A two-layer method based on support vector machines (SVMs) has been developed to distinguish epoxide hydrolases (EHs) from other enzymes and to classify its subfamilies using its primary protein sequences. SVM classifiers were built using three different feature vectors extracted from the primary sequence of EHs: the amino acid composition (AAC), the dipeptide composition (DPC), and the pseudo-amino acid composition (PAAC). Validated by 5-fold cross tests, the first layer SVM classifier can differentiate EHs and non-EHs with an accuracy of 94.2% and has a Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.84. Using 2-fold cross validation, PAAC-based second layer SVM can further classify EH subfamilies with an overall accuracy of 90.7% and MCC of 0.87 as compared to AAC (80.0%) and DPC (84.9%). A program called EHPred has also been developed to assist readers to recognize EHs and to classify their subfamilies using primary protein sequences with greater accuracy.
Algorithms ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Artificial Intelligence ; Computing Methodologies ; Epoxide Hydrolases ; chemistry ; classification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; methods ; Sequence Alignment ; methods ; Sequence Analysis, Protein ; methods ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

OBJECTIVE: To assess the public health risk to Singapore posed by the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in the Republic of Korea in 2015. METHODS: The likelihood of importation of MERS cases and the magnitude of the public health impact in Singapore were assessed to determine overall risk. Literature on the epidemiology and contextual factors associated with MERS coronavirus infection was collected and reviewed. Connectivity between the Republic of Korea and Singapore was analysed. Public health measures implemented by the two countries were reviewed. RESULTS: The epidemiology of the 2015 MERS outbreak in the Republic of Korea remained similar to the MERS outbreaks in Saudi Arabia. In addition, strong infection control and response measures were effective in controlling the outbreak. In view of the air traffic between Singapore and MERS-affected areas, importation of MERS cases into Singapore is possible. Nonetheless, the risk of a serious public health impact to Singapore in the event of an imported case of MERS would be mitigated by its strong health-care system and established infection control practices. DISCUSSION: The MERS outbreak was sparked by an exported case from the Middle East, which remains a concern as the reservoir of infection (thought to be camels) continues to exist in the Middle East, and sporadic cases in the community and outbreaks in health-care settings continue to occur there. This risk assessment highlights the need for Singapore to stay vigilant and to continue enhancing core public health capacities to detect and respond to MERS coronavirus.

Background and purpose:Endoscopic treatment is a promising therapeutic option for superifcial lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract, this study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic resection (ER) using the new Duette multiband mucosectomy kit (DT-6) on treating esophageal disease. Methods:Since Jun. 2011, ER using DT-6 has been performed on 100 patients in a tertiary medical center. Data from those who have been followed up for over 6 months was analyzed. ER and esophagectomy were compared on treating high grade dysplasia (HGD) lesions and early esophageal cancer. Results:From Jun. 2011 to Jan. 2012, a total of 32 patients with esophageal lesions underwent 34 ER using DT-6 (22 male and 10 female, mean age 59.0 years, range 25 to 83 years). There were (3.4±1.0) specimen resected per operation, and the average greatest diameter was (11.8±2.7)mm. Intraoperative blood loss was (5.45±1.47)mL. The median follow-up period was 8.2 months with a 100%half-year-follow-up rate. Except one pneumothorax occurred during one endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), no other complications happened. When Comparing ER and esophagectomy on treating HGD and early esophageal cancer, ER showed advantages in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and complications. Conclusion:ER using DT-6 is safe, simple, minimally invasive and effective for esophageal disease. Prospective study and long follow-up are needed to compare endoscopic resection and esophagectomy for HGD and early esophagus cancer.

Objective: : Angiolipomas are usually found in the subcutaneous tissue of the trunk and limbs. Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are uncommon and have rarely been reported. We report a series of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment in our department. To summarize the clinical characteristics of SALs, propose our surgical strategies, and evaluate the effects of the operation. Methods: : This was a retrospective review of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment from August 2015 to March 2020. Total or subtotal resection was determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. The outcomes were assessed based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system utilized before surgery and at various follow-up points. Results: : Among the nine patients, the mean mJOA score before surgery was 6.6±2.3, compared with 10.1±1.1 at the last follow-up time point (33.4±11.8 months). All patients achieved good outcomes, even in cases of subtotal resection. Conclusion : Early surgical resection of SALs is recommended, and the specific procedures should be determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. Most of the patients had a good prognosis, even in cases of subtotal resection.

Objective: Stem cell?based therapies are promising in regenerative medicine for protecting and repairing damaged brain tissues after injury or in the context of chronic diseases. Hypoxia can induce physiological and pathological responses. A hypoxic insult might act as a double?edged sword, it induces cell death and brain damage, but on the other hand, sublethal hypoxia can trigger an adaptation response called hypoxic preconditioning or hypoxic tolerance that is of immense importance for the survival of cells and tissues. Data Sources: This review was based on articles published in PubMed databases up to August 16, 2017, with the following keywords:"stem cells," "hypoxic preconditioning," "ischemic preconditioning," and "cell transplantation."Study Selection: Original articles and critical reviews on the topics were selected. Results: Hypoxic preconditioning has been investigated as a primary endogenous protective mechanism and possible treatment against ischemic injuries. Many cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning have been identified. Conclusions: In cell transplantation therapy, hypoxic pretreatment of stem cells and neural progenitors markedly increases the survival and regenerative capabilities of these cells in the host environment, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects in various disease models. Regenerative treatments can mobilize endogenous stem cells for neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the adult brain. Furthermore, transplantation of stem cells/neural progenitors achieves therapeutic benefits via cell replacement and/or increased trophic support. Combinatorial approaches of cell?based therapy with additional strategies such as neuroprotective protocols, anti?inflammatory treatment, and rehabilitation therapy can significantly improve therapeutic benefits. In this review, we will discuss the recent progress regarding cell types and applications in regenerative medicine as well as future applications.

OBJECTIVEOur previous study shows that PURNE2 mRNA plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Non-coding RNA PCA3 locates in the intron of PRUNE2 and may play a role in PRUNE2 expression. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of PCA3 mRNA and PRUNE2 in leiomyosarcoma and their correlation.

METHODSThe expression of PRUNE2 mRNA was analyzed by agilent gene expression microarray CHIP in 31 leiomyosarcomas and 37 GISTs, and the correlation of the PRUNE2 expression and prognosis of leiomyosarcoma was predicted. Real-Time PCR assay was used to detect the mRNA levels of PCA3 and PRUNE2 in 13 leiomyosarcomas and to investigate their correlation. Seven prostate cancer tissues were used as control of PCA3.

RESULTSThe level of PRUNE2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the 31 leiomyosarcomas than that in the 37 GISTs, and the level of PRUNE2 mRNA expression was correlated with survival of the leiomyosarcoma patients. Compared with prostate cancer, the non-coding RNA PCA3 expression level was significantly lower in leiomyosarcoma, and it had no correlation with the prognosis of leiomyosarcoma. Most importantly, the PRUNE2 and PCA3 mRNA expressions were both upregulated in leiomyosarcoma and showed a significant positive correlation.

CONCLUSIONSOur findings demonstrate for the first time that PRUNE2 expression is correlated with the survival of leiomyosarcoma patients. Furthermore, non-coding RNA PCA3, which locates in the intron of PRUNE2, has a significant positive correlation with PRUNE2 and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of leiomyosarcoma.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Untranslated ; metabolism ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Survival Rate ; Uterine Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of intrathecal administration of glycine on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in rats.

METHODSIntrathecal catheters were implanted in 40 adult male rats anesthetized with isoflurane. Baseline MAC of isoflurane was measured during the infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alone. Subsequently, 10, 40, 80, 160, and 300 mmol/L of glycine dissolved in artificial CSF were infused for two hours at the same rate as under control conditions, and MAC for isoflurane was re-determined.

RESULTSIntrathecal administration of glycine produced a significant, dose-dependent decrease in MAC for isoflurane (up to -65.2% +/- 16.2%).

CONCLUSIONSIntrathecal administration of glycine decreases anesthetic requirement This result supports the idea that glycine receptors may be important to the immobilizing effect of anesthetics that enhance glycine receptor function such as isoflurane.

Anesthetics, Inhalation ; metabolism ; Animals ; Glycine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Injections, Spinal ; Isoflurane ; metabolism ; Male ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental neuropsychiatric disorder. Although ADHD can often be treated with stimulant class medications to alleviate symptoms, such treatments may cause undesirable side effects. Recently, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been gaining interest with treatment potential for ADHD and the lack of the stimulant-associated undesirable side effects. Animal models are useful for study the efficacy and mechanisms of TCM treatment for ADHD, however, previous studies of TCM on ADHD animal models, in general, have not considered appropriate experiemental designs. There were many concerns regarding the choice and source of the model and control animals, drug administration methods, behavioral and biochemical testing criteria, humane use of animals, and statistical power, etc. In this review, we discuss these issues present in the previous literature of animal research, and propose guidelines for future studies in particular consideration with the unique characteristic of Chinese medicine itself.
Animals ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ; drug therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Mice ; Rats