Effect of spectral transmittance through red-tinted rodent cages on circadian metabolism and physiology in nude rats.

Light entrains normal circadian rhythms of physiology and metabolism in all mammals. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that spectral transmittance (color) of light passing through cages affects these responses in rats. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that red tint alters the circadian nocturnal melatonin signal and circadian oscillation of other metabolic and physiologic functions.

The effect of selected polymorphisms of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 and the ANKK-1 on the preference of concentrations of sucrose solutions in men with alcohol dependence.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of DRD2 gene polymorphisms in exon 8 G/A (rs 6276) in the promoter region -141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) and the influence of ANKK-1 gene Taq-1A polymorphism (rs 1800497) on the preference of increasing sucrose concentrations in men with alcohol dependence.

Subjects And Methods: 63 male patients with alcohol dependence were genotyped for the above polymorphisms. Their preference for increasing sucrose concentrations was tested and their taste intensity perception of sucrose solutions was assessed.

Novel evidence for enhanced stem cell trafficking in antipsychotic-naïve subjects during their first psychotic episode.

In this study, we tested the novel hypothesis that stem cells and those factors that modulate their trafficking may be biological markers for acute psychosis. Twenty-eight subjects during their first nonaffective psychotic episode were investigated before and after antipsychotic treatment and were compared with 35 healthy controls (CG); the psychotic group (PG) was divided into "schizophrenic" (SG) and "non-schizophrenic" (NG) subgroups. We examined the number of circulating Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD34(+) and Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD133(+) very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), which express markers of the neural lineage, and also the plasma levels of factors that modulate their trafficking: the C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 activated complement cascade components, stromal-derived factor 1, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P).

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies of celecoxib-loaded poly(ortho ester) nanoparticles targeted for intraocular drug delivery.

The present investigation is aimed at improving the ocular bioavailability of a poorly water soluble drug, celecoxib, to offer new options in the treatment of chronic eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. To do so, we developed a novel formulation of drug-loaded poly(ortho ester) nanoparticles (NPs). We characterized the NPs in terms of size, morphology, controlled-release, degradation and cytocompatibity.

Anti-epileptic drugs inhibit viability of synoviocytes in vitro.

Introduction And Objective: The hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts is considered to be essential for the evolution of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we reported that anti-rheumatic drugs, both COX inhibitors and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs inhibit proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro. The presented study investigates the effect of anti-epileptic drugs on the viability and proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in vitro.

The factor harmful to the quality of human life--shift-work.

Unlabelled: The system of human activity, which is established by genetics and regulated by outer and inner factors, is associated with many characteristics which maintain the body in the best condition and ensure appropriate life quality.

Objective: To evaluate of life quality among male shift-workers.

Methods: Research based on a self-devised questionnaire, conducted among 700 shift-workers, followed by statistical analysis of the results.

Novel topical ophthalmic formulations for management of glaucoma.

Purpose: Preparation of topical ophthalmic formulations containing brimonidine-loaded nanoparticles prepared from various biodegradable polymers-PCL, PLA and PLGA-for sustained release of brimonidine as a once daily regimen for management of glaucoma.

Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared using spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method then characterized regarding their particle size, zeta potential, morphology and drug contents. Brimonidine-loaded nanoparticles were incorporated into eye drops, temperature-triggered in situ gelling system and preformed gel and characterized regarding their pH, viscosity, uniformity of drug contents, in vitro release study, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects.

Different zeroes of interaction energies as the cause of opposite results on the stabilizing nature of C-H···O intramolecular interactions.

The interaction energy of the C-H···O intramolecular interaction is estimated by several methods for a large group of systems possessing a quasi-cyclic six-membered ring. In the case of the geometry corrected method (GCM), the related rotamers method (RRM), and Espinosa's method (EM), the linear correlations between interaction energies and the electron density at the bond critical point have close slopes. The first and the last two methods yield almost systematically opposite results concerning the stabilizing/destabilizing character of the interaction, and their main difference is their zero of the interaction energy.

Neuronal autophagy: self-eating or self-cannibalism in Alzheimer's disease.

Autophagy is a major intracellular degeneration pathway involved in the elimination and recycling of damaged organelles and long-lived proteins by lysosomes. Many of the pathological factors, which trigger neurodegenerative diseases, can perturb the autophagy activity, which is associated with misfolded protein aggregates accumulation in these disorders. Alzheimer's disease, the first neurodegenerative disorder between dementias, is characterized by two aggregating proteins, β-amyloid peptide (plaques) and τ-protein (tangles).

Genetic modulation of the iris transillumination defect: a systems genetics analysis using the expanded family of BXD glaucoma strains.

We investigated the contributions of Tyrp1 and Gpnmb to the iris transillumination defect (TID) in five age cohorts of BXD mice. Using systems genetics, we also evaluated the role of other known pigmentation genes (PGs). Mapping studies indicate that Tyrp1 contributes to the phenotype at all ages, yet the TID maps to Gpnmb only in the oldest cohort.

Effects of spectral transmittance through standard laboratory cages on circadian metabolism and physiology in nude rats.

Light is potent in circadian, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral regulation, thereby having profound influence on the health and wellbeing of all mammals, including laboratory animals. We hypothesized that the spectral quality of light transmitted through colored compared with clear standard rodent cages alters circadian production of melatonin and temporal coordination of normal metabolic and physiologic activities. Female nude rats (Hsd:RH-Foxn1(rnu); n = 6 per group) were maintained on a 12:12-h light:dark regimen (300 lx; lights on, 0600) in standard translucent clear, amber, or blue rodent cages; intensity and duration of lighting were identical for all groups.

Sporadic Alzheimer's disease begins as episodes of brain ischemia and ischemically dysregulated Alzheimer's disease genes.

The study of sporadic Alzheimer's disease etiology, now more than ever, needs an infusion of new concepts. Despite ongoing interest in Alzheimer's disease, the basis of this entity is not yet clear. At present, the best-established and accepted "culprit" in Alzheimer's disease pathology by most scientists is the amyloid, as the main molecular factor responsible for neurodegeneration in this disease.

Effect of implanted bisphosphonate-enriched cement on the trabecular microarchitecture of bone in a rat model using micro-computed tomography.

Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are antiresorptive drugs typically used to inhibit bone resorption. The latest reports show that BPs play an important role in not only achieving better bone mineral density but also in improving bone microarchitecture. The mechanism of action of the BPs is complex and multifactorial.

Innate immune network in the retina activated by optic nerve crush.

Purpose: Innate immunity plays a role in many diseases, including glaucoma and AMD. We have used transcriptome profiling in the mouse to identify a network of genes involved in innate immunity that is present in the normal retina and that is activated by optic nerve crush (ONC).

Methods: Using a recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strain set (BXD, C57BL/6 crossed with DBA/2J mice), we generate expression datasets (Illumina WG 6.

Complement genes strongly predict recurrence and graft outcome in adult renal transplant recipients with atypical hemolytic and uremic syndrome.

Atypical hemolytic and uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a severe disease strongly associated with genetic abnormalities in the complement alternative pathway. In renal posttransplantation, few data are available on recurrence risk and graft outcome according to genetic background in aHUS patients. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for recurrence and transplant outcome and, in particular, the role of complement gene abnormalities.

Gremlin is a novel VTA derived neuroprotective factor for dopamine neurons.

Parkinson's disease and its characteristic symptoms are thought to arise from the progressive degeneration of specific midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In humans, DA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) and their projections to the striatum show selective vulnerability, while neighboring DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are relatively spared from degeneration. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that the VTA exhibits a unique transcriptional response when exposed to MPTP (Phani et al.

Ischemia signalling to Alzheimer-related genes.

In this paper we review the hard-earned data, which present ischemic induction of amyloid precursor protein, presenilins, apolipoproteins and secretases genes, playing key roles in β-amyloid peptide generation. Presented data are strongly supporting a hypothesis that brain ischemia may be involved in the aetiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Potential contribution and impact of ischemically activated genes on the development of sporadic Alzheimer's disease remain to be established at both genetic and functional levels.

Nanoparticle-based topical ophthalmic formulations for sustained celecoxib release.

Celecoxib-loaded NPs were prepared from biodegradable polymers such as poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly(L-lactide) (PLA), and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) by spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Different concentrations of polymers, emulsifier, and cosurfactants were used for formulation optimization. Nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized regarding their particle size, PDI, zeta potential, shape, morphology, and drug content.

Poly(ortho ester) nanoparticle-based targeted intraocular therapy for controlled release of hydrophilic molecules.

Development of an efficient intraocular drug delivery nanosystem remains the most difficult challenge to attain a prolonged therapeutic effect at the site of drug action. The purpose of this work was to develop a biodegradable, long-term sustained release, and biocompatible nanoparticulate system to treat various intraocular diseases. To attain the objectives, poly(ortho ester) (POE), a hydrophobic, surface erodible, and nontoxic polymer, was selected for fabrication of nanoparticles for the first time using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Textural characteristics of model and natural bone tissues and interfacial behavior of bound water.

Water, as a probe liquid bound in model systems (highly disperse hydroxyapatite - protein composites as a model of the main components of bones) and rat bone tissues healthy and affected by osteoporosis occurred due to experimental Alzheimer's disease (EAD), has been investigated using low-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy, NMR cryoporometry, TG/DTG/DTA, DSC, and TG and DSC thermoporometry. The textural characteristics of these intact systems cannot be studied using the standard adsorption methods, but the cryoporometry and thermoporometry methods give these characteristics. The (1)H NMR spectra of water bound in model and natural bone tissues include signals, which can be assigned to strongly associated (typical) water (SAW, chemical shift of proton resonance δ(H)=5-6 ppm) and weakly associated (atypical) water (WAW) at δ(H)=1-2 ppm.

Brain ischemia activates β- and γ-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein: significance in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Amyloid precursor protein cleavage through β- and γ-secretases produces β-amyloid peptide, which is believed to be responsible for death of neurons and dementia in Alzheimer's disease. Levels of β- and γ-secretase are increased in sensitive areas of the Alzheimer's disease brain, but the mechanism of this process is unknown. In this review, we prove that brain ischemia generates expression and activity of both β- and γ-secretases.

Principles of social security and health insurance for farmers in Poland and Germany--a comparative assessment.

Introduction And Objective: As landowners occupied with agricultural production comprise a sizeable part of the populations in mid- and western European countries, it seemed reasonable to assess the organization of health care systems concerning farmers and their families in Poland and Germany. Both countries have similar geographical conditions and rural environments. It so happens that in Poland the principles of the system of agricultural insurance (KRUS) is based on the experiences of Germany and France.

Postischemic dementia with Alzheimer phenotype: selectively vulnerable versus resistant areas of the brain and neurodegeneration versus β-amyloid peptide.

The road to clarity for postischemic dementia mechanisms has been one fraught with a wide range of complications and numerous revisions with a lack of a final solution. Importantly, brain ischemia is a leading cause of death and cognitive impairment worldwide. However, the mechanisms of progressive cognitive decline following brain ischemia are not yet certain.

A comparison of effectiveness of fascial relaxation and classic model of patients rehabilitation after hip joint endoprosthetics.

Background: Degenerative joint disease usually leads to functional failure and pain in the affected parts of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fascial relaxation for tense muscles in the affected hip joint by comparing this method and classic physiotherapeutic rehabilitation in patients after hip arthroplasty with regard to the range of motion, presence of pain and quality of life.

Material And Methods: The study involved 35 females qualified for hip arthroplasty.