Effects of natto extract on endothelial injury in a rat model

Vascular endothelial damage has been found to be associated with thrombus formation, which is considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A diet of natto leads to a low prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of natto extract on vascular endothelia damage with exposure to laser irradiation. Endothelial damage both in vitro and in vivo was induced by irradiation of rose bengal using a DPSS green laser. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay, and the intimal thickening was verified by a histological approach. The antioxidant content of natto extract was determined for the free radical scavenging activity. Endothelial cells were injured in the presence of rose bengal irradiated in a dose-dependent manner. Natto extract exhibits high levels of antioxidant activity compared with purified natto kinase. Apoptosis of laser-injured endothelial cells was significantly reduced in the presence of natto extract. Both the natto extract and natto kinase suppressed intimal thickening in rats with endothelial injury. The present findings suggest that natto extract suppresses vessel thickening as a synergic effect attributed to its antioxidant and anti-apoptosis properties

EVALUATION OF ELBOW AND FOREARM MOTION BETWEEN SIDEARM AND OVERHAND PITCHING

This study is to analyze the differences in kinematics, electromyography (EMG) and ultrasonography between two types of pitchers. We intend to observe and simulate the muscles around glenohumeral and elbow joints in different pitching motions and hope to discover the connections and differences in between. 12 pitchers from the top level were recruited. Larger elbow flexion was found in sidearm pitchers during the acceleration phase. Decrease of the distance of nerve to medial epicondyle was also found as the elbow moved to a more flexed position. More anterior translation of the ulnar nerve might occur during acceleration phase. Slightly lower flexor carpi radialis (FCR) activity was displayed in sidearm pitchers, showing that FCR might play a less crucial role in protecting medial elbow by providing less varus torque

Genetic analysis of fish iridoviruses isolated in Taiwan during 2001–2009

To investigate the genetic relationships between field strains of iridoviruses gathered from various fish species in Taiwan, viruses that were collected from 2001 to 2009 were analyzed. Open reading frames encoding the viral major capsid protein (MCP) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Our results indicated that iridoviruses from Taiwan aquaculture fishes could be classified into two groups: prior to 2005, the viruses were closely related to members of the genus Ranavirus; and after 2005, they were similar to members of the genus Megalocytivirus. Based on the analysis of MCP amino acid sequences, virus isolates were divided into 4 major genotypes that were related to ISKNV, RSIV, FLIV, and GIV, respectively. Pairwise comparisons of MCP genes showed that the ranavirus was an epidemic pathogen for economically important species in the major production regions and cultured marine fish, while the megalocytivirus isolates were sensitive to host range. In addition, the distribution of synonymous and non-synonymous changes in the MCP gene revealed that the iridoviruses were evolving slowly, and most of the variations were synonymous mutations. The Ka/Ks values were lower than one, and hence, the viruses were under negative selection

Antidiabetic effect and mode of action of cytopiloyne

Cytopiloyne was identified as a novel polyacetylenic compound. However, its antidiabetic properties are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mode of action of cytopiloyne on type 2 diabetes (T2D). We first evaluated the therapeutic effect of cytopiloyne on T2D in db/db mice. We found that one dose of cytopiloyne reduced postprandial glucose levels while increasing blood insulin levels. Accordingly, long-term treatment with cytopiloyne reduced postprandial blood glucose levels, increased blood insulin, improved glucose tolerance, suppressed the level of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and protected pancreatic islets in db/db mice. Next, we studied the anti-diabetic mechanism of action of cytopiloyne. We showed that cytopiloyne failed to decrease blood glucose in streptozocin- (STZ-)treated mice whose β cells were already destroyed. Additionally, cytopiloyne dose dependently increased insulin secretion and expression in β cells. The increase of insulin secretion/expression of cytopiloyne was regulated by protein kinase C α (PKC α ) and its activators, calcium, and diacylglycerol (DAG). Overall, our data suggest that cytopiloyne treats T2D via regulation of insulin production involving the calcium/DAG/PKC α cascade in β cells. These data thus identify the molecular mechanism of action of cytopiloyne and prove its therapeutic potential in T2D

Lobocrassins A–E: New Cembrane-Type Diterpenoids from the Soft Coral Lobophytum crassum

Five new cembrane-type diterpenoids, lobocrassins A–E (1–5), were isolated from the soft coral Lobophytum crassum. The structures of cembranes 1–5 were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods and by comparison of the spectral data with those of known cembrane analogues. Lobocrassin A (1) is the first cembranoid possessing an α-chloromethyl-α-hydroxy-γ-lactone functionality and is the first chlorinated cembranoid from soft corals belonging to the genus Lobophytum. Lobocrassins B (2) and C (3) were found to be the stereoisomers of the known cembranes, 14-deoxycrassin (6) and pseudoplexaurol (7), respectively. Lobocrassin B (2) exhibited modest cytotoxicity toward K562, CCRF-CEM, Molt4, and HepG2 tumor cells and displayed significant inhibitory effects on the generation of superoxide anion and the release of elastase by human neutrophils

Impact of metabolic syndrome on postoperative outcomes of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: analysis of U.S. nationwide inpatient sample data 2005–2018

IntroductionTranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the preferred surgical method for most pituitary adenomas owing to high efficacy and low mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on postoperative outcomes of TSS for pituitary adenoma.MethodsThis population-based, retrospective observational study extracted data of adults 20-79 y receiving TSS for pituitary adenoma from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2005-2018. Primary outcomes were pituitary-related complications, poor outcomes (i.e., in-hospital mortality or unfavorable discharge), prolonged length of stay (LOS), and patient safety indicators (PSIs). Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to determine the associations between study variables and outcomes.Results19,076 patients (representing a 93,185 US in-patient population) were included, among which 2,109 (11.1%) patients had MetS. After adjustment, pre-existing MetS was not significantly associated with presence of pituitary-related complications and poor outcomes. In contrast, MetS was significantly associated with an increased risk for prolonged LOS (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.34), PSIs (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59) and greater hospital costs (adjusted β = 8.63 thousand USD; 95% CI: 4.98-12.29). Among pituitary-related complications, MetS was independently associated with increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47) but lowered diabetes insipidus (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.97).DiscussionMetS does not pose excessive risk of in-hospital mortality or unfavorable discharge. However, MetS independently predicted having PSIs, prolonged LOS, greater hospital costs, and CSF rhinorrhea. Study findings may help clinicians achieve better risk stratification before TSS

Natural Product Chemistry of Gorgonian Corals of Genus Junceella—Part II

The structures, names, bioactivities, and references of 81 new secondary metabolites obtained from gorgonian corals belonging to the genus Junceella are described in this review. All compounds mentioned in this review were obtained from sea whip gorgonian corals Junceella fragilis and Junceella juncea, collected from the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific Ocean

Exploring the use of social capital to support technology adoption and implementation

Information System (IS) implementations are a risky business with studies showing only a 16%-29% success rate. This research explores the use of social capital to support technology implementations. This research brings together two distinct bodies of knowledge: social network analysis (SNA) and technology acceptance models, in order to better understand the relationship between social capital and technology acceptance. The first aspect of the research looks at social network centrality and influence measures as an alternative means to measure social influence in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The social influence construct has proven to be inconsistent in past research. An individual‟s decision to adopt a new technology is influenced by their social context or the informal social network within which they work. The social capital of others influences their attitudes and decision to adopt a new technology. Social Capital, as measured through social network analysis, could be substituted for the social influence construct of the UTAUT model. Two revised UTAUT models are developed and tested. The second aspect of this research uses social capital to inform membership of a Community of Practice (CoP) to support a Finance Management System implementation in a higher education organization. SNA can be used to gain an understanding of the social network and identify individuals with high social capital. There is growing evidence that CoP support successful organizational change initiatives but it is less clear how CoP membership might be determined. SNA provides an evidence-based approach to CoP formation. The IS implementation cases described in the paper demonstrate an innovative approach to IS implementation grounded in social capital and technology acceptance research that add to the body of knowledge in both theory and practice.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Late initiation of renal replacement therapy is associated with worse outcomes in acute kidney injury after major abdominal surgery

Introduction Abdominal surgery is probably associated with more likelihood to cause acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether early or late start of renal replacement therapy (RRT) defined by simplified RIFLE (sRIFLE) classification in AKI patients after major abdominal surgery will affect outcome. Methods A multicenter prospective observational study based on the NSARF ( National Taiwan University Surgical ICU Associated Renal Failure) Study Group database. 98 patients (41 female, mean age 66.4 +/- 13.9 years) who underwent acute RRT according to local indications for post-major abdominal surgery AKI between 1 January, 2002 and 31 December, 2005 were enrolled The demographic data, comorbid diseases, types of surgery and RRT, as well as the indications for RRT were documented. The patients were divided into early dialysis (sRIFLE-0 or Risk) and late dialysis (LD, sRIFLE -Injury or Failure) groups. Then we measured and recorded patients' outcome including in-hospital mortality and RRT wean-off until 30 June, 2006. Results The in-hospital mortality was compared as endpoint. Fifty-seven patients (58.2%) died during hospitalization. LD (hazard ratio (HR) 1.846; P = 0.027), old age (HR 2.090; P = 0.010), cardiac failure (HR 4.620; P < 0.001), pre-RRT SOFA score (HR 1.152; P < 0.001) were independent indicators for in-hospital mortality. Conclusions The findings of this study support earlier initiation of acute RRT, and also underscore the importance of predicting prognoses of major abdominal surgical patients with AKI by using RIFLE classification