Characterization of cerebral tissue by MRI map ISODATA in embolic stroke in rat.

ISODATA using MRI parameter-weighted images has been previously employed to characterize ischemic cell damage after stroke in rats. In an effort to increase the objectivity and to further automate the ISODATA, MRI parameter maps were now employed. Male Wistar rats were subjected to embolic stroke and received treatment via a femoral vein at 4 h post-stroke.

Oxidative damage of DJ-1 is linked to sporadic Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.

Mutations in DJ-1 cause an autosomal recessive, early onset familial form of Parkinson disease (PD). However, little is presently known about the role of DJ-1 in the more common sporadic form of PD and in other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD). Here we report that DJ-1 is oxidatively damaged in the brains of patients with idiopathic PD and AD.

Ischemic cerebral tissue response to subventricular zone cell transplantation measured by iterative self-organizing data analysis technique algorithm.

To investigate the changes of the ischemic lesion in rat brain after subventricular zone (SVZ) cell transplantation and the influence of the grafted cells on the appearance of angiogenesis, SVZ cells, superparamagnetically labeled, were intracisternally transplanted into the rat brain 48 h after onset of embolic stroke. A complete set of magnetic resonance (MR) images was acquired for all animals with (n=8) and without (n=3) cell grafting at approximately 24 h, 72 h, and weekly for 6 weeks after stroke. Transplanted cells were tracked by high-resolution three-dimensional gradient-echo images and the interaction between the cells and ischemic lesion was detected by ISODATA (Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique Algorithm) calculated from T(1), T(2) and T(1sat) maps.

[Building immune microsphere against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)].

We have constructed the immune microsphere against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) prospectively, hoping to establish the experiment groundwork in more researches which could be used in specific elimination of the TNF-alpha by blood purification method for the future. The recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody (rHTNF-alpha McAb) was wrapped on the polystyrene microsphere (PSM) carrier connecting poly-L-lysine (PLL) beforehand. They were earmarked by the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) respectively.

Multitargeted effects of statin-enhanced thrombolytic therapy for stroke with recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator in the rat.

Background: Microvascular dysfunction posttreatment of stroke with recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (rht-PA) constrains the therapeutic window to 3 hours. Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) promote vascular thrombolysis and reduce the inflammation response. We therefore investigated the neuroprotective effects of a combination of atorvastatin and delayed rht-PA treatment in a rat model of embolic stroke.

Investigation of neural progenitor cell induced angiogenesis after embolic stroke in rat using MRI.

Using MRI, we investigated dynamic changes of brain angiogenesis after neural progenitor cell transplantation in the living adult rat subjected to embolic stroke. Neural progenitor cells isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult rat were labeled by superparamagnetic particles and intracisternally transplanted into the adult rat 48 h after stroke (n = 8). Before and after the transplantation, an array of MRI parameters were measured, including high resolution 3D MRI and quantitative T1, T1sat (T1 in the presence of an off-resonance irradiation of the macromolecules of brain), T2, the inverse of the apparent forward transfer rate for magnetization transfer (kinv), cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and blood-to-brain transfer constant (Ki) of Gd-DTPA.

[Inhibitory effects of Galectin-3 on the inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in guinea pig asthma models].

Objective: To elucidate the roles of interleukin-5 (IL-5), Eotaxin, and CCR-3 in eosinophilic inflammation in guinea pig asthma models and investigate the inhibitory effects of Galectin-3.

Methods: Thirty-two guinea pigs were randomly assigned to control group, asthma group, Galectin-3 intervention group, and dexamethasone (DXM) intervention group. Asthma models were established by sensitizing-challenging the animals with ovalbumin(OVA).

Map-ISODATA demarcates regional response to combination rt-PA and 7E3 F(ab')2 treatment of embolic stroke in the rat.

Purpose: To investigate the ability of map-ISODATA (Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique) to classify the different categories of ischemic damage in the lesion and to evaluate a combined (thrombolysis plus antiplatelet) treatment efficacy in an embolic stroke of rat.

Materials And Methods: Rats subjected to embolic stroke with (N=12) and without (N=10) rt-PA and 7E3 F(ab')2 treatment (4 hours after embolization) were followed (at 2, 24, and 48 hours post-MCAO) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using T1, T2, and apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCw). ISODATA was computed from T1, T2, and ADCw maps.

Early prediction of gross hemorrhagic transformation by noncontrast agent MRI cluster analysis after embolic stroke in rat.

Background And Purpose: Our goal was to develop magnetic resonance indices, without image contrast agent enhancement, that predict hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in a rat model of embolic stroke.

Methods: Male Wistar rats subjected to embolic stroke with (n=12) or without (n=10) the combination treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and an anti-platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody 7E3 F(ab')2 initiated at 4 hours after onset of stroke were investigated using a 7-T MRI system. Radiofrequency saturation T1 (T1sat) maps with magnetization transfer, apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCw) maps in 3 directions, and T2 maps were measured at 2, 24, and 48 hours after embolization.

Fluorescent labeling of plant chromosomes in suspension by FISH.

By optimizing the concentration and time of treatment with hydroxyurea (HU), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, and trifluralin, a microtubule inhibitor, a highly effective (over 60%) cell cycle synchronization method for rye and barley meristem cells was developed. Chromosome suspensions containing highly purified and morphologically intact rye and barley chromosomes were prepared from the meristems of their root tips by homogenization. Digoxigenin-labeled 5S rDNA was used as a probe in FISH for the rye chromosomes in the suspension, and biotin-labeled 17S rDNA and centromeric DNA were used in FISH for the rye and barley chromosome suspensions, respectively.

Quantitative evaluation of BBB permeability after embolic stroke in rat using MRI.

We sought to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that can identify as well as predict disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after embolic stroke in the rat. Rats subjected to embolic stroke with (n=13) and without (n=13) rt-PA treatment were followed with MRI using quantitative permeability-related parameters, consisting of: transfer constant (K(i)) of Gd- DTPA, the distribution volume (V(p)) of the mobile protons, and the inverse of the apparent forward transfer rate for magnetization transfer (k(inv)), as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC(w)), T2, and cerebral cerebral blood flow (CBF). Tissue progressing to fibrin leakage resulting from BBB disruption and adjacent tissue were then analyzed to identify MRI markers that characterize BBB disruption.

Analysis of combined treatment of embolic stroke in rat with r-tPA and a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor.

Suppression of platelet activation improves the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy for stroke. Thus, combination treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) and 7E3 F(ab')2, a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor that binds the platelet to fibrin, may improve the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in embolic stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor treatment response in rats subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAo).

Oxidative modifications and aggregation of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase associated with Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.

Although oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), the identities of specific protein targets of oxidative damage remain largely unknown. Here, we report that Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a key antioxidant enzyme whose mutations have been linked to autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a major target of oxidative damage in AD and PD brains. By using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, immunoblot analysis, and mass spectrometry, we have identified four human brain SOD1 isoforms with pI values of 6.

[A new impulse noise filter based on pulse coupled neural network].

This paper presents a new impulse noise filter based on pulse coupled neural networks according to the apparent difference of gray value between noised pixels and the pixels around them. Comparing with the state-of-the-art denoised PCNN filter, the step by step modifying algorithm based on PCNN also, the new PCNN filter suggested in this paper costs less computation and less execution time. At the same time this new PCNN filter has been compared with other nonlinear filters, such as median filter, the stack filter based on omnidirectional structural elements constrains, the Omnidirectional morphology Open-Closing maximum filter (OOCmax) and the Omnidirectional morphology Close-Opening minimum (OCOmin) filter.

Effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on pulmonary surfactants phospholipid synthesis in lung explants.

Aim: To investigate the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on pulmonary surfactants (PS) phospholipid synthesis in cultured lung explants.

Methods: Lung explants were cultured with serum-free medium, [methyl-3H]choline incorporation, total phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine, activity of choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (CCT) and CCTalpha mRNA level in lung explants were determined.

Results: (1) VIP (10(-10)-10(-7) mol/L) for 16 h promoted [methyl-3H]choline incorporation in dose dependence and VIP (10(-8) mol/L) for 2 h-16 h promoted [methyl-3H]choline incorporation in time dependence.

[Signal transduction pathways and transcription factors involved in luteinizing hormone beta subunit gene expression].

The pulsatile pattern of the hypothalamic hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a critical role in reproductive function by regulating the biosynthesis and secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) are heterodimeric glycoproteins composed of a common peptide, the glycoprotein hormone subuint alpha, and either a specific FSHbeta or LHbeta polypeptide. GnRH regulates LHbeta gene expression through GnRH receptor activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) and calcium signaling cascades.

MRI evaluation of treatment of embolic stroke in rat with intra-arterial and intravenous rt-PA.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we investigated treatment of a rat model of embolic stroke with rt-PA via intra-arterial (IA) and intravenous (IV) routes of administration. Rats were treated with rt-PA by either IA (n = 13) or IV (n = 13) routes at 3 h after stroke induction. Diffusion, perfusion, T2, and magnetization transfer MRI were performed prior to and at 1-3 and at 24 h after embolization.

[Interspecies nuclear transfer using nonquiescent somatic cell].

It is the point at issue in intraspecies nuclear transfer whether quiescence is necessary for development of nuclear transfer reconstructed embryos. In the interspecies nuclear transfer, some reports have proved that quiescent cell is able to support preimplantation development of the interspecies reconstructed embryos. Are non-quiescent cells able to support preimplantation development of the interspecies reconstructed embryos? We used non-quiescent somatic cells from C57BL/6 mice and giant pandas as donors to transfer into enucleated rabbit oocytes.

[Influence of vasoactive intestinal peptide on expression of pulmonary surfactant associated protein A in lung explants].

Aim: To study the influence of VIP on the expression of SP-A and its intracellular signal transduction pathway.

Methods: The influence of VIP on the expression of SP-A was studied by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The intracellular signal transduction pathway was further investigated by using receptor antagonist, protein kinase inhibitor and antisense oligonucleotides.

Flow karyotypes and chromosomal DNA contents of genus Triticum species and rye (Secale cereale).

The flow cytometry and chromosome imaging method were jointly used for analyzing genome content and chromosomal DNA content of hexaploid wheat (AABBDD), hexaploid triticale (AABBRR), tetraploid wheat (AABB), and AA, BB, DD genome donors and RR genome rye. Their genome sizes were 34.4 pg, 40.

[Evaluation of the glucose screening retest during pregnancy].

Objective: To evaluate of the glucose screening retest for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 714 pregnant women screened for GDM, between December 1, 2001, and December 31, 2002, was performed. The first glucose challenge test (GCT) was performed in 16 - 27 week and retested in 28 - 38 week.

Oxidative modifications and down-regulation of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 associated with idiopathic Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases that occur either in relatively rare, familial forms or in common, sporadic forms. The genetic defects underlying several monogenic familial forms of AD and PD have recently been identified, however, the causes of other AD and PD cases, particularly sporadic cases, remain unclear. To gain insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in AD and PD, we used a proteomic approach to identify proteins with altered expression levels and/or oxidative modifications in idiopathic AD and PD brains.

Familial Parkinson's disease-associated L166P mutation disrupts DJ-1 protein folding and function.

Mutations in DJ-1, a protein of unknown function, were recently identified as the cause for an autosomal recessive, early onset form of familial Parkinson's disease. Here we report that DJ-1 is a dimeric protein that exhibits protease activity but no chaperone activity. The protease activity was abolished by mutation of Cys-106 to Ala, suggesting that DJ-1 functions as a cysteine protease.

Crystal structure of DJ-1/RS and implication on familial Parkinson's disease.

DJ-1 is a protein involved in multiple physiological processes, including cancer, Parkinson's disease, and male fertility. It is unknown how DJ-1 functions in the apparently different systems. The crystal structure of DJ-1 at 1.

Patlak plots of Gd-DTPA MRI data yield blood-brain transfer constants concordant with those of 14C-sucrose in areas of blood-brain opening.

The blood-to-brain transfer rate constant (K(i)) of Gd-DTPA was determined in MRI studies of a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia. The longitudinal relaxation rate, R(1), was estimated using repeated Look-Locker measurements. A model-independent analysis of deltaR(1), the Patlak plot, produced maps of K(i) for Gd-DTPA and the distribution volume of the mobile protons (V(p)) with intravascular-Gd changed R(1)'s.