Effects of a school-based karate intervention on academic achievement,psychosocial functioning,and physical fitness:A multi-country cluster randomized controlled trial

Purpose:To examine the effects of a school-based karate intervention on academic achievement,psychosocial functioning,and physical fitness in children aged 7-8 years.Methods:Twenty schools in 5 different European countries(2 second-grade classrooms per school)participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial(Sport at School trial).Participants were assigned to either a control group,which continued with their habitual physical education lessons,or to an intervention group,which replaced these lessons with a 1-year karate intervention(Karate Mind and Movement program).A total of 721 children(344 girls and 377 boys,7.4±0.5 years old,mean±SD)completed the study,of which 333 and 388 were assigned to the control group and intervention group,respectively.Outcomes included academic performance(average grade),psychosocial functioning(Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents),and different markers of physical fitness(cardiorespiratory fitness,balance,and flexibility).Results:The intervention provided small but significant benefits compared to the control group for academic achievement(d=0.16;p=0.003),conduct problems(d=-0.28;p=0.003),cardiorespiratory fitness(d=0.36;p<0.001),and balance(d=0.24;p=0.015).There was a trend towards significant benefits for flexibility(d=0.24;p=0.056).No significant benefits were observed for other variables,including psychosocial difficulties,emotional symptoms,hyperactivity/inattention,peer problems,or prosocial behaviour(all p>0.05).Conclusion:A 1-year school-based karate intervention was effective in improving academic achievement,conduct problems,and physical fitness in primary school children.The results support the inclusion of karate during physical education lessons.

Histological and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of Liqoseal in a spinal in vivo pig model

Background:Liqoseal (Polyganics,B.V.) is a dural sealant patch for preventing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.It has been extensively tested preclinically and CE (Conformite Européenne) approved for human use after a first cranial in-human study.However,the safety of Liqoseal for spinal application is still unknown.The aim of this study was to assess the safety of spinal Liqoseal application compared with cranial application using histology and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics.Methods:Eight female Dutch Landrace pigs underwent laminectomy,durotomy with standard suturing and Liqoseal application.Three control animals underwent the same procedure without sealant application.The histological characteristics and imaging characteristics of animals with similar survival times were compared to data from a previous cranial porcine model.Results:Similar foreign body reactions were observed in spinal and cranial dura.The foreign body reaction consisted of neutrophils and reactive fibroblasts in the first3 days,changing to a chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction with an increasing number of macrophages and lymphocytes and the formation of a fibroblast layer on the dura by day 7.Mean Liqoseal plus dura thickness reached a maximum of 1.2mm(range 0.7-2.0mm) at day 7.Conclusion:The spinal dural histological reaction to Liqoseal during the first 7days was similar to the cranial dural reaction.Liqoseal did not swell significantly in both application areas over time.Given the current lack of a safe and effective dural sealant for spinal application,we propose that an in-human safety study of Liqoseal is the logical next step.

Chronic Ankle Instability: Therapeutic Exercise and Data Analysis

Background and Objectives: Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury in healthy active individuals. If not treated properly, recurrent sprains can lead to a condition of chronic ankle instability (CAI). The present paper examines some subjects with a previous history of acute inversion ankle sprain who have developed a subsequent condition of instability, grouping them according to inclusion criteria and analyzing them through four field tests considered objective by the scientific literature: SEBT test, BEES test, TIBT test, SHT test. The data obtained were stored in order to compare them following a re-education protocol aimed at improving proprioception, balance, walking and strengthening the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the foot. per year. The subjects were then divided into two categories: subjects with CAI > 1 year and subjects with CAI ≤ 1 year. A protocol lasting 6 weeks was administered to both groups, trying to work on improving balance in single stance, improving static and dynamic stability, strengthening the gluteus medius and maximus (pelvis stabilizers) and strengthening of the intrinsic muscles of the foot. At the end of the protocol the subjects were all re-evaluated with the same field tests used previously and the data obtained were compared both with the pre-protocol data and with the data measured by the control subjects.

Elucidation of the early infection machinery of hepatitis B virus by using bio-nanocapsule

Currently, hepatitis B virus(HBV), upon attaching to human hepatocytes, is considered to interact first with heparan sulfate proteoglycan(HSPG) via an antigenic loop of HBV envelope S protein. Then, it is promptly transferred to the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP) via the myristoylated N-terminal sequence of pre-S1 region(from Gly-2 to Gly-48, HBV genotype D), and it finally enters the cell by endocytosis. However, it is not clear how HSPG passes HBV to NTCP and how NTCP contributes to the cellular entry of HBV. Owing to the poor availability and the difficulty of manipulations, including fluorophore encapsulation, it has been nearly impossible to perform biochemical and cytochemical analyses using a substantial amount of HBV. A bio-nanocapsule(BNC), which is a hollow nanoparticle consisting of HBV envelope L protein, was efficiently synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since BNC could encapsulate payloads(drugs, genes, proteins) and specifically enter human hepatic cells utilizing HBV-derived infection machinery, it could be used as a model of HBV infection to elucidate the early infection machinery. Recently, it was demonstrated that the N-terminal sequence of pre-S1 region(from Asn-9 to Gly-24) possesses low p H-dependent fusogenic activity, which might play a crucial role in the endosomal escape of BNC payloads and in the uncoating process of HBV. In this minireview, we describe a model in which each domain of the HBV L protein contributes to attachment onto human hepatic cells through HSPG, initiation of endocytosis, interaction with NTCP in endosomes, and consequent provocation of membrane fusion followed by endosomal escape.

Identification and Characterization of Human Genomic Binding Sites for Retinoic Acid Receptor/Retinoid X Receptor Heterodimers

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) triggers a wide range of effects on vertebrate development by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. ATRA activates retinoic acid receptors (RARs) which heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). RAR/RXR heterodimers function as ATRA-dependent transcriptional regulators by binding to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs). To identify RAR/RXR heterodimer-binding sites in the human genome, we performed a modified yeast one-hybrid assays and identified 193 RAR/RXR heterodimer-binding fragments in the human genome. The putative target genes included genes involved in development process and cell differentiation. Gel mobility shift assays indicated that 160 putative RAREs could directly interact with the RAR/RXR heterodimer. Moreover, 19 functional regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) on the RAR/RXR-binding sequences were identified by analyzing the difference in the DNA-binding affinities. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological actions of RAR/RXR heterodimers.

Evaluation of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for Diagnosis of Peroxisomal Diseases with Abnormal Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism

Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are accumulated in cells and blood in patients with peroxisomal diseases, such as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and Zellwger Syndrome (ZS). The purpose of this study is to investigate usefulness of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total reflection (ATR) analysis method for clinical diagnosis of those diseases, thereby we measured the infrared spectra of the sera of patients and healthy controls. Correlation coefficients between 2nd derivative FTIR spectra of the serum samples and the VLCFA content ratio which is used as a clinical parameter to date were comprehensively calculated to investigate which wavenumber showed high correlation with the VLCFA ratio. Multiple regression analysis using the serum FTIR spectra showed that high correlations were observed with VLCFA ratios (C26:0/C22:0 ratio), and we could construct a suitable regression model (R2 = 0.97, p ﹣19). In addition, the model system using various VLCFAs in newborn bovine serum also showed that several FTIR peaks in 800 ~ 900 cm﹣1 region were found to have good correlation with VLCFA ratios. Our results support that FTIR analysis is useful for diagnosis of peroxisomal diseases.

IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN MURR1, THE HOMOLOGUE OF MOUSE IMPRINTED Murr1 GENE

Objective To identify the mRNA sequence, genetic construction, imprinting status, and expression profile of human MURR1 gene, the homologue of mouse imprinted Murr1 gene. Methods The MURR1 mRNA sequence was identified by colony hybridization screening of human cDNA library and the 5'-RACE analyses; Absence of U2AF1-RS1 gene within MURR1 was confirmed by Southern Blotting; Expression profile of MURR1 was examined by Northern Blotting; The imprinting status of MURR1 were revealed by SNP investigation and RT-PCR followed by sequencings and RFLP analyses. Results The full-length mRNA sequence of MURR1 spans 711 bp, transcribed from 3 exons, encodes predicted MURR1 protein of 190 amino acids. The gene was expressed in all the 12 kinds of human adult tissues and 6 kinds of fetal tissues. It showed biallelic expression in all 32 investigated samples including 6 kinds of human fetal tissues and 8 adult brains. Unlike mouse imprinted U2af1-rs1 gene existing in the intron of Murr1, the human U2AF1-RS1 gene was not located in the MURR1 locus. Conclusion Human MURR1 gene is not imprinted and the non-imprinting is possible due to the absence of human homologue of mouse U2af1-rs1 within MURR1 locus.

Identification of CAR/RXR<i>α</i>Hetero-dimer Binding Sites in the Human Genome by a Modified Yeast One-Hybrid Assay

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. CAR binds as a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) to CAR response elements (CAREs) and regulates the expression of various drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. To identify CAR/RXRα binding sites in the human genome, we performed a modified yeast one-hybrid assay that enables rapid and efficient identification of genomic targets for DNA-binding proteins. DNA fragments were recovered from positive yeast colonies by PCR and sequenced. A motif enrichment analysis revealed that the most frequent motif was a direct repeat (DR) of RGKTCA-like core sequence spaced by 4 bp. Next, we predicted 149 putative CAR/RXRα binding sites from 414 unique clones, by searching for DRs, everted repeats (ERs) and inverted repeats (IRs) of the RGKTCA-like core motif. Based on gel mobility shift assays, the CAR/RXRα heterodimer could directly interact with the 108 predicted sequences, which included not only classical CAREs but also a wide variety of arrangements. Furthermore, we identified 17 regulatory polymorphisms on the CAR/RXRα-binding sites that may influence individual variation in the expression of CAR-regulated genes. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological actions of CAR/RXRα het-erodimers.

DNA methylation of the Monoamine Oxidases A and B genes in postmortem brains of subjects with schizophrenia

Aims: We focused on DNA methylation of the promoter regions of the Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) A and B genes from postmortem brains of subjects with schizophrenia. Methods: We determined levels of DNA methylation using genomic DNA samples purified from four brain areas: prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, occipital cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc), by a bisulfite sequencing method from seven normal subjects and six subjects with schizophrenia. Results: Although very few methylated CpGs of the MAOA and MAOB genes were detected in male samples, various DNA methylation patterns were present in female samples, and some differences were found in such patterns between normal subjects and subjects with schizophrenia. In the PFC, the average level of methylation of both genes was significantly higher in subjects with schizophrenia than in normal subjects. The content of highly methylated alleles of the MAOA gene in the NAc was significantly associated with schizophrenia, with similar results obtained for the MAOB gene in both the NAc and PFC. Some CpG sites showed higher levels of methylation in schizophrenia than in normal subjects. Conclusions: Levels of methylation were quite high in NAc and PFC in female subjects with schizophrenia compared with those in female normal subjects.

Performance Model Analysis of Armenian Premier League Soccer Players Using Global Positioning System Technology and Comparison between European Championship

The aim of this research was to analyze the PPM of Armenian Premier League using 25 GPS 10 Hz(K-Sport,Montelabbate,Italy),in order to compare data from literature from major European championship.In total 25 matches were analyzed from one team militant in Armenian Premier League(10 wins,10 loses and 5 draws),33 different players(age 24.3±4.2,height 1.76±4.2 and weight 74±3.5)and in total 270 performances(10.8 for matches).Matches were divided in First Half(T1),Second Half(T2),Second Half Substitution(T2 Sub),Full Match,Full Match Substitution(Full Match Sub)and Total Match(Total)that include all the players detected during a games.Furthermore,all matches were divided even by quarters 0-15,15-30,30-45,45-60,60-75 and 75-90,only players that played all match were included in this analyses,in order to check the performance decreasing during the time.All data were added in an Excel Spreadsheet in order to build a database,to organize and better analyze data,cataloging events for data,results,and role of players.Average data from Armenian Premier League in comparison with literature data from European and Italian Championship show that in every parameter,the Armenian Premier League is under the average.This is obviously related to the non-high level of the Armenian football that is in fact placed at the 106°place of the FIFA ranking(update 7 June 2019).Physical data represent an indicator of performance but also of the qualitative level of the league and of individual players.For this reason,the use of the match analysis can be decisive to verify the PPM,in order to better evaluate the championships,teams,and players,in order to build an easier search and discovery of talents.

DNA microarray unravels rapid changes in transcriptome of MK-801 treated rat brain

AIM:To investigate the impact of MK-801 on gene expression patterns genome wide in rat brain regions. METHODS:Rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 [0.08(low-dose) and 0.16(highdose) mg/kg] or NaC l(vehicle control). In a first series of experiment,the frontoparietal electrocorticogram was recorded 15 min before and 60 min after injection. In a second series of experiments,the whole brain of each animal was rapidly removed at 40 min post-injection,and different regions were separated:amygdala,cerebral cortex,hippocampus,hypothalamus,midbrain and ventral striatum on ice followed by DNA microarray(4 × 44 K whole rat genome chip) analysis.RESULTS:Spectral analysis revealed that a single systemic injection of MK-801 significantly and selectively augmented the power of baseline gamma frequency(30-80 Hz) oscillations in the frontoparietal electroencephalogram. DNA microarray analysis showed the largest number(up- and down- regulations) of gene expressions in the cerebral cortex(378),midbrain(376),hippocampus(375),ventral striatum(353),amygdala(301),and hypothalamus(201) under low-dose(0.08 mg/kg) of MK-801. Under high-dose(0.16 mg/kg),ventral striatum(811) showed the largest number of gene expression changes. Gene expression changes were functionally categorized to reveal expression of genes and function varies with each brain region.CONCLUSION:Acute MK-801 treatment increases synchrony of baseline gamma oscillations,and causes very early changes in gene expressions in six individual rat brain regions,a first report.

Melatonin,tunneling nanotubes,mesenchymal cells,and tissue regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent stem cells that reside in many human tissues and organs.Mesenchymal stem cells are widely used in experimental and clinical regenerative medicine due to their capability to transdifferentiate into various lineages.However,when transplanted,they lose part of their multipotency and immunomodulatory properties,and most of them die after injection into the damaged tissue.In this review,we discuss the potential utility of melatonin in preserving mesenchymal stem cells’survival and function after transplantation.Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule regulating critical cell functions including apoptosis,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and autophagy.Melatonin is also synthesized in the mitochondria where it reduces oxidative stress,the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the downstream caspase activation,activates uncoupling proteins,and curtails the proinflammatory response.In addition,recent findings showed that melatonin also promotes the formation of tunneling nanotubes and the transfer of mitochondria between cells through the connecting tubules.As mitochondrial dysfunction is a primary cause of mesenchymal stem cells death and senescence and a critical issue for survival after transplantation,we propose that melatonin by favoring mitochondria functionality and their transfer through tunneling nanotubes from healthy to suffering cells could improve mesenchymal stem cellbased therapy in a large number of diseases for which basic and clinical trials are underway.

关于在稳固的肿瘤的癌症干细胞的想法

Cancer chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impaired by either intrinsic or acquired tumor resistance.A fundamental problem in cancer research is identifying the cell type that is capable of sustaining neoplastic growth and its origin from normal tissue cells.In recent years,the cancer stem cell(CSC) theory has changed the classical view of tumor growth and therefore the therapeutic perspective.Overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance of cancer stem/progenitor cells to current clinical treatments represents a major challenge in treating and curing the most aggressive and metastatic cancers.On the other hand,the identification of CSCs in vivo and in vitro relies on specific surface markers that should allow the sorting cancer cells into phenotypically distinct subpopulations.In the present review,recent papers published on CSCs in solid tumors(breast,prostate,brain and melanoma) are discussed,highlighting critical points such as the choice of markers to sort CSCs and mouse models to demonstrate that CSCs are able to replicate the original tumor.A discussion of the possible role of aldehyde dehydrogenase and CXCR6 biomarkers as signaling molecules in CSCs and normal stem cells is also discussed.The author believes that efforts have to be made to investigate the functional and biological properties of putative CSCs in cancer.Developing diagnostic/prognostic tools to follow cancer development is also a challenge.In this connection it would be useful to develop a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematics,physics and biology which merges experimental approaches and theory.Biological models alone are probably unable to resolve the problem completely.

PGRMC1 Elevation in Multiple Cancers and Essential Role in Stem Cell Survival

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. The progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a cytochrome b5 related protein that binds heme and is associated with signaling, apoptotic suppression and autophagy. PGRMC1 is essential for tumor formation, invasion and metastasis, and is upregulated in breast, colon, lung and thyroid tumors. In the present study, we have analyzed PGRMC1 levels in over 600 tumor sections, including a larger cohort of lung tumors than in previous studies, and report the first clinical analysis of PGRMC1 levels in human oral cavity and ovarian tumors compared to corresponding nonmalignant tissues. PGRMC1 was highly expressed in lung and ovarian cancers and correlated with patient survival. PGRMC1 has been previously associated with drug resistance, a characteristic of cancer stem cells. The stem cell theory proposes that a subset of cancerous stem cells contribute to drug resistance and tumor maintenance, and PGRMC1 was detected in lung-tumor derived stem cells. Drug treatment with a PGRMC1 inhibitor, AG-205, triggered stem cell death whereas treatment with erlotinib and the ERK inhibitor, PD98059, did not, suggesting a specific role for PGRMC1 in cancer stem cell viability. Together, our data demonstrate PGRMC1 as a potential tumor biomarker across a variety of tumors, as well as a therapeutic target for cancer stem cells.

Neuroinflammation and subarachnoid hemorrhage: a revised look at the literature

A key topic for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is neuroinflammation.Neuroinflammation can predispose to aneurysm formation and rupture.Neuroinflammation can also result from the blood breakdown products after aneurysm rupture.Recent evidence has shown that perpetual neuroinflammation can contribute to vasospasm and hydrocephalus.Targeting neuroinflammation is a novel mechanism for preventing subsequent neurologic sequalae.In this review,we highlight the pathophysiology of aneurysm formation,the neuroinflammatory surge after rupture including the involved cytokines,and ultimately tie in the contributory clinical relevance.In the last sections,we look at the pre-clinical data and novel avenues for further discovery.This paper will be a useful resource to both the clinician and scientific investigator.

Riding the rails-different modes for RNA complex transport in axons

Neurons are highly polarized cells with axons that innervate distant targets.The distance of subcellular compartments from the nucleus requires sophisticated transport mechanisms and local action of vital processes for proper function and rapid responses to local stimuli(Terenzio et al.,2017).This is partially achieved by transport of mRNAs to subcellular locations and regulation of local translation for axonal growth,branching,synaptic plasticity,and regeneration,among other needs.Axonally synthesized proteins support neuronal survival,and axonal development,maintenance,and growth(Rishal and Fainzilber,2014;Dalla Costa et al.,2021).Thus,understanding the mechanisms that promote RNA transport to subcellular locations in neurons will contribute to the development of novel strategies to enhance axon regeneration and survival.