Sex differences in behavior and neuropharmacology of zebrafish

Sex is an important variable in biomedical research. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful new model organism in translational neuroscience and pharmacology. Mounting evidence indicates important sex differences in zebrafish behavioral and neuropharmacological responses. Here, we discuss the role of sex in zebrafish central nervous system (CNS) models, their molecular mechanisms, recent findings and the existing challenges in this field. We also emphasize the growing utility of zebrafish models in translational neuropharmacological research of sex differences, fostering future CNS drug discovery and the search for novel sex‐specific therapies. Finally, we highlight the interplay between sex and environment in zebrafish models of sex‐environment correlations as an important strategy of CNS disease modeling using this aquatic organism.     

Factors impacting long-term pulmonary autograft durability after the Ross procedure

Objective

Although the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term survival and a high quality of life, its use has been limited to relatively few centers. In this study, we evaluated long-term Ross procedure results in adults to assess the predictors of pulmonary autograft durability.

颅骨缺损修复材料的研究现状

对临床常用的颅骨缺损修复材料性能进行综合比较,树脂-羟磷灰石复合材料(颅颌优)由于其优良的理化、生物学性能、可随意塑型及CAD/CAM技术的导入,是目前相比较而言能够满足临床颅骨缺损修复需要的材料。     

学院型医院建设

学院型医院建设是现阶段我国部分大学附属医院的发展目标。本文介绍了学院型医院的定义、内涵、特征以及建设意义和发展现状;同时提出在学院型医院建设过程中应正确处理好理论研究与实践、附属医院与大学、科研教学与医疗、重点学科与非重点学科之间的关系。     

Understanding neurobehavioral genetics of zebrafish

Abstract

Due to its fully sequenced genome, high genetic homology to humans, external fertilization, fast development, transparency of embryos, low cost and active reproduction, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a novel promising model organism in biomedicine. Zebrafish are a useful tool in genetic and neuroscience research, including linking various genetic mutations to brain mechanisms using forward and reverse genetics. These approaches have produced novel models of rare genetic CNS disorders and common brain illnesses, such as addiction, aggression, anxiety and depression. Genetically modified zebrafish also foster neuroanatomical studies, manipulating neural circuits and linking them to different behaviors. Here, we discuss recent advances in neurogenetics of zebrafish, and evaluate their unique strengths, inherent limitations and the rapidly growing potential for elucidating the conserved roles of genes in neuropsychiatric disorders.     

Impaired survival of peripheral T cells, disrupted NK/NKT cell development, and liver failure in mice lacking Gimap5

The loss of Gimap5 (GTPase of the immune-associated protein 5) gene function is the underlying cause of lymphopenia and autoimmune diabetes in the BioBreeding (BB) rat. The in vivo function of murine gimap5 is largely unknown. We show that selective gene ablation of the mouse gimap5 gene impairs the final intrathymic maturation of CD8 and CD4 T cells and compromises the survival of postthymic CD4 and CD8 cells, replicating findings in the BB rat model. In addition, gimap5 deficiency imposes a block of natural killer (NK)- and NKT-cell differentiation. Development of NK/NKT cells is restored on transfer of gimap5(-/-) bone marrow into a wild-type environment. Mice lacking gimap5 have a median survival of 15 weeks, exhibit chronic hepatic hematopoiesis, and in later stages show pronounced hepatocyte apoptosis, leading to liver failure. This pathology persists in a Rag2-deficient background in the absence of mature B, T, or NK cells and cannot be adoptively transferred by transplanting gimap5(-/-) bone marrow into wild-type recipients. We conclude that mouse gimap5 is necessary for the survival of peripheral T cells, NK/NKT-cell development, and the maintenance of normal liver function. These functions involve cell-intrinsic as well as cell-extrinsic mechanisms.     

Efficacy and safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray in Chinese adult and adolescent subjects with intermittent or persistent allergic rhinitis

Fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS) is a novel, enhanced-affinity intranasal corticosteroid administered for the management of allergic rhinitis (AR). Several studies have shown that FFNS at a dose of 110 μg once daily (o.p.d.) is effective in relieving nasal as well as ocular symptoms in adolescents and adults with AR. The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of FFNS 110 micrograms o.p.d. with matching placebo nasal spray for 2 weeks in Chinese adult and adolescent subjects with intermittent AR (IAR) or persistent AR (PAR). In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, patients (adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years with AR) received either FFNS 110 micrograms (n = 181) or placebo (n = 182) o.p.d. for 2 weeks. AR was defined according to Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma classification. Efficacy measures included reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), rhinoscopy score, overall interference in activities of daily living (ADL) score, and reflective total ocular symptom score (rTOSS). FFNS significantly improved the mean change from baseline in daily rTNSS compared with placebo (treatment difference of -1.498, 95% confidence interval [-1.897, -1.099]; p < 0.0001). FFNS was also significantly more effective than placebo in decreasing rhinoscopy score (treatment difference of -1.3; p < 0.0001) and ADL score (treatment difference of -0.4; p < 0.0001). In patients with severe ocular symptoms, FFNS showed numerically better treatment effect in reducing daily rTOSS than placebo (treatment difference of -0.646; p = 0.0853). FFNS 110 micrograms o.p.d. was significantly more effective than placebo in improving nasal symptoms in Chinese patients with IAR and PAR. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01231464.