ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that induces symptoms such as a decrease in motor function and cognitive impairment. Increases in the aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in the brain may be closely correlated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effects of an adzuki bean extract on the aggregation of Aβ were examined; moreover, the anti-Alzheimer's activity of the adzuki extract was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, we undertook thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the effect of an adzuki bean extract on Aβ42 aggregation. To evaluate the effects of the adzuki extract on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in vivo, Aβ42-overexpressing Drosophila were used. In these flies, overexpression of Aβ42 induced the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in the brain, decreased motor function, and resulted in cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Based on the results obtained by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM, the adzuki bean extract inhibited the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. When Aβ42-overexpressing flies were fed regular medium containing adzuki extract, the Aβ42 level in the brain was significantly lower than that in the group fed regular medium only. Furthermore, suppression of the decrease in motor function, suppression of cognitive impairment, and improvement in lifespan were observed in Aβ42-overexpressing flies fed regular medium with adzuki extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the delaying effects of an adzuki bean extract on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide useful information for identifying novel prevention treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Brain , Cognition Disorders , Diptera , Drosophila , Fluorescence , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Neurodegenerative DiseasesABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of different daily lengths of physical training on postoperative walking ability and functional performance among elderly inpatients following hip fracture. Fifty-eight eligible elderly patients (mean age 81 years, SD 8) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after fall-related hip fracture were randomized to receive either 2 units (40 minutes in 29 patients) or 6 units (120 minutes in 29 patients) of daily physical training postoperatively. There were no significant differences in patients' age, preoperative walking ability, type of femoral neck fracture and preoperative QOL functional score (FIM, BI and EQ-5D). All patients commenced the same postoperative rehabilitation program immediately after surgery consisting of bed-side sitting, wheelchair mobilization and progressive muscle strengthening exercises on the second day, followed by weight-bearing exercises and walking between the second and the 14th day. All patients walked with a stick or a rollator at the time of discharge from the hospital after 4 weeks of inhospital rehabilitation. There was no significant difference in the BI, FIM and EQ-5D scores and walking ability between the two groups during 12 weeks postoperatively, however, medical expenses in the 2 units group were decreased by US$ 2,000. Postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with femoral neck fracture aims to return the patients to pre-injury conditions as early as possible. This can be achieved with the help of a 2 unit (40 minutes) a day training program.
ABSTRACT
Subclavian arterial aneurysms are relatively rare compared to aortic aneurysms. The common causes of subclavian arterial aneurysms are arteriosclerosis, non-specific inflammation, thoracic outlet syndrome, and trauma. A case of a subclavian arterial aneurysm is reported. The patient was a 57-year-old woman. She had no previous history of hypertension, infection and trauma. She underwent complete resection of the aneurysm and reconstruction of right subclavian artery. Exploration of the aneurysmal wall revealed circumferential ridge which caused stenosis of the right subclavian artery at the orifice of the aneurysm. It has been suggested that a subclavian arterial aneurysm developed as a result of abnormal development of the embryologic right fourth and distal sixth aortic arches.