FPS Group Research Articles

Inhibition of the advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) pathway prevents post-cardiac arrest sequels in rabbits

The post-cardiac arrest syndrome is characterized by an aseptic inflammatory response triggered by danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Among DAMPs, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is one of the major promoters of innate immunity after cardiac arrest. Previous work has shown that its “chelation” by glycyrrhizin resulted in a neuroprotective effect. However, the receptor by which HMGB1 could exert its deleterious effect still need to be determined in this situation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the inhibition of the HMGB1 receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) could produce neurological benefits after cardiac arrest in rabbits. Anesthetized rabbits underwent 10 minutes of ventricular fibrillation. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, they randomly received an administration of either saline (control group; n = 8) or FPS-ZM1 (1 mg/kg, i.v.), a specific inhibitor of the RAGE pathway (FPS group; n = 8). After animal awakening, survival and neurological dysfunction were assessed during 3 days. After cardiac arrest, the neurological dysfunction score was significantly lower in FPS vs. control group (37 ± 9% vs. 78 ± 6 at day 1 and 24 ± 10% vs. 92 ± 8 at day 3 in control and FPS groups, respectively; both P < 0.05). Histopathological analyses also showed reduced neuronal damages in FPS vs. control groups (96 ± 11 vs. 39 ± 14 degenerating neurons/field in the brain, respectively). An increase in interleukin (IL)-6 blood levels was observed in both groups with no significant difference among groups after cardiac arrest (203 ± 29 vs. 142 ± 44 pg/mL at t = 180 min post-resuscitation in control and FPS groups, respectively). Our findings support that the inhibition of the RAGE pathway by FPS-ZM1 results in neuroprotective effects without significant effect on IL-6 blood levels. It could explain a part of the deleterious effect of HMGB1 after cardiac arrest.

Exploring molecular mechanisms of fucoidan in improving human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells aging by targeting autophagy signaling pathways

Fucoidan(FPS) is an effective component of the Chinese patent medicine named Haikun Shenxi, which treats schronic renal failure in clinics, and has the potential anti-aging effects. However, it is still unclear whether FPS can improve renal aging, especially the molecular mechanism of its anti-aging. The human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2) in vitro were divided into normal group(N), D-gal model group(D), low dose of FPS group(L-FPS), high dose of FPS group(H-FPS) and vitamin E group(VE), and treated by the different measures, respectively. More specifically, the HK-2 cells in each group were separately treated by 1 mL of 1% fetal bovine serum(FBS) or D-galactose(D-gal, 75 mmol·L~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+FPS(25 μg·mL~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+FPS(50 μg·mL~(-1)) or D-gal(75 mmol·L~(-1))+VE(50 μg·mL~(-1)). After the treatment for 24 h, firstly, the effects of D-gal on senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal) staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression le-vels, as well as adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK)-uncoordinated 51-like kinase 1(ULK1) signaling pathway activation in the HK-2 cells were detected, respectively. Secondly, the effects of FPS and VE on SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal were investigated, respectively. Finally, the effects of FPS and VE on microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) protein expression level and AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal were examined severally. The results indicated that, for the HK-2 cells, the dose of 75 mmol·L~(-1) D-gal could induce the changes of SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels. That is causing cells aging. FPS and VE could both ameliorate the changes of SA-β-gal staining characteristics and klotho, P53 and P21 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal. That is anti-cells aging, here, the functions of FPS and VE are similar. D-gal could not only induce cell aging but also increase LC3Ⅱ, phosphorylated-AMPK(p-AMPK) and phosphorylated-ULK1(p-ULK1) protein expressions, and activate autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway. FPS and VE could both improve the changes of LC3Ⅱ, p-AMPK and p-ULK1 protein expression levels in the HK-2 cells exposed to D-gal. That is inhibiting autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation. On the whole, for the human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells aging models induced by D-gal, FPS similar to VE, can ameliorate renal cells aging by possibly inhibiting autophagy-related AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway activation. This finding provides the preliminary pharmacologic evidences for FPS protecting against renal aging.

Safety and feasibility of a 1 frame-per-second X-ray framerate in cardiac electrophysiology

BackgroundWe investigated the feasibility and safety of a framerate of 1 frame per second (“fps”) for fluoroscopy and cine-angiography, to lower radiation exposure for patients and personnel in cardiac electrophysiology (“EP”). MethodAnalysis of 2521 EP procedures, 899 (36%) with the lowest available conventional framerate (3.75 fps) and 1622 (64%) procedures performed with a framerate lowered further to 1.0 fps (by looping a 1 Hz square pulse to the ECG trigger) performed between 01/2016 and 01/2020. ResultsProcedures performed with 1.0 fps had the same acute procedural success rates (p = 0.20) and adverse event rates (p = 0.34) as the 3.75 fps group. There was no difference in total X-ray operation time (p = 0.40). The dose-area-product (DAP) was significantly reduced from 638 to 316 cGy*cm2 (p < < 0.0001) for all procedure types together, and for each subgroup. In a multivariable linear regression model, total X-ray operation time (estimate 38 cGy*cm2 /min) and body mass index (estimate 32 cGy*cm2 / index point) and a framerate of 1.0 fps (−314 cGy*cm2 against 3.75 fps) were independent predictors of a lower DAP (p-value of t-statistic for all << 0.0001). ConclusionsA framerate of 1.0 fps is safe and feasible in cardiac electrophysiology procedures. It was associated with a significant reduction of radiation exposure for patient and personnel.

Comparative study of 3D printing implant guide in different implant surgeries in anterior tooth defect area

To study the accuracy of 3D printing implant-guided anterior tooth implantation under flap or flapless surgery. Twenty-one cases (32 teeth) with missing teeth were divided into two groups: tooth implantation on the maxillary models under flap surgery (FP group) and tooth implantation on the maxillary models under flapless surgery (FPS group). A dental implant guide was designed and used in the two groups. The actual position of the dental implants in the two groups was compared with the preplanned deviation values of implant top, bottom, vertical distance, and angle deviation. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The deviation values of implant top, bottom, vertical distance, and angle were significantly lower in the FP group than in the FPS group (P<0.05). High accuracy of tooth implantation can be realized by using the 3D printing implant guide. The different surgical methods influence the precision of tooth implantation. Clinicians can choose the surgery reasonably depending on the actual situation.

Comparison of the fenestrated pedicle screw and conventional pedicle screw in minimally percutaneous fixation for the treatment of spondylolisthesis with osteoporotic spine

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw for patients with spondylolisthesis with osteoporotic spine. Patients and methodsFrom January 2014 to March 2018, a retrospective study of 88 patients with spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis treated with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) using the conventional pedicle screw (CPS group, n = 52) and the fenestrated pedicle screw (FPS group, n = 36) was performed with a follow-up of 30 months (range, 10–58 months). Clinical outcomes, overall changes in slip degree, and interbody fusion rates were evaluated via questionnaires and radiographic parameters. ResultsThe VAS, ODI and JOA scores at 3 months were significantly improved in both groups compared with the preoperative assessment (p < 0.001). No significant differences in scores were found between the two groups at any time. Imaging results at different time points revealed greater postoperative improvement in the Taillard index in the FPS group compared with the CPS group. No significant differences in the interbody fusion speed or rates were found between the two groups. In the FPS group, cement leakage occurred in 22 of 97 screws (22.7%), and symptomatic cement leakage was not found. ConclusionMIS-TLIF combined with fenestrated pedicle screws provided greater reduction than did MIS-TLIF combined with conventional pedicle screws in terms of postoperative slip degree. And the application of fenestrated pedicle screw did not obstruct the interbody fusion. Overall, MIS-TLIF combined with the fenestrated pedicle screws is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of spondylolisthesis with osteoporotic spine.

Thrombogenic indices in an evaluation of pregnant Nigerian women with pregnancy loss

Background: Pregnancy losses (PLs) are usually a source of pain and psychological stress to the expectant couples. The association between ABO blood groups and some thrombogenic markers with PL among Nigerian women is mostly unknown. Aim: This study investigates the association between ABO blood group, deficiencies of protein C (PC), and protein S (PS) and PL. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 170 pregnant women grouped into two, those with or without a history of clinically- or ultrasonographically recognizable PL. ABO blood groups using the tile method, plasma concentrations of free protein S (fPS) antigen, protein C antigen (PCAg) by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based method, and PC activity (PCAc) by PROTAC method was determined. Results: There was no difference in mean values between the two groups for PCAg, PCAc, FPS, and blood group (P > 0.05). The chances of PL were; non-O blood group (AOR 1.29; 95% CI 0.65--2.54), deficient PCAg (AOR 1.75; 95% CI 0.87--3.54), and deficient PCAc (AOR 1.05;95%CI 0.25--4.13). There was a very poor correlation of miscarriage with FPS (rho 0.04), PCAg (rho 0.09), and PCAc (rho = 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant association between PLs and ABO blood group phenotypes, PCAg, PCAc, fPS.

Lifestyles of university students in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction: Currently, there is a growing interest in alcoholism-related studies among healthcare community. Cigarette smoking is five times more prevalent among adult men compared to women but these gender differences have been decreasing among young people. In developed countries, harmful effects of sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity have led to increased rates of obesity in young population. The main aim of this study was to explore the lifestyles of students at the University of Sarajevo. We investigated the prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, eating habits, and physical activity in this student population.&#x0D; Methods: Students from Faculty of Health Sciences [FHS], Faculty of Political Science [FPS], and Faculty of Traffic Engineering and Communications [FTEC]) voluntarily participated in this questionnaire-based study. We surveyed a total of 410 students.&#x0D; Results: On average, 21.8% of participants consumed cigarettes (a significantly higher number of those who smoked cigarettes was in FPS group). The highest number of students who reported physical activity (recreational or active sport) was in FTEC group (66.5%), and the difference was statistically significant compared to FHS (48.2%) and FPS (51.9%) groups. Over 60% of participants in all three groups experienced stress occasionally. The majority of students in three groups consumed fast food while at campus. The highest number of students in all three groups reported to drink water compared to other drinks.&#x0D; Conclusions: Our results indicate that the lifestyles of university students in Sarajevo are subject to concern. Frequent alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are typical examples of behaviour that should be reduced through educative programs and workshops.

Wall-motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Influence offrame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking.

Frame rates (FR) used for strain analysis assessed by speckle tracking in fetal echocardiography show a considerable variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking. Fetal echocardiography was performed prospectively on a Toshiba Aplio 500 system and a Toshiba Artida system, respectively. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, cine loops were stored with a FR of 30fps (Aplio 500) and 60fps (Artida/Aplio 500). For both groups (30fps and 60fps), global and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values of both, left (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were assessed by 2D wall-motion tracking. A total of 101 fetuses, distributed to three study groups, were included. The mean gestational age was 25.2±5.0weeks. Mean global LPSS values for RV in the 30fps group and in the 60fps group were -16.07% and -16.47%, respectively. Mean global LPSS values for LV in the 30fps group and in the 60fps group were -17.54% and -17.06%, respectively. Comparing global and segmental LPSS values of both, the RV and LV, did not show any statistically significant differences within the two groups. Performance of myocardial 2D strain analysis by wall-motion tracking was feasible with 30 and 60fps. Obtained global and segmental LPSS values of both ventricles were relatively independent from acquisition rate.

A randomized clinical trial comparing reported and measured wear rates in clubfoot bracing using a novel pressure sensor.

The treatment of clubfoot by the Ponseti method requires the utilization of a foot abduction orthosis (FAO) after manipulation and casting. Adherence to this protocol, specifically FAO wear rates, has been postulated to improve treatment outcomes. Our hypothesis was that caregiver-reported wear rates were significantly less than actual wear rates in these braces. A randomized prospective study of 67 children, aged 0 to 3 years old with idiopathic clubfoot, treated using the Ponseti technique for idiopathic clubfoot, was undertaken after IRB approval. Participants were randomized into 3 groups: a functioning pressure-based sensor (group FPS) attached to the FAO (21 patients), a nonfunctioning sensor (NFPS group) attached to the FAO (24 patients), or no sensor (NS group) (22 patients). All caregivers filled out a diary of subjective wear rates. Reported and actual wear rates were recorded as a percentage of the entire day and compared. In the FPS group, the average actual wear rate for months 1, 2, and 3 were 91.7% (15 patients; 72.7% to 97.0%), 86.8% (9 patients; 60.5% to 96.3%), and 77.1% (7 patients; 52.6% to 95.8%), respectively. The average self-reported wear rate in the FPS group in months 1, 2, and 3 were 94.9% (13 patients; 93.1% to 98.7%), 95.6% (10 patients; 92.3% to 99.4%), and 94.8% (11 patients; 82.8% to 99.6%), respectively. The most predictive factor in determining a patient's decrease in the overall wear rate was a drop in the wear rate between months 1 and 2 (P<0.001). The reported wear rates were not statistically different between any of the 3 groups (P<0.01). By using a novel method of pressure measurement, which documented FAO wear, we have shown a significant decline in wear rates from months 1 to 3. These actual FAO wear rates did not match their reported rates, thus putting into question previous assumptions about reported brace compliance. The largest drop in wear rates occurred from months 2 to 3. This study provides the first objective measurement of FAO brace wear in patients undergoing the Ponseti method of treatment. Level II.

How Slow Can We Go? 4 Frames Per Second (fps) Versus 7.5 fps Fluoroscopy for Atrial Septal Defects (ASDs) Device Closure.

Radiation exposure remains a significant concern for ASD device closure. In an effort to reduce radiation exposure, the default fluoroscopy frame rate in our Siemens biplane pediatric catheterization laboratory was reduced to 4 fps in November 2013 from an earlier 7.5 fps fluoro rate. This study aims to evaluate the components contributing to total radiation exposure and compare the procedural success and radiation exposure during ASD device closure using 4 versus 7.5 fps fluoroscopy rates. Twenty ASD device closures performed using 4 fps fluoro rate were weight-matched to 20 ASD closure procedures using 7.5 fps fluoro rate. Baseline characteristics, procedure times and case times were similar in the two groups. Device closure was successful in all but one case in the 4 fps group. The dose area product (DAP), normalized DAP to body weight, total radiation time and fluoro time were lower in the 4 fps group but not statistically different than the 7.5 fps. The number of cine images and cine times were identical in both groups. Fluoroscopy and cineangiography contributed equally to radiation exposure. Fluoroscopy at 4 fps can be safe and effective for ASD device closure in children and adults. There was no increase in procedure time, cine time, fluoro time or complications at this slow fluoro rate. There was a trend toward decreased radiation exposure as measured by indexed DAP although not statistically significant in this small study. Further study with multiple operators using 4 fps fluoroscopy for simple interventional procedures is recommended.

The effects of ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercise programs accompanied by functional electrical stimulation on stroke patients' balance.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises accompanied by functional electrical stimulation on stroke patients’ balance ability. [Methods] For six weeks beginning in April 2015, 22 stroke patients receiving physical therapy at K Hospital located in Gyeonggi-do were divided into a functional electrical stimulation (FES), ankle proprioceptive exercise and ankle joint muscle strengthening exercise group (FPS group) of 11 patients and an FES and stretching exercise group (FS group) of 11 patients. The stimulation and exercises were conducted for 30 min per day, five days per week for six weeks. Balance ability was measured using a BioRescue and the Berg balance scale, functional reach test, and the timed up-and-go test were also used as clinical evaluation indices. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to examine differences between before the exercises and at three and six weeks after beginning the exercises within each group, and the amounts of change between the two groups were compared. [Results] In the comparison within each group, both groups showed significant differences between before and after the experiment in all the tests and comparison between the groups showed that greater improvement was seen in all values in the FPS group. [Conclusion] In the present study, implementing FES and stretching exercises plus ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises was more effective at improving stroke patients balance ability than implementing only FES and stretching exercises.

Using 7.5 frames per second reduces radiation exposure in lower extremity peripheral vascular interventions.

Peripheral vascular interventions can be associated with significant radiation exposure to the patient and the operator. In this study, we sought to compare the radiation dose between peripheral vascular interventions using fluoroscopy frame rate of 7.5 frames per second (fps) and those performed at the standard 15 fps and procedural outcomes. We retrospectively collected data from consecutive 87 peripheral vascular interventions performed during 2011 and 2012 from two medical centers. The patients were divided into two groups based on fluoroscopy frame rate; 7.5 fps (group A, n = 44) and 15 fps (group B, n = 43). We compared the demographic, clinical, procedural characteristics/outcomes, and radiation dose between the two groups. Radiation dose was measured as dose area product in micro Gray per meter square. Median dose area product was significantly lower in group A (3358, interquartile range (IQR) 2052-7394) when compared to group B (8812, IQR 4944-17,370), p < 0.001 with no change in median fluoroscopy time in minutes (18.7, IQR 11.1-31.5 vs. 15.7, IQR 10.1-24.1), p = 0.156 or success rate (93.2% vs. 95.3%), p > 0.999. Using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps during peripheral vascular interventions is associated with lower radiation dose compared to the standard 15 fps with comparable success rate without associated increase in the fluoroscopy time or the amount of the contrast used. Therefore, using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps should be considered in peripheral vascular interventions.

The factors associated with successful paediatric endotracheal intubation on the first attempt in emergency departments: A 13-emergency-department registry study

BackgroundWe investigated which factors are associated with successful paediatric endotracheal intubation (ETI) on the first attempt in emergency department (EDs) from multicentre emergency airway registry data. MethodsWe created a multicentre registry of intubations at 13 EDs and performed surveillance over 5 years. Each intubator filled out a data form after an intubation. We defined “paediatric patients” as patients younger than 10 years of age. We assessed the specialty and level of training of intubator, the method, the equipment, and the associated adverse events. We analysed the intubation success rates on the first attempt (first-pass success, FPS) based on these variables. ResultsA total of 430 ETIs were performed on 281 children seen in the ED. The overall FPS rate was 67.6%, but emergency medicine (EM) physicians showed a significantly greater success rate of 74.4%. In the logistic regression analysis, the intubator's specialty was the only independent predictive factor for paediatric FPS. In the subgroup analysis, the EM physicians used the rapid sequence intubation/intubation (RSI) method and Macintosh laryngoscope more frequently than physicians of other specialties. ETI-related adverse events occurred in 21 (7.2%) out of the 281 cases. The most common adverse event in the FPS group was mainstem bronchus intubation, and vomiting was the most common event in the non-FPS group. The incidence of adverse events was lower in the FPS group than in the non-FPS group, but this difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionsThe intubator's specialty was the major factor associated with FPS in emergency department paediatric ETI, The overall ETI FPS rate among paediatric patients was 67.6%, but the EM physicians had a FPS rate of 74.4%. A well structured airway skill training program, and more actively using the RSI method are important and this could explain this differences.

Effect of Different Pushing Speeds on Bench Press

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on muscular strength after a 3-week training with the bench-press at a fixed pushing of 80-100% maximal speed (FPS) and self-selected pushing speed (SPS). 20 resistance-trained subjects were divided at random in 2 groups differing only regarding the pushing speed: in the FPS group (n=10) it was equal to 80-100% of the maximal speed while in the SPS group (n=10) the pushing speed was self-selected. Both groups were trained twice a week for 3 weeks with a load equal to 85% of 1RM and monitored with the encoder. Before and after the training we measured pushing speed and maximum load. Significant differences between and within the 2 groups were pointed out using a 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures. After 3 weeks a significant improvement was shown especially in the FPS group: the maximum load improved by 10.20% and the maximal speed by 2.22%, while in the SPS group the effect was <1%. This study shows that a high velocity training is required to increase the muscle strength further in subjects with a long training experience and this is possible by measuring the individual performance speed for each load.

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of an organ-specific expressing gene coding for farnesyl diphosphate synthase from Michelia chapensis Dandy

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS; EC 2.5.1.1/EC 2.5.1.10) catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes. This present study described the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding FPS from leaves of Michelia chapensis Dandy (designated as McFPS, GenBank accession number: GQ214406) for the first time. McFPS was 1,432 bp and contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,056 bp, encoding a protein of 351 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 40.52 kDa. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the deduced McFPS had high homology with FPSs from other plant species. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that McFPS belonged to the plant FPS group and had the closest relationship with FPS from Chimonanthus praecox. Southern blot analysis revealed that there were at most two copies of McFPS gene existed in M. chapensis genome. The organ expression pattern analysis showed that McFPS expressed strongly only in leaves, and there were no expression in stems and roots, implying that McFPS was an organ-specific expressing gene. Functional complementation of McFPS in a FPS-deficient yeast strain demonstrated that cloned cDNA encoded a farnesyl diphosphate synthase.

Completion rate and diagnostic yield of small-bowel capsule endoscopy: 1 vs. 2 frames per second

Currently, the default frame rate for capsule endoscopy is usually set at 2 frames per second (fps). We postulated that setting the frame rate at 1 fps for the whole procedure would save battery life and increase the completion rate without compromising the diagnostic yield. The aim of this study was to compare the completion rates and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy performed with frame rates of 1 fps and 2 fps. The OMOM capsule endoscopy system was used. The procedure was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the frame rate was set at 1 fps in one group and at 2 fps in the other group for the whole procedure. The completion rate, total operating time, and diagnostic yield in the two groups were measured and compared. A total of 107 patients were randomized to either the 1 fps group (n = 54) or the 2 fps group (control, n = 53). There was no significant difference in sex, age, indications, and gastric transit time between the two groups. The mean total operating time was significantly longer in the 1 fps group than in the 2 fps group (758 +/- 79 minutes vs. 456 +/- 67 minutes, P < 0.001). The completion rate and diagnostic yield were significantly higher in the 1 fps group than in the 2 fps group (96.2 % vs. 70.6 %, P < 0.001; 40.7 % vs. 18.9 %, P = 0.013, respectively). Setting the frame rate of the capsule endoscope at 1 fps for the whole procedure increases the completion rate by prolonging the capsule's total operating time; the diagnostic yield does seem to be at least as high as with 2 fps.

Polysaccharide from fuzi (FPS) prevents hypercholesterolemia in rats.

Background and aimPolysaccharide from fuzi (FPS), a Chinese herbal medicine extract, has been demonstrated to exert lipid lowering affects. In this study we examined potential mechanisms underlying this affect, specifically alterations in expression of the LDL-receptor (LDL-R), 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase and cytochrome P450 7α-1 (CYP7α-1), using a rat model of hypercholesterolemia.Methods and resultsMale rats were fed either a normal or high cholesterol (HC) diet for two-weeks. Half of the rats on the HC diet were orally gavaged with FPS (224 mg/kg, 448 mg/kg or 896 mg/kg diet) daily. Serum lipid levels were quantified at end of the study period as were liver levels of LDL-R protein and mRNA expression of CYP7α-1 and HMG-CoA. Serum cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were significantly elevated from control in HC rats, but not in those treated with FPS (P < 0.05). LDL-R expression was significantly decreased in the HC group compared to control (P < 0.05), but significantly increased in the FPS group (P < 0.05). HMG-CoA mRNA levels were significantly increased in the HC group compared both other groups (P < 0.05), while CYP7α-1 expression was significantly higher in the FPS group compared to both other groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest that the cholesterol lowering effect of FPS in hypercholesteremic rats is caused at least in part by increased hepatic LDL-R and CYP7α-1 expression and decreased HMG-CoA expression. Further study is needed to determine precisely where and how FPS exerts these effects. FPS offers potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Differential Expression of a Farnesyl-Diphosphate Synthase Gene from the Basidiomycetous FungusGanoderma lucidum

A farnesyl-diphosphate synthase gene, designated GlFPS, was isolated from a triterpene-producing basidiomycetous fungus, Ganoderma lucidum. The GlFPS cDNA was found to contain an open reading frame of 1,083 bp, encoding a protein of 360 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 41.27 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of the GlFPS cDNA exhibited a high homology with other fungal FPS genes, and contained four conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GlFPS belonged to the basidiomycete FPS group. Competitive PCR revealed that GlFPS was constitutively expressed in the mycelium growth stage, whereas the transcripts of GlFPS accumulated to high levels rapidly during the process of mushroom primordia. Treatment of mycelia with exogenous methyl jasmonate also caused a large accumulation of GlFPS mRNA. Subsequently, promoter analysis indicated that the 5' upstream region of GlFPS possessed various potential regulatory elements associated with physiological and environmental factors. Functional complementation of GlFPS in an ERG20-disrupted yeast strain indicated that the cloned cDNA encoded a farnesyl-diphosphate synthase.

Group partitioning of minor actinides and rare earths from highly active liquid waste by extraction chromatography utilizing two macroporous silica-based impregnated polymeric composites

Through an advanced vacuum sucking technique, two macroporous silica-based N, N, N′, N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (TODGA) and octyl(phenyl)- N, N-diisobutylcarbamoyl-methylphoshine oxide (CMPO) polymeric composites, TODGA/SiO 2-P and CMPO/SiO 2-P, were synthesized by impregnating and immobilizing the chelating agents into the pores of the SiO 2-P particles. To partition long-lived minor actinides (MA(III)), such as Am(III) and Cm(III) from highly active liquid waste (HLW), the loading and elution of 15 typically simulated fission and non-fission products from a 3.0 M HNO 3 were performed. In the first column packed with TODGA/SiO 2-P, the simulated elements were effectively separated into following groups: (1) non-adsorption group, (2) MA– lRE–FPs group, (3) hRE group, and (4) micro quantity of Zr(IV). MA(III) was predicted to flow into the second group along with Nd(III) due to their close adsorption and elution onto TODGA/SiO 2-P. In the second column packed with CMPO/SiO 2-P, after conditioning the acidity in MA– lRE–FPs containing 0.05 M DTPA to 3.0 M HNO 3, it was separated into (1) Sr(II) and Pd(II), (2) MA– mRE, (3) lRE, and (4) Zr(IV). MA(III) was believed to flow into MA– mRE effluent along with Gd(III) because of the similar adsorption towards CMPO/SiO 2-P. In terms of the position of MA(III) appeared, an improved MAREC process for long-lived MA(III) partitioning from HLW was proposed.

Putting the Pieces Together

To describe a family-centered problem-solving intervention (FPS) for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to assess the efficacy of the intervention in a randomized clinical trial. Families of 32 school-aged children with moderate to severe TBI randomly assigned to FPS or usual care (UC) group. Child Behavior Checklist, Brief Symptom Inventory, Conflict Behavior Questionnaire. Seven-session problem-solving/skill-building intervention delivered over a 6-month period for the participating families. Parents in the FPS group reported significantly greater improvements in their children in internalizing symptoms, anxiety/depression, and withdrawal than did parents in the UC comparison group. FPS holds promise for reducing child behavior problems, the most common and persistent sequelae of TBI.