Racial and ethnic differences in cognitive health appraisals: a comparison of non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States and to explore within-group variations by examining interactions between cognitive performance and background and health variables. METHOD: The sample (N = 3,099) included 2,260 non-Hispanic White, 498 non-Hispanic Black, and 341 Hispanic adults aged 65 or older, from the 2016-2017 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Regression models of cognitive health appraisals, indicated by self-rated cognitive health, were examined in the entire sample and in racial and ethnic subgroups to test direct and interactive effects of cognitive performance, indicated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: The regression model for the entire sample showed direct effects of cognitive performance and race/ethnicity on cognitive health appraisals, as well as a significant interaction between cognitive performance and being non-Hispanic Black. Cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals were positively associated in non-Hispanic Whites but not significantly associated in non-Hispanic Blacks. Our subsequent analysis within each racial/ethnic group showed that the effect of cognitive performance in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics became either reversed or nonsignificant when background and health variables were considered. Modification by age or chronic medical conditions in each racial and ethnic group was also observed. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that perceptions and appraisals of cognitive health vary by race and ethnicity and hold implications for how these differences should be considered in research and practice with diverse groups of older adults.

Effects of daidzein on alveolar bone loss and internal microstructures of bone in a rat model of experimental periodontitis: a study using micro-computed tomography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Daidzein is an isoflavone abundant in soybeans, kudzu root and red clover, which have been widely studied for its therapeutic potential. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of daidzein on alveolar bone loss and internal microstructures of bone in a rat model of experimental periodontitis by assessing morphological data obtained from micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following three groups comprising eight animals each: the nonligation (NL) group; the ligation (L) group; and the ligation+daidzein (LD) group. To induce periodontitis, a 4-0 braided silk ligature was tied around the cervical area of the lower-right first molars of rats in groups L and LD. Rats in the LD group were given daily doses of daidzein (10 mg/kg of body weight) by intraperitoneal injection immediately after ligature placement. Two weeks after the placement of ligatures, mandibular block biopsies were scanned using a micro-CT system. RESULTS: Daily administration of daidzein strongly suppressed the ligature-induced loss of alveolar bone height. In addition, when rats were treated with daidzein, the ligature-induced decrease in the bone volume fraction was significantly recovered. Furthermore, daidzein significantly reversed ligature-induced deteriorations in the microarchitecture parameters of trabecular bone, such as trabecular thickness, bone mineral density, trabecular separation and structure model index. CONCLUSION: The study presented here demonstrates, for the first time, that daidzein effectively reduces alveolar bone destruction resulting from experimental periodontitis in rats. Further studies are necessary for the translation of this compound clinically to improve the outcomes of patients diagnosed with periodontitis.

Effects of ß-Glucan on the Release of Nitric Oxide by Macrophages Stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide.

This research analyzed the effect of ß-glucan that is expected to alleviate the production of the inflammatory mediator in macrophagocytes, which are processed by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia. The incubated layer was used for a nitric oxide (NO) analysis. The DNA-binding activation of the small unit of nuclear factor-κB was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit. In the RAW264.7 cells that were vitalized by Escherichia coli (E. coli) LPS, the ß-glucan inhibited both the combatant and rendering phases of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-derived NO. ß-Glucan increased the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the cells that were stimulated by E. coli LPS, and the HO-1 activation was inhibited by the tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP). This shows that the NO production induced by LPS is related to the inhibition effect of ß-glucan. The phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and the p38 induced by the LPS were not influenced by the ß-glucan, and the inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α) decomposition was not influenced either. Instead, ß-glucan remarkably inhibited the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) that was induced by the E. coli LPS. Overall, the ß-glucan inhibited the production of NO in macrophagocytes that was vitalized by the E .coli LPS through the HO-1 induction and the STAT1 pathways inhibition in this research. As the host immune response control by ß-glucan weakens the progress of the inflammatory disease, ß-glucan can be used as an effective immunomodulator.

Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory mediators in murine macrophages.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has numerous potentially beneficial properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of CAPE on periodontal disease has not been studied before. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of CAPE in ameliorating the production of proinflammatory mediators in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LPS from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was isolated by using the standard hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were assayed for nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify inducible NO synthase, IL-1ß, IL-6, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 mRNA expression. HO-1 protein expression and levels of signaling proteins were assessed by immunoblot analysis. DNA-binding activities of NF-κB subunits were analyzed by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kits. RESULTS: CAPE exerted significant inhibitory effects on P. intermedia LPS-induced production of NO, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as their mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. CAPE-induced HO-1 expression in cells activated with P. intermedia LPS, and selective inhibition of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX attenuated the inhibitory effect of CAPE on LPS-induced NO production. CAPE did not interfere with IκB-α degradation induced by P. intermedia LPS. Instead, CAPE decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and p50 subunits induced with LPS, and lessened LPS-induced p50 binding activity. Further, CAPE showed strong inhibitory effects on LPS-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 phosphorylation. Besides, CAPE significantly elevated SOCS1 mRNA expression in P. intermedia LPS-stimulated cells. CONCLUSION: Modulation of host response by CAPE may represent an attractive strategy towards the treatment of periodontal disease. In vivo studies are required to appraise the potential of CAPE further as an immunomodulator in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Unusual maternal uniparental isodisomic x chromosome mosaicism with asymmetric y chromosomal rearrangement.

Infertile men with azoospermia commonly have associated microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of the Y chromosome, sex chromosome mosaicism, or sex chromosome rearrangements. In this study, we describe an unusual 46,XX and 45,X mosaicism with a rare Y chromosome rearrangement in a phenotypically normal male patient. The patient's karyotype was 46,XX[50]/45,X[25]/46,X,der(Y)(pter→q11.222::p11.2→pter)[25]. The derivative Y chromosome had a deletion at Yq11.222 and was duplicated at Yp11.2. Two copies of the SRY gene were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, and complete deletion of the AZFb and AZFc regions was shown by multiplex-PCR for microdeletion analysis. Both X chromosomes of the predominant mosaic cell line (46,XX) were isodisomic and derived from the maternal gamete, as determined by examination of short tandem repeat markers. We postulate that the derivative Y chromosome might have been generated during paternal meiosis or early embryogenesis. Also, we suggest that the very rare mosaicism of isodisomic X chromosomes might be formed during maternal meiosis II or during postzygotic division derived from the 46,X,der(Y)/ 45,X lineage because of the instability of the derivative Y chromosome. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmatory study to verify the origin of a sex chromosome mosaicism with a Y chromosome rearrangement.

Electro-optic switching in phase-discontinuity complementary metasurface twisted nematic cell.

Electro-optic switching of refraction is experimentally demonstrated in a phase-discontinuity complementary metasurface twisted nematic cell. The phase-discontinuity complementary metasurface is fabricated by focused-ion-beam milling, and a twisted nematic cell is constructed with complementary V-shape slot antenna metasurface. By application of an external voltage, switching is achieved between ordinary refraction and extraordinary refraction satisfying the generalized Snell's law. It has a strong implication for applications in spatial light modulation and wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer in a near-IR spectral range.

Photophysical, amplified spontaneous emission and charge transport properties of oligofluorene derivatives in thin films.

We investigate the photophysical and amplified spontaneous emission properties of a series of monodisperse solution-processable oligofluorenes functionalized with hexyl chains at the C9 position of each fluorene unit. Thin films of these oligofluorenes are then used in organic field-effect transistors and their charge transport properties are examined. We have particularly focused our attention on the influence of oligofluorene length on the absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra, on the HOMO/LUMO energy levels, on the photoluminescence lifetime and quantum yield as well as on the amplified spontaneous emission properties and the charge carrier mobilities. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate that, among all oligofluorene derivatives used in this study, only the structure and morphology of the pentafluorene film is significantly modified by a thermal treatment above the glass transition temperature, resulting in a 9 nm blue-shift of the fluorescence spectrum without significant changes in the photoluminescence quantum yield and in the amplified spontaneous emission threshold. In parallel, hole field-effect mobility is significantly increased from 8.6 × 10(-7) to 3.8 × 10(-5) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) upon thermal treatment, due to an increase of crystallinity. This study provides useful insights into the morphological control of oligofluorene thin films and how it affects their photophysical and charge transport properties. Moreover, we provide evidence that, because of the low threshold, the tunability of the amplified spontaneous emission and the photostability of the films, these oligofluorenes are promising candidates for organic solid-state laser applications.

Treatment of FGF-2 on stem cells from inflamed dental pulp tissue from human deciduous teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to isolate and characterize stem cells from inflamed pulp tissue of human functional deciduous teeth (iSHFD) and to evaluate the influence of fibroblastic growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on the regenerative potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We successfully isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the inflamed dental pulp tissue of human deciduous teeth and demonstrated that their regenerative potential could be enhanced by the application of FGF-2 (20 ng ml(-1)) during ex vivo expansion. Isolated stem cells expanded in FGF-2 were characterized using a colony-forming assay, proliferation, migration, in vitro differentiation, in vivo ectopic transplantation assay, and gene expression profiling. RESULTS: MSCs isolated from the inflamed pulp tissue of functional deciduous teeth potentially possess the qualities of those from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. FGF-2 applied to iSHFD during expansion enhanced the colony-forming efficiency of these cells, increased their proliferation and migration potential, and reduced their differentiation potential in vitro. However, the ectopic transplantation of iSHFD/FGF-2 in vivo increased the formation of dentin-like material. CONCLUSION: FGF-2 expansion of stem cells from inflamed pulp tissues of human deciduous teeth can be a good source of stem cells for future clinical applications and a novel way of using discarded inflamed tissues.

Feasibility of proposed single-nucleotide polymorphisms as predictive markers for targeted regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surrogate biomarkers for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are urgently needed to achieve the best outcomes for targeted therapy. METHODS: A clinical association analysis was performed to examine the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were previously proposed as markers of chemosensitivity to the cetuximab (124 patients) and bevacizumab regimens (100 patients) in mCRC patients. In addition, biological correlations were examined for the candidate SNPs in terms of their regulatory pathway. RESULTS: For cetuximab regimens, patients homozygous for the wild-type alleles (GG) of LIFR rs3729740 exhibited a 1.9 times greater overall response rate (ORR) and 1.4 months longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those homozygous or heterozygous for the mutant allele (GA and AA; P=0.022 and 0.027, respectively). For bevacizumab regimens, patients homozygous for the minor alleles (TT) of ANXA11 rs1049550 exhibited an ORR twice as high as those homozygous or heterozygous for the ancestral allele (CC and CT; P=0.031). Overall response rate gain was achieved up to 10% in patients with wild-type LIFR rs3729740 patients either with wild-type KRAS or skin toxicity (P=0.001) respectively. Specifically in clones treated with cetuximab and bevacizumab regimens, active p-ERK and MMP-9 expressions were significantly reduced in clones expressing wild-type LIFR rs3729740 (P=0.044) and in those expressing minor-type ANXA11 rs1049550 (P=0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: LIFR rs3729740 and possibly ANXA11 rs1049550 may be useful as biomarkers for predicting whether mCRC patients are sensitive to relevant target regimens, although further validation in large cohorts is needed.

Reflection resonance switching in metamaterial twisted nematics cell.

Electric switching of reflection resonances at near-IR spectral range is experimentally demonstrated in a reflective metamaterial twisted nematic liquid crystal cell. Reflective metamaterial composed of nano-sized double-split ring resonator aperture is fabricated by a focused ion beam milling. Two-fold rotational symmetry of double-split ring resonators allows for two orthogonal polarization-dependent reflection resonances in the reflective metamaterial. With an external voltage of 10V across 12µm cell gap, a full switching is achieved between two reflection resonances. Dynamic measurements show the time constants of switch-on and switch-off are in the order of 100ms and 10ms, respectively.

Fabrication of polarization-dependent reflective metamaterial by focused ion beam milling.

By focused ion beam milling, we fabricated near-IR reflective metamaterials consisting of nano-aperture arrays. Optimum parameters of ion beam current and accelerating voltage in the fabrication process are obtained. Nano-apertures constituting reflective metamaterial are successfully milled, and possess a reflective resonance in the near-IR spectral range. With a double-split-ring resonator structure for the nano-aperture, the intensity reflection at resonance is rendered polarization dependent. It is found that the point group symmetry of the nano-aperture array determines the amount of anisotropy in the intensity reflection. Finite-difference time-domain simulation was adopted to identify details of nano-aperture metastructures transferred from nano-aperture patterns by the focused ion beam milling.

Epidemiological analysis of critically ill adult patients with pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in South Korea.

A total of 245 patients with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza were admitted to the intensive-care units of 28 hospitals (South Korea). Their mean age was 55.3 years with 68.6% aged >50 years, and 54.7% male. Nine were obese and three were pregnant. One or more comorbidities were present in 83.7%, and nosocomial acquisition occurred in 14.3%. In total, 107 (43.7%) patients received corticosteroids and 66.1% required mechanical ventilation. Eighty (32.7%) patients died within 30 days after onset of symptoms and 99 (40.4%) within 90 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the clinician's decision to prescribe corticosteroids, older age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and nosocomial bacterial pneumonia were independent risk factors for 90-day mortality. In contrast with Western countries, critical illness in Korea in relation to 2009 H1N1 was most common in older patients with chronic comorbidities; nosocomial acquisition occurred occasionally but disease in obese or pregnant patients was uncommon.

Isorhamnetin inhibits Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced production of interleukin-6 in murine macrophages via anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase-1 induction and inhibition of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 activation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine that has been considered to be important in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Therefore, host-modulatory agents directed at inhibiting IL-6 appear to be beneficial in terms of attenuating periodontal disease progression and potentially improving disease susceptibility. In the current study, we investigated the effect of the flavonoid isorhamnetin on the production of IL-6 in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in inflammatory periodontal disease, and its mechanisms of action. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was isolated using the standard hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL-6. We used real-time PCR to quantify IL-6 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression. The expression of HO-1 protein and the levels of signaling proteins were monitored using immunoblot analyses. The DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was analyzed using ELISA-based assay kits. RESULTS: Isorhamnetin significantly down-regulated P. intermedia LPS-induced production of IL-6 as well as its mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. Isorhamnetin up-regulated the expression of HO-1 at both gene transcription and translation levels in cells stimulated with P. intermedia LPS. In addition, inhibition of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX blocked the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin on IL-6 production. Isorhamnetin failed to prevent LPS from activating either c-Jun N-terminal kinase or p38 pathways. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activity at the level of inhibitory κB-α degradation. Isorhamnetin suppressed NF-κB signaling through inhibition of nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF-κB p50 subunit and attenuated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling. CONCLUSION: Although further research is required to clarify the detailed mechanism of action, we propose that isorhamnetin may contribute to blockade of the host-destructive processes mediated by IL-6 and could be a highly efficient modulator of the host response in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease. Further research in animal models of periodontitis is required to better evaluate, the potential of isorhamnetin as a novel agent for treating periodontal disease.

Development and evaluation of a novel taekwondo chest protector to improve mobility when performing axe kicks.

The axe kick, in Olympic style taekwondo, has been identified as the most popular scoring technique aimed to the head during full contact competition. The first purpose of this study was to identify and investigate design issues with the current World Taekwondo Federation approved chest protector. A secondary purpose was to develop a novel chest protector addressing the identified design issues and to conduct a biomechanical analysis. Fifteen male elite Taekwondo players were selected to perform three different styles of the axe kick, i.e., front, in-out, and out-in axe kick five times each for a total of 45 kicks. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between the novel and existing chest protector conditions for vertical height of the toe, downward kicking foot speed, hip flexion angle and ipsilateral shoulder flexion extension range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the control condition (no chest protector) and the novel chest protector condition for these variables (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the novel chest protector interferes less with both the lower and upper limbs during the performance of the axe kick and provides a more natural, free-moving alternative to the current equipment used.

Anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of action of daidzein in murine macrophages stimulated with Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Host modulatory agents directed at inhibiting specific proinflammatory mediators could be beneficial in terms of attenuating periodontal disease progression and potentially enhancing therapeutic responses. The aim of this study was to investigate whether daidzein could modulate the production inflammatory mediators in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease, and to delineate underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LPS was extracted from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 cells by the standard hot phenol-water method. The amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted into the culture medium were assayed. A real-time PCR was performed to quantify inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-6 mRNA expression. We used immunoblot analysis to characterize iNOS protein expression, phosphrylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, degradation of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α), nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). The DNA-binding activity of NF-κB was assessed by using ELISA-based kits. RESULTS: Daidzein significantly inhibited the production of NO and IL-6, as well as their mRNA expression, in P. intermedia LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. The JNK and p38 pathways were not involved in the regulation of LPS-induced NO and IL-6 release by daidzein. Daidzein inhibited the degradation of IκB-α induced by P. intermedia LPS. In addition, daidzein suppressed NF-κB transcriptional activity via regulation of the nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p50 subunit and blocked STAT1 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Although additional studies are required to dissect the molecular mechanism of action, our results suggest that daidzein could be a promising agent for treating inflammatory periodontal disease. Further research in animal models of periodontitis is necessary to better evaluate the potential of daidzein as a novel therapeutic agent to treat periodontal disease.

Blocking the immunosuppressive axis with small interfering RNA targeting interleukin (IL)-10 receptor enhances dendritic cell-based vaccine potency.

Improving dendritic cell (DC) functions is highly promising for therapeutic intervention of diverse diseases, including cancer. Immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 produced by DCs themselves (autocrine) and other regulatory immune cells (paracrine) down-regulate functional profiles of DCs through specific cell surface receptors such as IL-10R. Here, we tried to improve DC functions using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to block an IL-10R-mediated immunosuppressive axis. DCs modified with siRNA targeting against IL-10R or IL-10 (DC/siIL-10R or DC/siIL-10) led to up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD40 co-stimulatory molecule, and IL-12 proinflammatory cytokine after lipopolysacharide (LPS) stimulation compared to DC/siGFP. Notably, the LPS-induced functional profiles of DC/siIL-10R were strongly resistant to the addition of recombinant IL-10, which mimicked paracrine IL-10. In contrast, those of DC/siIL-10 were reversed by adding exogenous IL-10. Consistently, DC/siIL-10R generated more human papilloma virus (HPV) E7-specific CD8(+) T cells and stronger anti-tumour effects against E7-expressing TC-1 tumour cells in vaccinated mice than DC/siGFP, as well as DC/siIL-10. Taken together, these results provide the groundwork for future clinical translation of siRNA-mediated strategy targeting IL-10R to enhance DC-based vaccine potency.

Temporal dynamics in wheat grain zinc distribution: is sink limitation the key?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Enhancing the zinc (Zn) concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain is a breeding objective in order to improve human Zn nutrition. At enhanced plant Zn uptake, grain Zn levels do not increase proportionally and within the grain the endosperm Zn levels remain below grain Zn levels. This study analysed the temporal dynamics of Zn concentrations in grain tissues during grain filling to find major bottlenecks. METHODS: Plants of two cultivars were grown at 1 and 5 mg Zn kg(-1) soil. Individual panicles were harvested 7, 14, 24 or 34 d after their flowering or at maturity and seeds were dissected into constituting tissues, which were analysed for Zn and other minerals. KEY RESULTS: The Zn concentration of the crease was found to increase five- to nine-fold between 7 and 34 d after anthesis, while that of the endosperm decreased by 7 and 45 % when grown at 1 or 5 mg Zn kg(-1), respectively. The Zn turnover rate (d(-1)) in the crease tissues was either independent of the Zn application level or higher at the lower Zn application level, and the Zn concentration increased in the crease tissues with time during grain filling while the turnover rate gradually decreased. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant within-seed control over Zn entering the seed endosperm. While the seed crease Zn concentration can be raised to very high levels by increasing external Zn supply, the endosperm Zn concentrations will not increase correspondingly. The limited transfer of Zn beyond the crease requires more research to provide further insight into the rate-determining processes and their location along the pathway from crease to the deeper endosperm.

Pharmacokinetics and first-pass effects of epsilon-acetamidocaproic acid after administration of zinc acexamate in rats.

1. Zinc acexamate (ZAC) is ionized to zinc and epsilon-acetamidocaproic acid (AACA). Thus, the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of zinc and AACA after intravenous (50 mg kg(-1)) and oral (100 mg kg(-1)) administration of ZAC were evaluated in rats. Also the pharmacokinetics of AACA after intravenous (10, 20, 30, and 50 mg kg(-1)) and oral (20, 50, and 100 mg kg(-1)) administration of ZAC and the first-pass extractions of AACA at a ZAC dose of 20 mg kg(-1) were evaluated in rats. 2. After oral administration of ZAC (20 mg kg(-1)), approximately 0.408% of the oral dose was not absorbed, the F value was approximately 47.1%, and the hepatic and gastrointestinal (GI) first-pass extractions of AACA were approximately 8.50% and 46.4% of the oral dose, respectively. The incomplete F value of AACA was mainly due to the considerable GI first-pass extraction in rats. 3. Affinity of rat tissues to zinc and AACA was low-the tissue-to-plasma (T/P) ratios were less than unity. The equilibrium plasma-to-blood cells partition ratios of AACA were independent of initial blood ZAC concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microg ml(-1)-the mean values were 0.481, 0.490, and 0.499, respectively. The bound fractions of zinc and AACA to rat plasma were 96.6% and 39.0%, respectively.

Metabolic syndrome and quality of life (QOL) using generalised and obesity-specific QOL scales.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessed using generalised and obesity-specific QOL instruments. METHODS: We recruited 456 outpatients [age: 19-81 years, body mass index (BMI): 16.3-36.7 kg/m2] in the primary care division from 12 general hospitals in Korea. HRQOL was measured using EuroQol comprising the health states descriptive system (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) as a general instrument. The Korean Obesity-related QOL scale (KOQOL) composed of six domains was used as a disease-specific QOL instrument. MS was defined on the basis of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria with Korean-specific waist circumference cutoffs (men: 90 cm, women: 85 cm). RESULTS: Subjects with MS displayed significantly higher impairment of EQ-5D and KOQOL. Binary logistic regression analysis of MS patients with controls for age, gender, smoking, alcohol, exercise, education, income, marital status and medication history disclosed odds ratio (OR) values of 2.13 (1.33-3.41) for impaired total KOQOL, 2.07 (1.31-3.27) for impaired physical health, 1.63 (1.03-2.60) for impaired work-related health, 2.42 (1.45-4.04) for impaired routine life, 2.08 (1.27-3.40) for impaired sexual life and 2.56 (1.59-4.11) for diet distress. Among the EQ-5D dimensions, only pain/discomfort displayed a significantly increased OR of 1.60 (1.01-2.56) in MS group. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with MS displayed a significantly impaired HRQOL compared with those without MS. MS and HRQOL were more strongly associated in obesity-specific QOL than in generalised QOL.

Vitamin B6 deficiency can reduce fuel storage and utilization in physically trained rats.

This study investigated the effect of vitamin B6 deficiency on the utilization and recuperation of stored fuel in physically trained rats. 48 rats were given either vitamin B6-deficient (B6-) diet or control (B6) diet for 4 weeks and were trained on treadmill for 30 minutes daily. All animals were then subdivided into 3 groups: before-exercise (BE); during-exercise (DE); after-exercise (AE). The DE group was exercised on treadmill for 1 hour just before being sacrificed. Animals in the AE group were allowed to take a rest for 2 hours after being exercised like the DE group. Glucose and free fatty acids were compared in plasma. Glycogen and triglyceride were compared in liver and skeletal muscle. Protein levels were compared in plasma, liver, and skeletal muscle. Compared with the B6+ group, plasma glucose levels of the B6- group were significantly lower before and after exercise. Muscle glycogen levels of the B6- group were significantly lower than those of the B6+ group regardless of exercise. The liver glycogen level of the B6- group was also significantly lower than that of B6+ group during and after exercise. Before exercise, plasma free fatty acid levels were not significantly different between the B6+ and B6- groups, and plasma free fatty acid levels of the B6- group were significantly lower during and after exercise. The muscle triglyceride level of the B6- group was significantly lower than that of the B6+ group before exercise, and there were no differences between B6+ and B6- groups during and after exercise. Liver triglyceride levels were not significantly different between B6+ and B6- groups. Plasma protein levels of the B6- group were lower than those of B6+ before and after exercise. Muscle protein levels of the B6- group were not significantly different from those of the B6 group. Liver protein levels of the B6- group were significantly lower than that of the B6+ group after exercise. Liver protein levels of both B6+ and B6- groups were not significantly changed, regardless of exercise. Thus, it is suggested that vitamin B6 deficiency may reduce fuel storage and utilization with exercise in physically trained rats.