Potential Role of Akkermansia muciniphila in Parkinson's Disease and Other Neurological/Autoimmune Diseases.

The composition of the gut microbiota, including Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), is altered in many neurological diseases and may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of Parkinson's disease (PD). A. muciniphila, a mucin-degrading bacterium, is a potential next-generation microbe that has anti-inflammatory properties and is responsible for keeping the body healthy. As the role of A. muciniphila in PD has become increasingly apparent, we discuss the potential link between A. muciniphila and various neurological diseases (including PD) in the current review.

Reduction of arsenic toxicity in two rice cultivar seedlings by different nanoparticles.

In this study, we investigated arsenic uptake and enzymatic activities in rice seedlings after the addition of nanoparticles. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different nanomaterials (high-quality graphene oxide, multilayer graphene oxide, 20 nm hydroxyapatite (HA20), 40 nm hydroxyapatite (HA40), nano-Fe3O4 (nFe3O4) and nano-zerovalent iron [nFe]) on the biomass, arsenic uptake, and enzyme activities in seedlings of the rice cultivars T705 and X24. Compared with the control, the addition of different nanomaterials increased seedling growth, with X24 rice growing better than T705 rice. Nanomaterials effectively reduced arsenic uptake in T705 rice seedlings under low and high arsenic concentrations; however, they were only effective at lower arsenic concentrations in X24 seedlings. nFe3O4 and nFe performed better than other nanomaterials in preventing arsenic from being transported to the aboveground parts of the rice seedlings. Different nanomaterials obviously influenced enzyme activities in the T705 seedlings at low arsenic concentrations (≤ 0.8 mg L-1). High-quality and multilayer graphene oxide decreased enzyme activities in the aboveground parts of the T705 seedlings, whereas, HA20 and HA40 increased the enzyme activities. nFe3O4 and nFe also reduced the effect of antioxidants in the aboveground parts of the T705 seedlings. Nanomaterials effectively reduced the arsenic uptake of T705 and X24 rice seedlings at low arsenic concentrations.

[Association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and severity of asthma in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the severity of asthma in children. METHODS: A total of 60 children with acute exacerbation of asthma were enrolled and divided according to the severity of the disease into mild group (n=18), moderate group (n=25), and severe group (n=17). Sixty healthy children were enrolled as controls. ELISA was used to measure the serum BDNF level in each group and the association between serum BDNF level and the severity of asthma was analyzed. RESULTS: The asthmatic children at the acute exacerbation and remission stages had significantly higher serum BDNF levels than healthy controls (P<0.05). The serum BDNF level was significantly reduced in the remission stage compared with that in the acute exacerbation stage in asthmatic children (P<0.05). The children with varying degrees of severity at the acute exacerbation stage had different serum BDNF levels: the severe group had the highest serum BDNF level and the mild group had the lowest level (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BDNF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of childhood asthma and is related to the severity of the disease.

The cortical surface correlates of clinical manifestations in the mid-stage sporadic Parkinson's disease.

The alteration of pathological cortical surface may lead to the corresponding clinical manifestations of sporadic Parkinson's disease (sPD). Therefore, we investigated the correlates of cortical surface and clinical manifestations in the mid-stage sPD. Sixty seven mid-stage sPD patients and thirty five matched controls were performed the corticometry of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the assessment of clinical manifestations including the demographic and disease-related characteristics, and underwent the final analysis of the correlates between cortical surface and clinical manifestations. The result revealed a significant correlation between CDT and Frontal-Sup-Orb-L, Frontal-Sup-Medial-L, Frontal-Mid-Orb-L and Rectus-L; SVFT and Frontal-Mid-L and Frontal-Inf-Tri-L; DF and Frontal-Sup-R, Frontal-Mid-R and Frontal-Sup-Medial-R; Webster and Occipital-Mid-R, Angular-R, Temporal-Sup-R and Temporal-Mid-R respectively in the mid-stage sPD patients. Our data suggested that the alterations of cortical surface in the left Frontal-Sup-Orb, Sup-Medial, Mid-Orb, Mid, Inf-Tri and Rectus, the right Frontal-Sup, Mid, Sup-Medial, and Occipital-Mid, Angular, Temporal-Sup and Temporal-Mid were the pathological base of some clinical manifestations including the cognitive impairment, the space structure, memory, attention, the abstract thinking, design, layout, utilization, digital, calculation, the time and spatial orientation concept, the operation sequence recognition and the partial motor dysfunctions in the mid-stage sPD, and that the dysfunctions of these brain regions contributed by the cortical surface lesion were closely correlated with some clinical manifestations of mid-stage sPD.

[Protective effect of hydroxy-safflor yellow A on human umbilical vein endothelial cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin II].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy-safflor yellow A (HSYA) on the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) in vitro and explore its mechanism. METHODS: The HUVECs was subcultured in vitro and used for experiment that divided into five groups as follows: control group, Ang II-injured group (1 micromoL/L), low-dosage of HSYA group (10 micromoL/L), mid-dosage of HSYA group (30 micromoL/L) and high-dosage of HYSA group (100 micromoL/L). MTT was used to determine the HUVECs viability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), Cytochrome C oxidase activity was detected by BCA method. Apoptosis rate of the HUVECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 was measured by western blot. RESULTS: Compared with control group, Ang II could increase the level of ROS, inhibit cytochrome activity and enhance caspase 3 expression in HUVECs, as a result, enhance apoptosis of HUVECs. HSYA could significantly reduce the result induced by AngII in dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HSYA can eliminate the effect of Ang II and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting ROS producing, keeping mitochondrial structure and function and inhibiting apoptosis.

[Effects of Ginkgolide B on inflammation induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of Ginkgolide B on inflammation induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. METHODS: Rats were pretreated with Ginkgolide B at the dose of 2. 5, 5, 10 mg/kg for 3 days and then subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced by a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The infarct volume and the neurological deficit were determined by the method of TTC (2,3,5-triphenylterazolium chloride) staining and Longa's score. The permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) was evaluated by measurement of the evans blue (EB) content in the brain with spectrophotometer. The content of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6, IL-1beta) in serum and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), The content of E-selectin and ICAM 1 in brain were determined by radio-immunoassay and ELISA assay. RESULTS: Ginkgolide B reduced infarct volume, ameliorated the neurological deficit and the permeability of BBB, the content of IL-6, IL-1beta in serum and TNF-alpha, expressions of E-selectin and ICAM 1 in brain tissue also were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Ginkgolide B has protective effects on cerebral injury by inhibiting the inflammation induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties of acylated pelargonidin derivatives extracted from red radish (Raphanus sativus var. niger, Brassicaceae).

The antioxidant and pro-oxidant potential of an extract from red radish, in which the major compounds were acylated pelargonidin derivatives, were assessed with a variety of assays in vitro. The extract appeared to form a complex with Fe(3+) or Cu(2+). It displayed a concentration-dependant reducing power (1.16OD(700 nm) at a concentration of 4mM) and scavenging effect against 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals (with IC(50)=1.74 +/- 0.03 mM). It could promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA with Cu(II)/H(2)O(2) or Cu(II) alone. This DNA damage could be inhibited by horseradish peroxidase, catalase, and EDTA, respectively. The extract also showed growth inhibition of Bel-7402 cells at lower concentration. The results suggested that the formation of reactive oxygen species might be involved in the mechanism of DNA damage. The acylated pelargonidin derivatives extracted from red radish could act as antioxidant and pro-oxidant and their antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties were relative to the reaction conditions. It might provide novel antioxidant and anticarcinogenic agents.

Safety and immunogenicity of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccines in China: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The current influenza pandemic calls for a safe and effective vaccine. We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of eight formulations of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccine produced by ten Chinese manufacturers. METHODS: In this multicentre, double-blind, randomised trial, 12 691 people aged 3 years or older were recruited in ten centres in China. In each centre, participants were stratified by age and randomly assigned by a random number table to receive one of several vaccine formulations or placebo. The study assessed eight formulations: split-virion formulation containing 7.5 microg, 15 microg, or 30 microg haemagglutinin per dose, with or without aluminium hydroxide adjuvant, and whole-virion formulation containing 5 microg or 10 microg haemagglutinin per dose, with adjuvant. All formulations were produced from the reassortant strain X-179A (A/California/07/2009-A/PR/8/34). We analysed the safety (adverse events), immunogenicity (geometric mean titre [GMT] of haemagglutination inhibition antibody), and seroprotection (GMT >or=1:40) of the formulations. Analysis was by per protocol. Two sites registered their trial with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00956111 and NCT00975572. The other eight studies were registered with the State Food and Drug Administration of China. FINDINGS: 12 691 participants received the first dose on day 0, and 12 348 participants received the second dose on day 21. The seroprotection rate 21 days after the first dose of vaccine ranged from 69.5% (95% CI 65.9-72.8) for the 7.5 microg adjuvant split-virion formulation to 92.8% (91.9-93.6) for the 30 microg non-adjuvant split-virion formulation. The seroprotection rate was 86.5% (796 of 920; 84.1-88.7) in recipients of one dose of the 7.5 microg non-adjuvant split-virion vaccine compared with 9.8% (140 of 1432; 8.3-11.4) in recipients of placebo (p<0.0001). One dose of the 7.5 microg non-adjuvant split-virion vaccine induced seroprotection in 178 of 232 children (aged 3 years to <12 years; 76.7%, 70.7-82.0), 211 of 218 adolescents (12 years to <18 years; 96.8%, 93.5-98.7), 289 of 323 adults (18-60 years; 89.5%, 85.6-92.6), and 118 of 147 adults older than 60 years (80.3%, 72.9-86.4), meeting the European Union's licensure criteria for seroprotection in all age-groups. In children, a second dose of the 7.5 microg formulation increased the seroprotection rate to 97.7% (215 of 220, 94.8-99.3). Adverse reactions were mostly mild or moderate, and self-limited. Severe adverse effects occurred in 69 (0.6%, 0.5-0.8) recipients of vaccine compared with one recipient (0.1%, 0-0.2) of placebo. The most common severe adverse reaction was fever, which occurred in 25 (0.22%; 0.14-0.33) recipients of vaccine after the first dose and four (0.04%; 0.01-0.09) recipients of vaccine after the second dose compared with no recipients of placebo after either dose. INTERPRETATION: One dose of non-adjuvant split-virion vaccine containing 7.5 microg haemagglutinin could be promoted as the formulation of choice against 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 for people aged 12 years or older. In children (aged <12 years), two 7.5 mug doses might be needed. FUNDING: Sinovac Biotech, Hualan Biological Bacterin, China National Biotec Group, Beijing Tiantan Biological Products, Changchun Institute of Biological Products, Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences, Jiangsu Yanshen Biological Technology Stock, Zhejiang Tianyuan Bio-Pharmaceutical, Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products, Shanghai Institute of Biological Products, and Dalian Aleph Biomedical.

[Safety and immunogenicity of measles attenuated live vaccine prepared by master seed lot vaccine of Shanghai-191 strain].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a new measles vaccine prepared by master seed lot original vaccine of Shanghai-191 strain. METHODS: According to selection and exclusion criteria, 8-10-month healthy children, who have no history of measles, measles vaccine inoculation and vaccination contraindication were selected. The children selected were vaccinated 0.5 ml measles attenuate live vaccine prepared by master seed lot vaccine of the Shanghai-191 strain. They were observed the local and systemic response in 30 min and 6h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 7d, 14d, 21d, 28d after inoculation, and immune serum were collected before immunization and after 28 days. Measles virus antibody positive rate and geometric mean titer (GMT) were detected by hemagglutination inhibition. RESULTS: There were not serious adverse reactions. Measles virus antibodies in serum positive rate was 100% after 28 days of immunization, and measles virus antibody GMT was 1:50.66. CONCLUSION: New measles vaccine prepared by master seed lot original vaccine of the Shanghai-191 strain at 8-10-month children was safe and immunogenicity.

[Study on the probability of hepatitis B virus infection at public service places].

OBJECTIVE: To provide data for the control and prevention of hepatitis B and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) status among the appliances and practitioners working in the public service places. METHODS: 63 beauty parlors, barber shops and bathing centers selected under stratified randomization sampling method and 682 workers were investigated through questionnaire. HBsAg from th e appliances of the public service places and employee was detected by RIA. RESULTS: Two main sanitizing modes that including alcohol cleaning (34.60%) and ultraviolet light disinfection (30.79%) were used. The rates of testing on HBsAg among the appliances were 2.13% at the public service places, and were 0.63%, 2.67% and 3.70% in large-, medium- and small-sized appliances respectively. The rate of testing on HBsAg on large-, medium- and small- sized appliances were statistically different (chi2 = 6.68, P < 0.05). The positive rates of HBsAg on the appliances of beauty parlors, barbering shops and footbath inns were 2.97%, 0.61% and 3.42% respectively. People working in different service sites had different rates of HBsAg: those who worked at the 'acne needle' and the forceps were 5.13% and 4.17%. The positive rate of HBsAg among the workers in the public service places was 7.13%. The rates of HBsAgamong the workers in large-, medium- and small-sized public service places were 7.34%, 8.33% and 2.94% respectively. The rates of HBsAg among the workers in beauty parlors, barbering shops, footbath inns and bathing centers were 9.01%, 6.37%, 4.35% and 7.29% respectively. HBsAg positive rates were different among the workers working at different service sites: 13.33% at tattoo business, 12.68% in pedicles workers and 8.03% in massagists. CONCLUSION: It is important to improve the sanitizing management of the appliances used in the public service places and to improve the knowledge, attitude, as well as practice of vaccination on hepatitis B among those populations.