Perilipin1 inhibits Nosema bombycis proliferation by promoting Domeless- and Hop-mediated JAK-STAT pathway activation in Bombyx mori.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that participate in the regulation of lipid metabolism and cellular homeostasis inside of cells. LD-associated proteins, also known as perilipins (PLINs), are a family of proteins found on the surface of LDs that regulate lipid metabolism, immunity, and other functions. In silkworms, pébrine disease caused by infection by the microsporidian Nosema bombycis (Nb) is a severe threat to the sericultural industry. Although we found that Nb relies on lipids from silkworms to facilitate its proliferation, the relationship between PLINs and Nb proliferation remains unknown. Here, we found Nb infection caused the accumulation of LDs in the fat bodies of silkworm larvae. The characterized perilipin1 gene (plin1) promotes the accumulation of intracellular LDs and is involved in Nb proliferation. plin1 is similar to perilipin1 in humans and is conserved in all insects. The expression of plin1 was mostly enriched in the fat body rather than in other tissues. Knockdown of plin1 enhanced Nb proliferation, whereas overexpression of plin1 inhibited its proliferation. Furthermore, we confirmed that plin1 increased the expression of the Domeless and Hop in the JAK-STAT immune pathway and inhibited Nb proliferation. Taken together, our current findings demonstrate that plin1 inhibits Nb proliferation by promoting the JAK-STAT pathway through increased expression of Domeless and Hop. This study provides new insights into the complicated connections among microsporidia pathogens, LD surface proteins, and insect immunity.IMPORTANCELipid droplets (LDs) are lipid storage sites in cells and are present in almost all animals. Many studies have found that LDs may play a role in host resistance to pathogens and are closely related to innate immunity. The present study found that a surface protein of insect lipid droplets could not only regulate the morphological changes of lipid droplets but also inhibit the proliferation of a microsporidian pathogen Nosema bombycis (Nb) by activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This is the first discovery of the relationship between microsporidian pathogen and insect lipid surface protein perilipin and insect immunity.

Local subcutaneous lidocaine injection for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome: a case report and literature review.

A 14-year-old child was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after bromhidrosis surgery. She experienced a stinging, knife-like, and intermittent attack pain, accompanied by numbness of both upper limbs and limited movements. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency surgery on the peripheral nerve did not reduce pain. Then, gabapentin 300 mg three times a day and 2% lidocaine by local subcutaneous injection once a day for 3 days were administrated. After the local subcutaneous injection of lidocaine, the pain was significantly relieved, and the pain induced by skin touch at the scar disappeared. No pain recurred after the 1-month follow-up. An evidence-based literature review showed that local or systemic intravenous lidocaine was used to reduce adult CRPS symptoms but less has been reported in children. In our case, a local subcutaneous injection of 2% lidocaine in a child for CRPS treatment was reported to be effective in relieving complex local pain with favorable outcomes. Though further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the effects and safety of local subcutaneous lidocaine injection on pain relief in children with CRPS, it could still provide a relatively safe and effective adjuvant therapy for minor patients.

Metabolomic analysis of lipid changes in Bombyx mori infected with Nosema bombycis.

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a model species of lepidopteran insect. Microsporidium spp. are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites. Infection by the microsporidian Nosema bombycis (Nb) results in an outbreak of Pébrine disease in silkworms and causes substantial losses to the sericulture industry. It has been suggested that Nb depends on nutrients from host cells for spore growth. However, little is known about changes in lipid levels after Nb infection. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was performed to analyze the effect of Nb infection on lipid metabolism in the midgut of silkworms. A total of 1601 individual lipid molecules were detected in the midgut of silkworms, of which 15 were significantly decreased after Nb challenge. Classification, chain length, and chain saturation analysis revealed that these 15 differential lipids can be classified into different lipid subclasses, of which 13 belong to glycerol phospholipid lipids and two belong to glyceride esters. The results indicated that Nb uses the host lipids to complete its own replication, and the acquisition of host lipid subclasses is selective; not all lipid subclasses are required for microsporidium growth or proliferation. Based on lipid metabolism data, phosphatidylcholine (PC) was found to be an important nutrient for Nb replication. Diet supplementation with lecithin substantially promoted the replication of Nb. Knockdown and overexpression of the key enzyme phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) and phosphatidylcholine (Bbc) for PC synthesis also confirmed that PC is necessary for Nb replication. Our results showed that most lipids in the host midgut decreased when silkworms were infected with Nb. Reduction of or supplementation with PC may be a strategy to suppress or promote microsporidial replication.

The health-related quality of life for hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty in the elderly: A meta-analysis.

Purpose: What constitutes the optimal surgical plan for femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in elderly patients is controversial. The European quality of life 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EU-5Q) is an international scale used to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after surgery. We aim to verify the hip arthroplasty effect in elderly patients by analyzing HRQoL scores in the EU-5Q scale. Methods: We searched the EBSCO, Embase, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases using strict searching from established to 30 November 2022; used the Cochrane Library's Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the literature; and used RevMan5.4.1 software to perform a meta-analysis. All the included studies used the EU-5Q scale to validate the overall outcomes for elderly hip arthroplasty. Results: The final included literature is composed of four RCTs, two cohort studies, three case-control trials, and three cross-sectional surveys. This study compared HRQoL scores measured by the EU-5Q scale, including 328 elderly patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 323 elderly patients with hemiarthroplasty, which is statistically significant (OR = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02~0.08; P = 0.002). The subgroups were as follows: unipolar vs. bipolar and cemented vs. uncemented hemiarthroplasty (OR = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03~0.08; P < 0.001), follow-up time and age arthroplasty (OR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.11~0.22; P < 0.001), molecular exercise and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) (OR = 0.02; 95% CI,-0.03~0.07; P = 0.38), and analysis of hemiarthroplasty with cognitive dysfunction vs. the normal group (OR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08~0.26; P < 0.001). The outcome analysis was consistent with the included studies, and HRQoL of the EU-5Q scale is sensitive to surgical outcomes between THA and hemiarthroplasty. Conclusion: Surgeons still need to further evaluate and verify whether the hip arthroplasty surgical program or effect in elderly patients is optimal. Hemiarthroplasty operations in elderly patients have pointed toward a new direction for clinical treatment, and HRQoL scores measured by the EU-5Q can sensitively reflect the rehabilitation status after hip arthroplasty surgery. Moreover, the extensive correlation between surgical outcomes and perioperative neurocognitive function should be further investigated.

Prognostic Value of the Radiomics-Based Model in the Disease-Free Survival of Pretreatment Uveal Melanoma: An Initial Result.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics model for disease-free survival (DFS) prediction in patients with uveal melanoma (UM). METHODS: We randomly assigned 85 patients with UM into 2 cohorts: training (n = 60) and validation (n = 25). The radiomics model was built from significant features that were selected from the training cohort by applying a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to pretreatment MRI scans. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to construct a radiomics score (rad-score). Patients were divided into a low- or a high-risk group based on the median of the rad-score. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the association between the rad-score and DFS. A nomogram incorporating the rad-score and MRI features was plotted to individually estimate DFS. The model's discrimination power was assessed using the concordance index. RESULTS: The radiomics model with 15 optimal radiomics features based on MRI performed well in stratifying patients into the high- or a low-risk group of DFS in both the training and validation cohorts (log-rank test, P = 0.009 and P = 0.02, respectively). Age, basal diameter, and height were selected as significant clinical and MRI features. The nomogram showed good predictive performance with concordance indices of 0.741 (95% confidence interval, 0.637-0.845) and 0.912 (95% confidence interval, 0.847-0.977) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement. CONCLUSION: The developed clinical-radiomics model may be a powerful predictor of the DFS of patients with UM, thereby providing evidence for preoperative risk stratification.

Transitional care management visits to improve coordination of care.

OBJECTIVES: This report aimed to determine whether transitional care management (TCM) services, provided by Inspira Care Connect, LLC (ICC), a Track 1 Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organization, were effective in reducing 30-day readmission rates, observation stay days, and emergency department visits, along with mortality rates, total costs, and frequency of primary care physician (PCP) visits among Medicare beneficiaries served by ICC. STUDY DESIGN: In accordance with TCM programming, ICC contacted the majority of patients telephonically within 48 business hours after discharge from an inpatient setting and scheduled a face-to-face visit with the patient's PCP within 1 to 14 days after discharge from an inpatient setting. The patients were provided with non-face-to-face services as needed throughout the 30-day period. METHODS: The effectiveness of the TCM model was measured using a retrospective propensity score matching design, which allowed for an accurate comparison between those who received TCM and similar ICC Medicare beneficiaries who did not. The analysis utilized Medicare parts A and B claims from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. RESULTS: Patients who received TCM had lower 30-day readmission rates than those who did not (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The services provided to ICC Medicare patients through the TCM model may have enhanced the ability to identify problems at an earlier stage, resulting in the prevention of complications and unnecessary utilization of costly health care services.

Value of MR-based radiomics in differentiating uveal melanoma from other intraocular masses in adults.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of machine learning (ML)-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics analysis for discriminating between uveal melanoma (UM) and other intraocular masses. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 245 patients with intraocular masses (165 UMs and 80 other intraocular masses). Radiomics features were extracted from T1WI, T2WI, and contrast enhanced T1-weighted images (CET1WI), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to quantify the reproducibility of features. The training and test sets consisted of 195 and 50 cases. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was employed for feature selection. The ML classifiers were logistic regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM). The performance of classifiers was evaluated by ROC analysis, and was compared to the performance of visual assessment by DeLong test. RESULTS: The optimal radiomics feature set was 10, 15, 15, and 24 for T1W, T2W, CET1W, and joint T2W and CET1W images, respectively. The accuracy of T1WI, T2WI, CET1WI, and the joint T2WI and CET1WI models ranged from 72.0 %-78.0 %, from 79.6 %-81.6 %, from 74.0 %-82.0 %, and from 76.0 %-86.0 % in the test set. In the test set, the AUC for T1WI, T2WI, CET1WI, joint T2WI, and CET1WI models ranged from 0.775 to 0.829, 0.816 to 0.826, 0.836 to 0.861, and 0.870 to 0.877, respectively. In the combined model, the performance of ML classifiers was better than the performance of visual assessment in the training set and in all patients (p＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiomics analysis represents a promising tool in separating UM from other intraocular masses.

Using a novel MR imaging sign to differentiate retinal pigment epithelium from uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma is a rare intraocular benign tumor. It is almost always misdiagnosed as uveal melanoma (UM) resulting in inappropriate management. The purpose of this study was to investigate MRI features of the RPE adenoma that may help differentiate this entity from UM. METHODS: MRI was performed in eight patients with pathology-proven RPE adenoma, five of whom had dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. The time-intensity curves (TIC) of all DCE-MRI were evaluated, and the maximum contrast index (CImax) were calculated. RESULTS: All eight tumors showed well-defined margins. They were homogeneously hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI compared to vitreous body. An oval mass was seen in five tumors, lentiform in two tumors, and placoid-shaped in one tumor. After contrast administration, mild enhancement was identified in five tumors and moderate enhancement in three tumors. In all five tumors, DCE-MRI exhibited a plateau-shaped TIC with a median CImax of 0.37. A "dark-linear sign" (defined as low signal intensity linear zone located between tumor and enhanced choroid on post contrast T1WI with fat-suppression) was noted in all eight patients with RPE adenoma. CONCLUSION: RPE adenoma and UM often have similar MR imaging findings. This study reports for the first time a "dark-linear sign" on post contrast T1WI with fat-suppression seen in RPE adenoma. This observation may be characteristic of RPE adenoma and may help separate this entity from UM.

Quantitative assessment of local perfusion change in acute intracerebral hemorrhage areas with and without "dynamic spot sign" using CT perfusion imaging.

BACKGROUND: Positive "dynamic spot sign" has been proven to be a potential risk factor for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) expansion, but local perfusion change has not been quantitatively investigated. PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate perfusion changes at the ICH area using computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with spontaneous ICH were recruited. Unenhanced computed tomography (NCCT), CTP within 6 h, and follow-up NCCT were performed for 21 patients in the "spot sign"-positive group and 32 patients in the control group. Cerebral perfusion change was quantitatively measured on regional cerebral blood flow/regional cerebral blood volume (rCBF/rCBV) maps. Regions of interest (ROIs) were set at the "spot-sign" region and the whole hematoma area for "spot-sign"-positive cases, and at one of the highest values of three interested areas and the whole hematoma area for the control group. Hematoma expansion was determined by follow-up NCCT. RESULTS: For the "spot-sign"-positive group, the average rCBF (rCBV) values at the "spot-sign" region and the whole hematoma area were 21.34 ± 15.24 mL/min/100 g (21.64 ± 21.48 mL/100g) and 5.78 ± 6.32 mL/min/100 g (6.07 ± 5.45 mL/100g); for the control group, the average rCBF (rCBV) values at the interested area and whole hematoma area were 2.50 ± 1.83 mL/min/100 g (3.13 ± 1.96 mL/100g) and 3.02 ± 1.80 mL/min/100 g (3.40 ± 1.44 mL/100g), respectively. Average rCBF and rCBV values of the "spot-sign" region were significantly different from other regions ( P < 0.001; P = 0.004). The average volumes of hematoma expansion in the "spot-sign"-positive and control groups were 25.24 ± 19.38 mL and -0.41 ± 1.34 mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The higher perfusion change at ICH on CTP images may reflect the contrast extravasation and be associated with the hematoma expansion.

Iodine Sign as a Novel Predictor of Hematoma Expansion and Poor Outcomes in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients.

Background and Purpose- The aim of the study was to investigate the utility of iodine contrast agent leakage (the iodine sign) analyzed by Gemstone spectral imaging in early hematoma formation compared with that of the spot sign for predicting early hematoma expansion (HE) and poor functional outcomes. Methods- From 2014 to 2017, 91 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage who underwent spectral computed tomography angiography within 6 hours of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage onset were prospectively included in our study. We defined a positive iodine sign as tiny enhancing foci within the hematoma on Gemstone spectral imaging and an iodine concentration inside the foci of >7.82 (100 µg/mL). Univariate and multivariate logistical regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for HE, and the predictive value of HE was analyzed. Results- Positive spot and iodine signs were present in 38.5% (35/91) and 57.1% (52/91) of the patients, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, the iodine sign independently predicted HE (odds ratio, 53.67; 95% CI, 11.88-242.42; P<0.001) and had a higher sensitivity (91.5% versus 63.8%), negative predictive value (89.7% versus 69.9%), and accuracy (85.7% versus 75.8%) for detecting HE than the spot sign. The iodine sign, but not the spot sign, was significantly related to poor functional outcomes (severely disabled and vegetative state) in all patients (χ2=29.97; P<0.001). Conclusions- The iodine sign is a reliable and sensitive marker for predicting HE and poor functional outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02625948.

Iodine concentration: a new, important characteristic of the spot sign that predicts haematoma expansion.

OBJECTIVES: The computed tomography angiography (CTA) spot sign is a validated predictor of haematoma expansion (HE) in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). We investigated whether defining the iodine concentration (IC) inside the spot sign and the haematoma on Gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) would improve its sensitivity and specificity for predicting HE. METHODS: From 2014 to 2016, we prospectively enrolled 65 SICH patients who underwent single-phase spectral CTA within 6 h. Logistic regression was performed to assess the risk factors for HE. The predictive performance of individual spot sign characteristics was examined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The spot sign was detected in 46.1% (30/65) of patients. ROC analysis indicated that IC inside the spot sign had the greatest area under the ROC curve for HE (0.858; 95% confidence interval, 0.727-0.989; p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis found that spot sign with higher IC (i.e. IC > 7.82 100 µg/ml) was an independent predictor of HE (odds ratio = 34.27; 95% confidence interval, 5.608-209.41; p < 0.001) with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.81, 0.75, 0.90 and 0.60, respectively; while the spot sign showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 0.81, 0.79, 0.73 and 0.86. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the IC in haematomas was independently associated with HE (odds ratio = 1.525; 95% confidence interval, 1.041-2.235; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: ICs in haematoma and in spot sign were all independently associated with HE. IC analysis in spectral imaging may help to identify SICH patients for targeted haemostatic therapy. KEY POINTS: • Iodine concentration in spot sign and haematoma can predict haematoma expansion • Spectral imaging could measure the IC inside the spot sign and haematoma • IC in spot sign improved the positive predictive value (PPV) cf. CTA.

Antidiabetic activity and chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Heracleum dissectum Ledeb.

Heracleum dissectum Ledeb. has long been used as a wild edible vegetable by local people in China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic potential of aerial part of H. dissectum methanol extract (HdME) and the chemical constituents. Ten compounds including eight coumarins were isolated and four of them were found from H. dissectum for the first time. HdME potently inhibited the elevation of plasma glucose after its oral administration to glucose-loaded mice, and its petroleum ether (PE) fraction exerted the greatest inhibitory activities. Meanwhile, HdME (125 and 250mg/kg) also significantly decreased the blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic mice, but had no effect in normoglycemic mice. Additionally, HdME showed weak inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase activity and DPPH free radicals scavenging. In conclusion, HdME has antidiabetic action and PE fraction is the active part where coumarins possibly play an important role in antidiabetic activity.

SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION OF TWO MINOR COMPOUNDS FROM RADIX ISATIDIS BY INTEGRATIVE MPLC AND HSCCC WITH PREPARATIVE HPLC.

Radix isatidis has been widely used as a Chinese traditional medicine for its anti-virus and anticancer activities where the minor components may contribute to these beneficial pharmaceutical effects. In order to enrich the target minor compounds effectively and rapidly, extraction, medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC), high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (pre-HPLC) were integratively used for separation and purification of two target minor compounds indole-3-acetonitrile-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (target 1) and clemastanin B (target 2) in the present study. Radix isatidis was dried, pulverized and extracted with 50% methanol at room temperature, then concentrated and subjected to pretreatment with D-101 macroporous resin chromatography and extraction by MPLC. The first target compound was separated by MPLC at the purity raised to 70-80%, but without the second minor compounds which were irreversibly adsorbed by C18 solid support. Therefore, the second target compound in the crude extract was directly separated by HSCCC at purity of 80-90%. Finally these refined samples were further separated by pre-HPLC to obtain a high purity at 98-99%. The chemical structure identification of each target compound was carried out by IR, ESI-MS and 1H NMR.

Identification of antihyperlipidemic constituents from the roots of Rubia yunnanensis Diels.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The roots of Rubia yunnanensis Diels (Rubiaceae) have been used as an alternative for Rubia cordifolia for the treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease for a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. To evaluate antihyperlipidemic activity of the roots of Rubia. yunnanensis Diels and to identify active compounds from the active fraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antihyperlipidemic effects of extract and compounds of the roots of Rubia yunnanensis were studied in HepG2 cells and in vivo model in olive oil-loaded mice. The isolation of compounds was conducted using various chromatographic methods and the structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS techniques. RESULTS: Methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Rubia yunnanensis potently decreased the triglycerides accumulation in HepG2 cells and the methanol extract of Rubia yunnanensis (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the TG elevation in a dose dependent manner in olive oil-loaded mice. Through various chromatographic methods, twenty-three compounds (1-23) were isolated in which arborinane-type triterpenoids and a free anthraquinone potently inhibited TG levels in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Arborinane-type triterpenoids, especial rubiarbonone C (16) and an anthraquinone, 2-methyl-1, 3, 6-trihydroxy-9, 10-anthraquinone (MTHA) (22) were identified as the main active compounds responsible for antihyperlipidemic activity. Based on these findings, we proposed that the extract of Rubia yunnanensis and its active components, arborinane-type triterpenoids and the free anthraquinone might be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemic disease.

Ginsenoside Re reduces insulin resistance through activation of PPAR-γ pathway and inhibition of TNF-α production.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Panax ginseng is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for treatment of various diseases for more than four thousand years in Asia. Ginseng saponins or ginsenosides, the active constituents are reported to possess antidiabetic activity, but their antihyperglycemic mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In the present study, the mechanisms of action of ginsenoside Re were investigated in vitro models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were chosen as the model to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of ginsenoside Re. Influence of ginsenoside Re on the adipogenesis was examined by determining TG levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by the method of TG oxidation enzyme. Glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated by insulin in the absence or presence of ginsenoside Re were quantified by measuring (3)H-2-deoxy-d-glucose levels. Cytokine proteins released into the medium including adiponectin and TNF-α were tested using respective ELISA kits. In addition, real time RT-PCR was conducted to investigate the expression changes of PPAR-γ and its responsive genes, ap2, adiponectin, IRS-1, GLUT4 and TNF-α. And western blot analysis was performed to determine the translocation of GLUT4. Finally, effects of ginsenoside Re on NO production in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in macrophages were investigated through measurement of nitrite concentration by Griess reagent. RESULTS: Ginsenoside Re induced adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by accumulating TG, increased glucose uptake and up-regulated PPAR-γ2, IRS-1, ap2 and adiponectin genes expressions. Meanwhile, Re also increased production and release of adiponectin. Although having no effects on GLUT4 gene expression, Re facilitated GLUT4 protein translocation to the membranes. In addition, Re inhibited the expression and release of TNF-α. Finally, Re did not show inhibitory effects on NO production both in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated by LPS, TNF-α and IFN-γ and in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenoside Re exhibited the action of reducing insulin resistance through activation of PPAR-γ pathway by directly increasing the expressions of PPAR-γ2 and its responsive genes, adiponectin, IRS-1, ap2, inhibiting TNF-α production and facilitating the translocation of GLUT4 to promote glucose uptake and disposal in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Preventing avoidable hospitalizations.

To reduce avoidable hospital readmissions and improve transitions between healthcare settings, Virtua Home Care implemented a Transitions of Care Program based on the Transitional Care Model developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Home care nurses were educated to be transitional care nurses and provided intensive education and follow-up for patients with chronic diseases who were identified as having a high risk of readmission. This program, which provides services to patients enrolled in fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare and who are eligible to receive the home health benefit, has successfully reduced hospital readmissions. This article describes Virtua Home Care's journey in adapting and implementing an evidence-based care transitions model.

Longitudinal associations between dual sensory impairment and everyday competence among older adults.

Given the prevalence of sensory impairment in older adults, the relationship of sensory impairment to everyday competence among older adults is gaining attention. Dual impairment, or concurrent impairments of vision and hearing, affects anywhere from 5% to 21% of older adults. Using Longitudinal Study on Aging data, we examined the longitudinal associations of self-reported dual sensory impairment with everyday competence in self-reported activities of daily living among adults aged 70 and older (N = 5,151). Self-reported dual sensory impairment was associated with higher levels of self-reported functional disability at baseline and at the 2-year follow-up interview, but the effect gradually diminished over time. However, self-reported dual sensory impairment was not associated with greater levels of self-reported disability as compared with self-reported visual impairment alone. Findings highlight the importance of vision and aural rehabilitation programs for older adults to mitigate the loss of competence in later life due to sensory impairment.

Dual sensory loss and its impact on everyday competence.

PURPOSE: This study examined the relation of dual and single sensory impairments, within the context of cognitive function, by using the framework of everyday competence in terms of the probability of difficulty with specific personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs and IADLs, respectively). DESIGN AND METHODS: The Longitudinal Study on Aging, composed of individuals aged 70 and older in 1984 (N = 5,151), provided data for the present analyses. In each IADL and ADL domain, binary logistic regressions assessed the probability of difficulty associated with sensory impairment and cognitive status after sociodemographic and physical health covariates were controlled for. RESULTS: One fifth of older adults reported dual sensory impairment, which was associated with greater IADL than ADL task difficulty compared with single sensory loss. Further, high levels of dual impairment were shown to increase the risk of difficulty in three of six IADL tasks (preparing meals, shopping, and using the telephone) over vision impairment alone. Overall, cognitive status was a significant predictor of both ADL and IADL difficulties, which was not expected from the everyday competence framework. IMPLICATIONS: Findings highlight the importance of sensory resources for everyday competence and suggest the need for effective vision and hearing rehabilitation to assist older adults in improving or maintaining their functional independence.

Relationship between antibacterial activity of chitosan and surface characteristics of cell wall.

AIM: Five representative waterborne pathogens were used to illustrate the relationship between chitosan's antibacterial activity and the surface characteristics of the bacterial cell wall. METHODS: Chitosan was prepared with averaged 75% or 95% deacetylated degree to examine its antibacterial activity against waterborne pathogens. Fresh microbial inoculants for the antibacterial assessment were prepared on nutrient agar at 37 degrees for 24 h. The evaluation items of antibacterial mechanism included hydrophilicity and negative charge analysis of cell surface, and adsorptive characteristics of chitosan to bacterial cell. All the experiments were applied in triplicate tests at least. RESULTS: Although cell wall hydrophilicity was similar among Gram-negative bacteria, the distribution of negative charge on their cell surfaces was quite different. More negatively charged cell surfaces had a greater interaction with chitosan, a phenomenon further confirmed by transmission electron micrography (TEM). CONCLUSION: Results showed the hydrophilicity in Gram-negative bacteria was much higher than in Gram-positive ones. The correlation coefficient 0.988 between the amount of absorbed chitosan and its inhibition efficiency indicated a close relationship.

Protective role of metallothionein (I/II) against pathological damage and apoptosis induced by dimethylarsinic acid.

AIM: To better clarify the main target organs of dimethylarsinic acid toxicity and the role of metallothionein (MTs) in modifying dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA) toxicity. METHODS: MT-I/II null (MT(-/-)) mice and the corresponding wild-type mice (MT(+/+)), six in each group, were exposed to DMAA (0-750 mg/kg body weight) by a single oral injection. Twenty four hours later, the lungs, livers and kidneys were collected and undergone pathological analysis, induction of apoptotic cells as determined by TUNEL and MT concentration was detected by radio-immunoassay. RESULTS: Remarkable pathological lesions were observed at the doses ranging from 350 to 750 mg/kg body weight in the lungs, livers and kidneys and MT(+/+) mice exhibited a relatively slight destruction when compared with that in dose matched MT(-/-) mice. The number of apoptotic cells was increased in a dose dependent manner in the lungs and livers in both types of mice. DMAA produced more necrotic cells rather than apoptotic cells at the highest dose of 750 mg/kg, however, no significant increase was observed in the kidney. Hepatic MT level in MT(+/+) mice was significantly increased by DMAA in a dose-dependent manner and there was no detectable amount of hepatic MT in untreated MT(-/-) mice. CONCLUSION: DMAA treatment can lead to the induction of apoptosis and pathological damage in both types of mice. MT exhibits a protective effect against DMAA toxicity.