DSP Group Research Articles

Construction of disulfidptosis-based immune response prediction model with artificial intelligence and validation of the pivotal grouping oncogene c-MET in regulating T cell exhaustion.

Given the lack of research on disulfidptosis, our study aimed to dissect its role in pan-cancer and explore the crosstalk between disulfidptosis and cancer immunity. Based on TCGA, ICGC, CGGA, GSE30219, GSE31210, GSE37745, GSE50081, GSE22138, GSE41613, univariate Cox regression, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression were used to construct the rough gene signature based on disulfidptosis for each type of cancer. SsGSEA and Cibersort, followed by correlation analysis, were harnessed to explore the linkage between disulfidptosis and cancer immunity. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Machine learning were utilized to make a refined prognosis model for pan-cancer. In particular, a customized, enhanced prognosis model was made for glioma. The siRNA transfection, FACS, ELISA, etc., were employed to validate the function of c-MET. The expression comparison of the disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) between tumor and nontumor tissues implied a significant difference in most cancers. The correlation between disulfidptosis and immune cell infiltration, including T cell exhaustion (Tex), was evident, especially in glioma. The 7-gene signature was constructed as the rough model for the glioma prognosis. A pan-cancer suitable DSP clustering was made and validated to predict the prognosis. Furthermore, two DSP groups were defined by machine learning to predict the survival and immune therapy response in glioma, which was validated in CGGA. PD-L1 and other immune pathways were highly enriched in the core blue gene module from WGCNA. Among them, c-MET was validated as a tumor driver gene and JAK3-STAT3-PD-L1/PD1 regulator in glioma and T cells. Specifically, the down-regulation of c-MET decreased the proportion of PD1+ CD8+ T cells. To summarize, we dissected the roles of DRGs in the prognosis and their relationship with immunity in pan-cancer. A general prognosis model based on machine learning was constructed for pan-cancer and validated by external datasets with a consistent result. In particular, a survival-predicting model was made specifically for patients with glioma to predict its survival and immune response to ICIs. C-MET was screened and validated for its tumor driver gene and immune regulation function (inducing t-cell exhaustion) in glioma.

Direct sac puncture versus transarterial embolization of type II endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Comparison of outcomes.

Type 2 endoleak (T2EL) is the most common type of endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), and increases the risk of aneurysm sac rupture if it persists beyond 6 months. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of direct sac puncture versus transarterial embolization of T2ELs. Retrospective review of 42 consecutive T2EL embolization procedures, 19 by DSP and 23 by transarterial technique, between January 2015 and December 2020. Primary outcome was aneurysm sac stability and resolution of endoleak at follow-up imaging. Adverse events (AE) were classified based on the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) practice guidelines. Technical success was 94.7% (18/19) in the DSP group and 86.9% (20/23) in the transarterial group (p = 0.32 (-0.77-0.25)). Treatment efficacy was evaluated in 16 patients in the DSP group and 18 patients in the transarterial group who had follow-up imaging ≥6months after embolization. Mean imaging follow-up was 17.1 ± 11.2 (range, 6-41) months in the DSP group and 26.5 ± 15.4 (range, 6-48) months in the transarterial group (p = 0.06, -19.24-0.37). Treatment efficacy was 75% (12/16) in the DSP group and 33.3% (6/18) in the transarterial group (p = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.09-0.97). There was no procedure-related mortality. Moderate-severe AE occurred in 15.7% (3/19) in the DSP group and 8.7% (2/23) in the transarterial group (p = 0.44, -0.12-0.26). In this study, DSP embolization of T2EL was equally safe and more effective than transarterial embolization in achieving aneurysm sac stability and resolution of endoleak.

Effects of dietary supplementation of duo-strain probiotics with post-spraying technology on growth performance, digestive enzyme, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The aim of the present experiment was to study the effects of duo-strain probiotics (DSP, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum) culture supplemented by post-spraying technology on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of grass carp, as well as the viability of the DSP in the post-spraying and storage process. In the present experiment, 900 of Grass carp (41.4 ± 1.8 g) were fed with a basal diet (control group) and the DSP diet containing 105 CFU/g (T1 group) or 106 CFU/g (T2 group) probiotics supplemented by the post-spraying technology in 9 cages for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the amount of DSP in the diets was monitored for 30 days. The results revealed that the viability of the B. subtilis and L. plantarum was 98.14% and 98.09% after the post-spraying and there were no significant differences among 30 days of storage in comparison with final viability of 99.13% and 99.10%. The result of the feed experiment indicated that the diet supplemented DSP significantly increased the percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate (SR) of grass carp, and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the digestive enzyme activity (total protease, α-amylase, lipase and trypsin) and antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase) were significantly improved in the DSP groups than those in the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in comparison with the control group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Overall, these results in the present experiment demonstrated that post-spraying technology could be a potential way for probiotics supplementation in the aquatic feedstuff process and the beneficial effects of DSP on grass carp.

The occurrence of lipophilic toxins in shellfish from the Middle Adriatic Sea

The first survey of the phycotoxin profile in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the coastal waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina (The Bay of Neum, Middle Adriatic Sea) in correlation to the Makarska City Bay (Croatia, Middle Adriatic Sea) was conducted in 2017. Throughout the monitoring period, occasions of gymnodimine (GYM) and azaspiracid (AZA2) shellfish toxicity were recorded in concentrations that do not endanger human health. The occurrence of yessotoxins (YTXs), the most common toxins found in the Adriatic Sea, was correlated to the presence of the Gonyaulax species, a potential source of YTX. The DSP group of toxins is represented by the ester-OA. Phytoplankton analysis confirmed the presence of dinoflagellates from the Prorocentrum genus, a species associated with DSP toxicity. Occurrence frequency and variability of toxin composition were investigated in conjunction to physico-chemical parameters in the surrounding sea water. In the central Adriatic Sea, the infestation period ranges in general from June to August. However, the depuration phase extended beyond September in the Bay of Neum, increasing the length of the decontamination period.

Effects of different surface finishing protocols for zirconia on surface roughness and bacterial biofilm formation.

PURPOSESurface finishing of a zirconia restoration is essential after clinical adjustment. Herein, we investigated the effects of a surface finishing protocol for monolithic zirconia on final roughness and bacterial adherence.MATERIALS AND METHODSForty-eight disk-shaped monolithic zirconia specimens were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 12) based on initial surface treatment, finishing, and polishing protocols: diamond bur+polishing bur (DP group), diamond bur+stone grinding bur+polishing bur (DSP group), no diamond bur+polishing bur (NP group), and no diamond bur+stone grinding bur+polishing bur (NSP group). Initial and final surface roughness was measured with a profilometer, and shown using scanning electron microscope. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated by quantifying Streptococcus mutans in the biofilm. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare results among groups, and two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of grinding burs on final roughness (α=.05).RESULTSThe DP group had the highest final Ra value, followed by the DSP, NP, and NSP groups. Use of the stone grinding bur as a coarse-finishing step significantly decreased final Ra values when a diamond bur was used (P<.001). Omission of the stone grinding bur increased biofilm formation on specimen surfaces. Combining a stone grinding bur with silicone polishing burs produced the smallest final biofilm values, regardless of the use of a diamond bur in initial surface treatment.CONCLUSIONCoarse finishing of monolithic zirconia with a stone grinding bur significantly decreased final Ra values and bacterial biofilm formation when surfaces had been roughened by a diamond bur.

Strategies to include sweet potato meal associated with the use of exogenous enzymes, in broiler chicken feed

SUMMARY This work evaluated the effect of including sweet potato meal (SPM), as an alternative to corn in broiler chicken diets, on performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphometry, organ biometry, meat quality and drumstick pigmentation. The study used 936 male Cobb-500 chicks. The experiment had a completely randomized, 3x2 factorial design, with three diet types. These included corn as the energetic ingredient in the standard diet (corn-soybean meal, CSM), and an increasing (ISP) and decreasing (DSP) inclusion of sweet potato meal as a corn substitute, in association with exogenous enzymes, for a total of six treatments with six repetitions and 26 birds per plot. During the period of 1 to 21 days, there was an interaction (P&lt;0.05) for the weight gain (WG) variable; the CSM diets promoted greater WG in relation to the ISP and DSP groups, when supplemented with exogenous enzymes. There was an increase (P&lt;0.05) in surface absorption of the jejunum villi and relative weight of the pancreas, and worse feed conversion (FC), for the ISP and DSP diets. With exception of the pancreas, for the entire period of 1 to 39 days the performance, yield of the carcass and cuts, meat quality, relative weight of the liver, and feet pigmentation variables were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by the factors evaluated. Sweet potato meal, independent of the inclusion program (ISP/DSP) and enzyme supplementation, could partially substitute corn in broiler chicken feed, guaranteeing good performance, carcass yield and meat quality.

The In Vivo Recovery/Survivaland Pharmacokinetic Properties of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Encapsulated in Autologous Erythrocytes

IntroductionCrohn's disease and Ataxia Telangiectasia have been managed by extended release of dexamethasone from autologous red blood cells (RBC) with encapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate DSP. The EryDexSystem (EDS) is an automated system that loads RBC ex vivo using hypotonic opening of RBC followed by hypertonic resealing of the RBC and washing to prepare the DSP-RBC for infusion. In vivo, DSP is dephosphorylated within the RBC to dexamethasone which passively diffuses into the plasma. The objective of this two-phase study was to elucidate pharmacokinetics (PK) and in vivo 24-hour recovery of RBCs as well as RBC survival (T50) properties of RBC encapsulated DSP.Materials and MethodsThe study was conduct in two separate Phases, A and B. Phase A, the 24-hour RBC recovery and T50 survival phase, was designed as a randomized, concurrently controlled, single-blind, single-center study to determine the in vivo kinetics of EDS-processed autologous RBC. Healthy volunteer consenting subjects were randomized to receive autologous RBCs prepared using EDS and loaded with either 15-20mg DSP (Group 1A) or sham hypotonic saline (Group 2A). EDS prepared RBC were radiolabeled with 51-Cr following standard methods, and the in vivo labeled RBC followed over 49 days post infusion.The Phase B PK study was designed as an open-label, single-center Phase I study that evaluated two dose levels of DSP encapsulated in RBCs using the EDS. Healthy volunteer consenting subjects were randomized to receive autologous RBCs loaded with either 2.5-5 mg DSP (Group 1B) or 15-20 mg (Group 2B). Post-infusion plasma levels of dexamethasone were followed (over 42 days).Both studies conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsPhase A: Ten subjects (3male; 7 female) were randomized to Groups 1A or 2A. The mean 24-hour RBC recovery ± SD [95% CL] was 77.9 ± 3.3% [73.8-81.9%] and 72.7 ± 10.5% [57.8-85.7%] for Groups 1A and 2A, respectively. The mean ± SD RBC life span in Group 1A was 84.3 ± 8.3 days with a mean T50 of 42.1 ± 4.1 [95% CL: 37.0, 47.3] days, whereas these values were 88.9 ± 6.2 days and 44.4 ± 3.1 [95% CL: 40.6, 48.3] days, respectively, in Group 2A. Sixteen (16) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded in Group 1A and 23 in Group 2A. All TEAEs were judged to be unlikely related to the treatment.Phase B: Eighteen subjects (12 male; 6 female) were randomized to Groups 2A and 2B. The actual DSP loading doses (mean ± SEM) were 4.2±0.27 mg and 16.9±0.90 mg. Release of dexamethasone from RBCs in vivo peaked at 1 hour after the end of IV infusion independent of the dose. A detailed summary of the PK parameters for dexamethasone for each treatment group is shown in Table 1. A sustained release of dexamethasone could be detected until 14 and 35 days after the single IV infusion ofEryDex in Group 1B and 2B, respectively. Six (6) TEAEs were reported in each group and were judged to be unlikely related to the study drug or procedure.ConclusionThe results for the mean RBC in vivo recovery for DSP-loaded EDS-processed cells meet the FDA criteria for 24-hour RBC recovery of ≥ 75%, without adverse impact on the survival of EDS-processed RBCs. Most of the dexamethasone was rapidly released from the RBCs in vivo with a maximum peak occurring 1 hour after the end of the intravenous infusion, independent of the dose administered, but sustained release of dexamethasone could be detected until 14 and 35 days post infusion for the low and high doses, respectively. DSP-loaded autologous RBCs prepared using the EDS delivered a sustained dose of dexamethasone in vivo. Additional efficacy studies in targeted patient populations are indicated. [Display omitted] DisclosuresSzczepiorkowski:EryDel S.P.A.: Research Funding. Ferrari:EryDel S.P.A.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Benatti:EryDel S.P.A.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mambrini:EryDel S.P.A.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Hartman:EryDel S.P.A.: Consultancy. Dumont:EryDel S.P.A.: Research Funding.

Is 'Pure' Dhat Syndrome a Stable Diagnostic Entity? A Naturalistic Long Term Follow Up Study from a Tertiary Care Centre.

Very little is known about the long term diagnostic stability of Dhat (semen loss) syndrome owing to a dearth of follow up studies on this condition. The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic stability and naturalistic long term outcomes in a group of pure Dhat syndrome cases. The study was carried out in the outpatient psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital in South India, using a retrospective cohort design. Forty one cases of 'pure' Dhat syndrome (with no other concurrent diagnosis) were selected by a chart review of patients attending the outpatient Psychiatry department. Out of this initial cohort, follow up interviews were held for 36 patients. Direct clinical interviews were held with all participants to assess change in diagnosis. Those who no longer qualified for Dhat syndrome were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) to generate other diagnoses. For analysis, the patients were divided into two groups - those who positively endorsed symptoms of Dhat syndrome at follow up (DSP group) and those who no longer did (DSN group). These groups were compared using chi-square test for categorical variables and student t-test for continuous variables to look for significant differences. Frequencies and percentages were used to depict socio-demographic data and the follow up diagnoses. Data was analysed using SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.). The mean duration of follow up was 6±3.5 years. Nearly two-thirds of the sample no longer fulfilled criteria for Dhat syndrome in follow up. The most common revisional diagnosis in these patients was somatoform disorders. Age, marital status and literacy distinguished the two groups. About a quarter of the sample (26.07%) was in complete remission. Even the purest variety of Dhat syndrome is not a stable diagnosis in the majority of patients. The condition may be better conceptualized as a subtype of somatoform disorder with culturally determined explanation for somatic symptoms. Clinicians should look at explanations of semen loss as fluid cultural idioms of distress rather than as a standalone diagnostic entity.

A prospective comparative study of risperidone long-acting injectable for treatment-resistant schizophrenia with dopamine supersensitivity psychosis

ObjectiveDopamine supersensitivity psychosis (DSP) is considered to be one cause of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The authors investigated the efficacy of risperidone long-acting injections (RLAI) in patients with TRS and DSP. MethodThis is a multicenter, prospective, 12-month follow-up, observational study that included unstable and severe TRS patients with and without DSP. 115 patients with TRS were recruited and divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of DSP which was judged on the basis of the clinical courses and neurological examinations. RLAI was administered adjunctively once every 2weeks along with oral antipsychotics. We observed changes in scores for the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scales (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression—Severity of Illness (CGI-S), Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS) during the study. Of the assessed 94 patients, 61 and 33 were categorized into the DSP and NonDSP groups, respectively. ResultsWhile baseline BPRS total scores, CGI-S scores and GAF scores did not differ, the ESRS score was significantly higher in the DSP group compared with the NonDSP group. Treatment significantly reduced BPRS total scores and CGI-S scores, and increased GAF scores in both groups, but the magnitudes of change were significantly greater in the DSP group relative to the NonDSP group. ESRS scores were also reduced in the DSP group. Responder rates (≥20% reduction in BPRS total score) were 62.3% in the DSP group and 21.2% in the NonDSP group. ConclusionsIt is suggested that DSP contributes to the etiology of TRS. Atypical antipsychotic drugs in long-acting forms, such as RLAI, can provide beneficial effects for patients with DSP.Clinical trials registration: UMIN (UMIN000008487).

Effects of the Electrode Size and Modification Protocol on a Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor

In the present work, the effect of a surface modification protocol along with the electrode size has been investigated for developing an efficient, label-free electrochemical biosensing method for diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarkers. A microdisk electrode array (MDEA) and a macroelectrode with a comb structure (MECS) were modified with an anti-GFAP (GFAP = glial fibrillary acidic protein) antibody using two protocols for optimum and label-free detection of GFAP, a promising acute-phase TBI biomarker. For the MDEA, an array of six microdisks with a 100 μm diameter and, for the MECS, a 3.2 mm × 5.5 mm electrode 5 μm wide with 10 μm spaced comb fingers were modified using an optimized protocol for dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) (DSP) self-assembled monolayer formation. Anti-GFAP was covalently bound, and the remaining free DSP groups were blocked using ethanolamine (Ea). Sensors were exposed to solutions with different GFAP concentrations, and a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used to determine the concentration. EIS results confirmed that both types of Ea/anti-GFAP/DSP/Au electrodes modified with an optimized DSP-based protocol can accurately detect GFAP in the range of 1 pg mL(-1) to 100 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 1 pg mL(-1). However, the cross-use of the MDEA protocol on the MECS and vice versa resulted in very low sensitivity or poor signal resolution, underscoring the importance of proper matching of the electrode size and type and the surface modification protocol.

Emotional intimacy is the best predictor of sexual satisfaction of men and women with sexual arousal problems

This study investigates the association between variables related to individual body appearance and relationship variables with sexual satisfaction (SS) in a sample of men and women with sexual arousal problems (SAP). An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in a clinical setting with a non-representative sample of people diagnosed (DSP) with SAP and with a sample of people who identified themselves (SISP) as having a SAP. A total of 193 participants was recruited. SS and variables related to body appearance and relationship were measured. Hierarchical regression was used to study the contribution of different sets of variables on SS of men and women. No differences were found in terms of demographic variables, except for gender. Women in the SISP group presented significantly higher levels of SS than women in the DSP group. The predictive models proved to be statistically significant and explained many of the variance of SS in both men (R(2)=0.44) and women (R(2)=0.40). In both genders, emotional intimacy was revealed to be the main predictor of SS. Our results support the need to address relationship variables in patients diagnosed with SAP, specifically intimacy. This latter component must be considered for assessment, intervention and referral.

수용성 지방유화제 첨가가 비육후기 한우거세우의 발육과 도체성적에 미치는 영향

Fifty four Hanwoo steers in final fattening period were assigned to 3 groups control, top dressed PROSOL ® as an emulsifier (TP) and DSP group (experimental diet made to down spec of nutrients with PROSOL ® , which is sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate), based on the body weight (647.96±41.31 kg) and months of age (27.3±0.8 mo), and the experiment was conducted to establish the reasonable fattening method of Hanwoo steers for 91 days. Average daily body gains during trial were 0.94, 0.84 and 0.98 kg in control, TP and DSP, respectively (P=0.011). DDMI/ADG of TP group tend to lightly improving compared to control and DSP group (P=0.692). There was no effect of supplementation of the PROSOL ® in concentrates on growth rate, feed efficiency and shrinkage in Hanwoo steers during the short final fattening period. MQI from TP and DSP was not different based on the rib-eye area and carcass weight in carcass than that from control. Back fat thickness tended to be thicker than control (P>0.05). Marbling score, texture and maturity for TP and DSP was abundantly to increase compared to control (P<0.003). There was significantly increment in supplemented PROSOL ® (P<0.0001). The meat quality grade of control, TP and DSP were 2.94, 3.78 and 4.50, respectively. Related to this result, the auction price (carcass/kg) were gained significantly (P<0.003) from control (17,560), TP (18,586) and DSP (19,266 won) so which the monetary return was the highest in DSP and the differences was recognized between TP and DSP. Percentage over 1st grade appeared in control, TP and DSP were 55.4, 88.9 and 100.0%, respectively. These results supported the hypothesis that supplementation of emulsifier improve the marbling score and the carcass quality grade by increased digestibilities of the feed fat in Hanwoo steers in fattening period. (Key words : Hanwoo steers, Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, Growth, Carcass, Marbling)

Neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin after experimental cold injury–induced vasogenic brain edema in rats

Background The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of EPO in the treatment of cold injury–induced brain edema, apoptosis, and inflammation and to compare its effectiveness with DSP. Methods One hundred fifteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 280 and 300 g were used for the study. Rats were divided into 5 groups. Controls received craniotomy only. The injury group underwent cold injury and had no medication. In the EPO group, a single dose of 1000 IU/kg body weight of EPO was administered. The DSP group received 0.2 mg/kg body weight of DSP. The vehicle group received a vehicle solution containing human serum albumin, which is the solvent for EPO. Brain edema was formed by cold injury using metal sterile rods with a diameter of 4 mm that were previously cooled at −80°C. Twenty-four hours after the injury, animals were decapitated and brain tissues were investigated for brain edema, tissue MPO and caspase-3 levels, and ultrastructure. Results A significant increase in brain water content was revealed in injury group of rats at 24 hours after cold injury. Injury significantly increased tissue MPO and caspase-3 levels and resulted in ultrastructural damage. Both EPO and DSP markedly decreased tissue MPO and caspase-3 levels and preserved ultrastructure of the injured brain cortex. Conclusions Erythropoietin and DSP were found to be neuroprotective in cold injury–induced brain edema model in rats via anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions.

Up-regulation of thromboxane A 2 receptor expression by lipid soluble smoking particles through post-transcriptional mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a key factor in vascular disease, and cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor that may induce an inflammatory response and enhance plaque formation in arteries. Thromboxane (Tx) is one key inflammatory mediator involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The present study was designed to test if lipid soluble smoking particles (DSP) enhance TxA 2 receptor (TP) expression in rat mesenteric arteries, and if intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play a role. Organ culture of rat mesenteric arteries in the presence of DSP (0.2 μl/ml for 24 h) resulted in markedly elevated contractile responses to the Tx analog U46619, compared with the control DMSO. There was no increase in TP receptor mRNA expression, while the protein expression was significantly enhanced. This up-regulation was not affected by a general transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D, but was almost completely abolished by cycloheximide, a general translational inhibitor. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, manifested a potent inhibitory effect as well. These results suggest that the up-regulation of TP receptor occurs via post-transcriptional events, and mainly translation. This is supported by experiments with specific inhibitors for c-Jun-NH 2-terminal kinase (SP600125), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (PD98059 and U0126) and p38 (SB203580) that had no inhibitory effect on the up-regulation of TP receptors. Collectively, the results show that MAPK pathways are not involved in TP receptor up-regulation. Study on TP receptor mRNA stability showed that during organ culture, the TP receptor mRNA was stable in both DMSO and DSP group, but the latter elicited a tendency to stabilize the TP receptor mRNA at higher level. Thus, post-transcriptional mechanisms are responsible for the up-regulation of TP receptor by DSP, in which enhanced translation is the major cause of the elevated protein expression and the enhanced contraction.

A new multi-channel real-time digital signal processing platform for acoustic signal processing and sensor response emulation

In recent years, the DSP group at the University of Manchester has developed a range of DSP platforms for real-time filtering and processing of acoustic signals. A next generation system has now been designed, which incorporates a processor operating at 0.55 Giga MMACS, six input and eight output analogue channels, digital input/output in the form of S/PDIF and a USB interface. The software allows the user, with no knowledge of filter theory or programming, to design and run standard or completely arbitrary FIR, IIR and adaptive filters. Processing tasks may be described and linked using the graphical icon based interface. In addition, the system has the capability to emulate in real-time linear system behaviour such as sensors, instrument bodies, string vibrations, resonant spaces and electrical networks. Tests have confirmed a high degree of fidelity between the behaviour of the physical system and its digitally emulated counterpart. In addition to the supplied software, the user may also program the system using a variety of commercial packages via the JTAG interface.

Short‐and Long‐Term Performance of a Tripolar Down‐Sized Single Lead for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Treatment: A Randomized Prospective European Multicenter Study

A new, thinner (10 Fr) and more flexible, single-pass transvenous endocardial ICD lead, Endotak DSP, was compared with a conventional lead, Endotak C, as a control in a prospective randomized multicenter study in combination with a nonactive can ICD. A total of 123 patients were enrolled, 55 of whom received a down-sized DSP lead. Lead-alone configuration was successfully implanted in 95% of the DSP patients vs 88% in the control group. The mean defibrillation threshold (DFT) was determined by means of a step-down protocol, and was identical in the two groups, 10.5 +/- 4.8 J in the DSP group versus 10.5 +/- 4.8 J in the control group. At implantation, the DSP mean pacing threshold was lower, 0.51 +/- 0.18 V versus 0.62 +/- 0.35 V (p < 0.05) in the control group, and the mean pacing impedance higher, 594 +/- 110 omega vs 523 +/- 135 omega (p < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the statistically significant difference in thresholds disappeared, while the difference in impedance remained. Tachyarrhythmia treatment by shock or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was delivered in 53% and 41%, respectively, of the patients with a 100% success rate. In the DSP group, all 28 episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were converted by the first shock as compared to 57 of 69 episodes (83%) in the control group (p < 0.05). Monomorphic ventricular tachycardias were terminated by ATP alone in 96% versus 94%. Lead related problems were minor and observed in 5% and 7%, respectively. In summary, both leads were safe and efficacious in the detection and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. There were no differences between the DSP and control groups regarding short- or long-term lead related complications.

High-dose 15-deoxyspergualin monotherapy surpasses methylprednisolone in its therapeutic effect on advanced lupus nephritis in New Zealand black/white F1 hybrid mice, and low-dose combination may be synergistic.

To compare the therapeutic effect of 15-deoxyspergualin with that of methylprednisolone on advanced lupus nephropathy of New Zealand black/white F1 hybrid (B/W) mice, and also to study the possible synergistic effect of both drugs, B/W mice were heminephrectomized at 32 weeks of age, and were divided into six groups. Each group of mice was treated with 50 microliters phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 3 mg/kg methylprednisolone, 20 mg methylprednisolone, 0.6 mg DSP, 6 mg DSP, or with 3 mg methylprednisolone plus 0.6 mg DSP, s.c., four times per week for 8 weeks. Urine and blood samples (by tail vein venipuncture), as well as renal tissue specimens, were taken at 32 and 40 weeks of age. The degree of proteinuria, and serum anti-DNA activity (by ELISA) were determined. Renal specimens were evaluated with light- and immunofluorescence (C3)-microscopy, the degree of pathological changes being semi-quantitated and expressed as total light-microscopy (LM) and immunofluorescence (IF) scores. The survival rate at 40 weeks of age was significantly elevated in 0.6 mg DSP, 6 mg DSP, and methylprednisolone + DSP groups of mice compared with the control group. The appearance rate of significant post-treatment proteinuria was comparable among all groups. The difference (post-treatment titre--pretreatment titre) of serum anti-DNA activity in the 6 mg DSP and methylprednisolone + DSP groups were significantly less, while that of the 3 mg methylprednisolone group was greater compared with the control level. As for the total LM score, the levels significantly decreased in the 6 mg DSP, methylprednisolone + DSP and 3 mg methylprednisolone groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiological Effects of a Doctor-supervisedVersusan Unsupervised Over-the-counter Weight-loss Program

A comparison of two different 10-week intervention programs, both focused upon weight loss, was made. One of these programs (DSp—Doctor Supervised Program) was supervised by a health professional, and the other was a popular unsupervised OTC program (OTC—-Over-the-counter). Observed intergroup comparative changes included serum cholesterol (DSP mean=-13 mg dl-1OTC mean=-17 mg dl−1), HDL cholesterol (DSP mean=9.7 mg dl−1; OTC mean= - 9.6 mg dl−1), weight loss (DSP mean= - 11 lb; OTC mean= - 13 lb). These differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Two statistically significant differences between the groups were changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and body composition (BC). No change in TSH was observed in the DSP group pre- and post-intervention, whereas a significant increase (150%, p=0.04) was observed in the OTC group. in addition, participants in the DSP group lost significantly more fat (mean=10 lb) than the OTC group (mean=I lb). the intergroup difference for this cha...

Reversal of Established Nephropathy in New Zealand B/W F&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;Mice by 15-Deoxyspergualin

The therapeutic effect of 15-deoxyspergualin (DSP) in old New Zealand Black/White F1 mice (B/W mice) with clinical nephropathy was studied and compared with cyclophosphamide (CY). The mice were treated with 0.05 ml phosphate-buffered saline, subcutaneously, four times/week, with DSP, 6 mg/kg body weight, s.c., four times/week, or with CY, 15 mg/kg, i.p., once a week, starting at the 28th week of age. They were serially semiquantitated for proteinuria, and serum IgG anti-dsDNA antibody was measured by ELISA. Spleen cell surface markers such as L3T4, Lyt2 and IgG were flow-cytometrically analyzed, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) activity in vitro was measured using CTLL cells. Kidney specimens were studied with light and immunofluorescence microscopy. The mice treated with either CY or DSP survived significantly longer than the control mice. L3T4+ cells in the DSP-treated mice at 40 weeks of age were significantly less than those in the 28-week-old control mice (p less than 0.05). In contrast, IL-2 generation in the three groups of mice showed no significant variations at 32-40 weeks of age. Serum anti-DNA antibody levels in both of the CY and DSP groups remained low and comparable with that in the 28-week-old mice, and the incidence of significant proteinuria decreased. Likewise, glomerular histology in the treated groups was improved compared with the 28-week-old control mice, and the deposition of IgG and C3 in the treated groups remained unchanged or further decreased. Accordingly, the renal (immuno)histological findings in the DSP group were quite comparable with or even better than those in the CY-treated mice. DSP may have suppressed the abnormal antibody production by modulating the T cell function(s), which is in contrast to the direct action against B cells due to CY.

Research Activities of DSP group of Georgia Institute of Technology

Research Activities of DSP group of Georgia Institute of Technology