3D models of glioblastoma interaction with cortical cells.

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) invasiveness and ability to infiltrate deep into the brain tissue is a major reason for the poor patient prognosis for this type of brain cancer. Behavior of glioblastoma cells, including their motility, and expression of invasion-promoting genes such as matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP2), are strongly influenced by normal cells found in the brain parenchyma. Cells such as neurons may also be influenced by the tumor, as many glioblastoma patients develop epilepsy. In vitro models of glioblastoma invasiveness are used to supplement animal models in a search for better treatments, and need to combine capability for high-throughput experiments with capturing bidirectional interactions between GBM and brain cells. Methods: In this work, two 3D in vitro models of GBM-cortical interactions were investigated. A matrix-free model was created by co-culturing GBM and cortical spheroids, and a matrix-based model was created by embedding cortical cells and a GBM spheroid in Matrigel. Results: Rapid GBM invasion occurred in the matrix-based model, and was enhanced by the presence of cortical cells. Little invasion occurred in the matrix-free model. In both types of models, presence of GBM cells resulted in a significant increase in paroxysmal neuronal activity. Discussion: Matrix-based model may be better suited for studying GBM invasion in an environment that includes cortical cells, while matrix-free model may be useful in investigation of tumor-associated epilepsy.

HMGB1/PTEN/PI3K axis participates in the peripheral immune cell differentiation in two representative TCM syndromes of chronic hepatitis B patients.

Liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome (LDSDS) and spleen-gastric damp-heat syndrome (SGDHS) are two major traditional Chinese medicine syndromes observed in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Both syndromes exhibit significant differences in the pathogenesis and prognosis, and are closely related to the immune system. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the immunoregulatory mechanisms of the two syndromes and promote the differentiation precision between the two syndromes. Thirty-six patients with CHB (18 LDSDS patients and 18 SGDHS patients) and 14 healthy controls were recruited into this study and blood was collected from all the subjects for testing. We studied the contents of T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and the expression levels of HMGB1/PTEN/PI3K axis proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks among HMGB1/PTEN/PI3K axis were constructed for functional enrichment. The correlations between T lymphocytes and proteins were analyzed by constructing multiple regression equations. The results revealed that the CD8+ T cells level in the two syndromes were lower than that in healthy controls, and the levels of Th17, Treg cells, and HMGB1, PI3K, PDK1, Akt were higher than those of the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of CD4+ T, Th17 cells, and HMGB1, PTEN, PI3K in LDSDS were higher than SGDHS (p < 0.05). PPI network indicated that HMGB1/PTEN/PI3K axis participated in T cell activation and liver pathology. Our results revealed that HMGB1/PTEN/PI3K axis may play an important role in regulating the formation of peripheral immune differences between the two syndromes. CD4+ T and Th17 are two representative immune cells that may serve as potential biological markers for LDSDS and SGDHS in CHB.

Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking adc1 gene produces higher polyhydroxybutyrate accumulation under modified nutrients of acetate supplementation and nitrogen-phosphorus starvation.

Increased polyhydroxybutyrate production in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking adc1 gene (Δadc1) is first-timely reported in this study. We constructed the mutant by disrupting adc1 gene encoding arginine decarboxylase, thereby exhibiting a partial blockade of polyamine synthesis. This Δadc1 mutant had a proliferative growth and certain contents of intracellular pigments including chlorophyll a and carotenoids as similar as those of wild type (WT). Highest PHB production was certainly induced by BG11-N-P+A condition in both WT and Δadc1 mutant of about 24.9 %w/DCW at day 9 and 36.1 %w/DCW at day 7 of adaptation time, respectively. Abundant PHB granules were also visualized under both BG11-N-P and BG11-N-P+A conditions. All pha transcript amounts of Δadc1 mutant grown at 7 days-adaptation time were clearly upregulated corresponding to its PHB content under BG11-N-P+A condition. Our finding indicated that this adc1 perturbation is alternatively achieved for PHB production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

A comprehensive multi-directional exploration of phytochemicals and bioactivities of flower extracts from Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L.

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L. are three ornamental plants that produce colorful flowers. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals and bioactivities of methanolic extracts of flowers from Delonix regia (DrFME), Cassia fistula (CfFME), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (LsFME). The presence of ten different chemical classes in varying degrees was confirmed while qualitatively screened. During quantitative determination, LsFME possesses the highest amount of total phenolic (418.0 mg/g), flavonoid (50.8 mg/g), and tannin (256.3 mg/g) contents. The extracts showed excellent antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner with the lowest IC50 value (41.51 µg/mL) displayed by LsFME. LsFME paralyzed the experimental worms at 2.95 min and killed at 3.96 min. DrFME was found to be more effective in thrombolytic (35.5% clot lysis) and anticoagulant activities. Negligible hemolytic activity (IC50 > 200 µg/mL) found for all extracts which suggest their less potential toxicity. The in vivo experiments revealed that the CfFME has the highest analgesic (64.34% pain inhibition) activity while LsFME has the highest antidiarrheal (70.27% inhibition) and antihyperglycemic (46.94% inhibition) activities at 400 mg/kg of body weight doses. This study has shown the presence of phytochemicals and potential bioactivities which indicates the possibility of these flowers to be used as a source of phytochemicals as well as safe and effective natural medicine.

A Comparative Study on Processed Panax ginseng Products Using HR-MAS NMR-Based Metabolomics.

Panax ginseng is processed to diversify efficacy. Four processed ginsengs containing white ginseng (WG), tae-geuk ginseng (TG), red ginseng (RG), and black ginseng (BG) were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for screening overall primary metabolites. There were significant differences in the sugar content among these four processed ginseng products. WG had a high sucrose content, TG had a high maltose content, and BG had high fructose and glucose content. In the multivariate analyses of NMR spectra, the PCA score plot showed significant discrimination between the four processed ginsengs. For effective clustering, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analyses (OPLS-DA) with a 1:1 comparison were conducted and all OPLS models were validated using the permutation test, the root mean square error of estimation (RMSEE), and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). All OPLS-DA score plots showed clear separations of processed ginseng products, and sugars such as sucrose and fructose mainly contributed to these separations.

Effectiveness of therapeutic standard concentration barium enema for colonic diverticular bleeding: Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic barium enema as a treatment for colonic diverticulum bleeding, by using a standard concentration as a diagnostic examination. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 68 cases of the patients admitted to our hospital with colonic diverticular bleeding between October 2012 and September 2017. We evaluated the following items: (1) the presence/absence of a previous history of diverticular bleeding, (2) the use of medications (anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiplatelet drugs), (3) the location of bleeding, (4) the presence/absence of previous treatment and the result, (5) the time between bleeding and the beginning of the barium enema, (6) procedural success, (7) the clinical success of the initial hemostasis, (8) the clinical success of preventing recurrence, and (9) complications such as perforation and diverticulitis associated with this procedure. RESULTS: Four patients (three men and one woman; age range 60-85 years; median age 76 years) who underwent therapeutic barium enema with a concentration equivalent for diagnostic purpose (78 w/v%) were included. The follow-up period ranged from 11 to 12 months (median 12 months). All three patients who received a barium enema for initial hemostasis were successfully treated. All four patients remained free from recurrence during the follow-up period. There was no complication due to barium in this series. CONCLUSION: Although we had no statistical evidence, a therapeutic barium enema with a standard concentration as a diagnostic examination may be effective for both the initial hemostasis and preventing the recurrence of colonic diverticular bleeding without complications.

Pre-competition physical, physiological and psychosocial states of taekwondo athletes / Estado físico, fisiológico e psicossocial de atletas do tae kwon do na pré-competição

ABSTRACT Combined analysis of pre-competition physical, physiological and psychosocial features in taekwondo has not been performed. Therefore, this study examined the pre-competition physical, physiological and psychosocial states of taekwondo athletes participating in the Brazilian Taekwondo Championship. In a pre-experimental study, five athletes of the men's Paraíba taekwondo team (26±8 years old; 1.76±0.04 m) underwent anthropometric assessments, measurement of markers of muscle damage, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and evaluation of mood and recovery-stress states and of explosive power of lower limbs at two time points: 30 (pre) and 2 (post) days before the Brazilian Championship. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test (95% confidence). The percent difference (Δ) between time points and Cohen's effect size (d) were calculated. Percent effects were observed on muscle damage (Δ= −25.7% in CK, d= 1.1) and antioxidant activity (Δ= 22.7% in MDA, d = 2.56). Conflicts/Pressure and Depression states increased by 40% (d= 1.11) and 100% (d= 1.30), respectively, while lower limb explosive power increased by 9.05% (d= 4.24). We conclude that athletes exhibited increased Conflict/Pressure and Depression states, but improved the explosive power of lower limbs and maintained the physiological state expected for competition.

RESUMO Os aspectos físico, fisiológico e psicossocial no tae kwon do em um período pré-competitivo ainda não foram investigados concomitantemente. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os estados físico, fisiológico e psicossocial de atletas de tae kwon do em período pré-competitivo para o campeonato brasileiro. Em um estudo pré-experimental, cinco atletas da seleção masculina de tae kwon do da Paraíba (26±8 anos; 1,76±0,04m) foram submetidos a avaliações antropométricas, dosagens de marcadores de dano muscular, inflamação sistêmica e estresse oxidativo, estados de humor, estresse e recuperação e potência de membros inferiores em dois momentos: 30 (pré) e dois (pós) dias antes do campeonato brasileiro. A análise dos dados foi efetuada pelo teste de Wilcoxon (95% de confiança), cálculo da diferença percentual (Δ) entre os momentos e tamanho do efeito de Cohen (d). Foram verificados efeitos percentuais no dano muscular (Δ= −25,7% na CK; d= 1,10) e atividade oxidativa (Δ= +22,7% na MDA; d= 2,56). Os estados de Conflitos/Pressão e Depressão aumentaram 40% (d= 1,11) e 100% (d= 1,30), respectivamente, e a potência de membros inferiores aumentou 9,05% (d= 4,24). Conclui-se que os atletas aumentaram o estresse psicossocial, no entanto melhoraram a força explosiva de membros inferiores e mantiveram o estado fisiológico esperado para competição.

Nutritional Routine of Tae Kwon Do Athletes Prior to Competition: What Is the Impact of Weight Control Practices?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate and assess the common dietary and weight management strategies of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) athletes prior to national competitions, as well as to examine the relationships between these strategies and body weight reduction and sensation of physical condition. METHODS: Sixty (n = 60) TKD athletes, 23 women (19.4 ± 2.9 years) and 37 men (20.4 ± 3.6 years), with at least 12.1 ± 3.1 years of experience, participated in the present study. The athletes recorded their dietary intake and physical activity for 3 training days and on a competition day. Bioelectrical impedance was used for body composition estimation. RESULTS: Male athletes consumed 1918 ± 685 kcal/24 hours and 1974 ± 669 kcal/24 hours on training and competition days, respectively, and women 1814 ± 446 kcal/24 hours and 1700 ± 439 kcal/24 hours. TKD athletes had significant negative energy balance (48.6% ± 17.8% to 60.3% ± 26.9%; p < 0.05), with the majority of macro- and micronutritional elements being lower than the recommended values, with significant differences between them, as well as within groups, between weekdays and weekend days (p < 0.05). Females lost most of their weight 2 weeks before the games (3.50 ± 1.00 kg), and males lost most of their weight 3 weeks before (3.16 ± 2.48 kg). The majority of TKD athletes were guided by their coaches for weight management strategies. No significant correlations were found between any body composition variable, weight loss, and any nutritional intake at any time point (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the methods of TKD athletes for rapid weight loss are guided by unspecialized professionals, leading to significant malnutrition, because certain deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrient content are present, with no guaranteed specific reduction of their body mass.

Personalized acupuncture treatment with Sasang typology.

The Sasang typology, traditional Korean personalized medicine, divides people into four Sasang types and suggests type-specific medical herbs and acupuncture for more safe and effective treatment. The main idea of Sasang typology seems relatively simple; however, the Sasang type diagnosis and type-specific treatment in clinical situation has been difficult for the clinicians and researchers. This study provided clinical procedures of type-specific Tae-Geuk Acupuncture (TGA) therapy along with basic understandings on Sasang typology and clinical indices for Sasang type differentiation. The TGA therapy would be useful for psychosomatic complaints and chronic pains by restoring the balance of Yin-Yang. The clinical application of TGA, its related biological mechanisms, and implications for further prospective clinical study were discussed.

Development of 4-hexadecyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanedithiol (HDD) kit for the preparation of the liver cancer therapeutic agent Re-188-HDD/lipiodol.

INTRODUCTION: A lipiodol solution of (188)Re-4-hexadecyl-2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanedithiol (HTDD) has been successfully developed for liver cancer therapy; however, its preparation requires a multi-step synthesis and it is characterized by a low labeling yield. METHODS: We synthesized a new compound, 4-hexadecyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanedithioacetate (AHDD), without gem dimethyl groups to address these issues. AHDD was formulated into a kit and was labeled with (188)Re. Biodistribution study was performed using normal BALB/c mice. RESULTS: The kit was labeled with (188)Re with a high efficiency (98.8±0.2%). After extraction with lipiodol, the overall yield of (188)Re-HDD/lipiodol was as high as 90.2±2.6%. A comparative biodistribution study of (188)Re-HTDD and (188)Re-HDD was performed in normal mice after intravenous injection. The lungs were identified as the main uptake site due to capillary-blockage. (188)Re-HDD/lipiodol showed a significantly higher lung uptake than that of (188)Re-HTDD/lipiodol (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The newly synthesized (188)Re-HDD/lipiodol showed improved radiolabeling yield and biodistribution results compared to (188)Re-HTDD/lipiodol, and may therefore be more suitable for liver cancer therapy.

Perda de peso rápida em jovens competidores de Taekwondo / Rapid weight loss in Taekwondo young competitors

Objetivos: Verificar a frequência, as características e os métodos usados para a perda rápida de peso por lutadores de Taekwondo do estado do Rio Grande do Sul.Métodos: Um estudo transversal recrutou atletas que preencheram os seguintes critérios de inclusão: a) ser lutador de Taekwondo, b) graduado em faixa preta e c) competidor no evento em que ocorreu a coleta dos dados. A coleta dos dados foi realizada durante a primeira etapa do Circuito Costa Doce – Seletiva para Seleção Gaúcha, em 2013. Os dados foram coletados com questionário validado sobre perda de peso em lutadores, composto por três seções, preenchido antes da pesagem.Resultados: Dos 23 voluntários, 21 (91,3%) relataram perder peso para competir. A maioria perdeu entre 1 e 3 kg no período anterior à competição, durante três a quatro dias, até duas vezes por ano, através dos seguintes métodos: aumento de atividade física, omissão de refeições e restrição da ingestão hídrica. A maioria dos homens perdeu de 1 a 2 kg e as mulheres entre 1 e 2,5 kg. Os homens recuperaram até 2 kg após a pesagem, enquanto as mulheres chegaram a recuperar até 7 kg. O mestre foi a pessoa que mais os influenciou.Conclusões: Observou-se alta freqência da rápida redução de peso em atletas de Taekwondo. O profissional citado como maior influente na perda de peso foi o mestre. Os métodos mais utilizados foram o aumento de atividade física, diminuição na ingestão de alimentos e restrição hídrica...

AIMS: To assess frequency, characteristics and methods used for rapid weight loss by Taekwondo fighters in the state of Rio Grande do SulMETHODS: A cross-sectional study recruited athletes who met the following inclusion criteria: a) to be a Taekwondo fighter, b) to have a black belt degree c) being competitor in the event in which data collection occurred. Data collection took place during the first stage of the Costa Doce Circuit - Selective to State Team in 2013. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire on weight loss in wrestlers, consisting of three sections, completed before weighing.RESULTS: Of the 23 volunteers, 21 (91.3%) reported losing weight to compete. Most lost between 1 and 3 kg in the pre-competition period for three to four days, up to twice a year, by the following methods: increasing physical activity, skipping meals and restriction of fluid intake. Most men lost 1-2 kg and women between 1 and 2.5 kg. Men recovered until 2 kg after weighing, while the women came to recover up to 7 kg. The master was the person who most influenced them.CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high frequency of fast weight reduction in Taekwondo athletes. Professional cited as most influential in weight loss was the Master. The methods used were increased physical activity, decreased intake of food and fluid restriction...

Treatment algorithms for managing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Early diagnosis and aggressive therapy improves outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several potentially curative as well as palliative treatment options are available for patients. The choice of therapy is influenced by factors such as extent of tumor and severity of underlying liver dysfunction as well as availability of resources and of expertise. A systematic, algorithmic approach would ensure optimal therapy for each patient and is likely to improve outcomes. Even after receiving therapy for HCC, patients remain at risk for recurrent HCC as well as progression of underlying cirrhosis. Proper assessment and monitoring is needed for the underlying liver disease, which may progress to liver failure and have a major impact on long-term survival. Comprehensive care for patients with cirrhosis includes interventions such as antiviral therapy for HBV and HCV, abstention from alcohol, management of fatty liver disease, endoscopic surveillance and treatment for complications of portal hypertension and, if indicated, immunization against HAV and HBV. An algorithmic approach is useful for choosing the most appropriate treatment option for the individual patient from among the various options that are available. The general consensus is that the BCLC system should be preferred for staging HCC as it is useful in predicting outcomes and planning treatment. The BCLC system classifies patients with HCC into five categories: very early, early, intermediate, advanced, and terminal. It incorporates data on tumor status (number and size of nodules, vascular invasion, extra-hepatic spread), liver function (CTP status, presence of portal hypertension) and overall health status (constitutional symptoms, cancer symptoms, performance status). Treatment allocation according to sub-class of patients is a merit of the BCLC system; a few limitations have been noted, particularly with respect to patients with BCLC stage B and C disease. The treatment algorithm as per BCLC system is summarized in this review.

Genotoxic, antigenotoxic and phytochemical assessment of Terminalia actinophylla ethanolic extract.

Terminalia actinophylla has been used for anti-diarrheic and haemostatic purposes in Brazil. The fly spot data obtained after exposure of marker-heterozygous Drosophila melanogaster larvae to T. actinophylla ethanolic extract (TAE) in the standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses revealed that TAE did not induce any statistically significant increment in any spot categories. Differences between the two crosses are related to cytochrome P450 (CYPs) levels. In this sense, our data pointed out the absence of TAE-direct and indirect mutagenic and recombinagenic action in the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART). When the anti-genotoxicity of TAE was analyzed, neither mitomycin C (MMC) nor ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) genotoxicity was modified by the post-exposure to TAE, which suggests that TAE has no effect on the mechanisms involved in the processing of the lesions induced by both genotoxins. In the mwh/flr(3) genotype, co-treatment with TAE may lead to a significant protection against the genotoxicity of MMC and a weak but significant effect in the toxic genetic action of EMS. The overall findings suggested that the favorable modulations by TAE could be, at least in part, due to its antioxidative potential.

Lumbar Disc Herniation in Tae Kwon Do Athletic Child

Lumbar disc herniation is extremely uncommon in children below 10 years of age. A 7-year-old boy is reported who presented with low back pain and left leg radiating pain. The pain started seven days prior to presentation and was attributed to performing the jumping kick without any previous warm-up. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterolateral disc herniation at the L3-4 level and multiple degenerative changes. The patient received conservative treatment including limitation of sports activities, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications as well as physical therapy. After three months of the aggressive treatment the child was symptom free. We present here a lumbar disc herniation in one of the youngest patient.

Interrelationship between the Fingerprint and Sasang Constitutional Types / 체질인류학회지

In oriental medicine, classification of the Sasang constitutional types (Tae-Yang, Tae-Eum, So-Yang, and So-Eum) is important for the treatment. To classify the Sasang constitutional types, the old methods such as pulse palpation are not objective; the recent methods such as immunohematology are expensive, painful, and time consuming. To overcome this problem, a body measurement, one of the anthropological methods, has been developed. The purpose of this study was to define whether the fingerprint, other one of the anthropological methods, is helpful to classify the Sasang constitutional types. Thus, we looked for the interrelationship between the fingerprint and Sasang constitutional types. Before analyzing the fingerprint, two kinds of questionnaires for classifying the Sasang constitutional types were surveyed on 760 Koreans (465 males, 295 females). As there was no Tae-Yang individual, we only could find the fingerprint characteristics of Tae-Eum(288 persons), So-Yang (193 persons), and So-Eum(279 persons) individuals. In the fingerprints of Tae-Eum individual, the arch types were more frequent, and the loop types were less frequent. These characteristics were prominent in female, right, second, and fifth fingers. In those of So-Yang individual, the arch types were less frequent, and the whorl types were more frequent. These characteristics were prominent in male, female, left, first, second, third, and fifth fingers. In those of So-Yang individual, fingerprint ridge count was greater in fourth finger. In those of So-Eum individual, loop types were more frequent, and whorl types were less frequent. These characteristics were prominent in male, right, left, first, third, and fifth fingers. In those of So-Eum individual, fingerprint ridge count was lesser. These characteristics were prominent in male, fourth, and fifth fingers. The fingerprint seems to be helpful to classify the Sasang constitutional types.