Search

Bauhinia × blakeana Dunn is traditionally used as vegetables, medicinal herbs to treat diseases, and ornamental trees. The current study was performed to evaluate the phytochemicals, total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitability of B× blakeana leaf and flower from Vietnam. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed positive results for carbohydrates, organic acids, carotenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. The TPC and TFC obtained from B× blakeana leaf were 99.81 ± 0.94 (mg GAE/g E) and 114.93 ± 1.06 (mg RE/g E), respectively, whereas they were 40.45 ± 0.50 (mg GAE/g E) and 59.61 ± 0.85 (mg RE/g E) from B× blakeana flower. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity assay of the crude ethanolic extracts of B× blakeana leaf (IC50 = 266.52 ± 1.03 µg/mL; R² = 0.9864) and flower (IC50 > 1000 µg/mL) was determined. The leaf and flower extracts showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 61.88 ± 0.19 µg/mL (R² = 0.9838), 190.79 ± 0.18 µg/mL (R² = 0.9891), respectively. These results indicated that the extract of B× blakeana leaf and flower can be a promising candidate for alternative drug or functional food discovery, and nutritional recommendations for the control of oxidative stress and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human risk allele carriers of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and LSD1-deficient mice have salt-sensitive hypertension for unclear reasons. We hypothesized that LSD1 deficiency causes dysregulation of aldosterone's response to sal t intake resulting in increased cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure and microalbumin). Furthermore, we determined the effect of biological sex on these potential ab normalities. To test our hypotheses, LSD1 male and female heterozygote-knockout (LSD1+/-) and WT mice were assigned to two age groups: 18 weeks and 36 weeks. Plasma aldosterone levels and aldosterone production from zona glomerulosa cells studied ex vivo were greater in both male and female LSD1+/- mice consuming a liberal salt diet as compared to WT mice consuming the same diet. However, salt-sensitive blood pressure elevation and increased microalbuminuria were only observed in male LSD1+/- mice. These data suggest that LSD1 interacts with aldosterone's secretory response to salt intake. Lack of LSD1 causes inappropriate aldosterone production on a liberal salt diet; males appear to be more sensitive to this aldosterone increase as males, but not females, develop salt sensitivity of blood pressure and increased microalbuminuria. The mechanism responsible for the cardiovascular protective effect in females is uncertain but may be related to estrogen modulating the effect of mineralocorticoid r eceptor activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolates of Listeria monocytogenes (n = 932) isolated in Sweden during 1958-2010 from human patients with invasive listeriosis were characterized by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) (AscI). Of the 932 isolates, 183 different PFGE types were identified, of which 83 were each represented by only one isolate. In all, 483 serovar 1/2a isolates were distributed over 114 PFGE types; 90 serovar 1/2b isolates gave 32 PFGE types; 21 serovar 1/2c isolates gave nine PFGE types; three serovar 3b isolates gave one PFGE type; and, 335 serovar 4b isolates gave 31 PFGE types. During the 1980s in Sweden, several serovar 4b cases were associated with the consumption of European raw soft cheese. However, as cheese-production hygiene has improved, the number of 4b cases has decreased. Since 1996, serovar 1/2a has been the dominant L. monocytogenes serovar in human listeriosis in Sweden. Therefore, based on current serovars and PFGE types, an association between human cases of listeriosis and the consumption of vacuum-packed gravad and cold-smoked salmon is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolates of Listeria monocytogenes (n = 932) isolated in Sweden during 1958–2010 from human patients with invasive listeriosis were characterized by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) (AscI). Of the 932 isolates, 183 different PFGE types were identified, of which 83 were each represented by only one isolate. In all, 483 serovar 1/2a isolates were distributed over 114 PFGE types; 90 serovar 1/2b isolates gave 32 PFGE types; 21 serovar 1/2c isolates gave nine PFGE types; three serovar 3b isolates gave one PFGE type; and, 335 serovar 4b isolates gave 31 PFGE types. During the 1980s in Sweden, several serovar 4b cases were associated with the consumption of European raw soft cheese. However, as cheese-production hygiene has improved, the number of 4b cases has decreased. Since 1996, serovar 1/2a has been the dominant L. monocytogenes serovar in human listeriosis in Sweden. Therefore, based on current serovars and PFGE types, an association between human cases of listeriosis and the consumption of vacuum-packed gravad and cold-smoked salmon is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BackgroundAldosterone (ALDO), a critical regulator of sodium homeostasis, mediates its effects via activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) through mechanisms that are not entirely clear. Striatin, a membrane associated protein, interacts with estrogen receptors in endothelial cells.MethodsWe studied the effects of MR activation in vitro and in vivo on striatin levels in vascular tissue.ResultsWe observed that dietary sodium restriction was associated with increased striatin levels in mouse heart and aorta and that striatin and MR are present in the human endothelial cell line, (EA.hy926), and in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC). Further, we show that MR co-precipitates with striatin in vascular tissue. Incubation of EA.hy926 cells with ALDO (10−8 mol/l for 5-24 h) increases striatin protein and mRNA expression, an effect that was inhibited by canrenoic acid, an MR antagonist. Consistent with these observations, incubation of MAEC with ALDO increased striatin levels that were likewise blocked by canrenoic acid. To test the in vivo relevance of these findings, we studied two previously described mouse models of increased ALDO levels. Intraperitoneal ALDO administration augmented the abundance of striatin protein in mouse heart. We also observed that in a murine model of chronic ALDO-mediated cardiovascular damage following treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester plus angiotensin II an increased abundance of striatin protein in heart and kidney tissue.ConclusionOur results provide evidence that increased striatin levels is a component of MR activation in the vasculature and suggest that regulation of striatin by ALDO may modulate estrogen's nongenomic effects.American Journal of Hypertension (2012). doi:10.1038/ajh.2011.197 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone methylation, a determinant of chromatin structure and gene transcription, was thought to be irreversible, but recent evidence suggests that lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1, Kdm1a) induces demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) or H3K9 and thereby alters gene transcription. We previously demonstrated a human LSD1 phenotype associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. To test the hypothesis that LSD1 plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) via vascular mechanisms and gene transcription, we measured BP and examined vascular function and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) expression in thoracic aorta of male wild-type (WT) and heterozygous LSD1 knockout mice (LSD1+/-) fed either a liberal salt (HS; 4% NaCl) or restricted salt diet (LS; 0.08% NaCl). BP was higher in LSD1+/- than WT mice on the HS diet but not different between LSD1+/- and WT mice on the LS diet. Further examination of the mechanisms of this salt-sensitive hypertension in LSD1+/- mice on the HS diet demonstrated that plasma renin activity and plasma levels and urinary excretion of aldosterone were less in LSD1+/- than WT, suggesting suppressed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In contrast, phenylephrine (Phe)-induced aortic contraction was greater in LSD1+/- than WT mice on the HS diet. Treatment of aortic rings with 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; a blocker of guanylate cyclase) enhanced Phe contraction in LSD1+/- compared with WT mice on the HS diet. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation was less in LSD1+/- than WT mice on the HS diet. Endothelium removal or pretreatment with N?-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (blocker of NOS) or ODQ abolished Ach-induced relaxation in aorta of WT but had minimal effect in LSD1+/-. Vascular relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, an exogenous NO donor and guanylate cyclase activator, was decreased in LSD1+/- vs. WT mice on the HS diet. RT-PCR and Western blots revealed decreased eNOS mRNA expression and eNOS and guanylate cyclase protein in the heart and aorta of LSD1+/- compared with WT mice on HS diet. Thus, during the HS diet, LSD1 deficiency is associated with hypertension, enhanced vascular contraction, and reduced relaxation via NO-cGMP pathway. The data support a role for LSD1-mediated histone demethylation in the regulation of NOS/guanylate cyclase gene expression, vascular function, and BP during the HS diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We reported the association between modality of Physical Exercise and cognitive function in 782 older Chinese adults assessed in the second phase of a population survey for dementia in Hong Kong. Methods Profiles of physical exercise was measured by a questionnaire (no exercise, stretching, aerobic and mind-body exercise). Cognitive Assessments included the CMMSE, ADAS-Cog, and Category Verbal Fluency Test (CVFT). Results The aerobic and mind body exercise groups with longer exercise habits (>5 years) had higher scores in most cognitive tests (Kruskal Wallis tests, p < 0.01). Beneficial effects were more significant in the young old group from 65– 75 years. Conclusions Possible age related specific effects of aerobic and mind body exercise on cognitive reserve are worthy of further exploration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Depression and cognitive impairment in later-life have great bearings on public health. The two conditions often co-occur and have mutual implications on short-term risk and long-term prognosis. Method A two-phase epidemiologic survey on the prevalence of dementia in elders aged 60 and over was conducted in Hong Kong in 2005–2006. In the first phase, 6,100 randomly selected community dwelling elders were assessed with Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE) and Abbreviated Memory Inventory for Chinese (AMIC). Two thousand and seventy-three subjects were screened positive and invited for second phase cognitive and psychiatric assessment. 35.5% of screen-positive subjects participated in Phase 2 assessment conducted by psychiatrists for diagnosis of dementia. Severity of dementia was determined using Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) and a structured bedside cognitive battery were also administered to each subject. Results 1.7% of subjects with CDR 0.5 and 5.9% of subjects with CDR 1 had clinically significant depressive symptoms (>/ = 8 on CSDD). Score on CSDD correlated positively with duration of cognitive symptoms, scores on CIRS and CMMSE in linear regression model. In a logistic regression model, male gender, duration of cognitive symptoms, CIRS and CMMSE was associated with increased risk for clinically significant depressive symptoms. Conclusions In our sample, milder forms of cognitive impairment were associated with increased risk for depression in the presence of other risk factors such as male gender, higher physical illness burden and longer duration of cognitive symptoms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in dietary sodium intake are associated with changes in vascular volume and reactivity that may be mediated, in part, by alterations in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a transmembrane anchoring protein in the plasma membrane caveolae, binds eNOS and limits its translocation and activation. To test the hypothesis that endothelial Cav-1 participates in the dietary sodium-mediated effects on vascular function, we assessed vascular responses and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanisms of vascular relaxation in Cav-1 knockout mice (Cav-1-/-) and wild-type control mice (WT; Cav-1+/+) placed on a high-salt (HS; 4% NaCI) or low-salt (LS; 0.08% NaCl) diet for 16 days. After the systolic blood pressure was measured, the thoracic aorta was isolated for measurement of vascular reactivity and NO production, and the heart was used for measurement of eNOS expression and/or activity. The blood pressure was elevated in HS mice treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and more so in Cav-1-/- than WT mice and was significantly reduced during the LS diet. Phenylephrine caused vascular contraction that was significantly reduced in Cav-1-/- (maximum 0.25 ± 0.06 g/mg) compared with WT (0.75 ± 0.22 g/mg) on the HS diet, and the differences were eliminated with the LS diet. Also, vascular contraction in response to membrane depolarization by high KCl (96 mM) was reduced in Cav-1-/- (0.27 ± 0.05 g/mg) compared with WT mice (0.53 ± 0.12 g/mg) on the HS diet, suggesting that the reduced vascular contraction is not limited to a particular receptor. Acetylcholine (10-5 M) caused aortic relaxation in WT mice on HS (23.6 ± 3.5%) and LS (23.7 ± 5.5%) that was enhanced in Cav-1-/- HS (72.6 ± 6.1%) and more so in Cav-1-/- LS mice (93.6 ± 3.5%). RT-PCR analysis indicated increased eNOS mRNA expression in the aorta and heart, and Western blots indicated increased total eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS in the heart of Cav-1-/- compared with WT mice on the HS diet, and the genotypic differences were less apparent during the LS diet. Thus Cav-1 deficiency during the HS diet is associated with decreased vasoconstriction, increased vascular relaxation, and increased eNOS expression and activity, and these effects are altered during the LS diet. The data support the hypothesis that endothelial Cav-1, likely through an effect on eNOS activity, plays a prominent role in the regulation of vascular function during substantial changes in dietary sodium intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this report, the results of a household survey were used to examine the prevalence of very mild and mild dementia in Chinese older persons in Hong Kong.Methods: The study adopted a two-phase design. At Phase 1, 6100 subjects were screened using the Cantonese version of the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and a short memory inventory. At Phase 2, 2073 subjects were screened positive and 737 were evaluated by psychiatrists. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and cognitive assessment were used for diagnosis of dementia. Very mild dementia (VMD) was defined as a global CDR of 0.5, with memory and non-memory subscale scores of 0.5 or more. Mild dementia was classified for subjects with a CDR of 1.Results: The overall prevalence of VMD and mild dementia for persons aged 70 years or above was 8.5% (95%CI: 7.4-9.6) and 8.9% (95%CI: 7.8-10.0) respectively. Among subjects with clinical dementia, 84.6% had mild (CDR1) dementia. Logistic regression analyses revealed that older age, lower educational level and significant cerebrovascular risk factors were risk factors for dementia, while regular physical exercise was a protective factor for dementia.Conclusions: A sizable proportion of community-living subjects suffered from milder forms of dementia. They represent a high risk for early intervention to reduce potential physical and psychiatric morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this report, the results of a household survey were used to examine the prevalence of very mild and mild dementia in Chinese older persons in Hong Kong. Methods: The study adopted a two-phase design. At Phase 1, 6100 subjects were screened using the Cantonese version of the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and a short memory inventory. At Phase 2, 2073 subjects were screened positive and 737 were evaluated by psychiatrists. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and cognitive assessment were used for diagnosis of dementia. Very mild dementia (VMD) was defined as a global CDR of 0.5, with memory and non-memory subscale scores of 0.5 or more. Mild dementia was classified for subjects with a CDR of 1. Results: The overall prevalence of VMD and mild dementia for persons aged 70 years or above was 8.5% (95%CI: 7.4-9.6) and 8.9% (95%CI: 7.8-10.0) respectively. Among subjects with clinical dementia, 84.6% had mild (CDR1) dementia. Logistic regression analyses revealed that older age, lower educational level and significant cerebrovascular risk factors were risk factors for dementia, while regular physical exercise was a protective factor for dementia. Conclusions: A sizable proportion of community-living subjects suffered from milder forms of dementia. They represent a high risk for early intervention to reduce potential physical and psychiatric morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphisms on the association between blood lead and renal function among Vietnamese and Singaporean workers who were exposed to low to medium levels of inorganic lead, and to study the distribution of ALAD polymorphism among Vietnamese, Chinese, Malays and Indians. Methods: A total of 459 male and female workers were studied. Blood and urine were collected for each worker in order to determine ALAD genotype, blood lead, and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU). Renal function tests included urine albumin (Ualb), urine β2 microglobulin (Uβ2m), urinary α1 microglobulin (Uα1m), N-acelyl-glucosaminidas (NAG), and urine retinol blinding protein (RBP). A multiple regression model with interaction term was applied to fit the entire data and to explore the modifying effect of ALAD polymorphism on the relation of blood lead to each renal function parameter. Results: ALAD1-1 was the predominant genotype for all the ethnic groups while ALAD2-2 was the rarest. The frequency of ALAD2 allele was higher among Malays (8.8%) and Indians (10.6%) compared to the Chinese (5.0%) and Vietnamese (4.3%). The geometric mean of blood lead for all workers was 19.0 μg/dl. The models for U–2m, Uα1m, and NAG showed that the ALAD1-2/2-2 group had higher β coefficients than the ALAD1-1 group. Corresponding to 10 μg/dl blood lead, ALAD1-1 homozygotes had an increment of 1.288 μg/g Cr, 1.175 mg/g Cr, and 1.995 U/g Cr for Uβ2m, Uα1 m, and NAG, respectively. ALAD1-2/2-2 subjects had higher increments of 3.802 μg/g Cr, 2.138 mg/g Cr, and 3.89 U/g Cr for Uβ2m, Uα1m, and NAG, respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of the ALAD2 allele is as low in Vietnamese workers as in Chinese. Workers with the ALAD2 allele appeared more susceptible to the effects of lead (especially at higher levels) on renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A man died in endocarditis due to listeriosis in the late autumn. He had been looking after two goats during the summer. Listeria monocyto?enes was isolated from a rectal swab from one of the goats. The goat faeces isolate and the human blood isolate were of identical serovar. The two isolates, however, were shown to be different by multilocus electrophoretic enzyme analysis and ribotyping, as well as by biotyping, Thus, these results do not support the hypothesis that the man was infected by the goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic algorithms are a set of algorithms with properties which enable them to efficiently search large solution spaces where conventional statistical methodology is inappropriate. They have been used to find effective control and design strategies in industry, for finding rules relating factors and outcomes in medicine and business, and for solving problems ranging from function optimization to identification of patterns in data. They work using ideas from biology, specifically from population genetics, and are appealing because of their robustness in the presence of noise and their ability to cope with highly non-linear, multimodal and multivariate problems. This paper reviews the current literature on genetic algorithms. It looks at ways of defining genetic algorithms for various problems, and examples are introduced to illustrate their application in different contexts. It summarizes the different aspects which have been, and continue to be, the focus of research, and areas requiring further invetigation are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The human LIM domain gene LIMS1 was used to identify a mouse homolog. The resulting mouse sequence was used to identify a polymorphism by SSCP analysis. Linkage studies performed in the EUCIB backcross placed Lims1l on the proximal portion of mouse Chromosome 10. This localisation makes it an interesting candidate for the deafness mutant, waltzer (v ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract is offered of a research paper on a publicity campaign on use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Hong Kong by M. L. Ho and colleagues, presented at the International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC 2011) in Geneva, Switzerland on June 29-July 2, 2011.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a global pandemic, considered the sixth leading cause of mortality by the WHO. As gatekeepers to the health system, General Practitioners are placed in an ideal position to manage obesity. Yet, very few consultations address weight management. This study aims to explore reasons why patients attending General Practice appointments are not engaging with their General Practitioner (GP) for weight management and their perception of the role of the GP in managing their weight. METHODS: In February 2006, 367 participants aged between 17 and 64 were recruited from three General Practices in Melbourne to complete a waiting room self - administered questionnaire. Questions included basic demographics, the role of the GP in weight management, the likelihood of bringing up weight management with their GP and reasons why they would not, and their nominated ideal person to consult for weight management. Physical measurements to determine weight status were then completed. The statistical methods included means and standard deviations to summarise continuous variables such as weight and height. Sub groups of weight and questionnaire answers were analysed using the chi2 test of significant differences taking p as < 0.05. RESULTS: The population sample had similar obesity co-morbidity rates to the National Heart Foundation data. 74% of patients were not likely to bring up weight management when they visit their GP. Negative reasons were time limitation on both the patient's and doctor's part and the doctor lacking experience. The GP was the least likely person to tell a patient to lose weight after partner, family and friends. Of the 14% that had been told by their GP to lose weight, 90% had cardiovascular obesity related co-morbidities. GPs (15%) were 4th in the list of ideal persons to manage weight after personal trainer CONCLUSION: Patients do not have confidence in their GPs for weight management, preferring other health professionals who may lack evidence based training. Concurrently, GPs target only those with obesity related co-morbidities. Further studies evaluating GPs' opinions about weight management, effective strategies that can be implemented in primary care and the co-ordination of the team approach need to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the cases of tonsillitis in dogs associated with Listeria monocytogenes in Sweden. Signs and symptoms; Presence of the pathogen in the tonsillar area; Route of infection.