Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into dopaminergic neuron-like cells using small molecules and protein factors.

Background: Generation of neurons is essential in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Several studies have reported the generation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from mouse and human fibroblasts by ectopic expression of transcription factors, in which genetic manipulation is associated with potential risks.

Methods: The small molecules and protein factors were selected based on their function to directly induce human fetal lung IMR-90 fibroblasts into DA neuron-like cells.

Efficient and rapid conversion of human astrocytes and ALS mouse model spinal cord astrocytes into motor neuron-like cells by defined small molecules.

Background: Motor neuron degeneration or loss in the spinal cord is the characteristic phenotype of motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries. Being proliferative and located near neurons, astrocytes are considered ideal cell sources for regenerating neurons.

Methods: We selected and tested different combinations of the small molecules for inducing the conversion of human and mouse astrocytes into neurons.

Investigation of the usefulness of zaleplon at two doses to induce afternoon-sleep under noise interference and its effects on psychomotor performance and vestibular function.

Background: Military operation personnel often suffer from sleep difficulty because of their work requirements. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of zaleplon at two doses to induce afternoon-sleep under noise interference and its effects on psychomotor performance and vestibular function; we subsequently established the optimal dosage regimen for military operation personnel.

Methods: Twenty-two healthy young male volunteers were recruited for the study.

Protective effect of Tianqi Hangli Recipe () extract on high sustained positive acceleration stress-induced myocardial mitochondrial injury in rats.

Objective: To explore the protective effect of Tianqi Hangli Recipe () extract (THRE) on high sustained positive acceleration (+Gz) stress-induced myocardial mitochondrial injury in rats.

Methods: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly assigned to various groups with 12 rats per group: blank control group, stress control group, high +Gz stress group, low-dose THRE group (0.75 g/kg), medium-dose THRE group (1.