MLC1在调节星形胶质细胞-突触相互作用中的新角色

星形胶质细胞膜蛋白MLC1的功能丧失是伴皮质下囊肿的巨脑性白质脑病(MLC)的主要遗传原因,这一罕见病的特征是脑内离子和水稳态失衡。MLC1蛋白主要分布于大脑中的液体屏障周围,例如在星形胶质细胞接触血管的终足和接触脑膜的突起中。该蛋白是否在其他星形胶质细胞结构域中发挥作用尚不清楚。本研究表明MLC1存在于星形胶质细胞远端突起中,也称为突触周围星形胶质细胞突起(PAP)或星形胶质细胞小叶;在海马CA1区域它们与兴奋性突触密切相互作用。我们发现在Mlc1缺失小鼠中,向兴奋性突触延伸的PAP末端缩短。这一改变会影响谷氨酸能突触传递,导致自发释放事件的速率降低,并在具有挑战性的条件下减慢谷氨酸的再摄取。此外,虽然野生型小鼠中的PAP在恐惧调节过程从突触回缩,但我们发现在Mlc1缺失小鼠中,这种结构可塑性在本已更短的PAP出现障碍。最后,Mlc1缺失小鼠显示情境恐惧记忆减少。总之,本研究揭示了星形胶质细胞蛋白MLC1在调节PAP结构方面的意想不到的作用。MLC1的缺失会改变兴奋性突触传递,阻止恐惧调节诱导的正常PAP重塑,并破坏情境恐惧记忆表达。因此,MLC1是调节星形胶质细胞-突触相互作用的新参与者。     

Mechanical evaluation of mandibular defects reconstructed using osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1) in a sheep model: a critical analysis

Osteoinductive bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been used extensively in experimental and clinical orthopaedic research. It is a natural progression for these growth regulators to be tested in the craniofacial region. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the mechanical properties of the sheep mandibles reconstructed using recombinant human osteogenic protein type 1 (rhOP-1). A unilateral 35 mm osteoperiosteal continuity defect was created at the parasymphyseal region of the mandible in six adult sheep. The animals were sacrificed 3 months after surgery and mechanical properties of the regenerated bone at the operated sides (OS) were compared to the corresponding bone at the non-operated side (NOS). The regenerated tissue at the OS were then submitted for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Although all the animals achieved complete bony union, a wide range of mechanical properties was found. The rhOP-1-induced bone achieved a mean of 36% of the strength of the bone at the NOS (P < 0.05). The mean value of the stiffness of the OS was 24% of the NOS (P < 0.05). While half of the samples of the OS had 'weak' mechanical properties (9-25% strength compared to NOS) and a low stiffness (6-18%), the rest showed relatively higher strength (47-63%) and were stiffer (35-47%). Unlike the NOS, the operated sides failed under tensile stresses and cracks initiated at the superior border of the mandible. The wide mechanical variations suggest that further basic bone biology research is needed to provide better understanding of the cellular and molecular events which take place during the process of osteoinduction.     

Survey for collagenase gene prtC in Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis isolated from endodontic infections

Collagenase is a potential virulence factor shown to be expressed by Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of the collagenase gene (prtC) in 21 strains of Porphyromonas species isolated from endodontic infections. Type strains for P. gingivalis (ATCC 33277), P. endodontalis (ATCC 35406), Prevotella intermedia (ATCC 25611), and Prevotella nigrescens (ATCC 33563) were used as controls. When PCR primers specific for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of P. gingivalis or P. endodontalis were used, 16 of the strains were identified as P. gingivalis, and five strains were identified as P. endodontalis. The presence of the prtC gene for collagenase was detected using PCR. Amplicons were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, with an 815 bp amplicon representing the presence of the collagenase gene. Type strain ATCC 33277 and all 16 clinical isolates of P. gingivalis produced the collagenase gene amplicon. Neither type strain ATCC 35406 nor the five strains from clinical isolates of P. endodontalis produced the collagenase gene amplicon. These results indicate that P. gingivalis from endodontic infections possesses the prtC gene. P. endodontalis does not seem to exhibit prtC. The virulence of P. gingivalis may be related to its production of collagenase.     

Achieving asthma control in practice: understanding the reasons for poor control

Achieving asthma control remains an elusive goal for the majority of patients worldwide. Ensuring a correct diagnosis of asthma is the first step in assessing poor symptom control; this requires returning to the basics of history taking and physical examination, in conjunction with lung function measurement when appropriate. A number of factors may contribute to sub-optimal asthma control. Concomitant rhinitis, a common co-pathology and contributor to poor control, can often be identified by asking a simple question. Smoking too has been identified as a cause of poor asthma control. Practical barriers such as poor inhaler technique must be addressed. An appreciation of patients' views and concerns about maintenance asthma therapy can help guide discussion to address perceptual barriers to taking maintenance therapy (doubts about personal necessity and concerns about potential adverse effects). Further study into, and a greater consideration of, factors and patient characteristics that could predict individual responses to asthma therapies are needed. Finally, more clinical trials that enrol patient populations reflecting the real world diversity of patients seen in clinical practice, including wide age ranges, presence of comorbidities, current smoking, and differing ethnic origins, will contribute to better individual patient management.     

Training Direct Service Personnel in Functional Communication Training with Adults with Disabilities

Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities - Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may engage in challenging behavior. These behaviors present challenges to support...