Mango peel as a potential enzyme inducer in Trichoderma harzianum: a strategy for cariogenic biofilm degradation and reuse of industrial waste

Water-insoluble exopolysaccharides (I-EPS) are a virulence factor for dental biofilms. It has already been demonstrated that mango pulp induces the secretion of glucan-hydrolytic enzymes in the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, and that they have an effect on I-EPS from young biofilms. Aim: Evaluate the effect of mango peel as an enzyme inducer in T. harzianum, and the effect of enzymes secreted on mature biofilms. Methods: Fractions of the peel (PL) and ethanol-precipitated pulp (PP) of Tommy Atkins mangoes were sterilized and added to a culture medium containing T. harzianum for induction of hydrolytic enzymes. After 192 h, the culture medium was centrifuged and the supernatant (enzyme extract) was used as treatment on S. mutans biofilms (n=9): a) NaCl 0.9 %; b) 0.12 % chlorhexidine digluconate; and c) extract of enzymes induced by PL or PP. Acidogenicity, bacterial viability, quantification of insoluble polysaccharides, and three-dimensional analysis of the biofilm by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (α=5 %). Results: The hydrolytic enzymes did not alter the metabolism or bacterial viability of the biofilm (p<0.05). Although the images obtained by SEM suggest some degree of matrix degradation, the quantification of I-EPS for the PL and PP groups did not differ from the control group (p>0.05), suggesting a slight effect on the disorganization of the mature S. mutans biofilm. Conclusion: The results suggest that mango peel fraction can induce secretion of mutanase by T. harzianum, however in an insufficient amount to generate significant degradation on cariogenic biofilm.

Characterization and identification of Lactobacillus fermentum 4,6-α-glucosyltransferase and its products / 生物工程学报

4,6-α-glucosyltransferases (4,6-α-GTs), which converts amylose into α(1-6) bonds-containing α-glucan, possesses great application potential in enzymatic synthesis of dietary fiber. Primers were designed according to the conserved motifs existing in the amino acid sequence of 4,6-α-GTs, and used to amplify a putative GTFB-Like 4,6-α-GTs gene (named as gtf16) from the genomic DNA of Lactobacillus. The gtf16 gene was cloned into the plasmid pET15b, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), followed by purification and characterization. The optimum pH and the optimum temperature of the purified enzyme were 5.0 and 40 °C, respectively. The biotransformation product of this enzyme was systematically characterized by thin-layer chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and hydrolysis reaction. The Gtf16-catalyzed product shows a similar structure to that of the isomalto/malto-polysaccharide (IMMP), which is the amylose-derived product catalyzed by GtfB from Lactobacillus reuteri 121. Moreover, The Gtf16-catalyzed product contains up to 75% of α(1-6) bonds and has an average molecular weight of 23 793 Da. Furthermore, the content of the anti-digestive components was 88.22% upon hydrolysis with digestive enzymes.

A novel supplement with yeast β-glucan, prebiotic, minerals and Silybum marianum synergistically modulates metabolic and inflammatory pathways and improves steatosis in obese mice / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the synergic effects of a novel oral supplement formulation, containing prebiotics, yeast β-glucans, minerals and silymarin (Silybum marianum), on lipid and glycidic metabolism, inflammatory and mitochondrial proteins of the liver, in control and high-fat diet-induced obese mice.@*METHODS@#After an acclimation period, 32 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following groups: nonfat diet (NFD) vehicle, NFD supplemented, high-fat diet (HFD) vehicle and HFD supplemented. The vehicle and experimental formulation were administered orally by gavage once a day during the last four weeks of the diet (28 consecutive days). We then evaluated energy homeostasis, inflammation, and mitochondrial protein expression in these groups of mice.@*RESULTS@#After four weeks of supplementation, study groups experienced reduced glycemia, dyslipidemia, fat, and hepatic fibrosis levels. Additionally, proliferator-activated receptor-α, AMP-activated protein kinase-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A expression levels were augmented; however, levels of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinase subunit α and p65 nuclear factor-κB expression, and oxidative markers were reduced. Notably, the cortisol/C-reactive protein ratio, a well-characterized marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis immune interface status, was found to be modulated by the supplement.@*CONCLUSION@#We discovered that the novel supplement was able to modify different antioxidant, metabolic and inflammatory pathways, improving the energy homeostasis and inflammatory status, and consequently alleviated hepatic steatosis.

Discovery and functional verification of endogenous glucanases for scleroglucan hydrolysis in Sclerotium rolfsii / 生物工程学报

Scleroglucan is a high-molecular water-soluble microbial exopolysaccharide and mainly applied in the fields of petroleum, food, medicine and cosmetics. The high molecular weight of scleroglucan produced by microbial fermentation leads to low solubility, high viscosity and poor dispersibility, thus bringing a series of difficulties to extraction, preservation and application. It is important to explore suitable degradation method to adjust the molecular weight of scleroglucan for expanding its industrial application. Taking Sclerotium rolfsii WSH-G01 as a model strain, in which functional annotations of the glucanase genes were conducted by whole genome sequencing. Based on design of culture system for culture system for differential expression of β-glucanase, endogenous β-glucanase genes in S. rolfsii WSH-G01 were excavated by transcriptomics analysis. Functions of these potential hydrolases were further verified. Finally, 14 potential endogenous hydrolase genes were obtained from S. rolfsii. After heterologous overexpression in Pichia pastoris, 10 soluble enzymes were obtained and 5 of them had the activity of laminarin hydrolysis by SDS-PAGE and enzyme activity analysis. Further investigation of the 5 endogenous hydrolases on scleroglucan degradation showed that enzyme GME9860 has positive hydrolysis effect. The obtained results provide references not only for obtaining low and medium molecular weight of scleroglucan with enzymatic hydrolysis, but also for producing different molecular weight of scleroglucan during S. rolfsii fermentation process with metabolic engineering.

El consumo de la polidextrosa previene la obesidad y sus comorbilidades en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica / Polydextrose consumption prevents obesity and comorbidities in rats fed with a hypercaloric diet

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de las diferentes concentraciones de polidextrosa en la prevención de la obesidad y sus comorbilidades, en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica. Se utilizaron ratas machos Wistar, repartidos en 4 grupos: Grupo control (HC) y 3 grupos que recibieron dieta hipercalórica con suplementación del 2%, 4% y 6% de polidextrosa (HC2%P, HC4%P y HC6%P respectivamente). La dieta hipercalórica utilizada fue la del tipo de cafetería para inducir la obesidad. Se midió peso corporal e ingesta de la dieta, se realizaron pruebas de tolerancia a la glucosa y a la insulina. Los animales fueron sometidos a eutanasia para toma de muestra de sangre medidas antropométricas y pesaje de órganos y tejidos. La polidextrosa disminuyó significantemente el peso, la grasa corporal, la glicemia, los triglicéridos, la intolerancia a la glucosa y la resistencia a la insulina, y aumentó los niveles del colesterol HDL. Se concluye que el consumo de poli- dextrosa redujo las complicaciones derivadas de la obesidad en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica, siendo éste un potencial tratamiento para el control de la obesidad, la diabetes tipo II y las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different polydextrose concentrations for the prevention of obesity and its comorbidities in rats fed a high calorie diet. Thirty male Wistar rats were used. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group (HC) and 3 groups which received a hypercaloric diet with 2%, 4% and 6% polydextrose supplementation (HC2%P, HC4%P and HC6%P, respectively). The hypercaloric diet used was of the cafeteria type to induce obesity. Body weight and feed intake were verified weekly. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed five days before finalizing the experiment. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized for blood collection, anthropometric measurements and tissue weighing. Polydextrose significantly decreased weight, body fat, blood glucose, triglycerides, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance and increased HDL cholesterol levels. The use of polydextrose reduced the complications of obesity in mice fed a hypercaloric diet. In conclusion, polydextrose may be a promising treatment for controlling obesity, diabetes type II and cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg_3 nanostructured lipid carrier modified by pullulan on promoting absorption and its anti-tumor evaluation in vitro / 中国中药杂志

Ginsenoside Rg_3 is widely used in clinical practice as an anti-tumor adjuvant drug, but its application is limited due to its poor oral absorption. In this study, we intended to construct a ginsenoside Rg_3 nanostructured lipid carrier modified by the pullulan(PUL-Rg_3-NLC) to improve the adhesion properties of ginsenoside Rg_3, promote the drug uptake and improve the anti-tumor efficacy. PUL-Rg_3-NLC was characterized by morphology, particle size and Zeta potential. In vivo adhesion characteristics were evaluated by oral gavage tests, and the results were verified from multiple perspectives in combination with in vitro uptake behavior and in vitro pharmacodynamics. The results showed that PUL-Rg_3-NLC, with a particle size of(102±1.89) nm, was characterized by gastric adhesion and could be retained in gastric tissues for a long time, and its uptake by BGC-823 cells was promoted mainly through the pathway mediated by the caveolin-mediated endocytosis. In vitro MTT, cell apoptosis, wound-healing assay and invasion assay all showed some anti-tumor effects. Therefore, PUL-Rg_3-NLC can significantly promote the adhesion of Rg_3 in the stomach, promote the uptake of drugs by gastric cancer cells, and improve the anti-tumor effect. This study can provide some reference for the adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer.

Durasphere® EXP: a non-biodegradable agent for treatment of primary Vesico-Ureteral reflux in children

ABSTRACT Introduction: Durasphere® EXP (DEXP) is a compound of biocompatible and non--biodegradable particles of zirconium oxide covered with pyrolytic carbon. The aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of off-label use of DEXP in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent subureteric injection of DEXP for the correction of primary VUR were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged >18 years as well as those who had grade-I or -V VUR, anatomic abnormalities (duplicated system, hutch diverticulum), neurogenic bladder or treatment refractory voiding dysfunction were excluded. Radiologic success was defined as the resolution of VUR at the 3rd month control. Success was radiographically evaluated at the end of the first year. Results: Thirty-eight patients (9 boys, 29 girls; mean age, 6.3±2.7 years) formed the study cohort. Forty-six renal units received DEXP (grade II: 22; grade III: 18; grade IV: 6). Mean volume per ureteric orifice to obtain the mound was 0.70±0.16mL. First con- trol VCUG was done after 3 months in all patients. After the first VCUG, 6 patients had VUR recurrence. Short-term radiologic success of DEXP was 84.2%. Rate of radiologic success at the end of the first year was 69.4% (25/32). Lower age (p:0.006) and lower amount of injected material (p:0.05) were associated with higher success rates at the end of 1 year. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the outcomes of DEXP for treatment of primary VUR in children. After 1 year of follow-up, DEXP had a 69.4% success rate.

The Ethanol Extract of Croton Seed Inhibits the Oral Pathogen, Streptococcus mutans

It is noted that Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) triggers dental caries establishment by two major factors: the synthesis of organic acids, which demineralize dental enamel, and the synthesis of glucans, which mediate the attachment of bacteria to the tooth surface. Therefore, it is noted that the development of a more effective, substantial and safe preventive agent that works against dental caries and periodontal disease is required at this time. For this reason, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of croton seed ethanol extracts on the growth, acid production, adhesion, and insoluble glucan synthesis of S. mutans. In this case, the ethanol extract of croton seed showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity against the growth, acid production and adhesion of S. mutans. Especially, it is important to note that it has produced significant inhibition at the concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml as compared to the control group. Moreover, these results suggest that the application of croton seed extract may be considered to be a useful method for the prevention of dental caries.

Anti-inflammatory effect of interleukin-35 in mice with colitis and its mechanism / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of interleukin-35 (IL-35) in inflammatory bowel disease.@*METHODS@#BALB/c mice were divided into three groups with 10 mice in each group:control group, model group (oral administration of 4% glucan sodium sulfate for 7 d) and IL-35-treated group (oral administration of 4% glucan sodium sulfate for 7 d, intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg IL-35 at d2-5). Disease activity index (DAI) was scored every day. After 7 d, the mice were sacrificed, and the serum and intestinal tissue samples were collected. The gross morphology of the colon was observed; HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue; flow cytometry was employed to detect the change of macrophage polarization ratio in colon tissue; the mRNA expression levels of cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and SHIP1 in colon tissue were determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR; the expression and distribution of SHIP1 in colon tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry; Western blotting was adopted to detect the expression level of SHIP1 protein in colonic intestinal tissues of each group.@*RESULTS@#The DAI scores of the mice in the model group were higher than those in the control group, while the DAI scores in the IL-35-treated group were lower than those in the model group (all 0.05). Compared with the model group, microscopic inflammatory infiltration score was decreased and microscopic crypt destruction and score was significantly lower in IL-35-treated group (all <0.05). The relative expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the colon tissue of IL-35-treated group was decreased compared with the model group, while the relative expression of IL-10 mRNA was higher than that of the model group (all <0.05). Compared with the control group, the proportion of M1 macrophages in the model group increased (<0.05), while the proportion of M1 macrophages in the IL-35-treated group was lower than that in the model group (<0.05). The relative expression of SHIP1 mRNA and protein in the colon tissue of IL-35-treated group was higher than that in the model group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#IL-35 can inhibit the polarization of M1 macrophages and regulate inflammatory cytokines to promote anti-inflammatory effect on mice with colitis.

Efficient production of pullulan by Aureobasidium pullulans grown on mixtures of potato starch hydrolysate and sucrose

Abstract Pullulan is a natural exopolysaccharide with many useful characteristics. However, pullulan is more costly than other exopolysaccharides, which limits its effective application. The purpose of this study was to adopt a novel mixed-sugar strategy for maximizing pullulan production, mainly using potato starch hydrolysate as a low-cost substrate for liquid-state fermentation by Aureobasidium pullulans. Based on fermentation kinetics evaluation of pullulan production by A. pullulans 201253, the pullulan production rate of A. pullulans with mixtures of potato starch hydrolysate and sucrose (potato starch hydrolysate:sucrose = 80:20) was 0.212 h−1, which was significantly higher than those of potato starch hydrolysate alone (0.146 h−1) and mixtures of potato starch hydrolysate, glucose, and fructose (potato starch hydrolysate:glucose:fructose = 80:10:10, 0.166 h−1) with 100 g L−1 total carbon source. The results suggest that mixtures of potato starch hydrolysate and sucrose could promote pullulan synthesis and possibly that a small amount of sucrose stimulated the enzyme responsible for pullulan synthesis and promoted effective potato starch hydrolysate conversion effectively. Thus, mixed sugars in potato starch hydrolysate and sucrose fermentation might be a promising alternative for the economical production of pullulan.

Knowledge and utilization of the 10 DOH-Endorsed herbal medicinal plants among resident physician trainees of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> In the recent years, there appeared to be a rise of herbal products in the market. Thus, it becomes imperative for health practitioners to become knowledgeable on this aspect of complementary medicine. However, data on familiarity with and actual utilization of the 10 DOH-endorsed herbal medicine plants by the health practitioners is lacking.<br /><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This study was done in order to determine the knowledge and utilization of the 10 DOH-endorsed herbal medicinal plants among the resident physician trainees of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH).<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> A total of 143 randomly selected trainees from different specialties and year levels were included in this study. A one-time interaction with the residents was done, during which, they were asked to answer a 5-page face to face survey questionnaire.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The study revealed that majority of the respondents is aware of the 10-DOH endorsed herbal medicinal plants. However, most of them perceive the use of herbal medicines to be only " a little effective". Prescribers are prompted mainly by its affordability. The residents can fairly identify the herbal medicinal plants and are adept with the indication for use of these plants. In spite of this, majority of the residents are not familiar with the proper preparation methods.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Overall, the respondents appear to be more aware with certain herbal medicinal plants such as ampalaya, bawang, lagundi and sambong but obviously lack familiarity with other plants including ulasimang bato, yerba buena and niyog-niyogan.</p>

Development and characterization of pullulan-polymethacrylate free films as potential material for enteric drug release

ABSTRACT Free films of pullulan-polymethacrylate associations were produced by casting process to develop a novel target-specific material. For characterization, tests of water vapor permeability, swelling index, infrared absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical analysis were performed. The polysaccharide concentration directly influenced vapor permeability and swelling, increasing the values of the latter up to five times when added in a proportion of 20% (per weight). The individual properties of each polymer were maintained, and chemical interactions were not detected. The films were found to be thermally stable and they had unaltered mechanical properties with the addition of the polysaccharide. The microscopic analysis revealed rugosity that was proportional to pullulan and disorganization of the polymer network at pH 6.8. These results suggest that this novel material has potential for enteric drug release because of synergism between pH and enzyme dependence.

Agrobacterium sp.-derived β-1,3-glucan enhances natural killer cell activity in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the hypothesis that a highly pure linear β-1,3-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. R259 enhances human natural killer (NK) cell activity and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In an eight-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 83 healthy adults with white blood cell counts of 4,000-8,000 cells/µL were participated and randomly assigned to take two capsules per day containing either 350 mg β-1,3-glucan or placebo. Six participants withdrew their study consent or were excluded due to NK cell activity levels outside the normal range. NK cell activity and serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured. RESULTS: NK cell activity and the serum levels of IL-10 were significantly higher from baseline to week 8 in the β-glucan group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.048, P = 0.029). Consumption of β-1,3-glucan also significantly increased NK cell activity compared with placebo after adjusting for smoking and stress status (P = 0.009). In particular, the effect of β-1,3-glucan on NK cell activity was greater in participants with severe stress than in those experiencing mild stress. However, the administration β-1,3-glucan did not significantly modulate the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IgG compared with the placebo. CONCLUSION: The results showed that supplementation with bacterial β-1,3-glucan significantly increased NK cell activity without causing any adverse effects. Additionally, the beneficial effect of β-1,3-glucan on NK cell activity was greater in participants experiencing severe stress.

Knowledge and utilization of the 10 DOH-Endorsed herbal medicinal plants among resident physician trainees of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

BACKGROUND: In the recent years, there appeared to be a rise of herbal products in the market. Thus, it becomes imperative for health practitioners to become knowledgeable on this aspect of complementary medicine. However, data on familiarity with and actual utilization of the 10 DOH-endorsed herbal medicine plants by the health practitioners is lacking.OBJECTIVE: This study was done in order to determine the knowledge and utilization of the 10 DOH-endorsed herbal medicinal plants among the resident physician trainees of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH).METHODS: A total of 143 randomly selected trainees from different specialties and year levels were included in this study. A one-time interaction with the residents was done, during which, they were asked to answer a 5-page face to face survey questionnaire.RESULTS: The study revealed that majority of the respondents is aware of the 10-DOH endorsed herbal medicinal plants. However, most of them perceive the use of herbal medicines to be only " a little effective". Prescribers are prompted mainly by its affordability. The residents can fairly identify the herbal medicinal plants and are adept with the indication for use of these plants. In spite of this, majority of the residents are not familiar with the proper preparation methods.CONCLUSION: Overall, the respondents appear to be more aware with certain herbal medicinal plants such as ampalaya, bawang, lagundi and sambong but obviously lack familiarity with other plants including ulasimang bato, yerba buena and niyog-niyogan.

The efficacy and safety of urethral injection therapy for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different bulking agents for treating urinary incontinence in women, a systematic review including only randomized controlled trials was performed. The subjects were women with urinary incontinence. The primary outcomes were clinical and urodynamic parameters. The results were presented as a weighted mean difference for non-continuous variables and as relative risk for continuous variables, both with 95% confidence intervals. Initially, 942 studies were identified. However, only fourteen eligible trials fulfilled the prerequisites. Altogether, the review included 1814 patients in trials of eight different types of bulking agents, and all studies were described and analyzed. The measured outcomes were evaluated using a large variety of instruments. The most common complications of the bulking agents were urinary retention and urinary tract infection. Additionally, there were certain major complications, such as one case of death after use of autologous fat. However, the lack of adequate studies, the heterogeneous populations studied, the wide variety of materials used and the lack of long-term follow-up limit guidance of practice. To determine which substance is the most suitable, there is a need for more randomized clinical trials that compare existing bulking agents based on standardized clinical outcomes.

Effect of HBP-A on meniscal injury and pathological hypertrophy and calcification of the meniscus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of HBP-A on meniscal injuries and the expressions of genes associated with pathological hypertrophy and calcification of the meniscusinduced by abnormal loading.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bovine meniscus explants were subjected to 25% strain at 0.3 Hz for 3 h and treated with 0.6 mg/mL of HBP-A. The cell viability in the meniscus explants after 72 hin culture was determined using live/dead staining and the expression levels of genes associated with pathological hypertrophy and calcification of the meniscus (ANKH, ENPP1, ALP, MMP13, and IL-1) were measured using real-time PCR and Western blotting. The conditioned medium was collected for testing sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The number of dead cells, loss of proteoglycan content, and the expressions of ANKH, ENPP1, ALP and MMP13, and IL-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels were all significantly lower in the meniscus explants treated with 0.6 mg/mL HBP-A than in the explants with only 25% abnormal pressure stimulation (n=3, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBP-A can effectively alleviate meniscal injuries induced by abnormal loading and suppress the expressions of genes related with pathological hypertrophy and calcification of the meniscus, and can serve as a potential drug for treatment of knee osteoarthritis.</p>

Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the ability of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus mushroom in the treatment of nerve injury following peroneal nerve crush in Sprague-Dawley rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus was given by daily oral administration following peroneal nerve crush injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways; and c-Jun and c-Fos genes were studied in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) whereas the activity of protein synthesis was assessed in peroneal nerves by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Peripheral nerve injury leads to changes at the axonal site of injury and remotely located DRG containing cell bodies of sensory afferent neurons. Immunofluorescence studies showed that DRG neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury in rats of treated groups expressed higher immunoreactivities for Akt, MAPK, c-Jun and c-Fos as compared with negative control group (P <0.05). The intensity of nuclear ribonucleoprotein in the distal segments of crushed nerves of treated groups was significantly higher than in the negative control group (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>H. erinaceus is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Potential signaling pathways include Akt, MAPK, c-Jun, and c-Fos, and protein synthesis have been shown to be involved in its action.</p>

Tipos de configuração familiar e condições de saúde física e psicológica em idosos / Family configuration and physical and psychological health status in a sample of elderly / Tipos de configuración familiar y condiciones de salud física y psicológica en ancianos

Investigamos relações entre configuração familiar (arranjo de moradia, chefia familiar e contribuição financeira para o sustento da família), idade, sexo e condições de saúde física (capacidade funcional, número de doenças e de sinais e sintomas, e envolvimento social) e saúde psicológica (depressão e ansiedade) em idosos, conforme autorrelato. A amostra probabilística tinha 134 idosos sem déficit cognitivo e os dados foram coletados por entrevista domiciliar. Foi feita análise de conglomerados mediante o método da partição (três agrupamentos). As variáveis que mais contribuíram para a formação dos grupos foram as atividades básicas (R2 = 0,732) e instrumentais da vida diária (R2 = 0,487), o número de doenças (R2 = 0,241) e a idade (R2 = 0,225). A configuração familiar predominante foi corresidência com os descendentes, sendo os idosos provedores e chefes de família. Foram encontradas relações entre configuração familiar, condições de saúde física e saúde psicológica. As mulheres apresentaram maior ônus financeiro e pior saúde física e psicológica do que os homens.

This study focused on the relations between family configuration (living arrangements, heads of family, and financial contributions to the family's support), age, gender, and physical health (functional capacity, number of diseases and signs and symptoms, and social involvement) and psychological health (depression and anxiety) among the elderly, based on self-reported data. The probabilistic sample included 134 elderly without cognitive deficit, with data collected in home interviews. Cluster analyses were performed using the partitioning method (three groupings). The variables that contributed the most to forming groups were basic activities of daily living (R2 = 0.732) and instrumental activities of daily living (R2 = 0.487), number of diseases (R2 = 0.241), and age (R2 = 0.225). The predominant family configuration was living with children and/or grandchildren, with the elderly as providers and heads of the family. The study showed associations between family configuration and physical and psychological health status. Women showed a higher financial burden and worse psychological health than men.

Hemos investigado las relaciones entre la configuración familiar (arreglo de la vivienda familiar, liderazgo y contribución financiera para la familia), edad, sexo y condiciones de salud física (capacidad funcional, número de signos y síntomas, enfermedades y participación social) y salud psicológica (depresión y ansiedad) de ancianos, según el mismo informe. La muestra probabilística fue 134 personas mayores sin déficit cognitivo y los datos recogidos por entrevista domiciliaria. Se crearon por el método de análisis de conglomerados de partición (tres grupos). Las variables que han contribuido más a la formación de los grupos fueron actividades básicas (R2 = 0,732) y actividades instrumentales de la vida cotidiana (R2 = 0,487), el número de enfermedades (R2 = 0,241) y edad (R2 = 0,225). Predominaron los arreglos con los descendientes, siendo los ancianos proveedores y sostén de la familia. Las relaciones encontradas entre configuración familiar, las condiciones de salud física y psicológica fueron importantes. Las mujeres tuvieron mayor carga financiera y peor salud psicológica y física que los hombres.

Glucan HBP-A increase type II collagen expression of chondrocytes in vitro and tissue engineered cartilage in vivo / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Although chondroprotective activities have been documented for polysaccharides, the potential target of different polysaccharide may differ. The study was aimed to explore the effect of glucan HBP-A in chondrocyte monolayer culture and chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs in vivo, especially on the expression of type II collagen.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were cultured and verified by immunocytochemical staining of type II collagen. Chondrocyte viability was assessed after being treated with HBP-A in different concentrations. Morphological status of chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs in vitro was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The constructs were treated with HBP-A and then injected to nude mice subcutaneously. Six weeks after transplantation, the specimens were observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mRNA expressions of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTs-5), aggrecan and type II collagen in both monolayer culture and constructs were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of type II collagen and matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) in chondrocyte monolayer culture was also tested through Western blot and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MMP-3 secretion and ADAMTs-5 mRNA expression in vitro were inhibited by HBP-A at 0.3 mg/mL concentration. In morphological study, there were significant appearance of collagen in those constructs treated by HBP-A. Accordingly, in both chondrocyte monolayer culture and chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs, the expression of type II collagen was increased significantly in HBP-A group when compared with control group (P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The study documented that the potential pharmacological target of glucan HBP-A in chondrocytes monolayer culture and tissue engineered cartilage in vivo may be concerned with the inhibition of catabolic enzymes MMP-3, ADAMTs-5, and increasing of type II collagen expression.</p>

Anti-fungal potentials of extracellular metabolites of Western Ghats isolated Streptomyces sp. NII 1006 against moulds and yeasts.

Realization of hazardious effects of chemical fungicides has led to an interest in the usage of biocontrol agents. The present study, therefore, evaluates the biocontrol efficacy of Western Ghats (India) soil bacterial isolates. A potential strain NII 1006 was evaluated for its antagonistic property against a diverse range of moulds and yeasts. The strain was characterized morphologically, biochemically and molecularly, which revealed the isolate belonged to Streptomyces genus. Organic solvent extracts of NII 1006 culture filtrates inhibited the growth of the test pathogens indicating that growth suppression was due to extracellular anti-fungal metabolites present in the culture filtrates. The strain produced extracellular chitinase enzyme in addition to some stable partially purified anti-fungal compounds. Morphological changes such as hyphae degradation into debris and abnormal shapes were observed in test fungi and yeast grown on potato dextrose broth that contained the NII 1006 culture filtrate. The cell free supernatant has a tolerance to wide range of pH, temperature and enzymes such as lipase and protease. The biocontrol potential of NII 1006 strain may be correlated significantly with their ability to produce antibiotics as well as extracellular hydrolytic enzymes particularly chitinolytic enzyme.