A Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo on the Balance Function of the Inner Ear

A three-dimensional numerical model of the membranous labyrinth of the semicircular canal of the inner ear was established to investigate the effects of canalithiasis of BPPV on the balance function of the inner ear.The movement of otolith particles in the membranous labyrinth was simulated when a person turns his head to a specific position.The effects of otolith movements on the balance function of the inner ear were simulated for different numbers,diameters,and initial positions of otoliths.The simulation results show that the otolith diameter affects the movement duration of otoliths in the membranous labyrinth.The number and diameter of otoliths,the diameter of the membranous labyrinth,and the initial position of the otoliths can cause changes in the pressure difference on both sides of the cupula of the crista ampullaris(cupula).The latent period and onset period are related to the diameter of otolith particles and the position of the head.There is also a correlation between the severity of the disease and the diameter and number of otolith particles.

Phytochemical composition of Caesalpinia crista extract as potential source for inhibiting cholinesterase and β-amyloid aggregation: Significance to Alzheimer's disease

Objective: To screen plant extract fractions and elucidate the components present in Caesalpinia crista(C. crista) leaves for cholinergic and anti-amyloidogenic activities for the treatment of Alzheimer's diseases. Methods: This work has been carried out to study the action of C. crista extracts from nonpolar to polar solvents toward inhibition of oxidative stress, cholinergic and amyloidosis. The antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH total antioxidant assay; cholinergic assay by Ellman's method and anti-amyloidogenic assay by thioflavin-T fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The quantification of polyphenols was carried out following C. crista methanolic extract(CCMeOH) HPLC fingerprinting, along with LC-MS and elucidated by MS LAMPS database. GC-MS of CCMeOH was screened for potential moieties. In vitro experimental results showed that the CCMe OH was potential extract that exhibited active inhibition of antioxidant property, cholinergic enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. For anti-amyloidogenic evaluations, among all the extracts, the CCMe OH was found to have the potential toward inhibiting the oligomers, fibrillation of Aβ42 with good defibrillation of amyloid cascading properties. Conclusions: These results are also supported by the presence of polyphenols as the active ingredients. Multi-potent target drug therapy is a promising option in treating the Alzheimer's diseases. Methanolic extract of C. crista shows potential activity against cholinergic enzymes, Aβ42 aggregation with antioxidant activity.

Dermoscopic Features of Hyperpigmented Dots in Crista Cutis in Two Siblings in a Japanese Family with Inherited Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by papillomatous brownish lesions mainly in the intertriginous areas. We used dermoscopy to examine such lesions in a family with acanthosis nigricans. The dermoscopic images showed an aberrant skin structure of linear crista cutis and sulcus cutis, and hyperpigmented dots in crista cutis. The hyperpigmented dots, which could not be seen with the naked eyes, may contribute to the color of the pigmented skin. Dermoscopy can be useful for evaluating disorders involving the structure of area cutanea and a change in skin color.

Research Progress in the Structure and Functions of Prohibitin

Prohibitin is named due to the negative regulatory role of its gene products in cell proliferation. Prohibitin gene is located at q21 of chromosome 17 in human beings and the protein is found at mitochondria, nucleus and cytoplasm. Due to its size and ring-shaped structure, prohibitin protein defines functional subcompartments in mitochondria. Its subunits, PHB1 and PHB2, suppress cell proliferation as in the protein itself Nevertheless, recent investigation suggests that prohibitin protein enhances cell proliferation as well. It has also been found to suppress cell apoptosis by reducing cytochrome C release via the avoidance of mitochondrial crista remodeling which is facilitated through type 1 optic atrophy protein （OPAl）. Acting as a binding site for ubiquitin, prohibitin protein regulates protein degradation by proteasome. Examples are the degradations of sperm mitochondria in a fertilized ovum or those of an abnormal sperm.

Super-resolution quantification of nanoscale damage to mitochondria in live cells

Mitochondrial damage,characterized by altered morphological distribution and the damage of cristae,is closely associated with mitochondrial disease.However,imaging methods for capturing mitochondrial morphology at the nanoscale level in live samples remain unavailable,which seriously hinders the accurate evaluation and diagnosis of mitochondrial-related diseases.In response,we propose a super-resolution quantification strategy based on structured illumination microscopy(SIM)for the rapid,accurate evaluation of mitochondrial morphology.Using the strategy,we accurately captured the morphological distribution of mitochondria at the nanoscale level in a way generally applicable to checking various cell processes and identifying patients with mitochondrial disease who exhibit the SLC25A46 mutation.We also used algorithm-assisted super-resolution imaging to quantitatively analyze damage to mitochondrial cristae,which supports a novel drug screening strategy—high-resolution drug screening—for investigating drugs’pharmacodynamics on organelles in living cells.In short,our strategy improves the accurate examination of changes in mitochondrial morphology in living cells and indicates new ways in which SIM-imaging can assist in diagnosing mitochondrial disease at the single-cell level.

BPPV Viewer: A downloadable 3D BPPV model for study of otolith disease

Objective:To develop a downloadable three-dimensional(3D)study tool of the membranous labyrinth in order to facilitate the study of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV).Background:The diagnosis and treatment of BPPV depend on an understanding of the anatomy of the vestibular labyrinth and its position relative to the head.To date,many illustrations have been made to explain principles of diagnosis and treatment of BPPV,but few have been based on anatomical studies of the membranous labyrinth.Methods:A previously reported 3D model of a human labyrinth was transposed to a 3D development software to allow the creation of markers along the semicircular ducts and utricle.These markers represent otoliths at different positions during movement of the model within the 3D environment.User-friendly tools were created to navigate the model,to allow clear documentation and communication of studied problems,and to study the model across relevant planes.The final model can be downloaded and is available for general useat https://bppvviewer.com/download/.Results:The model allows visualization of true membranous labyrinth anatomy in both ears simultaneously.The dependent portion of each semicircular duct,the planes of the cristae,and the position of the utricle can easily be visualized in any head position.Moveable markers can mark the expected progress of otolith debris with changes in head position and images can be captured to document simulations in various draw styles.Conclusion:This simple model could offer insights that lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of BPPV.It may also be useful as a tool to teach BPPV.

Relationship Between Electron Transport or Proton Transduction and ATP Synthesis in Fusion Membranes in Light

The phosphorylation coupling factors of the chloroplast thylakoid membranes were plucked off to form deficient membranes which were combined with crista membranes to form a fusion system. This membranes reconstituted ATP synthesis activity in light. However, the △pH in the reaction medium was not observed.This paper is a report on some of the results obtained recently in connection with the problem. Various examinations and measurements were used and this phenomenon was repeated. Through the reconstituted system, (thylakoid membranes combined with crista membranes) the kinetic proton changes were studied. It proved that the photophosphorylation activity of this system increased with the increase of the quantity of the combined crista membranes to which, however, the △pH in medium, the effects of 9-AA fluorescence quenching, and the absorption change of neutral red in the membrane pockets were inversely proportional. For this phenomenon, analyses and discussions on the relationship between electron transport or proton transduction and ATP synthesis in the fusion membranes have been made.

Right phrenic injury after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia at crista terminalis

A 62-year-old woman with frequent occurrence of symptomatic atrial tachycardia with a foci located at the root of the upper crista terminalis was found to have right diaphragm paresis after receiving a total of 8 radiofrequency energy deliveries （40-60 W, 50-60℃） and a total duration of 540 seconds of ablation therapy （7Fr 8 mm deflectable ablation catheter）. The right diaphragm paresis remained resolved up to 14 months after the procedure as confirmed by repeated chest X-rays.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Caesalpenia crista leaves against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Objective:To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Caesalpenia crista(C.crista)against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Methods:Paracetamol(2 g/kg body weight)was used to induce hepatotoxicity in albino rats.Ethanolic extract of leaves of C.crista was administered at the dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 7 d.Silymarin(100 mg/kg)was used as standard drug.The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract was evaluated by assessment of biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase,serum alkaline phosphatase,bilirubin(total and direct),and triglycerides content.Histopathological study of rat liver was also done.Results:Administration of ethanolic extract at doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight exhibited significant reduction in elevated level of serum marker enzymes,bilirubin(total and direct)and triglycerides when compared to positive control group.Conclusions:It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of C.crista leaves seems to justify the promising hepatoprotective effect on paracetamol induced liver damage in rats.

Impact of acute heat stress on mitochondrial function, ultrastructure and cardiolipin distribution in Arabidopsis

Besides providing energy to sustain life,mitochondria also play crucial roles in stress response and programmed cell death.The mitochondrial hallmark lipid,cardiolipin(CL),is essential to the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and function.However,how mitochondria and CL are involved in stress response is not as well defined in plants as in animal and yeast cells.We previously revealed a role for CL in mitochondrial fission and in heat stress response in Arabidopsis.To further determine the involvement of mitochondria and CL in plant heat response,here we treated Arabidopsis seedlings with varied lengths of acute heat stress.These treatments resulted in decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential,disruption of mitochondrial ultrastructure,accumulation of mitochondrial reactive-oxygen species(ROS),and redistribution of CL to the outer mitochondrial membrane and to a novel type of vesicle.The level of the observed changes correlated with the severeness of the heat stress,indicating the strong relevance of these processes to stress response.Our findings provide the basis for studying mechanisms underpinning the role of mitochondria and CL in plant stress response.