ABSTRACT
Newborn mammals, including piglets, exhibit natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI) on postnatal day 1 (P1), but this ability is lost by postnatal day 7 (P7). The electrophysiologic properties of this naturally regenerated myocardium have not been examined. We hypothesized that epicardial conduction is preserved after P1 MI in piglets. Yorkshire-Landrace piglets underwent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation at age P1 (n = 6) or P7 (n = 7), After 7 weeks, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed with late gadolinium enhancement for analysis of fibrosis. Epicardial conduction mapping was performed using custom 3D-printed high-resolution mapping arrays. Age- and weight-matched healthy pigs served as controls (n = 6). At the study endpoint, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was similar for controls and P1 pigs (46.4 ± 3.0% vs. 40.3 ± 4.9%, p = 0.132), but significantly depressed for P7 pigs (30.2 ± 6.6%, p < 0.001 vs. control). The percentage of LV myocardial volume consisting of fibrotic scar was 1.0 ± 0.4% in controls, 9.9 ± 4.4% in P1 pigs (p = 0.002 vs. control), and 17.3 ± 4.6% in P7 pigs (p < 0.001 vs. control, p = 0.007 vs. P1). Isochrone activation maps and apex activation time were similar between controls and P1 pigs (9.4 ± 1.6 vs. 7.8 ± 0.9 ms, p = 0.649), but significantly prolonged in P7 pigs (21.3 ± 5.1 ms, p < 0.001 vs. control, p < 0.001 vs. P1). Conduction velocity was similar between controls and P1 pigs (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 mm/ms, p = 0.852), but slower in P7 pigs (0.7 ± 0.2 mm/ms, p = 0.129 vs. control, p = 0.052 vs. P1). Overall, our data suggest that epicardial conduction dynamics are conserved in the setting of natural heart regeneration in piglets after P1 MI.
ABSTRACT
Dementia is a persistent disorder of the mental processes and is strongly related to depression. However, the performance of current antidepression medicine is far from satisfactory. Herbal extract provides an excellent source to identify compounds for possible drug development against depression. Here, HerboChips were employed to search herbal compounds that could bind nerve growth factor (NGF). By screening over 500 types of herbal extracts, the water extract of Ginkgo Folium, the leaf of Ginkgo biloba, showed a strong binding to NGF. The herbal fractions showing NGF binding were further isolated and enriched. By using LC-MS/MS analysis, one of the NGF binding fractions was enriched, which was further identified as quercetin, a major flavonoid in Ginkgo Folium. Quercetin, similar to Ginkgo Folium extract, could enhance the effect of NGF in cultured PC 12 cells, including potentiation of neurite outgrowth and phosphorylation of Erk-1/2. This is the first report of discovering an NGF binding compound by using HerboChips from herbal extracts, which could be further developed for antidepression application.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV) is endemic and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Asia. British Columbia has the highest proportion of Chinese and Southeast Asians among all Canadian provinces. The present study was designed to evaluate the degree of concern for and knowledge of HBV in this high-risk community. METHODS: Unselected patrons of two large Asian commercial centres in Richmond, British Columbia were surveyed. The variables studied were population demographics, concern for HBV, level of HBV knowledge and awareness of HBV-related cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Associations were assessed using c2 testing and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1008 individuals participated in the survey. Fifteen incomplete surveys were excluded. Only 7.7% felt that HBV was not a concern for the community. Only 13% of respondents felt that HBV education was adequate in the community. The main sources of community health education were their doctor's office (56.3%) and media (49.1%). A high number stated they were "aware" of HBV (68%) but over 60% were unaware that HBV could cause HCC or cirrhosis and only 61.3% scored a 'reasonable' level of HBV knowledge. Higher HBV knowledge was significantly associated with increasing age (P<0.001), higher education (P<0.001) and the use of media for health education (P<0.001). Awareness that HBV may cause HCC and cirrhosis was significantly associated with age (P<0.001), education (P=0.006) and birthplace (P=0.001). INTERPRETATION: HBV education is necessary in this local Asian community. Programs should target younger, less educated adults and elaborate on the potential serious health consequences of HBV. Vehicles for public education should include the physicians' offices and local media.
