In vitro induction of in vivo-relevant stellate astrocytes in 3D brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices.

In vitro fabrication of 3D cell culture systems that could provide in vivo tissue-like, structural, and biochemical environments to neural cells is essential not only for fundamental studies on brain function and behavior, but also for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applicable to neural injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, for astrocytes-which actively respond to the surroundings and exhibit varied morphologies based on stimuli (e.g., stiffness and chemicals) in vitro, as well as physiological or pathological conditions in vivo-it is crucial to establish an appropriate milieu in in vitro culture platforms. Herein, we report the induction of in vivo-relevant, stellate-shaped astrocytes derived from cortices of Rattus norvegicus by constructing the 3D cell culture systems of brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices (bdECMs). The bdECM hydrogels were mechanically stable and soft, and the bdECM-based 3D scaffolds supplied biochemically active environments that astrocytes could interact with, leading to the development of in vivo-like stellate structures. In addition to the distinct morphology with actively elongated endfeet, the astrocytes, cultured in 3D bdECM scaffolds, would have neurosupportive characteristics, indicated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in the astrocyte-conditioned media. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing showed that the gene expression profiles of astrocytes cultured in bdECMs were significantly different from those cultured on 2D surfaces. The stellate-shaped astrocytes in the bdECMs were analyzed to have reached a more mature state, for instance, with decreased expression of genes for scaffold ECMs, actin filaments, and cell division. The results suggest that the bdECM-based 3D culture system offers an advanced platform for culturing primary cortical astrocytes and their mixtures with other neural cells, providing a brain-like, structural and biochemical milieu that promotes the maturity and in vivo-like characteristics of astrocytes in both form and gene expression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) have emerged as strong candidates for the construction of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in vitro, owing to the potential to provide native biochemical and physical environments. In this study, we fabricated hydrogels of brain-derived dECMs (bdECMs) and cultured primary astrocytes within the bdECM hydrogels in a 3D context. The cultured astrocytes exhibited a stellate morphology distinct from conventional 2D cultures, featuring tridimensionally elongated endfeet. qRT-PCR and NGS-based transcriptomic analyses revealed gene expression patterns indicative of a more mature state, compared with the 2D culture. Moreover, astrocytes cultured in bdECMs showed neurosupportive characteristics, as demonstrated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in astrocyte-conditioned media. We believe that the bdECM hydrogel-based culture system can serve as an in vitro model system for astrocytes and their coculture with other neural cells, holding significant potential for neural engineering and therapeutic applications.

Is it reciprocating or self-serving?: Understanding coping strategies for postpartum depression in an online community for Korean mothers.

The proliferation of online health communities creates opportunities to exchange social support. Given the growing need to investigate the extent to which social support helps mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) and psychological distress, we conducted a content analysis of 3,073 posts from a PPD-related message board in a prominent online community for Korean mothers. We found that community members tended to provide rather than seek support, indicating potential reciprocity in the community. We also found that emotion-focused coping strategies were much more prevalent than problem-focused coping strategies. Thus, the message board had an ambiguous identity, potentially undermining its actual purpose.

In Vitro Studies on Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Neural Cells: Neurons, Glia, and Neural Stem Cells.

(‒)-Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major phytocannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis genus. Its non-psychoactiveness and therapeutic potential, partly along with some anecdotal-if not scientific or clinical-evidence on the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, have led researchers to investigate the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells. This review summarizes the previously reported mechanistic studies of the CBD actions on primary neural cells at the in vitro cell-culture level. The neural cells are classified into neurons, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neural stem cells, and the CBD effects on each cell type are described. After brief introduction on CBD and in vitro studies of CBD actions on neural cells, the neuroprotective capability of CBD on primary neurons with the suggested operating actions is discussed, followed by the reported CBD actions on glia and the CBD-induced regeneration from neural stem cells. A summary section gives a general overview of the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells, with a future perspective. This review will provide a basic and fundamental, but crucial, insight on the mechanistic understanding of CBD actions on neural cells in the brain, at the molecular level, and the therapeutic potential of CBD in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, although to date, there seem to have been relatively limited research activities and reports on the cell culture-level, in vitro studies of CBD effects on primary neural cells.

Exercise Pills for Drug Addiction: Forced Moderate Endurance Exercise Inhibits Methamphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity through the Striatal Glutamatergic Signaling Pathway in Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

Physical exercise reduces the extent, duration, and frequency of drug use in drug addicts during the drug initiation phase, as well as during prolonged addiction, withdrawal, and recurrence. However, information about exercise-induced neurobiological changes is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of forced moderate endurance exercise training on methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavior and the associated neurobiological changes. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to the administration of METH (1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and/or forced moderate endurance exercise (treadmill running, 21 m/min, 60 min/day) for 2 weeks. Over the two weeks, endurance exercise training significantly reduced METH-induced hyperactivity. METH and/or exercise treatment increased striatal dopamine (DA) levels, decreased p(Thr308)-Akt expression, and increased p(Tyr216)-GSK-3ß expression. However, the phosphorylation levels of Ser9-GSK-3ß were significantly increased in the exercise group. METH administration significantly increased the expression of NMDAr1, CaMKK2, MAPKs, and PP1 in the striatum, and exercise treatment significantly decreased the expression of these molecules. Therefore, it is apparent that endurance exercise inhibited the METH-induced hyperactivity due to the decrease in GSK-3ß activation by the regulation of the striatal glutamate signaling pathway.

Effect of Age at Cochlear Implantation in Educational Placement and Peer Relationships.

OBJECTIVES: The education and school life of children who have undergone cochlear implantation (CI) is very important and should be monitored continuously. This study assessed auditory performance in children with cochlear implants over time, along with educational placement and peer relationship, and compared the results based on the age at CI and the presence of additional disabilities. DESIGN: In total, 77 children who had undergone CI at the Hearing Center in Ajou University Hospital at less than 10 years old and who were presently attending school or had already graduated from school within 3 years were enrolled in this study. All children had congenital bilateral severe or profound hearing loss at the diagnosis. They were classified based on the age at which they received CI: the "early-implanted group," younger than 3.5 years (n = 38), and the "late-implanted group," between 3.5 and 10 years old (n = 39). RESULTS: The early-implanted group had worse short-term auditory performance than the late group, but after 2 years of the implant use, auditory performance was similar in both groups. The early and late groups did not differ significantly in terms of the proportions of children who were enrolled in a regular school (94.7% and 89.7%, respectively). However, the early-implanted group had a larger proportion of children who were enrolled in a regular school without additional needs (73.0%), compared with the late group (48.6%) (p = .034). Children with multiple disabilities showed poorer performance (word score of 57.7% and sentence score of 44.7%) than children with hearing disability only (91.8% and 87.2%, respectively), which affected full-time enrollment in regular schools. With regard to peer relationships, 19.0% of children in the early-implanted group required close observation and assistance, and 9.5% even required help and counseling. Children who underwent early CI had a high tendency toward social restraint, apathy, and over-commitment. No correlations were observed between audiological factors and the aspects of peer relationships assessed in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Early CI and the absence of other disabilities were the two main factors that increased the likelihood of full-time enrollment in mainstream classes at regular schools. Nevertheless, many children who underwent earlier CI still encountered difficulties in peer relationships.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil Derived from the Wild Rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala.

The present study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil (EO) derived from the wild rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMA) growing in Qimen County (eastern China). GC/MS analysis identified fifteen compounds, representing 92.55 % of AMA EO. The major compounds were atractylone (39.22 %), ß-eudesmol (27.70 %), thymol (5.74 %), hinesol (5.50 %), and 11-isopropylidenetricyclo[4.3.1.1(2,5)]undec-3-en-10-one (4.71 %). Ferricyanide reducing, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picyrlhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging assays revealed that AMA EO exhibited strong antioxidant capacities. Additionally, AMA EO showed inhibitory effects on growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/mL. Treatments with AMA EO also significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, indicating anti-inflammatory activity of AMA EO. Furthermore, treatments with AMA EO decreased the transcriptional levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which might be the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, these results provide a theoretical basis for further study and application of AMA EO in food and medicine products.

Anti-inflammatory effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark and its active compounds.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark (MRB) was extracted using methanol and the extracts were subjected to tests of anti-inflammatory effects. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory effects. Purified compounds, sanggenon B, albanol B and sanggenon D, showed inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and albanol B demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory effects. Regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms, further investigations showed that treatments with Albanol B reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These results would contribute to development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs from MRB.

Critical Factors for Binaural Hearing in Children with Bilateral Sequential Cochlear Implantation: First Implant Performance and Inter-Implant Interval.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of the performance of the first cochlear implant (CI-1) on the second implant (CI-2) and the significance of inter-implant intervals in children with sequential cochlear implantation. METHOD: Thirty-four patients were included for speech perception outcome and 38 patients were included for subjective hearing satisfaction in daily life in this study. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to inter-implant interval: group I, <4 years; group II, 4-7 years; group III, >7 years. Open-set speech perception scores before and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the second implantation was compared among the CI-1, CI-2, and bilateral CI conditions. Subjective hearing benefits in daily life were measured using a questionnaire of Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) for parents of children with impaired hearing, and device use and preference were evaluated (by phone interview.) Results: The speech perception of children using the CI-2 only improved quickly within 3 months postoperatively and were similar to those using the CI-1 only. The results of monosyllabic and disyllabic word tests using CI-2 at 3 months after second implantation were not significantly different from those in patients using the CI-1 only. In the sentence test, the scores using the CI-2 only were not significantly different from those using the first implant only at 6 months after second implantation. SSQ scores were similar among groups and the worst score in each section was shown from the questions about performance under noisy conditions in each section. Device usage habits showed that 17 (44.7%) and 16 (42.1%) patients preferred bilateral and the CI-1, respectively. Only 5 (13.2%) patients wanted the CI-2 rather than the CI-1. While group I and II showed a prominent positive attitude to bilateral use, group III, for which the inter-implant interval was 7 years or more, showed a definite preference for the CI-1 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Functional binaural benefits were achieved in patients who were good performers with the CI-1 after the second implantation irrespective of the inter-implant interval. Sequential CI should be strongly recommended for patients with unilateral CI showing a good performance.

A comparative study of the electromyographic activities of lower extremity muscles during level walking and Pedalo riding.

[Purpose] To analyze the electromyographic (EMG) activities of several lower extremity muscles during ground walking and pedaling using the Pedalo Reha-Bar device. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy adults aged 20-29 year participated in this study. The subjects' surface EMG signals while walking and Pedalo Reha-Bar riding were recorded. The subjects performed 20 steps on flat ground and 20 cycles on the Pedalo Reha-Bar. During the tasks, EMG signals of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, soleus, and gastrocnemius within a 20-second period were recorded. The mean EMG signals within the 10 seconds from 6 to 15 seconds were used for the data analysis. [Results] There was a significant increase in the bilateral use of the rectus femoris and a significant decrease in the use of the left tibialis anterior and left soleus in pedaling using the Pedalo Reha-Bar device compared to ground walking. [Conclusion] Level walking and the Pedalo Reha-Bar riding utilize different types of muscles activities. These results suggest that Pedalo Reha-Bar riding may be used for neuromuscular activation, especially of the rectus femoris.

Pregnancy in postpartum estrus induces inflammatory milk production and catagen specific pup skin inflammation in interleukin-10 deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: The interleukin 10 deficient mice (IL-10(-/-)) showed high incidence of pup alopecia compared to other strains, and pup alopecia was caused by skin inflammation and was recoverable. Pup alopecia of B6.IL-10(-/-) might be related with maternal factor and interleukin-10 deficient phenotype. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were elucidating of maternal factors for inflammatory milk production and characterization of pup alopecia in IL-10(-/-) mice. METHODS: Incidences of pup alopecia were analyzed with 13 breeding cases. Comparison between control and alopecia pups and its dams, were conducted with histological examination (H&E, TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry for F4/80, iNOS, CD206, Gr-1, CD4, CD8, CD11c and CD326), fostering test, forced weaning test, qPCR for tyrosine hydroxylase, flow cytometry, IL-10 inhibition test, BMDM stimulation test and LC/MS analysis. RESULTS: Presence of pregnancy in postpartum estrus showed significant correlation with inflammatory milk production and mammary gland involution in B6.IL-10(-/-) mice. There were no different mass in inflammatory milk, but different ionization intensity was detected. Inflammatory milk directly induced hepatocyte steatosis, catagen stage specific hair breaking and alopeicia in pups. Histologically, hypertropy of outer root sheath and macrophage/neutrophil infiltration were typical. CONCLUSION: B6.IL-10(-/-) dam with stress such as PPE could produce untimely mammary gland involution and inflammatory milk production. Interleukin 10 is important for maternal stress regulation and protecting inflammatory milk production, also influence severity of pup skin inflammation and alopecia. Remarkably, inflammatory milk induced hepatocyte steatosis, and it could indicate there is abnormal lipid metabolism. This was first report for catagen specific alopecia in mouse.

A simple separation method with a microfluidic channel based on alternating current potential modulation.

A simple separation and detection system based on an electrochemical potential modulated microchannel (EPMM) device was developed for the first time. The application of alternating current (AC) potential to the microfluidic separation channel walls, which were composed of screen printed carbon electrodes, resulted in the oscillation and fluctuation of analytes and in the formation of a perfect flat flow front. These events resulted in an increase in the effective concentration and in the fine separation of samples. The performance of the EPMM device was examined through the analysis of endocrine disruptors (EDs) and heavy metal ions (HMIs) as model compounds. The analytical parameters that affected the separation and detection of EDs and HMIs were studied in terms of AC amplitude, AC frequency, flow rate, buffer concentration, pH, detection potential, and temperature. The separation efficiency was evaluated through measurements of the theoretical plate number (N), the retention time, and the half-peak width. Linear calibration plots for the detection of EDs and HMIs were obtained between 0.15 and 250.0 nM (detection limit 86.4 ± 2.9 pM) and between 0.01 and 10.0 nM (detection limit 9.5 ± 0.3 pM), respectively. The new device was successfully demonstrated with authentic and real samples.

Perforated Mitral Valve Aneurysm in the Posterior Leaflet without Infective Endocarditis.

Aneurysm of the mitral valve, although uncommon, occurs most commonly in association with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve and true mitral valve aneurysm is a rare cause of mitral regurgitation. We report a case with perforated mitral valve aneurysm in the posterior leaflet without concurrent infective endocarditis initially mistaken diagnosis of cystic mass, which was confirmed at operation with successful mitral valve annuloplasty.

Convenient synthesis and characterization of silane-capped polysiloles for the fabrication of luminescent OLED.

Catalytic dehydropolymerization and subsequent silane-capping with R2SiHCI (R = Ph, Me) of 1,1-dihydrotetraphenylsilole (1) using various inorganic hydrides produces electroluminescent silane-capped polysiloles (2) in high yield. The polymerization yield and molecular weight increase in the order LiB[CH(CH3)C2H5]3H < NaB[CH(CH3)C2H5]3H < KB[CH(CH3)C2H5]3H. The molecular weights increase in the order Na[H2Al(OCH2CH2OCH3)2] < KB[CH(CH3)C2H5]3H < LiB(C2H5)3H. The silane-capped polysiloles 2 emit at 521 nm and are electroluminescent at 522 nm. The fluorescence quantum yield of 2 in toluene is (1.67 +/- 0.31) x 10(-2). The emission color is green and the maximum brightness of the device is 2900 cd/m2 with a luminous efficiency of 0.69 lm/W. The substituent type of silyl end group showed no appreciable effect on the luminescent properties of polysilole backbone. Thus, the silane-capped polysiloles are found to be a good material for OLED fabrication. A possible mechanism for the formation of 2 was suggested.

Catalytic Si-Si/Si-O dehydrocoupling of 1,1-dihydrotetraphenylsilole to optoelectronic polysiloles with colloidal silver nanoparticles.

The combinative Si-Si/Si-O dehydrocoupling at ambient air atmosphere of 1,1-dihydrotetraphenylsilole 1 with 2 mol% of AgNO3 and Ag2SO4 in toluene at 90 degrees C produces optoelectronic polysiloles 2 in high yield. The complexes such as Cp2Co, Cp2Ni, Cp2ZrCl2/Red-Al, and AgCl were found to be ineffective for the dehydrocoupling of 1. The polysiloles mainly have Si-Si bonds along with the small portion of Si-O bonds in the polymer backbone chain. Interestingly, the Si-O linkage increased with increasing the concentration of catalyst AgNO3, implying that while Ag(0) species catalyze the Si-Si dehydrocoupling, Ag(I) species catalyze the Si-O dehydrocoupling along with the simultaneous oxidation of NO3 ion to NO2. The silver complexes transformed to colloidal silver nanoparticles during the catalytic reaction. The Si-Si/Si-O dehydrocoupling of 1 with AgNO3 even at dry nitrogen atmosphere is occurred, supporting that the oxidation of NO3- ion to NO2 is only the possible oxygen source, but not from the adventitious moisture in air. sigma-, beta-, and gamma-Cyclodextrins considerably deteriorated the dehydrocoupling of 1 probably due to both the formation of insoluble inclusion complexes in toluene and the encapsulation of SiH2 moiety. The resulting silole polymer 2 emits green light at 520 nm and is electroluminescent at 520 nm.

Dry sol-gel polycondensation of hydrosilanes to organosilicas catalyzed by colloidal nickel nanoparticles.

The dry sol-gel polycondensation at toluene in ambient air atmosphere of p-X-C6H4SiH3 (X = H, CH3, CH3O, F, Cl) to silica p-X-C6H4SiO15 in high yield, catalyzed by colloidal nickel nanoparticles in-situ generated from nickelocene(II), nickel(II) acetate, and bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel(0), is described. Similar catalytic activities were observed for the catalysts. Similarly, the dry sol-gel polyco-condensation p-X-C6H4SiH3 (X = CH3, CH3O, F, Cl):C6H4SiH3 (9:1 mole ratio) at toluene in ambient air atmosphere of was performed to yield co-silicas (p-X-C6H4SiO1.5)9(p-X-C6H4SiO1.5)1 in high yield using nickelocene. The co-gels with higher molecular weights and TGA residue yield were obtained when compared to the homogels. The highest yield, molecular weight, polydispersity index, and TGA residue yield were obtained for p-Cl-C6H4SiH3. Some degree of unreacted Si-H bonds still remained in the gel matrix because of steric bulkiness. All the insoluble gels adopt an amorphous structure with a smooth surface. A plausible mechanism for the dry sol-gel reaction was suggested.

Clinical impact of obesity on stability following revision total hip arthroplasty.

Similar outcomes have been reported for obese and nonobese patients after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), indicating obesity is not a contraindication to total hip arthroplasty. However, obese patients may develop implant failure and require revision THA. We compared the outcomes of revision THA in a matched cohort of obese and nonobese patients. Patients were stratified into two groups according to BMI (body mass index, kg/m2): Group 1 included 31 obese patients (BMI > 35), and Group 2 included 62 nonobese patients (BMI < 30) matched on age, gender, and type of revision procedure. Obese patients had increased total operating room time, a higher rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and a higher dislocation rate (p < 0.05). Seven patients in the obese group underwent revision surgery, six of whom underwent additional reoperations to treat recurrent postoperative dislocation. Obese patients should be counseled about the increased risk of dislocation that can occur after revision THA.