Cytoprotective effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field against oxidative stress in glioblastoma cells.

The low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) may have possible cytoprotective effects against the destructive effects of oxidative stress. The goal was to investigate if shortterm low-frequency PEMF has cytoprotective effects in glioblastoma cell line following high-dose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. U87-MG cells were divided into four groups: Sham-control group; PEMF group (cells exposed to PEMF); H2O2 group (cells treated with H2O2 at time intervals 30 min and 48 h, respectively); H2O2+PEMF group (cells exposed to PEMF after H2O2 treatment at time intervals 30 min and 48 h, respectively). The cell viability, levels of reactive oxygen species, glutathione peroxidase activity, and the amount of glutathione were measured. The cytoprotective effect of PEMF against deleterious effects of oxidative stress triggered by different time interval of H2O2 treatment might be mediated by the increase in the cell viability, the elevation in the antioxidant enzyme activity/amount, and the decrease in the reactive oxygen species level. In addition, the cytoprotective effect of PEMF varies depending on different time intervals of H2O2 treatment. In the light of these findings, further in vivo and/or in vitro studies on neurophysiological effects of PEMFs and their underlying molecular mechanisms are needed to elucidate neurotoxic or neuroprotective role against antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Development of Highly Efficient Resistance to Beet Curly Top Iran Virus (Becurtovirus) in Sugar Beet (B. vulgaris) via CRISPR/Cas9 System.

Beet Curly Top Iran Virus (BCTIV, Becurtovirus) is a dominant and widespread pathogen responsible for great damage and yield reduction in sugar beet production in the Mediterranean and Middle East. CRISPR-based gene editing is a versatile tool that has been successfully used in plants to improve resistance against many viral pathogens. In this study, the efficiency of gRNA/Cas9 constructs targeting the expressed genes of BCTIV was assessed in sugar beet leaves by their transient expression. Almost all positive control sugar beets revealed systemic infection and severe disease symptoms (90%), with a great biomass reduction (68%) after BCTIV agroinoculation. On the other hand, sugar beets co-agronioculated with BCTIV and gRNA/Cas9 indicated much lower systemic infection (10-55%), disease symptoms and biomass reduction (13-45%). Viral inactivation was also verified by RCA and qPCR assays for gRNA/Cas9 treated sugar beets. PCR-RE digestion and sequencing assays confirmed the gRNA/Cas9-mediated INDEL mutations at the target sites of the BCTIV genome and represented high efficiencies (53-88%), especially for those targeting BCTIV's movement gene and its overlapping region between capsid and ssDNA regulator genes. A multiplex CRISPR approach was also tested. The most effective four gRNAs targeting all the genes of BCTIV were cloned into a Cas9-containing vector and agroinoculated into virus-infected sugar beet leaves. The results of this multiplex CRISPR system revealed almost complete viral resistance with inhibition of systemic infection and mutant escape. This is the first report of CRSIPR-mediated broad-spectrum resistance against Becurtovirus in sugar beet.

The Role of Acetylcholine on the Effects of Different Doses of Sulfite in Learning and Memory.

In this study, the effects of different doses of sulfite on learning, memory, and long term potentiation as well as the relationship of these effects with acetylcholine pathways, Arc and synapsin 1 levels were investigated. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as control, S100, and S260. Sodiummetabisulfite (S100;100 mg/kg/day, S260;260 mg/kg/day) was given by oral administration. Behavioral changes were evaluated. After long term potentiation recordings from the perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses, animals were sacrificed. Acetylcholinesterase activity, choline acetyltransferase activity, acetylcholine level as well as Arc and Synapsin 1 expressions were analyzed on the hippocampi. The total distance and average velocity values in the open field and Morris water maze tests increased in the sulfite groups, while the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test decreased compared to controls. Acetylcholine levels and choline acetyltransferase activity were also increased in the sulfite groups, while acetylcholinesterase activity was decreased compared to controls. Sulfite intake attenuated long term potentiation in the hippocampus. It has been observed that the excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude of the field potentials obtained in sulfite groups decreased. This impairment was accompanied by a decrease in Arc and synapsin 1 expressions. In conclusion, it has been shown that sulfite intake in adults impairs learning and memory, possibly mediated by the cholinergic pathway. It is considered that the decrement in Arc and synapsin expressions may play a role in the mechanism underlying the impairment in long term potentiation caused by toxicity.

Possible effects of different doses of 2.1 GHz electromagnetic radiation on learning, and hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers in Wistar rats.

The present study evaluated whether short-term exposure to different doses of 2.1 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) has different effects on rats' behaviour and hippocampal levels of central cholinergic biomarkers. Animals were divided into three equal groups namely; group 1 was sham-exposed group, group 2-3 were exposed to 45 V/m and 65 V/m doses of 2.1 GHz frequency for 1 week respectively. Numerical dosimetry simulations were carried out. Object location and Y-maze were used as behavioural tasks. The protein and mRNA expression levels of AChE, ChAT, and VAChT, in the hippocampus were tested using Western Blotting and Real-Time PCR. The impairment performance of rats subjected to 65 V/m dose of 2.1 GHz RF-EMR in both object location and Y-maze tasks was observed. The hippocampal levels of AChE, ChAT, and VAChT, were significantly lower in rats exposed to 65 V/m dose of 2.1 GHz RF-EMR than others. The stronger effect of "65 V/m" dose on both rat's hippocampal-dependent behavioural performances and hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers may be due to the stronger effect of "65 V/m" dose where rats' snouts were located at the nearest distance from the monopole antenna. Furthermore, the simulated SAR values were high for 65 V/m electric-field strengths. For the first time, we report the potential dose-dependent effects of short-term exposure to 2.1 GHz radiation on rat's behavioural performances as well as hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms by which RF-EMR influences the function of the central cholinergic system in the brain.

What Range of Motion is Achieved 5 Years After External Rotationplasty of the Shoulder in Infants with an Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury?

BACKGROUND: Obstetric brachial plexus injuries result from traction injuries during delivery, and 30% of these children have persisting functional limitations related to an external rotation deficit of the shoulder. Little is known about the long-term effect of soft-tissue procedures of the shoulder in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injuries. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) After soft-tissue release for patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and age younger than 2 years and for patients older than 2 years with good external rotation strength, what are the improvements in passive external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? (2) For patients who underwent staged tendon transfer after soft-tissue release, what are the improvements in active external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? (3) For patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and no active external rotation, what are the improvements in active external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a longitudinally maintained institutional database. Between 1996 and 2009, 149 children underwent a soft-tissue procedure of the shoulder for an internal rotation contracture. The inclusion criteria were treatment with an internal contracture release and/or tendon transfer, a maximum age of 18 years at the time of surgery, and a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Six patients were older than 18 years at the time of surgery and 31 children were seen at our clinic until 1 year postoperatively, but because they had good clinical results and lived far away from our center, these children were discharged to physical therapists in their hometown for annual follow-up. Thus, 112 children (59 boys) were available for analysis. Patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and age younger than 2 years and patients older than 2 years with good external rotation strength received soft-tissue release only (n = 37). Of these patients, 17 children did not have adequate active external rotation, and second-stage tendon transfer surgery was performed. For patients with passive external rotation less than 20° with no active external rotation, single-stage contracture release with tendon transfer was performed (n = 68). When no contracture was present (greater than 20° of external rotation) but the patient had an active deficit (n = 7), tendon transfer alone was performed; this group was not analyzed. A functional assessment of the shoulder was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, and annually thereafter and included abduction, external rotation in adduction and abduction, and the Mallet scale. RESULTS: Internal contracture release resulted in an improvement in passive external rotation in adduction and abduction of 29° (95% confidence interval, 21 to 38; p < 0.001) and 17° (95% CI, 10 to 24; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 25° (95% CI, 15-35; p < 0.001) and 15° (95% CI, 7 to 24; p = 0.001) at 5 years. Because of insufficient strength of the external rotators after release, 46% of the children (17 of 37) underwent an additional tendon transfer for active external rotation, resulting in an improvement in active external rotation in adduction and abduction at each successive follow-up visit. Patients with staged transfers had improved active function; improvements in active external rotation in adduction and abduction were 49° (95% CI, 28 to 69; p < 0.05) and 45° (95% CI, 11 to 79; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 38° (95% CI, 19 to 58; p < 0.05) and 23° (95% CI, -8 to 55; p < 0.001) at 5 years. In patients starting with less than 20° of passive external rotation and no active external rotation, after single-stage contracture release and tendon transfer, active ROM was improved. Active external rotation in adduction and abduction were 75° (95% CI, 66 to 84; p < 0.001) and 50° (95% CI, 43 to 57; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 65° (95% CI, 50 to 79; p < 0.001) and 40° (95% CI, 28 to 52; p < 0.001) at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Young children with obstetric brachial plexus injuries who have internal rotation contractures may benefit from soft-tissue release. When active external rotation is lacking, soft-tissue release combined with tendon transfer improved active external rotation in this small series. Future studies on the degree of glenohumeral deformities and functional outcome might give more insight into the level of increase in external rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Comparison of spatial learning in the partially baited radial-arm maze task between commonly used rat strains: Wistar, Spargue-Dawley, Long-Evans, and outcrossed Wistar/Sprague-Dawley.

Strain-related differences in animals' cognitive ability affect the outcomes of experiments and may be responsible for discrepant results obtained by different research groups. Therefore, behavioral phenotyping of laboratory animals belonging to different strains is important. The aim of the present study was to compare the variation in allothetic visuospatial learning in most commonly used laboratory rat strains: inbred Wistar (W) and Sprague-Dawley (SD), outcrossed Wistar/Sprague-Dawley (W/SD), and outbred Long Evans (LE) rats. All rats were trained to the arbitrary performance criterion of 83 % correct responses in the partially baited 12-arm radial maze allowing for simultaneous evaluation of both working and reference memory. In the present study, testing albino versus pigmented and inbred versus outcrossed rats revealed significant strain-dependent differences with the inbred SD rats manifesting lower performance on all learning measures compared to other strains. On the other hand, the outcrossed W/SD rats showed a lower frequency of reference memory errors and faster rate of task acquisition compared to both LE and W rats, with W rats showing a lower frequency of working memory errors compared to other strains. In conclusion, albinism apparently did not reduce the animals' performance in the allothetic visuospatial learning task, while outcrossing improved the spatial learning. A differential effect of strain on the contribution of each error type to the animals' overall performance was observed. The strain-dependent differences were more pronounced between subpopulations of learning-deficient individuals ("poor" learners), and generally the reference memory errors contributed more to the final behavioral output than did the working memory errors.

Concepts of functioning and health important to children with an obstetric brachial plexus injury: a qualitative study using focus groups.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to explore and understand the perspectives of children with an obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) regarding functioning and health, and to create an overview of problems and difficulties that patients encounter in daily life. METHOD: We conducted a focus group study with 48 children (25 male, 23 female), aged 8 to 18 years, with an OBPI. Eleven open-ended questions regarding problems or difficulties in daily life were asked in group sessions with 4 to 7 children within the same age range. These group sessions were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All problems and difficulties mentioned in each focus group were linked to corresponding categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Children & Youth Version (ICF-CY). RESULTS: Eight focus groups were conducted. A total of 143 unique ICF-CY categories were identified. Of these categories, 61 (43%) were related to the ICF-CY component 'activities and participation', 31 (22%) were related to 'body functions', 29 (20%) were related to 'environmental factors', and 22 (15%) were related to 'body structures'. INTERPRETATION: This study shows that children with OBPI experience difficulties in all areas of functioning, as well as in both environmental and personal factors.

Differences in the perspectives of functioning and health in the ICF model between patients with brachial plexus birth injury and their parents versus healthcare professionals.

PURPOSE: To explore and compare the perspectives of patients and their parents (PPs) with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) with those of health care professionals (HCPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a study using a questionnaire among PPs and HCPs. Importance of different outcome categories was scored on a Likert scale. Items were linked to corresponding categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Data were collected from 184 patients and 65 HCPs. We found a difference in 7/14 outcome categories between joint PP groups and HCPs. Parents scored outcome evaluation categories as more important than patients, categories filled out together by patient and parent scored in between (p < 0.05). The majority of PPs and HCPs rated outcome assessment as important in more domains than "Body functions" and "Body structures". The biggest difference was found in the importance of evaluation of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome assessment in the domains "Activities and participation" and "Environmental factors" was rated as important by both PPs and HCPs. Evaluation of pain was more often scored as important by PPs. Different domains seem to be underestimated by HCPs and need more attention during consultation. Implications for rehabilitationThe importance of outcome evaluation concerning "Pain", "Interaction with peers", and "Interaction with medical and paramedical specialists" should be taken into account in the rehabilitation for this specific group of patients and their parents (PPs).Comparison of perspectives on functioning between brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) PPs and health care professionals.Outcome assessment in domains "Activities and participation" and "Environmental factors" is important.Health care professionals undervalue the importance of pain evaluation in BPBI as compared with PPs.

Genome-based identification of beet curly top Iran virus infecting sugar beet in Turkey and investigation of its pathogenicity by agroinfection.

Beet curly top disease (BCTD) is a yield-limiting viral infection of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) throughout the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Two virus species, belonging to two different genera of the family Geminiviridae (Curtovirus and Becurtovirus) had been described as the disease's causative agents on sugar beet. Despite the detection of the BCTD in some sugar beet fields of Turkey sixty years ago, the genome based characterization of BCTD-associated viruses have not been studied previously. In this study, 628 sugar beet plants exhibiting BCTD symptoms were collected from fourteen cities in central Anatolia, the major sugar beet production areas in Turkey. PCR assays of these samples using the respective Curtovirus and Becurtovirus genus-specific primers indicated that the Turkish sugar beet samples' viral sequences belong only to the genus Becurtovirus. The results of sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the partial genome of the virus obtained from fourteen cities confirmed that BCTD-associated virus in Turkish sugar beet fields is beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV-Becurtovirus) species. The whole genome of the collected viruses from fourteen cities were amplified by the rolling circle amplification (RCA) and the five most phylogenetically diverse viruses obtained from Afyon, Ankara, Adapazari, Yozgat and Aksaray were sequenced. The results of whole genome sequence analysis indicated >98 % sequence identities with that of a BCTIV variants reported from Urmia province (bordering Turkey) of Iran. A virus genome from Yozgat city had a genomic sequence identity of >97 % with those of BCTIV isolated from cowpea, tomato, pepper and sugar beet in the northern part of Iran. These results suggested that the spread of BCTIV through the region could create a significant threat to the production of sugar beet as well as other agricultural crops. A tandem dimer of a BCTIV-Turkish variant isolated from Ankara city was cloned into Agrobacterium plasmid to be used for agro-infection studies. Agroinoculation of this construct on sugar beet leaves generated severe BCTD symptoms (84 %) which were also confirmed by RCA and qPCR analysis. These results constituted the first genome based characterization of BCTIV Turkish variants and the first report of BCTIV spreading out of Iran.

Capsular resection versus capsular repair in direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Optimal exposure through the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) conducted on a regular operating theatre table is achieved with a standardized capsular releasing sequence in which the anterior capsule can be preserved or resected. We hypothesized that clinical outcomes and implant positioning would not be different in case a capsular sparing (CS) technique would be compared to capsular resection (CR). METHODS: In this prospective trial, 219 hips in 190 patients were randomized to either the CS (n = 104) or CR (n = 115) cohort. In the CS cohort, a medial based anterior flap was created and sutured back in place at the end of the procedure. The anterior capsule was resected in the CR cohort. Primary outcome was defined as the difference in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after one year. PROMs (Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and Short Form 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36)) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Radiological parameters were analyzed to assess implant positioning and implant ingrowth. Adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: At one year, there was no difference in HSS (p = 0.728), HOOS (Activity Daily Life, p = 0.347; Pain, p = 0.982; Quality of Life, p = 0.653; Sport, p = 0.994; Symptom, p = 0.459), or SF-36 (p = 0.338). Acetabular component inclination (p = 0.276) and anteversion (p = 0.392) as well as femoral component alignment (p = 0.351) were similar in both groups. There were no dislocations, readmissions, or reoperations in either group. The incidence of psoas tendinitis was six cases in the CS cohort (6%) and six cases in the CR cohort (5%) (p = 0.631). CONCLUSION: No clinical differences were found between resection or preservation of the anterior capsule when performing a primary THA through the DAA on a regular theatre table. In case of limited visibility during the learning curve, it might be advisable to resect a part of the anterior capsule. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):321-328.

Upregulation of p53 by tannic acid treatment suppresses the proliferation of human colorectal carcinoma.

The present study's objective is to clarify the molecular mechanisms of tannic acid effects on the viability of human colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Tannic acid is stable for up to 48 h and is localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus. It dose-dependently inhibited the viability of CRC cell lines; SW-620 and HT-29 with IC 50 values of 7.2 ± 0.8 and 37.6 ± 1.4 µmol L-1. Besides, metastatic, invasive, and colony formation properties of CRC cells were significantly inhibited following the tannic acid treatment (p < 0.001). Tannic acid has been found to modulate enzyme, protein, and gene expressions of NQO1 in different levels and the upregulation of protein/gene expressions of p53 (p < 0.001), which leads the cells to trigger apoptosis. In conclusion, the present in vitro study may supply a significant background for in vivo studies in which the molecular mechanisms of antioxidant and chemopreventive activities of tannic acid will completely clarify.

Orthostatic retractor placement reduces operating time and post-operative inflammatory response during the learning curve of anterior approach THA.

INTRODUCTION: Handheld retractor placement (HHRP) is prone to repetitive repositioning. This could lead to muscle damage especially during a procedure with a steep learning curve. In an attempt to minimize retractor repositioning during the learning curve of direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA), we used a table mounted orthostatic retractor placement (ORP) device. PURPOSE: To investigate whether ORP would reduce the extent of muscle damage, OR-time and post-operative inflammatory response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 Patients were operated by 2 surgeons who randomly used HHRP or ORP during their learning curve of DAA THA. There were 14 patients in a control group who were operated by an experienced surgeon. Blood levels of Creatine Kinase (CK), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Hemoglobin (Hb), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were measured at 1 h pre- and 24 and 48 h post-operatively. RESULTS: The mean OR-time was 67 and 50 min in the HHRP and ORP cohort, respectively (p < 0,001). Post-operative CRP levels were significantly higher in the HHRP cohort at 24 h (HHRP 60.64 mg/L (25.20-143.20); ORP 34.67 mg/L (9.30-71.20)) (p = 0.003) and 48 h post-operatively (HHRP 154.54 mg/L (65.90-369.00); ORP 81.60 mg/L (21.30-219.40) (p = 0.004). The post-operative Hb-levels were significantly lower in the HHRP cohort at 24 h (HHRP 11.11 g/dL (9.10-12.30); ORP 11.37 g/dL (8.80-14.00)) (p = 0.0008) and 48 h (HHRP 10.86 g/dL (9.50-12.00); ORP 11.25 g/dL (8.60-14.10)) (p = 0.03). Post-operative ESR levels were significantly higher in the HHRP cohort 48 h post-op (HHRP 45.21 mm/h (14.00-83.00); ORP 23.73 mm/h (2.00-73.00)) (p = 0.004). No significant differences were found for the CK and LDH levels at any time postoperatively. There were no complications in any group. CONCLUSION: The use of an orthostatic retractor placement device allows for reducing the OR-time, post-operative blood loss and post-operative inflammatory response during the learning curve of DAA THA.

Relationship between the hippocampal expression of selected cytochrome P450 isoforms and the animal performance in the hippocampus-dependent learning task.

Despite very extensive studies on the molecular mechanisms of memory formation, relatively little is known about the molecular correlates of individual variation in the learning skills within a random population of young normal subjects. The role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the brain also remains poorly understood. On the other hand, these enzymes are known to be related to the metabolism of substances important for neural functions including steroids, fatty acids, and retinoic acid. In the present study, we examined the potential correlation between the animals' performance in a place learning task and the levels of selected CYP isoforms (CYP2E1, CYP2D1 and CYP7A1) in the rat hippocampus. According to their performance, rats were classified as "good" learners (percent error/number of trials to criterion ≤ group mean - 3SEM) or "poor" learners (percent error/number of trials to criterion ≥ group mean + 3SEM). The CYP enzyme levels were determined by Western Blot at the early, intermediary and advanced stages of the task acquisition (day 4, day 8 and after reaching a performance criterion of 83% correct responses). In this study, as expected, CYP2E1 and CYP2D1 isoforms have been found in the rat hippocampus. However, a putative CYP7A1 isoform was also visualized. Hippocampal expression of these enzymes was shown to be dependent on the stage of learning and animals' cognitive status. In "good" learners compared to "poor" learners, significantly higher levels of CYP2E1 were found at the early stage of training, significantly higher levels of CYP2D1 were found at the intermediate stage of training, and significantly higher levels of CYP7A1-like protein were found after reaching the acquisition criterion. These findings suggest that the differential expression of some CYP isoforms in the hippocampus may have impact on individual learning skills and that different CYP isoforms may play different roles during the learning process.

α-Actinin Anchors PSD-95 at Postsynaptic Sites.

Despite the central role PSD-95 plays in anchoring postsynaptic AMPARs, how PSD-95 itself is tethered to postsynaptic sites is not well understood. Here we show that the F-actin binding protein α-actinin binds to the very N terminus of PSD-95. Knockdown (KD) of α-actinin phenocopies KD of PSD-95. Mutating lysine at position 10 or lysine at position 11 of PSD-95 to glutamate, or glutamate at position 53 or glutamate and aspartate at positions 213 and 217 of α-actinin, respectively, to lysine impairs, in parallel, PSD-95 binding to α-actinin and postsynaptic localization of PSD-95 and AMPARs. These experiments identify α-actinin as a critical PSD-95 anchor tethering the AMPAR-PSD-95 complex to postsynaptic sites.

Effects of acute and chronic exposure to both 900 MHz and 2100 MHz electromagnetic radiation on glutamate receptor signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the molecular effects of acute and chronic exposure to both 900 and 2100 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on the hippocampal level/activity of some of the enzymes - including PKA, CaMKIIα, CREB, and p44/42 MAPK - from N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-related signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into the following groups: sham rats, and rats exposed to 900 and 2100 MHz RF-EMR for 2 h/day for acute (1 week) or chronic (10 weeks), respectively. Western blotting and activity measurement assays were used to assess the level/activity of the selected enzymes. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that the hippocampal level/activity of selected enzymes was significantly higher in the chronic groups as compared to the acute groups at both 900 and 2100 MHz RF-EMR exposure. In addition, hippocampal level/activity of selected enzymes was significantly higher at 2100 MHz RF-EMR than 900 MHz RF-EMR in both acute and chronic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides experimental evidence that both exposure duration (1 week versus 10 weeks) and different carrier frequencies (900 vs. 2100 MHz) had different effects on the protein expression of hippocampus in Wistar rats, which might encourage further research on protection against RF-EMR exposure.

Outcome measures used in clinical studies on neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A systematic literature review using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of a neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) can vary widely among individuals and numerous clinical studies have been performed to identify the natural history and to improve treatment. The aim of this study was to identify and describe all outcome measures used in clinical studies on patients with an NBPP and categorize these outcome measures according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHOD: Electronic searches of different databases were carried out. All clinical studies describing one or more outcomes of NBPP were selected. Data on outcome measures was systematically extracted and the contents were analyzed and linked to the ICF. RESULTS: A total of 217 full texts were selected and 59 different outcome measures were identified. The 5 most frequently used outcome measures included range of motion of the shoulder (n= 166 studies, 76%), range of motion of the elbow (n= 87 studies, 40%), the Mallet scale (n= 66 studies, 30%), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (n= 37 studies, 17%) and the Medical Research Council motor grading scale (n= 31 studies, 14%). Assessments related to Body functions and Structures were most frequent, whereas assessments associated with Activities and Participation and Environmental Factors were relatively uncommon. CONCLUSION: There was a high variability among the outcome measures used, with measures within the ICF component Body Functions being most common. These results underscore the need for the development and usage of outcome measures representing all domains of health status in patients with NBPP.

Hippocampal levels of ChAT, PKA, phospho-PKA and phospho-CaMKIIα but not CaMKIIα positively correlate with spatial learning skills in rats.

Despite very extensive investigations on molecular processes underlying memory formation, there are very few studies examining potential differences in the brain biochemistry between "good" and "poor" learners belonging to a random population of young animals. In the present study, an attempt was made to correlate individual variation in spatial learning in young-adult Long-Evans rats with hippocampal levels of protein kinase A (PKA), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Additionally, in order to indirectly estimate the activity of CaMKIIα and PKA, hippocampal levels of their phosphorylated forms (pCaMKIIα and pPKA) were assessed using Western blot technique. Rats were classified as "good" and "poor" learners on the basis of their performance in a partially baited 12-arm radial maze. The biochemical assays did not reveal a significant difference in the basal hippocampal levels of the CaMKIIα, however, the level of pCaMKIIα, was significantly higher in "good" learners. Also, hippocampal levels of both PKA and pPKA, as well as that of ChAT, were significantly higher in "good" as compared to "poor" learners. Our results suggest that the differences in the expression level of PKA and ChAT (but not of CaMKIIα), as well as the differences in the activation of both PKA and CaMKIIα, may contribute to the individual variation in learning skills and episodic-like memory in a random population of young-adult subjects.

Correlation between hippocampal levels of neural, epithelial and inducible NOS and spatial learning skills in rats.

In the present study, to better understand the role of different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in hippocampus-dependent forms of learning, we examined the expression of neural, endothelial, and inducible NOS in the hippocampus of young-adult rats classified as "poor" and "good" learners on the basis of their performance in the partially baited 12-arm radial maze. Taking into consideration strain-dependent differences in learning skills and NOS expression, experiments were performed on two different lines of laboratory rats: the inbred Wistar (W) and the outcrossed Wistar/Spraque-Dawley (W/S) line. The hippocampal levels of NOS proteins were assessed by Western Blotting. In the present study, genetically more homogenous W rats showed a slower rate of learning compared to the genetically less homogenous outcrossed W/S rats. The deficient performance in the W rat group compared to outcrossed W/S rats, and in "poor" learners of both groups compared to "good" learners was due to a higher percentage of reference memory errors. The overall NOS levels were significantly higher in W group compared to outcrossed W/S rats. In both rat lines, the rate of learning positively correlated with hippocampal levels of nNOS and negatively correlated with iNOS levels. Hippocampal eNOS levels correlated negatively with animals' performance but only in the W rats. These results suggest that all 3 NOS isoforms are implemented but play different roles in neural signaling.

Differential distribution of activated spinal neurons containing glycine and/or GABA and expressing c-fos in acute and chronic pain models.

The inhibitory transmitters GABA and glycine play an important role in modulating pain transmission, both in normal and in pathological situations. In the present study we have combined in situ hybridization for identifying spinal neurons that use the transmitter(s) glycine and/or GABA (Gly/GABA neurons) with immunohistochemistry for c-fos, a marker for neuronal activation. This procedure was used with acute pain models induced by the injection of capsaicin or formalin; and chronic pain models using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA, chronic inflammation), and the spared nerve injury (SNI) model (neuropathic pain). In all models Gly/GABA neurons were activated as indicated by their expression of c-fos. The pattern of Gly/GABA neuronal activation was different for every model, both anatomically and quantitatively. However, the averaged percentage of activated neurons that were Gly/GABA in the chronic phase (≥20h survival, 46%) was significantly higher than in the acute phase (≤2h survival, 34%). In addition, the total numbers of activated Gly/GABA neurons were similar in both phases, showing that the activation of non-Gly/GABA (presumed excitatory) neurons in the chronic phase decreased. Finally, morphine application equally decreased the total number of activated neurons and activated Gly/GABA neurons. This showed that morphine did not specifically activate Gly/GABA neurons to achieve nociceptive inhibition. The present study shows an increased activity of Gly/GABA neurons in acute and chronic models. This mechanism, together with mechanisms that antagonize the effects of GABA and glycine at the receptor level, may determine the sensitivity of our pain system during health and disease.