Device Management and Data Transport in IoT Networks Based on Visible Light Communication.

LED-based Visible Light Communication (VLC) has been proposed as the IEEE 802.15.7 standard and is regarded as a new wireless access medium in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. With this trend, many works have already been made to improve the performance of VLC. However, the effectively integration of VLC services into IoT networks has not yet been sufficiently studied. In this paper, we propose a scheme for device management and data transport in IoT networks using VLC. Specifically, we discuss how to manage VLC transmitters and receivers, and to support VLC data transmission in IoT networks. The proposed scheme considers uni-directional VLC transmissions from transmitter to receivers for delivery of location-based VLC data. The backward transmission from VLC receivers will be made by using platform server and aggregation agents in the network. For validation and performance analysis, we implemented the proposed scheme with VLC-capable LED lights and open sources of oneM2M. From the experimental results for virtual museum services, we see that the VLC data packets can be exchanged within 590 ms, and the handover between VLC transmitters can be completed within 210 ms in the testbed network.

Association between gene polymorphisms and obesity and physical fitness in Korean children.

Obesity is affected by genetic factors and environmental influences. This research was undertaken to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to obesity and physical fitness and then to analyse and compare interactions between physical fitness and obesity-associated genotypes. To investigate relationships between physical fitness and major SNPs previously reported to be related to obesity, 68 SNPs in 32 genes were genotyped in 71 Korean children. Tests were conducted to evaluate five elements of physical fitness (speed, aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility). The results obtained showed significant (P<0.02) differences in physical fitness scores for the following genotypes: CNR1 (rs1049353; GG), LEP (rs7799039; AA+AG), HHEX (rs1111875; TT), GC (rs16847015; TG+GG), LRP5 (rs4988300; GG+GT), NPY2R (rs2880415; CT+CC), PPY (rs231472; GG), UCP2 (rs660339; CT+TT), CDKN2B (rs10811661; AA+AG), and ADIPOQ (rs266729; CG+GG). Ten physical fitness-related genotypes were newly identified during the present study. This study suggests that classification of genotypes by physical fitness level could be used as an index for predicting the risk of obesity and for selecting individuals for intervention programmes. Furthermore, the study shows that even children participating in the same physical fitness improvement programme can exhibit different genotype dependencies.

Upregulation of Human ST8Sia VI (α2,8-Sialyltransferase) Gene Expression by Physcion in SK-N-BE(2)-C Human Neuroblastoma Cells.

In this research, we firstly demonstrated that physcion, an anthraquinone derivative, specifically increased the expression of the human α2,8-sialyltransferase (hST8Sia VI) gene in SK-N-BE(2)-C human neuroblastoma cells. To establish the mechanism responsible for the up-regulation of hST8Sia VI gene expression in physcion-treated SK-N-BE(2)-C cells, the putative promoter region of the hST8Sia VI gene was functionally characterized. Promoter analysis with serially truncated fragments of the 5'-flanking region showed that the region between -320 and -240 is crucial for physcion-induced transcription of hST8Sia VI in SK-N-BE(2)-C cells. Putative binding sites for transcription factors Pax-5 and NF-Y are located at this region. The Pax-5 binding site at -262 to -256 was essential for the expression of the hST8Sia VI gene by physcion in SK-N-BE(2)-C cells. Moreover, the transcription of hST8Sia VI induced by physcion in SK-N-BE(2)-C cells was inhibited by extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor U0126 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. These results suggest that physcion upregulates hST8Sia VI gene expression via ERK and p38 MAPK pathways in SK-N-BE(2)-C cells.

Age-related change in γH2AX of Drosophila muscle: its significance as a marker for muscle damage and longevity.

Muscle aging is closely related to unhealthy late-life and organismal aging. Recently, the state of differentiated cells was shown to be critical to tissue homeostasis. Thus, understanding how fully differentiated muscle cells age is required for ensuring healthy aging. Adult Drosophila muscle is a useful model for exploring the aging process of fully differentiated cells. In this study, we investigated age-related changes of γH2AX, an indicator of DNA strand breaks, in adult Drosophila muscle to document whether its changes are correlated with muscle degeneration and lifespan. The results demonstrate that γH2AX accumulation increases in adult Drosophila thoracic and leg muscles with age. Analyses of short-, normal-, and long-lived strains indicate that the age-related increase of γH2AX is closely associated with the extent of muscle degeneration, cleaved caspase-3 and poly-ubiquitin aggregates, and longevity. Further analysis of muscle-specific knockdown of heterochromatin protein 1a revealed that the excessive γH2AX accumulation in thoracic and leg muscles induces accelerated degeneration and decreases longevity. These data suggest a strong correlation between age-related muscle damage and lifespan in Drosophila. Our findings indicate that γH2AX may be a reliable biomarker for assessing muscle aging in Drosophila.

The Cytoprotective Effect of Petalonia binghamiae Methanol Extract against Oxidative Stress in C2C12 Myoblasts: Mediation by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Related Factor 2.

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of the marine brown algae Petalonia binghamiae against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. P. binghamiae methanol extract (PBME) prevented hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced growth inhibition and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H2O2 in mouse-derived C2C12 myoblasts. PBME also significantly attenuated H2O2-induced comet tail formation in a comet assay, histone γH2A.X phosphorylation, and annexin V-positive cells, suggesting that PBME prevented H2O2-induced cellular DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, PBME increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a potent antioxidant enzyme, associated with the induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 competitive inhibitor, significantly abolished the protective effects of PBME on H2O2-induced ROS generation, growth inhibition, and apoptosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PBME augments the antioxidant defense capacity through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Neuroprotection and spatial memory enhancement of four herbal mixture extract in HT22 hippocampal cells and a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Four traditional Korean medicinal herbs which act in retarding the aging process, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn) Libosch., Polygala tenuifolia Willd., and Acorus gramineus Soland., were prepared by systematic investigation of Dongeuibogam (Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine), published in the early 17th century in Korea. This study was performed to evaluate beneficial effects of four herbal mixture extract (PMC-12) on hippocampal neuron and spatial memory. METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed for standardization of PMC-12. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Western blot assays were performed in HT22 hippocampal cells and immunohistochemistry and behavioral tests were performed in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia in order to observe alterations of hippocampal cell survival and subsequent memory function. RESULTS: In the HPLC analysis, PMC-12 was standardized to contain 3.09% 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside, 0.35% 3',6-disinapoyl sucrose, and 0.79% catalpol. In HT22 cells, pretreatment with PMC-12 resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death. Pretreatment with PMC-12 also resulted in suppression of ROS accumulation in connection with cellular Ca(2+) level after exposure to glutamate. Expression levels of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and dephosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) by glutamate exposure were recovered by pretreatment with either PMC-12 or anti-oxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Expression levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were significantly enhanced by treatment with either PMC-12 or NAC. Combination treatment with PMC-12, NAC, and intracellular Ca(2+) inhibitor BAPTA showed similar expression levels. In a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia, we observed higher expression of mature BDNF and phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampus and further confirmed improved spatial memory by treatment with PMC-12. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PMC-12 mainly exerted protective effects on hippocampal neurons through suppression of Ca(2+)-related ROS accumulation and regulation of signaling pathways of p38 MAPK and PI3K associated with mature BDNF expression and CREB phosphorylation and subsequently enhanced spatial memory.

Sargassum horneri methanol extract rescues C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity through Nrf2-mediated upregulation of heme oxygenase-1.

BACKGROUND: Sargassum horneri, an edible marine brown alga, is typically distributed along the coastal seas of Korea and Japan. Although several studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidative activity of this alga, the regulatory mechanisms have not yet been defined. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytoprotective effects of S. horneri against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS: We demonstrated the anti-oxidative effects of a methanol extract of S. horneri (SHME) in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated C2C12 myoblast model. Cytotoxicity was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium assay and mode of cell death by cell cycle analysis. DNA damage was measured using a comet assay and expression of phospho-histone γH2A.X (p-γH2A.X). Levels of cellular oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were measured using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The involvement of selected genes in the oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathway was explored using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: SHME attenuated H2O2-induced growth inhibition and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS that were induced by H2O2. The SHME also inhibited comet tail formation, p-γH2A.X expression, and the number of sub-G1 hypodiploid cells, suggesting that it prevents H2O2-induced cellular DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the SHME significantly enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) associated with induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the protective effect of the SHME on H2O2-induced C2C12 cell damage was significantly abolished by zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 competitive inhibitor, in C2C12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the SHME augments cellular antioxidant defense capacity through both intrinsic free radical scavenging activity and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, protecting C2C12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.

Essential oils purified from Schisandrae semen inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells from the tunica media to the subendothelial region may be a key event in the development of atherosclerosis after arterial injury. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). METHODS: Metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography and gelatinase activity assay kit. The possible mechanisms underlying SSeo-mediated reduction of by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in HASMCs were investigated. RESULTS: Our results indicate that SSeo treatment has an inhibitory effect on activation as well as expression of MMP-9 induced by TNF-α in HASMCs in a dose-dependent manner without significant cytotoxicity. SSeo attenuated nuclear translocation of TNF-α-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and blocked degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor proteins as well as the production of reactive oxygen species. SSeo also reduced TNF-α-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 and inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in HASMCs. Furthermore, the Matrigel migration assay showed that SSeo effectively reduced TNF-α-induced HASMC migration compared with that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggest that SSeo treatment suppresses TNF-α-induced HASMC migration by selectively inhibiting MMP-9 expression, which was associated with suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that SSeo has putative potential anti-atherosclerotic activity.

The neuroprotective effects of α-iso-cubebene on dopaminergic cell death: involvement of CREB/Nrf2 signaling.

As a part of ongoing studies to elucidate pharmacologically active components of Schisandra chinensis, we isolated and studied α-iso-cubebene. The neuroprotective mechanisms of α-iso-cubebene in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were investigated. α-Iso-cubebene significantly inhibited cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. Pretreatment of cells with α-iso-cubebene reduced intracellular accumulation of ROS and calcium in response to 6-OHDA. The neuroprotective effects of α-iso-cubebene were found to result from protecting the mitochondrial membrane potential. Notably, α-iso-cubebene inhibited the release of apoptosis-inducing factor from the mitochondria into the cytosol and nucleus after 6-OHDA treatment. α-Iso-cubebene also induced the activation of PKA/PKB/CREB/Nrf2 and suppressed 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity. α-Iso-cubebene was found to induce phosphorylation of PKA and PKB and activate Nrf2 and CREB signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, α-iso-cubebene stimulated the expression of the antioxidant response genes NQO1 and HO-1. Finally, α-iso-cubebene-mediated neuroprotective effects were found to be reversible after transfection with CREB and Nrf2 small interfering RNAs.

Characterization and comparative analysis of the complete organelle genomes of three red macroalgae species (Neoporphyra dentata, Neoporphyra seriata, and Neopyropia yezoensis) and development of molecular makers for their identification.

BACKGROUND: Many species of red algae belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta are consumed by humans as raw materials for nutrition and medicine. As the seaweed market grows, the importance of the laver species has increased. The classification of red algal species has changed significantly, and the accuracy of this classification has improved significantly in recent years. Here, we report the complete circular genomes of the chloroplasts (cp) and mitochondria (mt) of three laver species (Neoporphyra dentata, Neoporphyra seriata, and Neopyropia yezoensis). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assemble, annotate, and characterize the organization of the organelle genomes of three laver species, conduct comparative genomic studies, and develop molecular markers based on SNPs. METHODS: We analyzed organelle genome structures, repeat sequences, sequence divergence, gene rearrangements, and phylogenetic relationships of three laver species. RESULTS: The chloroplast genomes of the three species contained an average of 212 protein-coding genes (PCGs), while the mitochondrial genomes contained an average of 25 PCGs. We reconstructed the phylogenetic trees based on both chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes using 201 and 23 PCGs (in cp and mt genomes, respectively) shared in the class Bangiophyceae (and five species of Florideophyceae class used as an outgroup). In addition, 12 species-specific molecular markers were developed for qRT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Neoporphyra seriata complete organellar genomes. With the results, this study provides useful genetic information regarding taxonomic discrepancies, the reconstruction of phylogenetic trees, and the evolution of red algae. Moreover, the species-specific markers can be used as fast and easy methods to identify a target species.

Regulation of intestinal stem cell proliferation by human methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 in Drosophila.

Recent studies have suggested the involvement of epigenetic factors such as methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MeCP2) in tumorigenesis. In addition, cancer may represent a stem cell-based disease, suggesting that understanding of stem cell regulation could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. However, the function of epigenetic factors in stem cell regulation in adult tissues remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of human MeCP2 (hMeCP2), a bridge factor linked to DNA modification and histone modification, in stem cell proliferation using adult Drosophila midgut, which appears to be an excellent model system to study stem cell biology. Results show that enterocyte (EC)-specific expression of hMeCP2 in adult midgut using an exogenous GAL4/UAS expression system induced intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation marked by staining with anti-phospho-histone H3 antibody and BrdU incorporation assays. In addition, hMeCP2 expression in ECs activated extracellular stress-response kinase signals in ISCs. Furthermore, expression of hMeCP2 modulated the distribution of heterochromatin protein-1 in ECs. Our data suggests the hypothesis that the expression of hMeCP2 in differentiated ECs stimulates ISC proliferation, implying a role of MeCP2 as a stem cell regulator.

A broad-spectrum and highly potent human monoclonal antibody cocktail for rabies prophylaxis.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing disease progression of rabies when used in timely and appropriate manner. The key treatment for PEP is infiltration of rabies immune globulin (RIG) into lesion site after bite exposure, besides wound care and vaccination. Unfortunately, however, RIG is expensive and its supply is limited. Currently, several anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibody (mAb) products are under development as alternatives to RIG, and two recently received regulatory approval in India. In this study, fully human mAbs that recognize different rabies virus glycoprotein conformational antigenic site (II and III) were created from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of heathy vaccinated subjects. These mAbs neutralized a diverse range of lyssavirus types. As at least two anti-rabies virus mAbs are recommended for use in human PEP to ensure broad coverage against diverse lyssaviruses and to minimize possible escape variants, two most potent mAbs, NP-19-9 and 11B6, were selected to be used as cocktail treatment. These two mAbs were broadly reactive to different types of lyssaviruses isolates, and were shown to have no interference with each other. These results suggest that NP-19-9 and 11B6 are potent candidates to be used for PEP, suggesting further studies involving clinical studies in human.

Development and evaluation of oligonucleotide chip based on the 16S-23S rRNA gene spacer region for detection of pathogenic microorganisms associated with sepsis.

Oligonucleotide chips targeting the bacterial internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the 16S-23S rRNA gene, which contains genus- and species-specific regions, were developed and evaluated. Forty-three sequences were designed consisting of 1 universal, 3 Gram stain-specific, 9 genus-specific, and 30 species-specific probes. The specificity of the probes was confirmed using bacterial type strains including 54 of 52 species belonging to 18 genera. The performance of the probes was evaluated using 825 consecutive samples that were positive by blood culture in broth medium. Among the 825 clinical specimens, 708 (85.8%) were identified correctly by the oligonucleotide chip. Most (536 isolates, or 75.7%) were identified as staphylococci, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Thirty-seven isolates (4.5%) did not bind to the corresponding specific probes. Most of these also were staphylococci, E. coli, or K. pneumoniae and accounted for 6.3% of total number of the species. Sixty-two specimens (7.5%) did not bind the genus- or species-specific probes because of lack of corresponding specific probes. Among them, Acinetobacter baumannii was the single most frequent isolate (26/62). The oligonucleotide chip was highly specific and sensitive in detecting the causative agents of bacteremia directly from positive blood cultures.

A micro opioid receptor gene polymorphism (A118G) and naltrexone treatment response in adherent Korean alcohol-dependent patients.

RATIONALE: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between genetic polymorphisms of the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) and response to naltrexone treatment. The Asp40 variant genotype previously shown to be associated with naltrexone treatment response is known to be relatively common among Koreans. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to prospectively investigate the relationship between genotype and response to open-label naltrexone treatment in Korean alcohol-dependent subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three alcohol-dependent subjects were prescribed naltrexone for 12 weeks in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy. Thirty-two subjects were adherent, taking the medication at least 80% of the treatment days [16 Asn40 (A/A) patients and 16 Asp40 variant (A/G or G/G) patients]. RESULTS: Subjects adherent to naltrexone treatment with one or two copies of the Asp40 allele took a significantly longer time than the Asn40 group to relapse (p=0.014). Although not significant, the Asn40 group treated with naltrexone had a 10.6 times greater relapse rate than the Asp40 variant group. There was no significant difference between the Asn40 group and the Asp40 variant group treated with naltrexone in rates of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrating a higher therapeutic effect of naltrexone in Korean alcohol-dependent individuals with the Asp40 variant genotype than the Asn40 genotype are consistent with previous study results in individuals of European descent. This is the first study to examine the pharmacogenetics treatment response to naltrexone in non-European subjects.

Gene cloning, purification, and characterization of a cold-adapted lipase produced by Acinetobacter baumannii BD5.

Acinetobacter baumannii BD5 was isolated from waters of Baek-du mountain, and the lipase gene was cloned using a PCR technique. The deduced amino acid sequence of the lipase and lipase chaperone were found to encode proteins of 325 aa and 344 aa with a molecular mass of 35 kDa and 37 kDa, respectively. The lipase gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (trxB) as an inclusion body, which was subsequently solubilized by urea, and then purified using Ni-affinity chromatography. After being purified, the lipase was refolded by incubation at 4oC in the presence of a 1:10 molar ratio of lipase:chaperone. The maximal activity of the refolded lipase was observed at a temperature of 35 degrees and pH 8.3 when p-NP caprate (C10) was used as a substrate; however, 28% of the activity observed at 35 degrees was still remaining at 0 degrees . The stability of the purified enzyme at low temperatures indicates that it is a cold-adapted enzyme. The refolded lipase was activated by Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+, whereas Zn2+ and Cu2+ inhibited it. Additionally, 0.1% Tween 20 increased the lipase activity by 33%, but SDS and Triton X-100 inhibited the lipase activity by 40% and 70%, respectively.

BCAR3 regulates EGF-induced DNA synthesis in normal human breast MCF-12A cells.

BCAR3 (breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 3) is a signal transducer containing an SH2 domain, a proline/serine-rich domain and a GDP-exchange factor homologous domain, whose role in signaling pathways is currently unclear. Furthermore, BCAR3 is implicated in anti-estrogen resistance of breast cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of BCAR3 in a mitogenic signaling pathway of EGF in non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial MCF-12A cells. Microinjection of an anti-BCAR3 antibody, siRNAs targeting BCAR3 and an SH2 domain of BCAR3 inhibited EGF-induced DNA synthesis. Direct association of BCAR3 with activated EGF receptor and Cas was observed. Lastly, microinjection of a BCAR3 expression plasmid induced DNA synthesis. These findings suggest that the BCAR3 protein, through its SH2 domain, is involved in the signaling pathways of EGF leading to cell cycle progression, and that BCAR3 itself is part of a mitogenic signaling pathway.

Effects of 4-Week Intervention with Ulmus macrocarpa Hance Extract on Immune Function Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ulmus macrocarpa extract has been shown to have immune-related effects in animals, but no studies have yet been performed in humans. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of short-term administration of Ulmus macrocarpa Hance extract (UME) on immune function biomarkers and its safety in human subjects. Fifty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to a UME group or a placebo group. Subjects in the UME group were given 500 mg per day of UME orally for 4 weeks. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of tumor necrotic factor-α increased only in the UME group at 1 week (P = 0.027). The MFI of interleukin-2 decreased less significantly in the UME group than in the placebo group at 1 week (P = 0.028). However, unfortunately, at 4 weeks, no intergroup differences were detected in MFIs of cytokine. In conclusion, administration of UME for 1 week increased serum TNF-α and sustains IL-2 in human, which suggests that UME increases Th1-related immune function in the short term in healthy people. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the results of this first-stage study and further trials are required to decide on optimal dosage and duration of administration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02414412.

Effect of Squat Exercises on Lung Function in Elderly Women with Sarcopenia.

We explored whether a mechanically-assisted squat exercise improved muscle mass, muscle function, and pulmonary function in elderly women with or without sarcopenia. In total, 76 community-dwelling elderly subjects (>60 years of age) were screened. We ultimately included 30 subjects who completed more than 80% of the six-week course of mechanically-assisted squat exercises (three days per week, 30 min per day). We measured body composition, lung function, knee extensor strength, hand grip strength, and the 3-min walk distance (3MWD) before and after the exercise program. Subjects with sarcopenia had poor hand grip strength and knee extensor strength, and a slow walking speed. Their lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), was lower than those of the controls. After six weeks of squat exercises, the hand grip strength, knee extensor strength, and 3MWD increased significantly in both groups. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass and leg lean mass were increased in subjects without sarcopenia. The FVC (L) increased significantly only in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.019). The mechanically-assisted squat exercise program increased muscle function and lung function, including FVC, in patients with sarcopenia. Muscle mass increased in subjects without sarcopenia.

CG400462, a new bacterial enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) inhibitor.

CG400462, a novel FabI inhibitor, has a potent antibacterial activity against staphylococci. The minimal inhibitory concentration at which 90% of bacterial strains tested were inhibited (MIC(90)) of CG400462 was 0.5 microg/mL against 238 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and 1.0 microg/mL against 51 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci, irrespective of whether the strains were methicillin-susceptible or -resistant. CG400462 was also effective by subcutaneous administration against systemic infections in mice. In time-kill studies, CG400462 at concentrations of 1x, 2x and 4x MIC had a bacteriostatic activity over 24h. Genetic approaches have confirmed that the mode of action of CG400462 is via inhibition of FabI, which is involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids in bacteria. Study of the resistance mechanism of S. aureus showed that CG400462-resistant mutants had an alteration in FabI of Met99-->Thr or Tyr147-->His.