Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line (SHUPLi002-A) from PBMCs of a healthy female donor.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have good multi-lineage differentiation potential, which is an ideal model for studying the pathogenesis of diseases and drug screening.Here, we generated an iPSC line, SHUPLi002-A, from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a healthy 28-year-old female individual using episomal vectors. SHUPLi002-A is characterized by expression of classical pluripotent stem cell markers as well as teratoma formation assays to evaluate their differentiation capacity in vivo.

SREBP1 deficiency diminishes glutamate-mediated HT22 cell damage and hippocampal neuronal pyroptosis induced by status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening disorder that can result in death or severe brain damage, and there is a substantial body of evidence suggesting a strong association between pyroptosis and SE. Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) is a significant transcription factor participating in both lipid homeostasis and glucose metabolism. However, the function of SREBP1 in pyroptosis during SE remains unknown. In this study, we established a SE rat model by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride and pilocarpine in vivo. Additionally, we treated HT22 hippocampal cells with glutamate to create neuronal injury models in vitro. Our results demonstrated a significant induction of SREBP1, inflammasomes, and pyroptosis in the hippocampus of SE rats and glutamate-treated HT22 cells. Moreover, we found that SREBP1 is regulated by the mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibiting mTOR signaling contributed to the amelioration of SE-induced hippocampal neuron pyroptosis, accompanied by a reduction in SREBP1 expression. Furthermore, we conducted siRNA-mediated knockdown of SREBP1 in HT22 cells and observed a significant reversal of glutamate-induced cell death, activation of inflammasomes, and pyroptosis. Importantly, our confocal immunofluorescence analysis revealed the co-localization of SREBP1 and NLRP1. In conclusion, our findings suggest that deficiency of SREBP1 attenuates glutamate-induced HT22 cell injury and hippocampal neuronal pyroptosis in rats following SE. Targeting SREBP1 may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for SE.

Forensic psychiatric analysis of organic personality disorders after craniocerebral injury in Shanghai, China.

Objective: To explore the incidence rate and the differences of clinical manifestations of organic personality disorders with varying degrees of craniocerebral trauma. Materials and methods: According to the International Classification of Diseases-10, 1,027 subjects with craniocerebral trauma caused by traffic accidents were reviewed, the degrees of craniocerebral trauma were graded and those with personality disorder after craniocerebral trauma were diagnosed. The personality characteristics of all patients were evaluated by using the simplified Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Results: The incidence rate of organic personality disorder after all kinds of craniocerebral trauma was 33.1%, while it was 38.7 and 44.2% in the patients after moderate and severe craniocerebral trauma, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the patients after mild craniocerebral trauma (18.0%) (P < 0.05). Compared with the patients without personality disorder, the neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness scores all showed significantly differences (P < 0.05) in the patients with personality disorder after craniocerebral trauma; especially the conscientiousness scores showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the patients with personality disorder after moderate and severe craniocerebral trauma. The agreeableness and conscientiousness scores in the patients with personality disorder after moderate and severe craniocerebral trauma were significantly lower than that after mild craniocerebral trauma, and the patients with personality disorder after severe craniocerebral trauma had lower scores in extraversion than that after mild craniocerebral trauma. Conclusion: The severity and area of craniocerebral trauma is closely related to the incidence rate of organic personality disorder, and it also affects the clinical manifestations of the latter, which provides a certain significance and help for forensic psychiatric appraisal.

Effect of Different Ratios of Glycerol and Erythritol on Properties of Corn Starch-Based Films.

The demand for biodegradable products has increased; hence, a suitable method for producing green composites is essential. This study prepared corn starch-based films using the solution casting method, and the physicochemical properties of the prepared films were investigated using a mixture of glycerol (GLY) and erythritol (ERY) at different ratios (4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4) as plasticizing agents. The crystallinity, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, oxygen and water vapor, surface roughness, and thermal stability of corn starch-based films were analyzed using small-angle X-ray diffraction, water contact angle, automatic tensile testing machine, oxygen permeability tester and water vapor permeability analyzer, atomic force microscope, and thermogravimetric analyzer. With the increase in GLY ratio, the thickness, water-solubility, water content, water vapor permeability, elongation at break, oxygen permeability and V-shaped crystallization of the corn starch-based films increased. The tensile strength and the thermal stability decreased with increasing the GLY ratio. We developed a new plasticizer using glycerol and erythritol to improve the properties of starch films and provided the basis for the industrial production of corn starch-based films.

Effects of different moisture contents on the structure and properties of corn starch during extrusion.

Herein, corn starch samples with different moisture contents (native corn starch, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%) were prepared by twin-screw extrusion, and the structural and physical properties were analyzed and correlated. Scanning electron microscopy observed the morphology, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigated the double helix structure, X-ray diffraction analyzed the crystal region, ion chromatography observed the chain length distribution, and rapid viscosity analyzer measured the viscosity of corn starch samples. We found that the corn starch crystallinity, degree of order, and double helix degree decreased with increasing moisture content. The moisture content has a crucial role in the peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity, and setback in pasting property experiments. With the increase in moisture content, the longer chain was transformed into a shorter chain, and the dispersion of molecular weight distribution continuously increased. This study provides a theoretical basis for the production of extruded corn starch.

Phosphorylation of PRAS40 contributes to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and the inhibition of autophagy following status epilepticus in rats.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and is often difficult to treat. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of SE remains unknown. The lithium-pilocarpine model is a validated animal model that can reproduce the main clinical and neuropathological features of SE. In the present study, this SE model was utilized and SE was successfully established in rats, as determined by the corresponding epileptic electroencephalogram. Histology, immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were used to detect the phosphorylation (p-) of AKT substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40), the combination of p-PRAS40 and 14-3-3 protein and the activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in SE. In addition, the present study analyzed the dynamics of the expression of autophagy-associated factors in the hippocampus after SE induction, and the influence of suppressing the p- of PRAS40 on the autophagy process was detected in the pathogenesis of SE. The results indicated that increased p-PRAS40 expression could activate the mTOR pathway to decrease the level of autophagy. However, inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway promoted autophagy flux. These results may provide further understanding of p-PRAS40 functions in SE.

Effects of UGT1A9 genetic polymorphisms on monohydroxylated derivative of oxcarbazepine concentrations and oxcarbazepine monotherapeutic efficacy in Chinese patients with epilepsy.

AIM: The human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase which is genetically polymorphic catalyzes glucuronidations of various drugs. The interactions among UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B15 genetic polymorphisms, monohydroxylated derivative (MHD) of oxcarbazepine (OXC) plasma concentrations, and OXC monotherapeutic efficacy were explored in 124 Chinese patients with epilepsy receiving OXC monotherapy. METHOD: MHD is the major active metabolite of OXC, and its plasma concentration was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography when patients reached their maintenance dose of OXC. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and SNP genotyping performed using PCR followed by dideoxy chain termination sequencing. We followed the patients for at least 1 year to evaluate the OXC monotherapy efficacy. Patients were divided into two groups according to their therapeutic outcome: group 1, seizure free; group 2, not seizure free. The data were analyzed using T test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis. RESULT: T test analysis showed that MHD plasma concentrations were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.002). One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc testing of four candidate SNPs revealed that carriers of the UGT1A9 variant allele I399 C > T (TT 13.28 ± 7.44 mg/L, TC 16.41 ± 6.53 mg/L) had significantly lower MHD plasma concentrations and poorer seizure control than noncarriers (CC 22.24 ± 8.49 mg/L, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we have demonstrated the effects of UGT1A9 genetic polymorphisms on MHD plasma concentrations and OXC therapeutic efficacy. Through MHD monitoring, we can predict OXC therapeutic efficacy, which may be useful for the personalization of OXC therapy in epileptic patients.

Unnatural deaths in Shanghai from 2000 to 2009: a retrospective study of forensic autopsy cases at the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.

Shanghai is the most developed city in China and has a soaring population. This study uses forensic epidemiology to determine the relationship between unnatural deaths and the development in Shanghai, based on recently released forensic autopsy cases from the 2000s at the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (SPSB). There were 5425 accidental deaths, 2696 homicides, 429 suicides, 186 natural deaths, and 1399 deaths of undetermined cause. There was a male-to-female ratio of 2.02:1, and the average age was 40.9±18.7 years. Traffic accidents (84.2%) were the number one cause of accidental deaths, which decreased during the study period. Sharp force injury (50.6%) was the leading cause of homicides, different from Western countries, where firearms are the leading cause. Hanging (24.5%) was the leading cause of suicides, whereas drug and chemical intoxication was the leading cause in the previous decade; pesticide ingestion decreased in the 2000s. In addition to traffic accidents, manual strangulation was the leading cause of death in childhood fatalities. Children under age 2 were vulnerable to homicides. In the 2000s, there were a large number of drug overdoses, and illegal medical practices and subway-related deaths first appeared in Shanghai. A new type of terrorist attack that involved injecting people with syringes in public places was reflected in the SPSB archives. The forensic epidemiology and changes in unnatural deaths in this decade reflected their relationship with the law, policy and changes in Shanghai. Illegal medical practices, subway-related deaths and terrorist attacks were closely related to the development in Shanghai. Identifying the risks of unnatural deaths will improve public health.

Suicidal drownings with psychiatric disorders in Shanghai: a retrospective study from 2010.1 to 2014.6.

Psychiatric disorders exhibited in 13% suicidal drownings in Southwestern Croatia and 63% in Milan, but in China is unknown. This study is committed to outline the feature of a suicidal drowning with psychiatric disorder, show mental status and reveal key factor to high incidence in China. Immersed corpses were handled by SPSBMPH in its jurisdiction range. Half of immersed corpses were suicidal, and nearly half of suicides had psychiatric disorders. 104 suicidal drownings with psychiatric disorders cases from 2010.1 to 2014.6 were reviewed (21.5% of all immersed corpses, 42.1% of suicides). Most victims clothed normally, and only 2 fastened attached weights. Male victims were more and younger than female. Psycho were prone to commit suicidal drowning in warm and hot season. Psycho were prone to choose familiar area to commit suicide, 45 decedents were found in their familiar areas. Suicidal drowings were occult without suicide attempts, suicide note or abnormal clothing, but showed abnormal mental or behavior changes prior to suicide. The three leading psychiatric disorders were depression (33.7%), depression status (30.8%) and schizophrenia (20.2%). Only 44.2% decedents had visited psychiatric disorder specialist, and merely less than 10% patients could adhere to regular medication. No regular medication on psychiatric disorder was the key factor contributing to high incidence of suicide in psycho. Professional psychiatric and psychological intervention should be taken as soon as possible when they had psychiatric symptoms or suffered misfortune. Guardians should be alert to patients' abnormality to detect their suicidal ideation and intervene, especially in warm season.

Validation of Chinese version of the Morisky medication adherence scale in patients with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) in patients with epilepsy. The relationships between adherence, seizure frequency, and adverse effects were assessed using this method. METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with epilepsy at the Department of Neurology of Huashan Hospital were collected between January and June 2013. To validate the MMAS-8, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor analysis were calculated. Relationships between adherence, seizure frequency, and adverse effects were assessed using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients were recruited. The MMAS-8 had moderate internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.556) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.729). The MMAS-8 adherence rate was 79.2%. MMAS-8 adherence was negatively correlated with seizure frequency and adverse effects (r = -0.708, p<0.001; r = -0.484, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The MMAS-8 scale can be used as a tool to assess medication adherence in Chinese patients with epilepsy. Better seizure control and lower rates of adverse effects were significantly correlated with higher adherence scores.

Randomized-controlled trials of levetiracetam as an adjunctive therapy in epilepsy of multiple seizure types.

This meta-analysis aimed to systematically collect and synthesize the current evidence regarding the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) as an adjunctive therapy for adults and children suffering from idiopathic and secondary epilepsy of multiple seizure types. We selected randomized-controlled trials (RCT) of LEV as an adjunctive therapy in epilepsy according to predefined criteria. Outcome measures included a > or =50% reduction in seizure frequency, seizure freedom, and adverse events. Thirteen RCT were analyzed. Results showed that the efficacy of adjunctive LEV was superior to placebo both in achieving > or =50% reduction in seizure frequency (pooled odds ratio [OR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78-4.07, Z=12.46; p<0.00001) and seizure freedom (pooled OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.96-7.54, Z=6.50; p<0.00001). The heterogeneity was mild (chi-squared=12.28, I2=2% in > or =50% reduction in seizure frequency, and chi-squared=0.49, I2=0% in seizure freedom). Subgroup analysis suggested similar effects across different dosages in adults. The incidence of adverse reactions was not significantly different between the LEV group and the placebo group. The adverse events of relatively high incidence in the LEV group included somnolence, agitation, dizziness, asthenia, and infection. Incidence of serious adverse reaction such as rash and white blood cells and platelets decreasing was quite low. Adjunctive therapy with LEV was superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients with partial and idiopathic generalized epilepsy with effect in both adults and children, and demonstrated good tolerance in patients with epilepsy.

Tenidap is neuroprotective in a pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Tenidap is a liposoluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is easily distributed in the central nervous system and also inhibits the production and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines in vitro. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap in a pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHODS: Tenidap was administered daily at 10 mg/kg for 10 days following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in male Wistar rats after which prolonged generalized seizures resulted in TLE. After tenidap treatment, spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) were recorded by video monitoring (for 7 hours per day for 14 days). The frequency and severity of the SRSs were observed. Histological and immunocytochemical analyses were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap and detect COX-2 expression, which may be associated with neuronal death. RESULTS: There were 46.88 ± 10.70 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 27.60 ± 5.18 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA3 area. There were 37.75 ± 8.78 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 33.40 ± 8.14 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA1 area. Tenidap treatment significantly reduced neuronal damage in the CA3 area (P < 0.05) and slightly reduced damage in the CA1 area. Tenidap markedly inhibited COX-2 expression in the hippocampus, especially in the CA3 area. CONCLUSION: Tenidap conferred neuroprotection to the CA3 area in a pilocarpine-induced rat model of TLE by inhibiting COX-2 expression.