Role of Epac1 in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Poster Presentations - Theme 2published_or_final_version15th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Hong Kong, China, 1-2 December 2010. In Abstract - Poster Presentations of 15th Research Postgraduate Symposium, 2010, Theme II, p. 87 Abstract no. 1

Cross-sectional exploration on feeding practices of feeders towards preschoolers' picky eating behaviors

Background: Picky eating is quite common among preschoolers, which may lead to imbalanced diet. Picky eating behavior among preschoolers was found associated with feeding style. With the complex family structure of 2-career parents in Hong Kong and unique authoritarian Chinese feeding style, this study aimed to explore the differences in feeding practices among different preschoolers' feeding persons and to investigate if preschoolers' picky eating showed differences if they are fed by different feeding persons. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five Hong Kong kindergartens. Feeding persons of the preschoolers were asked to complete questionnaires with responses in different feeding styles and 2-day dietary records of the preschoolers. The dietary review was conducted to evaluate if the preschoolers were picky eaters if they missed any one of the five food groups or they did not consume sufficient amount of any food groups at their age. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were analyzed to explore the chance of picky eating occurrence regarding the types of feeding persons and the feeding practices. Results: 240 preschoolers aged 2 to 7 were recruited. 57.5% preschoolers were found picky eating. There was no significant difference in preschoolers' picky eating behaviors among different types of feeding person. Significantly more picky eaters were found fed by carers with lower education levels. Conclusion: Preschoolers fed by feeders with lower education may have limited skill and knowledge in food choices that preschoolers may have higher chance in developing picky eating problems.published_or_final_versio

Identification and characterization of multiple osmotic response sequences in the human aldose reductase gene

Aldose reductase (AR) has been implicated in osmoregulation in the kidney because it reduces glucose to sorbitol, which can serve as an osmolite. Under hyperosmotic stress, transcription of this gene is induced to increase the enzyme level. This mode of osmotic regulation of AR gene expression has been observed in a number of nonrenal cells as well, suggesting that this is a common response to hyperosmotic stress. We have identified a 132-base pair sequence 1 kilobase pairs upstream of the transcription start site of the human AR gene that enhances the transcription activity of the AR promoter as well as that of the SV40 promoter when the cells are under hyperosmotic stress. Within this 132-base pair sequence, there are three sequences that resemble TonE, the tonicity response element of the canine betaine transporter gene, and the osmotic response element of the rabbit AR gene, suggesting that the mechanism of osmotic regulation of gene expression in these animals is similar. These three sequences are designated as OreA, OreB, and OreC respectively, Analysis of the mouse AR gene also revealed that these three sequences are highly conserved between the mouse and human. Results from site-directed mutagenesis and gel mobility shift assays suggested that the OreC is the most important element for the osmotic response and cooperative interaction among the three elements in the human AR gene is essential for their enhancer function. The human aldose reductase gene osmotic response elements are the first osmotic response elements characterized in human.published_or_final_versio

Mouse models for human diseases

Mice are increasingly being used as models for the study of various human diseases. This is primarily because among mammalian modals, they are most amenable to genetic manipulations. As we attempt to understand the molecular mechanism of diseases, it is imperative that the genes involved in the disease process be identified. One approach is to study mouse mutants with symptoms analogous to human diseases, and try to identify the genes responsible. Another approach is to manipulate the expression of genes suspected to be involved and see how they affect the disease development. This review briefly discusses the concept of manipulating gene expression by transgenic and gene knockout technology and illustrates this with how these technique are used to study the mechanism of diabetic complications.published_or_final_versio

Qigong exercise could reduce upper limb lymphedema and improve blood flow in breast cancer survivors

Poster Presentation: PO-1261This journal suppl. entitled: Abstracts: 7th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Qigong exercise on upper limb lymphedema, arterial resistance and blood flow velocity in postmastectomy breast cancer survivors. METHOD: Eleven breast cancer survivors with Qigong experience (mean age: 58.3±10.1 years) were assigned to the experimental group and 12 breast cancer survivors without Qigong experience (mean age: 53.8±4.2 years) were assigned to the control group. After baseline measurements were taken, the experimental group performed 18 Forms Tai Chi Qigong exercise for approximately 6 ...published_or_final_versio

The RhoA GTPase-activating protein DLC2 modulates RhoA activity and hyperalgesia to noxious thermal and inflammatory stimuli

Deleted in liver cancer 2 (DLC2) is a novel Rho GTPase-activating protein that regulates RhoA activity. DLC2 is ubiquitously expressed in most tissues, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, and is thought to be involved in actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Unlike DLC1-deficient mice, DLC2-deficient mice (DLC2 -/-) are viable and without gross anatomical abnormalities. Interestingly, DLC2 -/- mice exhibit hyperalgesia to noxious thermal stimuli and inflammation-inducing chemicals, such as formalin and acetic acid. There was no difference in the structure or morphology of cutaneous or sural nerves between DLC2 +/+ and DLC2 -/- mice. However, sensory nerve conduction velocity in DLC2 -/- mice was significantly higher than that in DLC2 +/+ mice, whereas motor nerve conduction velocity was not affected. After formalin injection, DLC2 -/- mice showed increased RhoA activity in the spinal cord and an increased number of phosphorylated ERK1/2-positive cells. The inflammatory hyperalgesia in DLC2 -/- mice appeared to be mediated through the activation of RhoA and ERK1/2. Taken together, DLC2 plays a key role in pain modulation during inflammation by suppressing the activation of RhoA and ERK to prevent an exaggerated pain response, and DLC2 -/- mice provide a valuable tool for further understanding the regulation of inflammatory pain. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.postprin

Tennis or Taekwondo is better for my kid? - Differential sensory organization of balance control in young tennis players and Taekwondo practitioners

Poster Presentation: PO-1531This journal suppl. entitled: Abstracts: 7th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ...OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensory organization and standing balance control of adolescent tennis players, taekwondo (TKD) practitioners, and healthy control participants. METHOD: Sixty participants including 12 tennis players (mean age: 14.0±2.1 years; 9 males and 3 females), 21 TKD practitioners (mean age: 13.1±1.0 years; 13 males and 8 females), and 27 healthy control participants (mean age: 12.8±1.8 years; 18 males and 9 females) were tested. All of the participants underwent the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the ...published_or_final_versio

Tennis or Taekwondo is better for my kid? - Differential sensory organization of balance control in young tennis players and Taekwondo practitioners

Poster Presentation: PO-1531This journal suppl. entitled: Abstracts: 7th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ...OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensory organization and standing balance control of adolescent tennis players, taekwondo (TKD) practitioners, and healthy control participants. METHOD: Sixty participants including 12 tennis players (mean age: 14.0±2.1 years; 9 males and 3 females), 21 TKD practitioners (mean age: 13.1±1.0 years; 13 males and 8 females), and 27 healthy control participants (mean age: 12.8±1.8 years; 18 males and 9 females) were tested. All of the participants underwent the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the ...published_or_final_versio

Effects of a 6-month Tai Chi Qigong program on arterial hemodynamics and functional aerobic capacity in survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer

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Direction-specific impairment of stability limits and falls in children with developmental coordination disorder: Implications for rehabilitation

Limit of stability (LOS) is an important yet under-examined postural control ability in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aimed to (1) compare the LOS and fall frequencies of children with and without DCD, and (2) explore the relationships between LOS parameters and falls in the DCD population. Thirty primary school-aged children with DCD and twenty age- and sex-matched typically-developing children participated in the study. Postural control ability, specifically LOS in standing, was evaluated using the LOS test. Reaction time, movement velocity, maximum excursion, end point excursion, and directional control were then calculated. Self-reported fall incidents in the previous week were also documented. Multivariate analysis of variance results revealed that children with DCD had shorter LOS maximum excursion in the backward direction compared to the control group (p = 0.003). This was associated with a higher number of falls in daily life (rho = −0.556, p = 0.001). No significant between-groups differences were found in other LOS-derived outcomes (p > 0.05). Children with DCD had direction-specific postural control impairment, specifically, diminished LOS in the backward direction. This is related to their falls in daily life. Therefore, improving LOS should be factored into rehabilitation treatment for children with DCD.postprin