanotubes, with different diameters, lengths, and chiralities, can coaxially self-assemble into multiwalled carbon nanotubes in water via spontaneous insertion of smaller tubes into larger ones. The assembly process is tube-size-dependent, and the driving force is primarily the intertube van der Waals interactions. The simulations also suggest that a multiwalled carbon nanotube may be separated into single-walled carbon nanotubes under appropriate solvent conditions. This study suggests possible bottom-up self-assembly routes for the fabrication of novel nanodevices and systems.

Nok Plays an Essential Role in Maintaining the Integrity of the Outer Nuclear Layer in the Zebrafish Retina

Experimental Eye Research. Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16530752

Proper visual function of the vertebrate retina requires the maintenance of the integrity of the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL), which is often affected in many blinding human retinal diseases. While the structural integrity of the ONL has long been considered to be maintained primarily through the outer limiting membrane (OLM), we have little knowledge on the development and maintenance of the OLM itself. Here, by analyzing the adhering properties of photoreceptors in zebrafish N-cad and nok mutants, we demonstrated for the first time that the nok gene is essential for the establishment and/or maintenance of the OLM. In addition, our results imply the possibility that Nok, Crumbs, and their associated proteins may constitute a type of photoreceptor-photoreceptor junctional complex that has not be described before. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms by which the integrity of the ONL is maintained in the vertebrate retina.

Cytokines and Alcohol

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16573591

Cytokines are multifunctional proteins that play a critical role in cellular communication and activation. Cytokines have been classified as being proinflammatory (T helper 1, Th1) or anti-inflammatory (T helper 2, Th2) depending on their effects on the immune system. However, cytokines impact a variety of tissues in a complex manner that regulates inflammation, cell death, and cell proliferation and migration as well as healing mechanisms. Ethanol (alcohol) is known to alter cytokine levels in a variety of tissues including plasma, lung, liver, and brain. Studies on human monocyte responses to pathogens reveal ethanol disruption of cytokine production depending upon the pathogen and duration of alcohol consumption, with multiple pathogens and chronic ethanol promoting inflammatory cytokine production. In lung, cytokine production is disrupted by ethanol exacerbating respiratory distress syndrome with greatly increased expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). Alcoholic liver disease involves an inflammatory hepatitis and an exaggerated Th1 response with increases in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Recent studies suggest that the transition from Th1 to Th2 cytokines contribute to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cytokines affect the brain and likely contribute to changes in the central nervous system that contribute to long-term changes in behavior and neurodegeneration. Together these studies suggest that ethanol disruption of cytokines and inflammation contribute in multiple ways to a diversity of alcoholic pathologies.

CREB and NF-kappaB Transcription Factors Regulate Sensitivity to Excitotoxic and Oxidative Stress Induced Neuronal Cell Death

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. Jul-Aug, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16633891

1. Glutamate-NMDA receptor excitotoxicity and oxidative stress are two common mechanisms associated with most neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that the vital state of neurons is regulated in part by two key transcription factors, CREB and NF-kappaB. To test this hypothesis we used hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slice cultures. 2. Glutamate neurotoxicity and oxidative stress neurotoxicity, using hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are both associated with a decrease in CREB DNA binding and an increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding. 3. Agents that modulate CREB and NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity alter neurotoxicity. Rolipram, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, increased CREB DNA binding activity and decreased toxicity, whereas TNFalpha, increased NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity and increased neurotoxicity to both glutamate and H(2)O(2). Ethanol decreased CREB and increased NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity and increased neurotoxicity to both glutamate and H(2)O(2). 4. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a transcriptionally regulated trophic factor whose expression follows sensitivity to toxicity suggesting it is one of the transcriptionally regulated factors that contributes to neuronal vitality secondary to the balance of CREB-NF-kappaB-activated transcription. Together these studies suggest that neurotoxicity through glutamate-NMDA receptors or oxidative stress is dependent upon CREB and NF-kappaB DNA transcription that regulates vitality of neurons.

Alkyl Phloroglucinol Derivatives from Syzygium Levinei and Their Differentiation-inducing Activity

Planta Medica. May, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16773537

Eleven compounds have been identified from the whole plants of Syzygium levinei (Myrtaceae) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Among these compounds, (Z)-1-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-oct-5-en-1-one (1), (3 E,7 Z)-1-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-deca-3,7-dien-1-one (2), and 1-(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-octan-1-one (3) were characterized as new alkyl phloroglucinol derivatives, and 1-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-hexan-1-one (4) was identified as a new natural product. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 were found to inhibit the proliferation of leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells and also to induce the differentiation of K562 cells as determined by the appearance of matured morphology and the increase in the intracellular hemoglobin level.

[Anesthesia Selection in Hypophysectomy by Endoscopic Transnasal Sphenoidal Approach]

Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi = Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16838739

To explore the anesthesia selection in resection of pituitary neoplasms by endoscopic transnasal sphenoidal approach.

BHT Blocks NF-kappaB Activation and Ethanol-induced Brain Damage

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17067360

Binge ethanol administration causes corticolimbic brain damage that models alcoholic neurodegeneration. The mechanism of binge ethanol-induced degeneration is unknown, but is not simple glutamate-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity. To test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms of binge ethanol-induced brain damage, we administered 4 antioxidants, e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ebselen (Eb), vitamin E (VE), and blueberry (BB) extract, during binge ethanol treatment and assessed various measures of neurodegeneration.

The Fugu Tyrp1 Promoter Directs Specific GFP Expression in Zebrafish: Tools to Study the RPE and the Neural Crest-derived Melanophores

Pigment Cell Research / Sponsored by the European Society for Pigment Cell Research and the International Pigment Cell Society. Dec, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17083488

In vertebrates, pigment cells account for a small percentage of the total cell population and they intermingle with other cell types. This makes it difficult to isolate them for analyzes of their functions in the context of development. To alleviate such difficulty, we generated two stable transgenic zebrafish lines (pt101 and pt102) that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in melanophores under the control of the 1 kb Fugu tyrp1 promoter. In pt101, GFP is expressed in both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and the neural crest-derived melanophores (NCDM), whereas in pt102, GFP is predominately expressed in the NCDM. Our results indicate that the Fugu tyrp1 promoter can direct transgene expression in a cell-type-specific manner in zebrafish. In addition, our findings provide evidence supporting differential regulations of melanin-synthesizing genes in RPE cells and the NCDM in zebrafish. Utilizing the varying GFP expression levels in these fish, we have isolated melanophores via flow cytometry and revealed the capability of sorting the NCDM from RPE cells as well. Thus, these transgenic lines are useful tools to study melanophores in zebrafish.

[A Binding Study of the Gross and Endoscopic Anatomy of Optic Canal]

Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi = Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. Sep, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17087111

To provide transnasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression with the anatomic reference.

Acetylated Flavanone Glycosides from the Rhizomes of Cyclosorus Acuminatus

Journal of Natural Products. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17125239

Six new flavanone glycosides (1-6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the rhizomes of Cyclosorus acuminatus, together with the parent flavanone glycoside 2a. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. All compounds showed moderate activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

Molecular-dynamic Studies of Carbon-water-carbon Composite Nanotubes

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17192986

We recently reported the discovery via molecular-dynamic simulations that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with different diameters, lengths, and chiralities can coaxially self-assemble into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water via the spontaneous insertion of smaller tubes into larger ones. Here, we extend that study to investigate the various water structures formed between two selected SWCNTs after such coaxial assembly. Depending on the tube geometry, typical water structures, besides the bulk phase, include a one-dimensional (1D) ordered water chain inside the smaller tube, a uniform or nonuniform water shell between the two tubes, and a "boundary layer" of water near the exterior wall of the larger tube. It was found that a concentric water shell consisting of up to three layers of water molecules can form between the two SWCNTs, which leads to a class of carbon-water-carbon composite nanotubes. Analysis of the potential energy of the SWCNT-water system indicated that the composite nanotubes are stabilized by both the tube-tube and tube-water van der Waals interactions. Geometrically confined between the two SWCNTs, water mono- and bilayers are found to be stable, highly condensed, and ordered, although the average number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule is reduced. In contrast, a water trilayer between the two CNTs can be easily disrupted by thermal fluctuations.

Renal Protection by Delayed Ischaemic Preconditioning is Associated with Inhibition of the Inflammatory Response and NF-kappaB Activation

Cell Biochemistry and Function. May-Jun, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17221834

Brief and sublethal ischaemia renders an organ tolerant to subsequent prolonged ischaemia, which is called ischaemic preconditioning (IPC). In regard to the beneficial effects and endogenous mechanisms of renal delayed IPC, few data are available. In this study, we aim at determining reno-protective effects of delayed IPC against ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and illustrating whether these effects are associated with suppressing inflammation and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. I/R injury was induced by clamping both renal pedicles for 40 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The rats were subjected to ischaemia for 20 min (preconditioning) or sham surgery (non- preconditioning) at day 4 before I/R. Functional and morphological parameters were evaluated at 24 h after reperfusion. At the same time, macrophage (ED-1(+)) infiltration, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, I kappa B-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity were analyzed. Compared with rats exposed to I/R injury, preconditioned rats had a significant decrease in levels of serum creatinine (Scr, 384.3 +/- 21.8 micromol/L vs. 52.5 +/- 21.7 micromol/L; p<0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN, 40.4 +/- 2.7 mmol/L vs. 15.9 +/- 4.2 mmol/L; p<0.001) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 486.7 +/- 58.6 IU/L vs. 267.3 +/- 43.9 IU/L; p<0.001). Parallel to the above changes, preconditioned rats preserved structural integrity and decreased tubulointerstitial damage scores (3.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.05; p<0.001) and ED-1(+) cell infiltration (25.3 +/- 3.5 vs. 6.2 +/- 1.2 cells/HPF, p<0.01). Furthermore, our results showed that the expression of ICAM-1 and TNF-alpha, the degree of I kappa B-alpha degradation, and NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity were reduced by IPC. Taken together, our results demonstrated that delayed IPC offered both functional and histological protection, which may be related to suppression of inflammation in preconditioned kidneys.

DNA Vaccine Against NgR Promotes Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats

Brain Research. May, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17362886

NgR is a common receptor for three myelin-associated inhibitors and mediates their inhibitory activities on neurite outgrowth. In the present study, we investigated whether a DNA vaccine targeting NgR could play a beneficial role in improving recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI). We demonstrated that a DNA vaccine against NgR was successfully constructed and expressed efficiently in vitro and in vivo. After immunization with anti-NgR DNA vaccine, a low level of antibody response and a T cell-mediated immune response were induced in the vaccinated rats. And the antisera taken from the anti-NgR DNA vaccinated rats could partly reverse the inhibition of MAG on neurite outgrowth. When the rats were subjected to a contusive SCI, the vaccinated rats showed much better functional recovery than the controls. In those vaccinated rats that induced a T cell response and generated antibodies against NgR, functional improvements were even better. Histological assessments by three-dimensional reconstruction further demonstrated that the total lesion volume in the vaccinated rats was reduced by 30.8% compared to the controls. These results collectively suggest that DNA vaccine against NgR can significantly improve functional recovery in rats that received contusive SCI and that the vaccination approach may provide a promising strategy for promoting SCI repair.

[Applied Anatomy Study on the Lateral Wall of Sphenoid Sinus Under Transnasal Endoscope]

Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi = Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery. Mar, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17536449

To provide transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery with the anatomic reference through anatomic study on the lateral wall of sphenoid sinus under transnasal endoscope.

[The Clinic Anatomy of Operation on Pterygopalatine Fossa Through Nasal Cavity Under Endoscope]

Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi = Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery. Mar, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17536456

To provide anatomic data of pterygopalatine fossa(PPF) for endoscopic PPF surgery.

Two New Compounds from Cleidion Brevipetiolatum

Fitoterapia. Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17706894

Two new compounds, 4-ethoxycarbonyloxy-3,3',4'-trimethoxy-ellagic acid (1) and 4-E-propenyl-phenol-1-O-beta-D-rutinoside (2), together with four known compounds, 3,3',4'-trimethoxy-ellagic acid (3), 3,3'-dimethoxy-ellagic acid (4), 3,3',4'-trimethoxy-ellagic acid-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) and 3'-methoxy-ellagic acid-4-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), were isolated from the whole plant of Cleidion brevipetiolatum. Their structures were elucidated from spectral evidences.

[An Experimental Study of Using Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa to Repair Rat Full Skin Defect]

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi = Zhongguo Xiufu Chongjian Waike Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery. Aug, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17882888

To investigate the feasibility of using the porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as a kind of the new tissue engineered materials to repair the rat full skin defect.

Anti-tumour Clerodane-type Diterpenes from Mitrephora Thorelii

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. Sep-Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17943565

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract of Mitrephora thorelii (Annonaceae) led to the isolation of two clerodane-type diterpenes. Their structures were characterised on the basis of spectroscopic methods as 6alpha,16,18-trihydroxycleroda-3(4),13(14)-dien-15,16-olide (1) and 16-hydroxycleroda-3(4),13(14)-dien-15,16-olide (2). Compound 1 is a new compound. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory activity against the proliferation of human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells in vitro. Compound 2 also showed an in vivo anti-tumour effect against the growth of hepatoma H22 in mice.

Two New Monoterpenoid Glycosides from Glechoma Longituba

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. Jan-Feb, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18253889

Chemical study on the constituents of the whole plant of Glechoma longituba (Labiatae) led to the isolation of two new pinane-type monoterpenoid glycosides, characterised as 2alpha-pinan-3-one-2-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1) and 5alpha-pinan-3-one-5-O-beta-glucopyranoside (2) along with 13 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods.

Prognostic Significance of Survivin and CD44v6 in Laryngeal Cancer Surgical Margins

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. Oct, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18414895

To evaluate the prognostic value of positive Survivin and CD44v6 expression in surgical margin after curative surgery for laryngeal cancer.

Swimming Training Can Affect Intrinsic Calcium Current Characteristics in Rat Myocardium

European Journal of Applied Physiology. Oct, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18594852

Endurance exercise is widely assumed to improve cardiac function in humans, but the mechanisms involved in such changes are not clearly understood. The purpose of this study is to determine whether training elicits adaptations at the level of the L-type Ca(2+) channel. Sprague-Dawley rats performed swimming training at either moderate intensity (MOD) or high intensity (HIGH) during 8 weeks. The trained rats were studied by echocardiography and the whole-cell L-type Ca(2+) currents (I (Ca,L)) characteristics in a single cell were measured by standard whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Echocardiography showed that septal and posterior wall thickness in MOD and HIGH increased with the increased LV mass by 43 and 41%, respectively (P < 0.05). Training (P < 0.05) increased mean myocyte capacitance (approximately 38% in MOD and HIGH) and myocyte length (approximately 20% longer in MOD and 26% longer in HIGH), thus providing electrophysiological and morphological evidence that the training elicited LV cardiocyte hypertrophy. Mean peak I (Ca,L) was not different in three groups. However, whole-cell I (Ca,L) density was decreased in MOD and HIGH versus sedentary (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between MOD and HIGH. The present study provides the evidence of a training adaptation in intrinsic I (Ca,L) characteristics in ventricular myocardium, which demonstrates a remarkable adaptive plasticity of L-type channel characteristics in training rat heart.

Effects of Autoimmunity on Recovery of Function in Adult Rats Following Spinal Cord Injury

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Nov, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18625299

The central nervous system (CNS) is considered to be an immune-privileged site. For a long time, autoimmunity-induced inflammation has been viewed as an important mediator of secondary damage in the CNS following injury. However, other studies also suggest that autoimmunity is protective and beneficial. To investigate whether protective autoimmunity is present following spinal cord injury (SCI), we employed neonatally thymectomized (Tx) rats which contain few T lymphocytes in their peripheral blood, and passively immunized them with T lymphocytes activated by myelin basic protein (MBP) or spinal cord homogenate (SCH). Here we report that, among Tx, sham-Tx (sTx) and normal rats that received a contusive SCI, no significant histological and behavioral differences were found, suggesting that the endogenous T lymphocytes had no significant influence on the pathogenesis of secondary SCI. In rats passively immunized with MBP- or SCH-activated T cells (MBP-T or SCH-T, respectively), similar numbers of CD4(+) T cells were found to infiltrate into the injured spinal cords. However, only the MBP-T immunization showed neuroprotection, evidenced by the reduction of post-traumatic neuronal losses and improvement of functional recovery. These results collectively suggest that not all T lymphocytes against CNS antigens are neuroprotective and that a subpopulation of them, such as those of MBP-T cells, could be beneficial for SCI repair.

Two New Alkyl Glycosides from Clerodendranthus Spicatus

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. Jul-Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18636369

Two new alkyl glycosides, 3-O-beta-D-apifuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(3S)-oct-1-en-3-ol (1, clerspide A) and 3-O-beta-D-apifuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(3S)-oct-1-en-3-ol (2, clerspide B), have been isolated from the whole plants of Clerodendranthus spicatus (Labiatae). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical method.

Immunization with Recombinant Nogo-66 Receptor (NgR) Promotes Axonal Regeneration and Recovery of Function After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Neurobiology of Disease. Dec, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18930141

Nogo-66 receptor (NgR), a common receptor for the three known myelin-associated inhibitors, i.e., Nogo-A, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), plays a key role in the failure of axonal regeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Here we report a novel vaccine approach that stimulates the production of anti-NgR antibody to overcome NgR-mediated growth inhibition after spinal cord injury (SCI). We showed that adult rats immunized with recombinant NgR produced high titers of the anti-NgR antibody and that antisera obtained from the immunized rats promoted neurite outgrowth of rat cerebellar neurons on the inhibitory MAG substrate in vitro. In a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model, NgR immunization promoted regeneration of lesioned corticospinal tract (CST) axons, anterogradely labeled with biotin dextran amine (BDA), beyond the lesion site. In a contusive SCI model, NgR immunization markedly reduced the total lesion volume and improved Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and grid walking performance. Thus, the NgR vaccine approach may represent a promising repair strategy to promote structural and functional recovery following SCI.

Antisense Inhibition of ATM Gene Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Mice

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18950535

Treatment failure after radiotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) could be a significant problem. Our objective is to sensitize SCCVII cells to ionizing radiation in vitro and in vivo through inhibiting ATM expression using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs), and investigate the potential mechanism of radiosensitization.

Repeated, Noninvasive, High Resolution Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Zebrafish Embryos

Molecular Vision. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19052656

To demonstrate a new imaging method for high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for small animal developmental imaging.

Intact Retinal Pigment Epithelium Maintained by Nok is Essential for Retinal Epithelial Polarity and Cellular Patterning in Zebrafish

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience. Dec, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19074041

Within the vertebrate eye, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) juxtaposes with the retina, but how the RPE plays a role in retinal morphogenesis remains elusive. It has been shown that the loss of function of the polarity proteins, such as Nagie oko (Nok), disrupts RPE integrity and retinal lamination. However, it is unclear whether or not such defects are caused in a tissue-autonomous manner. Here, by taking advantage of the nok mutation, we have generated a transgenic model to restore the Nok function in the RPE, but not in the retina. With this model, we show that Nok is required for RPE integrity in a tissue-autonomous manner. However, proper retinal epithelial polarity does not require retinal expression of Nok before embryonic photoreceptor genesis; rather, it requires a Nok-mediated intact RPE. Interestingly, sporadic wild-type RPE donor cells are not sufficient to maintain proper retinal polarity. We further show that RPE-mediated retinal epithelial polarity underlies proper patterning of retinal ganglion cells and the cells of the inner nuclear layer. Nevertheless, during embryonic photoreceptor genesis, an intact RPE is not sufficient to maintain retinal epithelial polarity and retinal cellular pattern formation. Our results show that the subcellular architecture and cellular pattern formation of a tissue may be regulated by neighboring tissues through tissue-tissue interactions.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Deformation and Rupture of Super Carbon Nanotubes Under Tension

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Dec, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19205194

The mechanical properties of super carbon tubes, a recently developed network material made by conjoined single-walled carbon nanotubes, are studied via molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that such tubes have some unusual properties distinctly different from both individual and bundled carbon nanotubes. The rupture strains of super carbon tubes can reach up to 31-47%, several times higher than that of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Their mechanical behavior is sensitively dependent on both the chiral vectors of the first- and the second-level structures, as well as the inter-junction distance. The hierarchical structure plays a dominant role in the deformation and rupture behavior of super carbon tubes. Owing to their unique and superior properties, super carbon tubes might be used as novel materials with extremely low mass density, high strength and high flexibility, which are of extensive interest in a broad range of technologically important applications.

Esophageal Foreign Body As a Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Case Report and Review of the Literature

European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Feb, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 17701046

Foreign body ingestion is a common complaint in the emergency department. Severe upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a rare complication of foreign body ingestion and is always considered to signal aortoesophageal fistula (AEF). We report a rare case of a 65-year-old man with upper GI hemorrhage caused by an ingested duck bone 10 days previously. Instead of AEF, massive erosion and edema were found in the esophagus, highlighting the potentially complex pathology of foreign body ingestion. A literature review of the recognized clinical features of esophageal foreign body is described. Some practical points and pitfalls in the management of esophageal foreign body are presented. For patients with a history of esophageal foreign body ingestion, the clinician must maintain a high index of suspicion and must endeavor to obtain a full history.

Azithromycin-containing Versus Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication: a Meta-analysis

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Dec, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 20027685

To evaluate whether adding azithromycin to first-line Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication improved eradication and reduced side effects.

Meta-analysis: the Effect of Supplementation with Lactoferrin on Eradication Rates and Adverse Events During Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Therapy

Helicobacter. Apr, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19298339

Recent evidence shown that lactoferrin could exert an antimicrobial effect against Helicobacter pylori both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether adding lactoferrin to H. pylori eradication regimens could improve eradication rates and reduce side-effects during anti-H. pylori treatment.

Stomal Recurrence After Total Laryngectomy: a Clinicopathological Multivariate Analysis

American Journal of Clinical Oncology. Apr, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19307959

To evaluate the possible risk factors associated with recurrence of stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy that may be used as evidence of the efficacy of select preventive procedures.

[Clinical Study on Submental Island Flaps in Repairing Pharyngeal Fistula]

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi = Zhongguo Xiufu Chongjian Waike Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19366145

To explore the application of submental island flaps in repairing pharyngeal fistula after total laryngectomy.

Inhibition of Ataxia-telangiectasia Mutated by Antisense Oligonucleotide Nanoparticles Induces Radiosensitization of Head and Neck Squamous-cell Carcinoma in Mice

Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19435407

Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) is a radiosensitization gene. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing ATM antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for the radiosensitization of head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma in mice, using the SCCVII cell line. Nanoparticles containing ATM ASOs were prepared with PLGA by using a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The results showed that the nanoparticles were suitable for intracellular uptake, and ATM ASOs inhibited ATM expression when delivered by using nanoparticles or lipofectin, but not in their free form. Meanwhile, we found that ATM reduction sensitized SCCVII cells in vitro and tumors in vivo to irradiation. In conclusion, biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles, used as a delivery carrier, enhanced intracellular uptake of ATM ASOs into SCCVII cells and the inhibitory effect of ATM ASOs. These results demonstrated that antisense ATM therapy, using PLGA nanoparticles, might provide a therapeutic benefit to patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma.

Glial Response and Myelin Clearance in Areas of Wallerian Degeneration After Spinal Cord Hemisection in the Monkey Macaca Fascicularis

Journal of Neurotrauma. Nov, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19456214

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals not only damages the focal area, but also leads to wallerian degeneration (WD) of axons and myelin distal to the injury. In the present study, we investigated cellular responses within areas of WD of a sensory pathway, the fasciculus gracilis, after a T8-9 lateral spinal hemisection in the adult monkey Macaca fascicularis. Spinal cord segments rostral and caudal to the injury at two clinically-relevant time points, 1 week and 4 weeks post-SCI, representing subacute and chronic stages, respectively, were examined. We observed marked axon degeneration in the areas of WD at the subacute stage, and minimal axonal neurofilament staining at the chronic stage. At the ultrastructural level, however, many degenerating axonal profiles remained at the chronic stage. Myelin breakdown was a much-delayed process. A large number of residual myelin sheaths was observed at the chronic stage. In contrast to rodents, a substantial astrogliotic response was not found in the WD regions up to 4 weeks post-injury. Microglia activation was evident in the WD areas at the subacute stage, and was enhanced at the chronic stage. However, the lack of round reactive microglia/macrophages in these regions suggests that microglial activation was either delayed or incomplete. Thus it appears that many pathological characteristics of WD in monkeys are much delayed compared to those in rodents, but are similar to those in humans. Our results suggest that non-human primate SCI models are useful for evaluating repair strategies before they are translated to clinical trials of human SCI.

Regulation of Cell Polarity Through Phosphorylation of Bni4 by Pho85 G1 Cyclin-dependent Kinases in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Molecular Biology of the Cell. Jul, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19458192

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the G1-specific cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) Cln1,2-Cdc28 and Pcl1,2-Pho85 are essential for ensuring that DNA replication and cell division are properly linked to cell polarity and bud morphogenesis. However, the redundancy of Cdks and cyclins means that identification of relevant Cdk substrates remains a significant challenge. We used array-based genetic screens (synthetic genetic array or SGA analysis) to dissect redundant pathways associated with G1 cyclins and identified Bni4 as a substrate of the Pcl1- and Pcl2-Pho85 kinases. BNI4 encodes an adaptor protein that targets several proteins to the bud neck. Deletion of BNI4 results in severe growth defects in the absence of the Cdc28 cyclins Cln1 and Cln2, and overexpression of BNI4 is toxic in yeast cells lacking the Pho85 cyclins Pcl1 and Pcl2. Phosphorylation of Bni4 by Pcl-Pho85 is necessary for its localization to the bud neck, and the bud neck structure can be disrupted by overexpressing BNI4 in pcl1Deltapcl2Delta mutant cells. Our data suggest that misregulated Bni4 may bind in an uncontrolled manner to an essential component that resides at the bud neck, causing catastrophic morphogenesis defects.

Temporospatial Expression and Cellular Localization of Oligodendrocyte Myelin Glycoprotein (OMgp) After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats

Journal of Neurotrauma. Dec, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19580419

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent neurological deficits, which, in part, is due to the inability of mature axons to regenerate in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). The oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp) is one of the myelin-associated inhibitors of neurite outgrowth in the CNS. To date, limited information is available concerning its expression following SCI, possibly due to the lack of a reliable antibody against it. Here we report the generation of a highly specific OMgp polyclonal antibody from the rabbit. Using this antibody, we found that OMgp was almost exclusively expressed in the CNS. Following a moderately contusive SCI using a New York University impactor (10 g rod dropped from a height of 12.5 mm), both OMgp mRNA and protein levels were elevated at 1 and 7 days post-SCI, respectively, and peaked at 28 days compared to those of the sham-operated controls. Spatially, OMgp was expressed throughout the entire rostrocaudal extension of a 10 mm long spinal segment with the highest expression seen at the injury epicenter. OMgp was exclusively localized in neurons and oligodendrocytes in the normal and sham-operated controls with an increased expression found in these cells following SCI. OMgp was not expressed in astrocytes or microglia in all groups. Thus, our study has provided evidence for temporospatial expression and cellular localization of OMgp following SCI and suggested that this molecule may contribute to the overall inhibition of axonal regeneration.

Role of ASC in the Mouse Model of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society. Apr, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19064716

Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC) is an adaptor molecule activating caspase-1 that stimulates pro-interleukin-1beta (pro-IL-1beta) and pro-IL-18, two pro-inflammatory cytokines with critical functions in host defense against a variety of pathogens. In this study, we investigated the role of ASC in the host defense against Helicobacter pylori utilizing ASC-deficient mice. Mice were orally inoculated with H. pylori; bacterial load, degree of gastritis, and mucosal levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed and compared with those obtained from wild-type mice. We found more prominent H. pylori colonization in ASC-deficient mice, as revealed by colony-forming unit counts. Both groups of mice developed gastritis; however, ASC-deficient mice showed significant attenuation of inflammation despite high H. pylori colonization. ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed complete suppression of IL-1beta and IL-18, and substantial reduction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) expression, in ASC-deficient mice without apparent upregulation of other cytokines, including IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These results as a whole indicate that ASC exerts considerable influence on the host defense, acting through IL-1beta/IL-18 and subsequent IFN-gamma production, which in turn contributes to continuous chronic inflammatory response and consequent reduction of H. pylori colonization.

Meta-analysis: Lactobacillus Containing Quadruple Therapy Versus Standard Triple First-line Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication

Helicobacter. Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19751434

Recent evidence showed that Lactobacilli could exert an inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether adding Lactobacilli to H. pylori eradication regimens could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects during anti-H. pylori treatment.

Stepwise Maturation of Apicobasal Polarity of the Neuroepithelium is Essential for Vertebrate Neurulation

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience. Sep, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19759292

During vertebrate neurulation, extensive cell movements transform the flat neural plate into the neural tube. This dynamic morphogenesis requires the tissue to bear a certain amount of plasticity to accommodate shape and position changes of individual cells as well as intercellular cohesiveness to maintain tissue integrity and architecture. For most of the neural plate-neural tube transition, cells are polarized along the apicobasal axis. The establishment and maintenance of this polarity requires many polarity proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion either directly or indirectly. Intercellular adhesion reduces tissue plasticity and enhances tissue integrity. However, it remains unclear how apicobasal polarity is regulated to meet the opposing needs for tissue plasticity and tissue integrity during neurulation. Here, we show that N-Cad/ZO-1 complex-initiated apicobasal polarity is stabilized by the late-onsetting Lin7c/Nok complex after the extensive morphogenetic cell movements in neurulation. Loss of either N-Cad or Lin7c disrupts neural tube formation. Furthermore, precocious overexpression of Lin7c induces multiaxial mirror symmetry in zebrafish neurulation. Our data suggest that stepwise maturation of apicobasal polarity plays an essential role in vertebrate neurulation.

Restricted Localization of Ponli, a Novel Zebrafish MAGUK-family Protein, to the Inner Segment Interface Areas Between Green, Red, and Blue Cones

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19834027

The inner segments (IS) of the photoreceptors in vertebrates are enriched with polarity scaffold proteins, which maintain the integrity of many tissues by mediating cell-cell adhesion either directly or indirectly. The formation of photoreceptor mosaics may require differential adhesion among different types of photoreceptors. It is unknown whether any polarity proteins are selectively expressed in certain photoreceptors to mediate differential intercellular adhesion, which may be important for photoreceptor patterning. This study was undertaken to identify such polarity proteins.

Inhibition of the EGFR with Nanoparticles Encapsulating Antisense Oligonucleotides of the EGFR Enhances Radiosensitivity in SCCVII Cells

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England). Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19653138

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of antisense epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) nanoparticles on cell survival and radiosensitivity in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCCVII. Experiments were performed using the murine head-and-neck tumor cell line, SCCVII. Nanoparticle encapsulated antisense EGFR oligonucleotides were combined with radiotherapy and the relative radiosensitivity of the cells was assessed in vitro by MTT and standard colony formation. The proportion of apoptotic cells and cell cycle stages were analyzed by flow cytometry. C3H/He mice with SCCVII tumor heterografts were treated with antisense-EGFR-nanoparticles or RT alone, or with combinations of concomitant and sequential therapy. The relative radiosensitivity of the tumors was assessed in vivo by growth delay assays. The SCCVII cells were resistant to anti-EGFR nanoparticles or radiation therapy alone, but a synergic inhibition effect was observed when the therapies were combined. When the SCCVII cells were pre-treated with 2 mug of antisense-EGFR nanoparticles for 24 h and X-irradiated (4 Gy), flow cytometry analysis revealed cell cycle arrest in G(1) phase and an increased proportion of apoptotic cells. Our results show that antisense EGFR nanoparticles enhance radiosensitivity by inhibition of EGFR-mediated mechanisms of radioresistance. Collectively, these findings may have therapeutic implications because EGFR inhibition may improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiation even in the tumor cells that are resistant to anti-EGFR therapy.

Prognostic Significance of Fascin-1 and E-cadherin Expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

European Journal of Cancer Prevention : the Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP). Jan, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19741544

Fascin-1 and E-cadherin, both of which are related to cell motility and cell adhesiveness, are important factors in the progression and metastasis of cancers. The objective of this study was to explore the association between fascin-1 and E-cadherin expression levels with both the clinical characteristics and prognoses of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma; we did so through statistical analyses. In our study, tumor tissue samples from 150 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were examined for fascin-1 and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry. Fascin-1 expression was found to be an independent predictive factor for recurrence in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.021) and independently related to disease-free survival (P = 0.010). Although E-cadherin expression status was not an independent predictive factor for recurrence (P = 0.055) or disease-free survival (P = 0.063), when using subgroup analysis, the subgroup with high fascin-1 expression/low E-cadherin expression had the poorest prognosis (P = 0.000). Fascin-1 expression could be a potential prognostic predictor for patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Simultaneous analyses of fascin-1 and E-cadherin expression could be more effective in evaluating the prognoses of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Glutamine Synthetase Down-regulation Reduces Astrocyte Protection Against Glutamate Excitotoxicity to Neurons

Neurochemistry International. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20064572

Although the role of astrocyte glutamate transporters in glutamate clearance is well illustrated, the role of glutamine synthetase (GS) that influences this process remains to be elucidated. We examined whether GS affected the uptake of glutamate in astrocytes in vitro. The glutamate uptake was assessed by measuring the concentration of glutamate and glutamine in culture medium in the presence or absence of glutamate. We demonstrated that inhibition of GS in astrocytes by MSO significantly impaired glutamate uptake and glutamine release. Conversely, induction of GS expression in astrocytes by gene transfer significantly enhanced the glutamate uptake and glutamine release. When an inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was applied to the cultures, it significantly reduced GS expression and inhibited glutamate-induced GS activation resulting in increased excitotoxicity to neurons. These results suggest that GS in astrocytes may represent a novel target for neuroprotection against neuronal dysfunction and death that occur in many neurological disorders.

Experimental Study for 15-20 MA Dc H- Multicusp Source

The Review of Scientific Instruments. Feb, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20192375

Recently, a new H- source and test stand was developed at CIAE. The design of this new source is based on the experience on our previous 10-15 mA H(-) ion source and the source at TRIUMF. Major efforts include the study of the virtual filter magnetic field, confining magnetic field, filament shape and location, the vacuum improvement on the extracting area, the extraction optics, new control and interlock system of the power supplies. More than 15 mA of H-beam was obtained for 36 h with stability of +/-0.5%. The normalized emittance of 0.48pi mm mrad (4 rms normalized emittance) were measured with approximately 8 mA dc beam. Further experimental studies are proceeding in an effort to reach 20 mA with reasonable emittance at this moment. More study plans are conducted, e.g., building a longer source body and using cesium injection to get better emittance, which will be presented as a separate paper at this conference.

Emittance Improvement Efforts on the 15-20 MA Dc H- Multicusp Source

The Review of Scientific Instruments. Feb, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20192382

A 15 mA beam from the 15-20 mA dc H(-) multicusp source has been obtained at China Institute of Atomic Energy. In order to improve the emittance of extracted beam from this new multicusp source, some measures have been taken, i.e., increasing the length of the ion source body, improving the vacuum in the extraction area, injecting cesium vapor into the ion source, etc. The hardware, including the lengthened source body, the improved back cover and cesium heating system, and the extraction vacuum box, will be described. Initial results for these efforts aimed at emittance improvement will also be given in the paper.

Induction of Innate Immune Gene Expression Cascades in Brain Slice Cultures by Ethanol: Key Role of NF-κB and Proinflammatory Cytokines

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. May, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20201932

Postmortem human alcoholic brain has increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines (He and Crews, 2007). Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor known to induce proinflammatory cytokine expression. Ethanol exposure increases NF-kappaB-DNA binding in rat brain (Crews et al., 2006) and in brain slice cultures in vitro (Zou and Crews, 2006). Using hippocampal-entorhinal cortex (HEC) brain slice cultures, we explored the effect of ethanol on NF-kappaB-DNA binding, proinflammatory gene expression, and sensitivity to glutamate neurotoxicity.

Clinical Research on Liver Reserve Function by 13C-phenylalanine Breath Test in Aged Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

BMC Geriatrics. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20459849

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the 13C-phenylalanine breath test could be useful for the evaluation of hepatic function in elderly volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis.

Identification of MiRNA from Porphyra Yezoensis by High-throughput Sequencing and Bioinformatics Analysis

PloS One. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20502668

miRNAs are a class of non-coding, small RNAs that are approximately 22 nucleotides long and play important roles in the translational level regulation of gene expression by either directly binding or cleaving target mRNAs. The red alga, Porphyra yezoensis is one of the most important marine economic crops worldwide. To date, only a few miRNAs have been identified in green unicellar alga and there is no report about Porphyra miRNAs.

Right-sided Free Wall Accessory Pathway Refractory to Conventional Catheter Ablation: Lessons from 3-dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20653815

the aim of this study was to delineate the electroanatomic substrates of right-sided free wall (RFW) accessory pathways (APs) that were refractory to conventional catheter ablation utilizing 3-dimensional (3-D) mapping.

Differentiation of Neural Precursor Cell-derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells Following Transplantation into Normal and Injured Spinal Cords

Differentiation; Research in Biological Diversity. Nov-Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20850923

Demyelination contributes to the functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, remyelination may be an important strategy to facilitate repair after SCI. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are immature oligodendrocytes and can differentiate into myelin-forming cells of central nervous system under certain conditions. OPC transplantation is an attractive approach for the treatment of demyelinating diseases. In this study, we transplanted OPCs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-OPCs) into normal and injured rat spinal cords to evaluate the differentiation of transplanted OPCs in vivo. Unfortunately, the grafted GFP-OPCs, in spinal cord whether normal or injured, were all differentiated into astrocytes, but not oligodendrocytes. Our further study indicated that inflammatory environment might not be the key factor influencing the differentiation of OPCs. Some spinal cord components, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), were the major factors that induced OPCs to differentiate into astrocytes. The three types of BMP receptor (BMPRIA, IB and II) could all be detected in OPCs, and the astroglial differentiation of OPCs induced by spinal cord homogenate extract (SCHE) in vitro could be blocked partly by noggin, an antagonist of BMP. These results suggested that the BMPR signal transduction pathway might be one of the key factors which determine the differentiation direction of engrafted OPCs in spinal cord.

The Ubiquitin Ligase TRIM56 Regulates Innate Immune Responses to Intracellular Double-stranded DNA

Immunity. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21074459

The innate immune system detects pathogen- and host-derived double-stranded DNA exposed to the cytosol and induces type I interferon (IFN) and other cytokines. Here, we identified interferon-inducible tripartite-motif (TRIM) 56 as a regulator of double-stranded DNA-mediated type I interferon induction. TRIM56 overexpression enhanced IFN-β promoter activation after double-stranded DNA stimulation whereas TRIM56 knockdown abrogated it. TRIM56 interacted with STING and targeted it for lysine 63-linked ubiquitination. This modification induced STING dimerization, which was a prerequisite for recruitment of the antiviral kinase TBK1 and subsequent induction of IFN-β. Taken together, these results indicate that TRIM56 is an interferon-inducible E3 ubiquitin ligase that modulates STING to confer double-stranded DNA-mediated innate immune responses.

NLRC5 Deficiency Does Not Influence Cytokine Induction by Virus and Bacteria Infections

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21148033

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine rich repeat containing gene family receptors (NLRs) are cytosolic proteins that respond to a variety of pathogen and host components to induce inflammatory cytokines. NLRC5 is a recently identified member of the NLR family that has been implicated in positive and negative regulation of antiviral innate immune responses. To clarify whether NLRC5 controls antiviral innate immunity in vivo, we generated NLRC5-deficient mice. Macrophages and dendritic cells derived from NLRC5-deficient mice induced relatively normal levels of IFN-β, IL-6, and TNF-α after treatment with RNA viruses, DNA viruses, and bacteria. The serum cytokine levels after polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid infection were also comparable between control and NLRC5-deficient mice. NLRC5 overexpression promoted IL-1β production via caspase-1, suggesting that NLRC5 constitutes an inflammasome. However, there was no reduction of IL-1β in NLRC5-deficient cells in response to known inflammasome activators, suggesting that NLRC5 controls IL-1β production through an unidentified pathway. These findings indicate that NLRC5 is dispensable for cytokine induction in virus and bacterial infections under physiologic conditions.

Down-regulation of Glutamine Synthetase Enhances Migration of Rat Astrocytes After in Vitro Injury

Neurochemistry International. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21193003

Astrocytes undergo reactive transformation in response to physical injury (reactive gliosis) that may impede neural repair. Glutamine synthetase (GS) is highly expressed by astrocytes, and serves a neuroprotective function by converting cytotoxic glutamate and ammonia into glutamine. Glutamine synthetase was down-regulated in reactive astrocytes at the site of mechanical spinal cord injury (SCI) and in cultured astrocytes at the margins of a scratch wound, suggesting that GS may modulate reactive transformation and glial scar development. We evaluated this potential function of GS using siRNA-mediated GS knock-down. Suppression of astrocytic GS by GS siRNA increased cell migration into the scratch wound zone and decreased substrate adhesion as indicated by the number of focal adhesions expressing the adaptor protein paxillin. Migration was enhanced by glutamine and suppressed by glutamate, in contrast to the result expected if enhanced migration was due solely to changes in glutamine and glutamate concomitant with reduced GS activity. The membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was up-regulated in GS siRNA-treated astrocytes, while a broad-spectrum MMP antagonist inhibited migration in both wild type and GS knock-down astrocytes. In addition, GS siRNA inhibited expression of integrin β1, while antibody-mediated inhibition of integrin β1 impaired direction-specific protrusion and motility. Thus, GS may modulate motility and substrate adhesion through transmembrane integrin β1 signaling to the cytoskeleton and by MMT-mediated proteolysis of the extracellular matrix.

Induction of Innate Immune Genes in Brain Create the Neurobiology of Addiction

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21402143

Addiction occurs through repeated abuse of drugs that progressively reduce behavioral control and cognitive flexibility while increasing limbic negative emotion. Recent discoveries indicate neuroimmune signaling underlies addiction and co-morbid depression. Low threshold microglia undergo progressive stages of innate immune activation involving astrocytes and neurons with repeated drug abuse, stress, and/or cell damage signals. Increased brain NF-κB transcription of proinflammatory chemokines, cytokines, oxidases, proteases, TLR and other genes create loops amplifying NF-κB transcription and innate immune target gene expression. Human post-mortem alcoholic brain has increased NF-κB and NF-κB target gene message, increased microglial markers and chemokine-MCP1. Polymorphisms of human NF-κB1 and other innate immune genes contribute to genetic risk for alcoholism. Animal transgenic and genetic studies link NF-κB innate immune gene expression to alcohol drinking. Human drug addicts show deficits in behavioral flexibility modeled pre-clinically using reversal learning. Binge alcohol, chronic cocaine, and lesions link addiction neurobiology to frontal cortex, neuroimmune signaling and loss of behavioral flexibility. Addiction also involves increasing limbic negative emotion and depression-like behavior that is reflected in hippocampal neurogenesis. Innate immune activation parallels loss of neurogenesis and increased depression-like behavior. Protection against loss of neurogenesis and negative affect by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, opiate antagonist and abstinence from ethanol dependence link limbic affect to changes in innate immune signaling. The hypothesis that innate immune gene induction underlies addiction and affective disorders creates new targets for therapy.

Coffee Consumption and Risk of Cancers: a Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

BMC Cancer. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21406107

Coffee consumption has been shown to be associated with cancer of various sites in epidemiological studies. However, there is no comprehensive overview of the substantial body of epidemiologic evidence.

Coffee Drinking and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21448427

To quantitatively assess the relationship between coffee consumption and incidence of pancreatic cancer in a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Proteome of Human Colon Cancer Stem Cells: a Comparative Analysis

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21455326

To isolate and identify the biological characteristics of human colon cancer stem cells (SW1116 cells) and further study their proteome.

Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides Targeting ATM Strengthen Apoptosis of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Grown in Nude Mice

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21496344

To conserve laryngeal function and elevate living quality of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients, we designed antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) to reduce expression of ATM and to enhance the apoptosis of hep-2 (Human epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma) cells to radiation in vitro and in vivo.

High β-catenin/Tcf-4 Activity Confers Glioma Progression Via Direct Regulation of AKT2 Gene Expression

Neuro-oncology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21636708

Recent data suggest that the β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling pathway plays an important role in human cancer tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism of β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling in tumorigenesis is poorly understood. In this study, we show that Tcf-4 protein levels were significantly elevated in high-grade gliomas in comparison with low-grade gliomas and that Tcf-4 levels correlated with levels of AKT2. Reduction of β-catenin/Tcf-4 activity inhibited glioma cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. This effect of β-catenin/Tcf-4 activity was mediated by AKT2, and in vivo binding of β-catenin/Tcf-4 to the AKT2 promoter was validated using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assays. Taken together, we have demonstrated that Tcf-4 is associated with glioma progression and that AKT2 is a new member of the genes that are regulated by β-catenin/Tcf-4.

Antitumor Effect of Aspirin in Glioblastoma Cells by Modulation of β-catenin/T-cell Factor-mediated Transcriptional Activity

Journal of Neurosurgery. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21721879

The goal in this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of aspirin in glioblastoma cells and the molecular mechanism involved in its antineoplastic activities.

MiR-93 Suppresses Proliferation and Colony Formation of Human Colon Cancer Stem Cells

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22180714

To identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in human colon cancer stem cells (SW1116csc) and study their function in SW1116csc proliferation.

H(2)O(2)-sensitized TiO(2)/SiO(2) Composites with High Photocatalytic Activity Under Visible Irradiation

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20970247

TiO(2)/SiO(2) composite photocatalysts were prepared by depositing of TiO(2) onto nano-SiO(2) particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), Raman spectrometer, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to characterize the properties of the synthesized TiO(2)/SiO(2) composites. These results indicated that the products without calcination were amorphous, and calcination could enhance the crystallinity of TiO(2). Increases in the amount of TiO(2) would decrease the dispersion in the composites. H(2)O(2)-sensitized TiO(2)/SiO(2) composite photocatalysts could absorb visible light at wavelength below 550 nm. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared catalysts was characterized by methyl-orange degradation. The results showed the uncalcined composite photocatalysts with amorphous TiO(2) exhibited higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, and the activity of catalysts with TiO(2) content over 30% decreased with increasing of TiO(2) content. Increases in the calcination temperature and TiO(2) content promote the formation of bulk TiO(2) and result in a decrease in activity.

PPARα Activation Inhibits Endothelin-1-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Prevention of NFATc4 Binding to GATA-4

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22198280

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy, although its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. To determine the effect of PPARα activation on endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and explore its molecular mechanisms, we evaluated the interaction of PPARα with nuclear factor of activated T-cells c4 (NFATc4) in nuclei of cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats in primary culture. In ET-1-stimulated cardiomyocytes, data from electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSA) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) revealed that fenofibrate (Fen), a PPARα activator, in a concentration-dependent manner, enhanced the association of NFATc4 with PPARα and decreased its interaction with GATA-4, in promoter complexes involved in activation of the rat brain natriuretic peptide (rBNP) gene. Effects of PPARα overexpression were similar to those of its activation by Fen. PPARα depletion by small interfering RNA abolished inhibitory effects of Fen on NFATc4 binding to GATA-4 and the rBNP DNA. Quantitative RT-PCR and confocal microscopy confirmed inhibitory effects of PPARα activation on elevation of rBNP mRNA levels and ET-1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our results suggest that activated PPARα can compete with GATA-4 binding to NFATc4, thereby decreasing transactivation of NFATc4, and interfering with ET-1 induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

ATP-P2X(7) Receptor Signaling Controls Basal and TNFα-stimulated Glial Cell Proliferation

Glia. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22298391

Activation and proliferation of glial cells and their progenitors is a key process of neuroinflammation associated with many neurodegenerative disorders. Under neuropathological conditions where glial cell activation and proliferation is evident, controlling the population of glia might be of therapeutic importance. The proliferative action of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on microglia has been reported, but the molecular mechanism of TNFα regulation of glial cell proliferation is largely unknown. Using a model of organotypic hippocampal-entorhinal cortex (HEC) slice culture, we investigated the role of ATP-P2X(7) receptor signaling in glial proliferation by TNFα. Populations of proliferating cells in HEC culture were labeled with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Treatment with TNFα induced strong expression of P2X(7) receptor mRNA and immunoreactivity in BrdU+ cells while markedly increasing proliferation of BrdU+ cells. In addition, TNFα increased aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression, an ion channel involved in glial proliferation. The proliferative action of TNFα was attenuated by blocking the P2X(7) receptors with the specific antagonists oxATP, BBG, and KN62, or by lowering extracellular ATP with ATP hydrolysis apyrase. Basal proliferation of BrdU+ cells was also sensitive to blockade of ATP-P2X(7) signaling. Furthermore, TNFα activation of P2X(7) receptors appear to regulate AQP4 expression through protein kinase C cascade and down regulation of AQP4 expression can reduce TNFα-stimulated BrdU+ cell proliferation. Taken together, these novel findings demonstrate the importance of ATP-P2X(7) signaling in controlling proliferation of glial progenitors under the pathological conditions associated with increased TNFα. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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