AG Group Research Articles

Obésité abdominale et gonarthrose

The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. Patients and Methods We performed an observational study of obese patients with no other risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. For each patient, we evaluated BMI, WC, duration of obesity and knee pain. Two groups were identified: “asymptomatic patients” (AG), without knee pain, and “symptomatic patients” (SG). For the SG, we measured pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and functional repercussions (using the Lequesne and WOMAC indexes). Patients with knee pain underwent standard radiographic procedures to search for signs of osteoarthritis, and the SG was divided into two subgroups: with radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-1) and without radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-2). The AG and SG groups and SG-1 and SG-2 groups were compared for age, sex, and duration of obesity. Comparisons of BMI, WC, and function involved the Student's t-test. Results We recruited 56 patients for the study (82.5% females; mean obesity duration (13 ± 6.5 years; mean age 43.21 ± 9.58 years). The mean BMI was 39.6 ± 7.23 kg/m 2 and mean WC was 113 ± 14.3 cm. We found 33 patients (59%) with knee pain. Independent of age, sex, duration of obesity and BMI, the SG showed more significant WC (117.27 ± 14.71 cm vs. 107 ± 11.75 cm for the AG, P 0.01). In the same group and independent of the already mentioned factors, the patients with radiological signs of osteoarthritis showed significant WC [122 ± 15.57 cm (SG-1) vs. 108 ± 6.88 cm (SG-2) ( P 0.01)]. Moreover, the VAS score of pain at rest and during effort and the WOMAC and Lequesne scores were 16 ± 25.7 mm, 75 ± 18.3 mm, 12.3 ± 8.92 and 11.5 ± 5.44 (SG-1) and 7 ± 18.4 mm, 70 ± 19.2 mm, 5.7 ± 3.05, and 6.9 ± 3.79 (SG-2), respectively. The difference between SG-1 and SG-2 was significant only for the WOMAC ( P = 0.015) and Lequesne ( P = 0.026) scores. Conclusion Independent of BMI, WC appears to be a factor associated with the presence of knee pain and osteoarthritis in obese patients. Furthermore, a high WC is associated with significant functional repercussion.

Polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene: Association with stress-related indices in healthy middle-aged adults

Past research has concentrated on the stress system and personality in order to explain the variance found in cognitive performance in old age. A growing body of research is starting to focus on genetic polymorphism as an individual difference factor to explain the observed heterogeneity in cognitive function. While the functional mechanism is still under investigation, polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene (−1438A/G) has been linked to certain behavioral and physiological outcomes, including cortisol secretion, the expression of certain personality traits, and memory performance. It was the goal of the present study to investigate the association between the −1438A/G polymorphism and stress hormone secretion, stress-related psychological measures, and cognitive performance in a group of adults between the ages of 50 and 65. To examine these associations, 101 middle-aged adults were recruited, completed a battery of psychological questionnaires and were administered a battery of cognitive tasks that assess frontal lobe and hippocampal function. Basal and stress-reactive salivary cortisol levels were collected, at home and in the laboratory. Analyses on psychological measures showed that participants with the GG genotype reported significantly higher levels of neuroticism compared to the AG group and higher levels of depression and more emotion-based coping strategies compared to both the AG and AA group. In terms of cortisol secretion, the AA genotype was related to a significantly higher awakening cortisol response (ACR) compared to the AG and GG group and the GG genotype group displayed a greater increase in cortisol secretion following a psychosocial stressor compared to the two other groups. On measures of cognitive performance, the AA genotype group performed significantly better on a test of declarative memory and selective attention compared to the other two groups. Together, these results suggest that carriers of the GG genotype are more susceptible to low mood and display a greater potential for an overactive stress system, which may influence cognitive function in later years.

Synthesis of composite based on submicron sized silver particles hosted on microspheres of surface-functional porous crosslinked copolymer networks

This study presents a different colloidal silver (Ag)/polymer system where Ag submicron particles are anchored onto surface-functional porous microspheres of various commercial copolymers networks, namely Amberlite® GT73 (resin containing thiol group) and Amberlyst® 15WET from Rohm and Haas Co. and Lewatit® VPOC1800 from Bayer Co., both containing sulfonic acid group. The Ag/microsphere composites were prepared via in situ reduction of Ag salt (AgNO 3) by employing three different reductants, namely hydrazine, hydroxylamine and formaldehyde (under alkaline pH). The formation and morphology of the composite microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with backscattered electrons detector (BSE). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) coupled to SEM allowed the observation of submicron particles in the 50–500 nm size range, which chemical microanalysis of emitted X-rays revealed the presence of metal on the microspheres surface. The significance of the present report is that owing to the affinity between Ag and functional groups of the different copolymers studied on the large surface of the microspheres, it was possible to have an insight on the influence of the functional group in the Ag particles dispersion profile in the composite. Thus Ag particles were observed to be incorporated evenly into the deep pores of the beads with fine size and narrow size distribution in GT73 resin, while non-uniform coarse precipitation was observed in VPOC1800 and 15WET resins. It appears that the morphological features could be strongly influenced by the chemical composition.

Muscle-specific creatine kinase gene polymorphism and running economy responses to an 18-week 5000-m training programme

Objective: To investigate the association between muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM) gene polymorphism and the effects of endurance training on running economy. Methods: 102 biologically unrelated male volunteers from northern China...

Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Long-Term Adherence to Evidence-Based Secondary Prevention Therapies in Coronary Artery Disease”

We thank Drs Jezior and Sullenberger for their interest in our article1 and agree that our observations on consistent use of proven therapies are indeed sobering. Importantly, we examined long-term consistent use, not discharge use, of evidence-based therapies, and did so specifically in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Of these patients, 8914 (28%) had heart failure; >61% of those patients had a documented ejection fraction (EF) <40. With regard to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use in CAD populations, there are …

Controlled study of enteral arginine supplementation in burned children: impact on immunologic and metabolic status

Objective We compared the effects of an arginine-supplemented diet with those of an isocaloric isonitrogenous diet on immune and metabolic response of children with burns. Methods This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in a burn treatment center of a pediatric hospital in Santiago, Chile. All children (1–5 y of age) admitted within 48 h of a moderate to deep burn injury covering 10% to 40% of total body surface area were evaluated. Twenty-eight children met the criteria and were randomly assigned to receive an arginine-supplemented diet (AG; n = 14) or an isocaloric isonitrogenous diet (CG; control, n = 14) for 14 d. Samples were collected at admission (baseline) and on days 7 and 14 for lymphoproliferative response to mitogens, plasma interleukins (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α), plasma arginine and ornithine levels, serum C-reactive protein, prealbumin, albumin, glucose, and total urinary nitrogen. Results The AG enhanced lymphoproliferative responses (analysis of variance, P < 0.05), which were 72% of normal at baseline in both groups; by day 7 responses increased to 144% in the AG group and decreased to 56% in the CG group; both groups returned to normal by day 14. Baseline interleukin-6 was significantly increased in all children. There were no differences in plasma concentrations of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, prealbumin, albumin, or glucose between the AG and CG groups. On day 7 plasma ornithine levels increased significantly in the AG versus CG group ( P < 0.05); arginine levels showed no change. Conclusions An exclusively AG improves mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in burned children. The benefits of arginine for the immune system do not appear to be related to a metabolic response. The biological significance of this finding remains to be determined.

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Systems Biology Center Connects UCSF and Peking University. Mitsubishi Pharma to License Internal Hemorrhoid Drug to Yuhan. Rockeby Secures Two Deals to Supply Avian Flu Test Kit. India to Invest More in Agriculture. China to Increase its Clinical Trials Activity. AgResearch Announces 2020 Science Strategy. Australia's Biotron Announces its Compounds Active against H5N1 Avian Flu Virus. Takara Bio Acquires Takara Biotechnology from Marubeni Corporation. New Zealand Bird Flu Researcher Dr Robert Webster Named the Country's Distinguished Biotechnologist of the Year. MerLion Pharmaceuticals Receives Frost &amp; Sullivan Market Penetration Leadership Award. Schering AG Group Gears up to Expand Asia Pacific Business. Western Australia to Build Two Research Centers in Perth. Serum Institute of India Invests 12 Billion Rupee at India's First Biotech Special Economic Zone in Pune.

Biphasic Action of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in a Hindlimb Ischemia Model

We investigated the influence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on acute ischemic injury and chronic angiogenesis. In a hindlimb ischemia model, NO produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) reduces ischemic injury and promotes angiogenesis. However, the effect of the large amounts of NO generated by induced iNOS is unclear. Experimental groups of mice were as follows: (1) wild-type group (Wild), (2) iNOS-knockout group (iNOS-KO), and (3) aminoguanidine-treated wild-type group (Wild + AG), which received aminoguanidine from day 0 to day 3 after ischemia. Acute ischemic injury was evaluated by measuring the plasma CK value and ischemic score. Chronic angiogenesis was evaluated by microangiography and with a non-contact type Doppler blood flowmeter on day 3. Compared with the Wild group (251 ± 34.7 IU/l), the CK value was significantly elevated in the iNOS-KO (497 ± 126.7 IU/l) and Wild + AG (587.2 ± 128.7 IU/l) groups. The ischemic score was significantly increased in the iNOS-KO (92%) and Wild ± AG (66.6%) groups compared with the Wild group (23%). Blood flow was significantly increased in the iNOS-KO group (58.7 ± 15.3%) compared with the Wild (38.1 ± 15.9%) and Wild ± AG (43.5 ± 9.8%) groups in the chronic stage. Microangiography revealed a significantly increased number of blood vessels in the iNOS-KO (0.29 ± 0.02) group compared with the Wild (0.12 ± 0.01) and Wild + AG (0.15 ± 0.02) groups. Our findings indicate that NO generated by iNOS has a biphasic action, reducing acute ischemic injury and inhibiting angiogenesis in the chronic stage.

Isolation of two putative homologues of PISTILLATA and AGAMOUS from Alpinia oblongifolia (Zingiberaceae) and characterization of their expression

We cloned the cDNAs of AG- and PI-like genes from a young inflorescence cDNA library of Alpinia oblongifolia. Two MADS-box related clones were repeatedly isolated: A. oblongifolia PISTILLATA ( AoPI) and A. oblongifolia AGAMOUS (AoAG). AoPI cDNA is 841 bp long including the poly-A tail instead of 826 bp long and encodes a 208 amino acid peptide. AoAG is 971 bp long and encodes a 229 amino acid peptide. Sequence comparisons indicated that AoPI and AoAG are very similar to PI and AG homologues, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that AoPI belongs to the PI group and AoAG belongs to the AG group of genes. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the AoPI gene is expressed in petals and stamen throughout the process of flower development, and that the AoAG gene is expressed in stamen throughout flower development and in carpels in the early stages of development. AoAG is also expressed in the ovules. The expression patterns of AoPI and AoAG are generally consistent with those of the floral homeotic PI- and AG-like genes in other plant species; these specify the identities of the second and third whorls, and third and fourth whorls, respectively. Therefore, in A. oblongifolia, AoPI is a B-functional gene and AoAG is a C-functional gene. The conservation and diversification of the expression of both genes are discussed.

Correlation between signs of temporomandibular (TMD) and cervical spine (CSD) disorders in asthmatic children

Neck accessory respiratory muscles and mouth breathing suggest a direct relationship among asthma, Temporomandibular (TMD) and Cervical Spine (CSD) Disorders. This study was performed to evaluate and correlate TMD, CSD in asthmatic and non-asthmatic. Thirty asthmatic children (7.1 +/- 2.6 years old), 30 non-asthmatic predominantly mouth breathing children (Mouth Breathing Group - MBG) (8.80 +/- 1.61 years) and 30 non-asthmatic predominantly nasal breathing children (Nasal breathing Group - NBG) (9.00 +/- 1.64 years) participated in this study and they were submitted to clinical index to evaluate stomatognathic and cervical systems. Spearman correlation test and Chi-square were used. The level of significance was set at p < 0. 05. Significant frequency of palpatory tenderness of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), TMJ sounds, pain during cervical extension and rotation, palpatory tenderness of sternocleidomastoids and paravertabrae muscles and a severe reduction in cervical range of motion were observed in AG. Both AG and MBG groups demonstrated palpatory tenderness of posterior TMJ, medial and lateral pterygoid, and trapezius muscles when compared to NBG. Results showed a positive correlation between the severity of TMD and CSD signs in asthmatic children (r = 0.48). No child was considered normal to CSD and cervical mobility. The possible shortening of neck accessory muscles of respiration and mouth breathing could explain the relationship observed between TMD, CSD signs in asthmatic children and emphasize the importance of the assessment of temporomandibular and cervical spine regions in asthmatic children.

Involvement of Constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Portal-systemic Collaterals of Portal Hypertensive Rats

Recent studies have shown that endothelial nitric oxide (NO) is involved in modulating the vascular response to vasoconstrictors in portal-systemic collaterals of portal hypertensive rats. This study investigated which isoform of NO synthase is involved in the collateral circulation of portal hypertensive rats. The relaxation response to acetylcholine (10(-8) M, 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M) in norepinephrine (NE)-preconstricted portal-systemic collaterals was investigated after incubation with vehicle (Krebs solution), a preferential inducible NO synthase inhibitor (aminoguanidine [AG]), or a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor (Nomega-nitro-L-arginine [NNA]), in rats with partial portal vein ligation. Mean arterial pressure was measured before the perfusion experiments. Bodyweight and mean arterial pressure before the perfusion studies were similar in the vehicle, AG and NNA groups. Preincubation with NNA, but not AG, produced a significant increase in baseline perfusion pressure compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.05). The increase in perfusion pressure in response to NE was enhanced in the presence of NNA (p < 0.05), but not AG. In addition, preincubation with NNA, but not AG, significantly suppressed acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the portal-systemic collaterals (p < 0.05). These results suggest that constitutive, rather than inducible, NO synthase is involved in the vascular response to vasoconstrictors in the portal-systemic collaterals of portal hypertensive rats.

Avaliação do efeito da esplenectomia e auto-implante esplênico sobre algumas funções de monócitos em crianças com esquistossomose mansônica

Adherence index, superoxide and TNF-alpha production in monocytes, with or without tuftsin treatment, were investigated in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni bearers with splenectomy with or without autologous implantation of spleen tissue. Three groups were evaluated: Healthy volunteers control group (CG) (n=12); Splenectomy with seft auto-transplant AG (n=18) and Splenectomy without auto-transplant WAG (n=9). Adherence index and TNF-alpha did not differ among the groups. Superoxide production was similar in CG and AG, in the 1st hour after cell stimulation. SP was larger in each hour time in CG and AG groups as compared WAS group. TT recovered normal pattern of SP in AG comparable with levels found in CG, with increase from the 1st to 2nd hour. However, TT did not alter SP in WAG, which remained reduced in all time points. Autologous implantation of spleen tissue seems to contribute for recovery and maintenance of the evaluated immunological reactions, which might be important in response to infections.

Anti-cancer effect of iNOS inhibitor and its correlation with angiogenesis in gastric cancer

To observe the anti-cancer effect of iNOS selective inhibitor (aminoguanidine, AG) and investigate the relationship between iNOS inhibitor and angiogenesis, infiltration or metastasis in MFC gastric cancer xenografts. Fifty athymic mice xenograft models were established by inoculating gastric cancer cell MFC subcutaneously. Twenty-four hours later, 0.9% sodium chloride solution, mitomycin, low dosage AG, high dosage AG, mitomycin and AG were administered by intraperitoneal injection respectively. Thus these mice were divided into five groups of 10 each randomly: control group, MMC group, AG(L) group, AG(H) group, MMC+AG(H) group. Two weeks later the mice were killed, and the tumor weight, inhibitory rate were evaluated. Greiss assay was used to detect the nitric oxide levels in plasma. HE and immunohistochemistry staining were used to examine microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of iNOS, VEGF, and PCNA. Apoptosis was detected by using TUNEL assay. The inhibitory rates in MMC+AG(H) group and AG(H) group were 52.9% and 47.1% respectively, which is significant statistically compared with that of control group (0). In treatment groups, the cell proliferation index (PI) was lower and apoptosis index was higher than those of control group. Microvessel density, iNOS, and VEGF in MMC+ AG(H) group were 8.8+/-2.6, 2.4+/-1.1, and 2.1+/-1.4 respectively, which is significant statistically compared with those of control group (68.3+/-10.6, 11.3+/-1.3, and 10.3+/-1.6). The NO level in plasma of MMC+ AGH and AG(H) group were 12.7+/-2.1 and 12.9+/-2.0 mumol/L. Compared with that of control group (46.6+/-2.3 mumol/L), the difference is statistically significant. AG has anticancer effect on gastric cancer, and it has positive synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic drugs. It may play important inhibitory roles in angiogenesis of gastric cancer. The anticancer effect of iNOS inhibitors may include inducing cell apoptosis, suppressing cell proliferation and reducing angiogenesis.

Promotion of Dermal Wound Healing by Polysaccharides Isolated from Phellinus gilvus in rats

The effects of topical administration of polysaccharides isolated from fungus, Phellinus gilvus (PG) on the healing of rat dermal wounds were assessed. In 10 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, six 6 mm diameter defects were made with a punch biopsy appliance. After 24 hr, test substances were applied to the defects twice a day: 0.025, 0.25, and 2.5% polysaccharides from PG (PG0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 groups), Madecassol ointment (MC group), aqueous gel (AG group) and no treatment (control group). Six days postoperatively, the contraction and reepithelialization of the wound surface were assessed. Wound diameter was significantly reduced in all PG groups (P<0.05). Complete epithelialization and macrophages were noted in the PG0.25 group, as compared to the control group. We conclude that polysaccharides isolated from PG have significant dermal wound healing effects, and this investigation suggests the potential clinical application of PG as a wound healing agent.

The -2518 Promotor Polymorphism in the MCP-1 Gene Is Associated with Systemic Sclerosis

Factors influencing the initiation or progression of sclerosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are poorly understood. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemokine, which is upregulated in fibroblasts during development of sclerosis. In this study, we investigated the frequency of the functional -2518G MCP-1 promoter polymorphism in 18 patients with SSc and 139 healthy controls. In the lesional skin of the same SSc patients, expression of MCP-1 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry. To investigate a genotype/phenotype correlation, basal as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced MCP-1 expression was analyzed in fibroblasts isolated from the skin of SSc patients with different MCP-1 genotypes by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Genotyping for the -2518 (A/G) MCP-1 promotor polymorphism showed that GG homozygotes were significantly more frequent in patients with SSc than in controls (28%vs 6%). Results of immunohistochemistry revealed that MCP-1 was expressed in keratinocytes, infiltrating inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells in scleroderma skin, whereas normal control skin showed no MCP-1 expression. MCP-1 expression in fibroblasts from GG-homozygote individuals tended to be stronger as compared to AG or AA genotypes. Furthermore, basal as well as TNF-induced MCP-1 expression of fibroblasts isolated from a GG-homozygote SSc patient was significantly higher than MCP-1 expression of fibroblasts isolated from heterozygote or AA-homozygote donors. The A -2518G polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene appears to affect MCP-1 expression of skin fibroblasts of patients with SSc. In accordance, the G/G genotype may predispose patients to SSc.

Biological and genetic factors influencing plasma factor VIII levels in a healthy family population: results from the Stanislas cohort

The mechanisms underlying the variability of factor VIII (FVIII) levels are still poorly understood. The only receptor of FVIII identified so far is the lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which is thought to be involved in FVIII degradation. We aimed to characterize biological and genetic factors related to FVIII variability, focusing on coding polymorphisms of the LRP gene and polymorphisms potentially detected by molecular screening of the LRP-binding domains of the FVIII gene. Plasma FVIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) and von Willebrand factor (VWF:Ag) antigen levels were measured in a sample of 100 healthy nuclear families (200 parents and 224 offspring). The ABO blood group and the three coding polymorphisms of the LRP gene (A217V, D2080N and C766T) were genotyped. Lipids and anthropometric factors poorly contributed to the variability of FVIII:C (<5%). A strong effect of ABO blood groups on FVIII:C levels was observed that remained significant after adjustment for VWF:Ag levels (P = 0.02). These two factors explained more than 50% of FVIII:C variability. After adjustment for VWF:Ag and ABO blood groups, a residual resemblance for FVIII:C persisted between biological relatives (rho = 0.13 +/- 0.06 between parents and offspring, rho = 0.24 +/- 0.09 between siblings) compatible with an additional genetic influence. The N allele of the LRP/D2080N polymorphism was associated with decreased levels of FVIII:C (90.4 +/- 8.7 vs. 102.2 +/- 3.5 IU/dl, P = 0.03) and VWF:Ag levels (109.1 +/- 11.2 vs. 125.4 +/- 4.4 IU/dl, P = 0.02). No polymorphism was detected in the LRP-binding domains of the FVIII gene. This study reinforces the hypothesis of a genetic influence of FVIII levels beyond the influence of VWF:Ag and ABO blood groups. The D2080N polymorphism of the LRP gene weakly contributed to the variability of FVIII:C levels in this healthy population.

Synthesis of silver/polymer colloidal composites from surface-functional porous polymer microspheres

This study presents a different colloidal silver (Ag)/polymer system where Ag nanoparticles are deposited uniformly onto surface-functional porous poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate- co-acrylonitrile) (poly(EGDMA- co-AN)) microspheres. The formation and morphology of the composite microspheres were characterized from electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. The significance of the present report is that owing to the high affinity between Ag and nitrile group (CN) on the large surface of the microspheres, the Ag nanoparticles having a face-centered cubic phase were incorporated evenly into the deep pores of the microspheres with fine size and size distribution. In the preservation test, the Ag/poly(EGDMA- co-AN) composite microspheres obtained showed an excellent anti-bacterial performance, elucidating a high applicability for a new preservative.

Synthesis of silver/polymer colloidal composites from surface-functional porous polymer microspheres

This study presents a different colloidal silver (Ag)/polymer system where Ag nanoparticles are deposited uniformly onto surface-functional porous poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate- co -acrylonitrile) (poly(EGDMA- co -AN)) microspheres. The formation and morphology of the composite microspheres were characterized from electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. The significance of the present report is that owing to the high affinity between Ag and nitrile group (CN) on the large surface of the microspheres, the Ag nanoparticles having a face-centered cubic phase were incorporated evenly into the deep pores of the microspheres with fine size and size distribution. In the preservation test, the Ag/poly(EGDMA- co -AN) composite microspheres obtained showed an excellent anti-bacterial performance, elucidating a high applicability for a new preservative.

Nerve regeneration and functional recovery after a sciatic nerve gap repaired by an acellular nerve allograft made through chemical extraction

Objective To observe the nerve regeneration and functional recov er y in canines, in which a large gap was made in the continuity of the sciatic ner ve and the gap was repaired by acellular allograft through chemical extraction. Methods 15 canines were divided into acellular nerve allografting group (ANG, 6 canines), autografting group (AG, 6 canines) and fresh nerve allografting group (FNG, 3 canines). The sciatic nerves on the right side of all animals were expos ed and 5.0 cm long segments were removed from the mid-thigh level and replaced by one of the three types of grafts. The motor recovery was assessed by gait tes t at month 6 postoperatively. The sensory and motor conducting functions were as sessed by electrophysiological experiments. The nerve regeneration was revealed by morphological studies on the grafting segments, the distal tibial nerves and motor end-plate of the target muscle. Results All the animals in ANG and AG gro ups had similar patterns of right posterior limb gait cycle and right ankle move ments. Stimuli (1.0-2.0 mA, 0.1 ms, 1.0 Hz) to the sciatic nerves proximal to t he implanted segment resulted in motor-evoked potentials recorded from the musc ulus triceps surae. The motor conducting velocities of the grafting segments wer e on average 47.2 m/s in ANG, 60.9 m/s in AG and 122.0m/s in normal controls. St imuli (5.0-10.0 mA, 0.2 ms, 1.9 Hz) to the right distal tibial nerves resulted in sensory-evoked potentials recorded from the cortical area in all the canines in ANG and AG groups. Axons regeneration and Schwann cells migration had reoccu pied the empty basal lamina tubes of the acellular allografting segments without excessive sign of inflammation. ANG and AG had similar nerve regeneration with massive large nerve fibers in the distal tibial nerves and vast motor end-plate in the target muscle. Conclusions The patterns of functional recovery and nerve regeneration tend to be similar 6 months after implantation in the canines, in which a 5.0 cm gap in the continuity of the sciatic nerve is repaired by either chemical acellular nerve allografting or autografting.

Inflammatory gene profiles in gastric mucosa during Helicobacter pylori infection in humans.

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an inflammatory response in the gastric mucosa, ultimately leading to cellular hyperproliferation and malignant transformation. Hitherto, only expression of a single gene, or a limited number of genes, has been investigated in infected patients. cDNA arrays were therefore used to establish the global pattern of gene expression in gastric tissue of healthy subjects and of H. pylori-infected patients. Two main gene expression profiles were identified based on cluster analysis. The data obtained suggest a strong involvement of selected Toll-like receptors, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and ILs in the mucosal response. This pattern is clearly different from that observed using gastric epithelial cell lines infected in vitro with H. pylori. The presence of a "Helicobacter-infection signature," i.e., a set of genes that are up-regulated in biopsies from H. pylori-infected patients, could be derived from this analysis. The genotype of the bacteria (presence of genes encoding cytotoxin-associated Ag, vacuolating cytotoxin, and blood group Ag-binding adhesin) was analyzed by PCR and shown to be associated with differential expression of a subset of genes, but not the general gene expression pattern. The expression data of the array hybridization was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR assays. Future studies may help identify gene expression patterns predictive of complications of the infection.