eEF1A2 activates Akt and stimulates Akt-dependent actin remodeling, invasion and migration

eEF1A2 (eukaryotic protein elongation factor 1 alpha 2) is a protein translation factor that is likely a human oncogene by virtue of its capacity to transform mammalian cells and its high expression in tumors of the ovary, breast and lung. Here, we show that expression of eEF1A2 is sufficient to stimulate the formation of filopodia in BT549 human breast cancer cells and non-transformed Rat2 cells. Filopodia formation in eEF1A2-expressing cells is dependent on the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), and the ROCK and Akt kinases. Furthermore, eEF1A2 expression is sufficient to activate Akt in a PI3K-dependent fashion and inactivation of eEF1A2 by short interfering RNA reduces Akt activity. Using breast cancer cell line BT 549, we show that eEF1A2 expression stimulates cell migration and invasion in a largely PI3K- and Akt-dependent manner. These results suggest that eEF1A2 regulates oncogenesis through Akt and PI3K-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling.     

Detectability of Fast Ripples (>250 Hz) on the Scalp EEG: A Proof-of-Principle Study with Subdermal Electrodes

To evaluate the possibility of detecting fast ripples (FRs) on the surface EEG of patients with focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy, and to investigate the relationship between scalp FRs and localization of the seizure onset zone (SOZ). We included 10 patients undergoing combined surface–intracranial EEG with ≥10 spikes in the surface EEG during the first 30 consecutive minutes of N3 sleep. FRs (≥4 consecutive oscillations above 250 Hz with an amplitude clearly exceeding that of the background) on the surface EEG (F3-C3, C3-P3, Fz-Cz, Cz-Pz, F4-C4, C4-P4) were visually marked, and verified by two EEG experts. FRs were categorized as related to the SOZ, if localized in the brain lobe of the SOZ. Low-amplitude FRs with a rate of 0.09/min were found in 6/10 patients: two exhibited events related to the SOZ, three showed no relationship with the SOZ, and in one patient the SOZ was not identified. It may be possible to detect FRs with surface EEG using subdermal electrodes in patients with focal epilepsy. The relationship between surface FRs and the SOZ remains unclear. Future studies aiming at a higher spatial EEG coverage are needed to elucidate their significance.     

Sensory modulation intervention and behaviour support modification for the treatment of severe aggression in Huntington's disease. A single case experimental design

Aggression is common in Huntington's disease. However, at present there are no standard guidelines for managing aggression in Huntington's sufferers due to a lack of empirical research. This paper presents a case study of the treatment of very high levels of aggression with sensory modulation and behaviour support intervention in a Huntington's sufferer. The client exhibited a range of aggressive behaviours, including physical aggression to people, furniture and objects, and verbal aggression. Following an eight week baseline phase, five weeks of sensory modulation intervention were employed. A behaviour support plan was then implemented as an adjunct to the sensory intervention, with aggressive behaviour systematically audited for a further 11 weeks. The results indicate a significant reduction in reported levels of aggression during the combined sensory modulation and behaviour support phase, compared to both the baseline and the sensory modulation therapy alone phases. This case study highlights the efficacy non-pharmacological interventions may have for reducing aggression in HD.     

The Effects of Stabilization and Mckenzie Exercises on Transverse Abdominis and Multifidus Muscle Thickness,Pain, and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial in NonSpecific Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] This study compared the effectiveness of stabilization and McKenzie exercises on pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. [Subjects] Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the McKenzie and stabilization exercise groups. [Methods] Before and after intervention, pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles were evaluated by visual analogue scale, functional rating index, and sonography, respectively. The training program was 18 scheduled sessions of individual training for both groups. [Results] After interventions, the pain score decreased in both groups. The disability score decreased only in the stabilization group. The thickness of the left multifidus was significantly increased during resting and contracting states in the stabilization group. The thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in maneuver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during the active straight leg raising maneuver were significantly increased in the stabilization group. The intensity of pain, disability score, thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in manouver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during active straight leg raising in the stabilization group were greater than those on the Mackenzie. [Conclusion] Stabilization exercises are more effective than McKenzie exercises in improving the intensity of pain and function score and in increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis muscle.Key words: Chronic low back pain, Stabilizaton exercises, Muscle thickness     

A molecular electron density theory study of the mechanism,chemo- and stereoselectivity of the epoxidation reaction of R-carvone with peracetic acid

The epoxidation reaction of R-carvone 8 with peracetic acid 9 has been studied within the molecular electron density theory at the B3LYP/6-311(d,p) computational level. The chemo- and stereoisomeric reaction paths involving the two C–C double bonds of R-carvone 8 have been studied. DFT calculations account for the high chemoselectivity involving the C–C double bond of the isopropenyl group and the low diastereoselectivity, in complete agreement with the experimental outcomes. The Baeyer–Villiger reaction involving the carbonyl group of R-carvone 8 has also been analysed. A bonding evolution theory analysis of the epoxidation reaction shows the complexity of the bonding changes taking place along this reaction. Formation of the oxirane ring takes place asynchronously at the end of the reaction by attack of anionic oxygen on the two carbons of the isopropenyl C–C double bond.

The epoxidation reaction of R-carvone 8 with peracetic acid 9 has been studied within the molecular electron density theory at the B3LYP/6-311(d,p) computational level.     

An FBG magnetic sensor for oil flow monitoring in sandstone core

Monitoring the oil movement using a non-contact optical fiber probe during enhanced oil recovery is a novel technique to increase the efficiency of the process by distinguishing the oil position in the reservoir. A partially unclad fiber Bragg grating (FBG) coated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as a magnetic field sensor is experimentally demonstrated. A series of six FBGs reflecting different wavelengths are fixed on the surface of sandstone. Nanofluids containing magnetite nanoparticles and alkaline-surfactant-polymer are injected continuously in two separate steps into the sandstone, which is saturated with 20% oil and 80% brine. The chamber is equipped with a solenoid that acts as a magnetic field generator. The changes in the magnetic field strength depended on the FBG-solenoid distance and the density of localized injected nanoparticles near the FBGs leads to a shift of the reflected wavelength of each single FBG accordingly. The shift is caused by the interference of different propagating modes reflected from the core-cladding and cladding-magnetite layer interfaces. The intensity of the FBG spectra decreases by injecting the nanofluid and vice versa for surfactant injection. The sensor response time of ∼21 s confirms the high reliability and repeatability of the sensing scheme. Movement of oil along the sandstone alters the wavelength shift in the FBG spectra.

Monitoring the oil movement using a non-contact optical fiber probe during enhanced oil recovery is a novel technique to increase the efficiency of the process by distinguishing the oil position in the reservoir.     

An ultrasonographic investigation of deep neck flexor muscles cross-sectional area in forward and normal head posture

Background

As one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders and postural deviations, forward head posture (FHP), is considered to lead to muscle imbalance.

Continuous control of tracheal cuff pressure: an effective measure to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?

In a previous issue of Critical Care, Lorente and colleagues reported the results of a prospective observational study aiming at evaluating the effect of continuous control of cuff pressure (P_cuff ) on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The results suggest a beneficial impact of this intervention on VAP prevention, which is in line with the results of a recent randomized controlled study. However, another randomized controlled study found no significant impact of continuous control of P_cuff on VAP incidence. Several differences regarding the device used to control P_cuff, study population, and design might explain the different reported results. Future randomized multicenter studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of continuous control of P_cuff on VAP incidence. Furthermore, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different available devices should be compared. Meanwhile, given the single-center design and the limitations of the available studies, no strong recommendation can be made regarding continuous control of P_cuff as a preventive measure of VAP.     

Dual angiotensin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibition on cardiac and renal fibrosis and inflammation in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVES: The relative roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibition on cardiac and renal fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats were studied. METHODS: The ACE/NEP inhibitor omapatrilat (40 mg/kg per day), the ACE inhibitor enalapril (10 mg/kg per day) and the NEP inhibitor CGS 25462(100 mg/kg per day) were administrated for 3 weeks to DOCA rats. Collagen was stained with Sirius red, and mediators of inflammation were identified by immunolabeling (vascular cell adhesion molecule, nuclear factor-kappaB, infiltrating ED-1-positive macrophages and monocyte chemotactic protein-1) or by western blot (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1). RESULTS: Elevated systolic blood pressure of DOCA rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by omapatrilat and CGS 25462. Omapatrilat and CGS 25462 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased interstitial collagen density in the left ventricle of DOCA rats compared with untreated DOCA rats. Enalapril only decreased the subepicardial collagen of DOCA rats. Omapatrilat significantly (P < 0.05) decreased renal mesangial collagen deposition in DOCA rats. Cardiac and renal expression of surface adhesion molecules, nuclear factor-kappaB, monocyte chemotactic protein and ED-1-positive cells were decreased in omapatrilat-treated DOCA rats compared with untreated DOCA rats. Enalapril and CGS 25462 did not alter mesangial collagen of DOCA rats. CONCLUSIONS: Dual ACE/NEP inhibition was more effective than ACE or NEP inhibition in decreasing inflammatory mediators, and improving cardiac and renal fibrosis. This suggests a role for NEP inhibition added to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system that may explain the greater efficacy of omapatrilat.