OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of TCM therapeutic principles of tonifying Shen (TS), benefiting Qi (BQ), invigorating Pi (IP) and activating blood circulation (ABC) herbs in regulating the gene expression in senescence related cell cycle.

METHODSDrug sera containing TCM herbs of the above-mentioned principles were used to treat the aged human diploid fibroblast cell line 2BS. The effect of TCM on the senescence related cell cycle and its related gene expression (P16INK4, Cyclin D1 and PCNA) were examined by means of cell proliferative doublings, flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

RESULTSTCM herbs of TS and BQ could improve the cell cycle, down-regulate the P16 and Cyclin D1 mRNA/protein expression, up-regulate PCNA mRNA/protein expression, while TCM herbs of IP and ABC showed insignificant effect on these indexes.

CONCLUSIONTCM herbs of TS and BQ have effect in improving cell cycle, it may be achieved through promoting the P16 pathway of gene expression.

Aging ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Senescence ; genetics ; Cyclin D1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Lung ; cytology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to report our experience of metallic stent placement after insufficient balloon dilation in graft hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients (13 loop grafts in the forearm and 10 straight grafts in the upper arm) underwent metallic stent placement due to insufficient flow after urokinase thrombolysis and balloon dilation. The indications for metallic stent deployment included 1) recoil and/or kinked venous stenosis in 21 patients (venous anastomosis: 17 patients, peripheral outflow vein: four patients); and 2) major vascular rupture in two patients. Metallic stents 8-10mm in diameter and 40-80 mm in length were used. Of them, eight stents were deployed across the elbow crease. Access patency was determined by clinical follow-up and the overall rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: No procedure-related complications (stent fracture or central migration) were encountered except for a delayed Wallstent shortening/migration at the venous anastomosis, which resulted in early access failure. The overall primary and secondary patency rates (+/- standard error) of all the vascular accesses in our 23 patients at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 69% +/- 9 and 88% +/- 6, 41% +/- 10 and 88% +/- 6, 30% +/- 10 and 77% +/- 10, and 12% +/- 8 and 61% +/- 13, respectively. For the forearm and upper-arm grafts, the primary and secondary patency rates were 51% +/- 16 and 86% +/- 13 vs 45% +/- 15 and 73%+/-13 at 6 months, and 25% +/- 15 and 71% +/- 17 vs 23% +/- 17 and 73% +/- 13 at 12 months (p = .346 and .224), respectively. CONCLUSION: Metallic stent placement is a safe and effective means for treating peripheral venous lesions in dialysis graft patients after insufficient balloon dilation. No statistically difference in the patency rates between the forearm and upper-arm patient groups was seen.
Vascular Patency ; Treatment Failure ; Stents ; Renal Dialysis ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Middle Aged ; Metals ; Male ; Humans ; Graft Occlusion, Vascular/*therapy ; Forearm ; Female ; *Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical ; *Angioplasty, Balloon ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between plasma cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) 894C>T gene polymorphism and the risk of recurrence of adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODSA total of 275 patients with ACS received standard dual antiplatelet therapy and PCI. Platelet aggregation rate (PAR) was detected in each patient before and 7 days after administration of the anti-platelet drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP3A4 gene 894C>T was detected with PCR and microarray technique. The number of coronary artery lesions was determined by PCI and the Gensini score was calculated. The patients were followed up for 3-12 months after discharge.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in CYP3A4 gene polymorphism between patients with clopidogrel resistance (CR group) and those without CR (NCR group) (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism was not correlated with CR in patients with ACS (OR 1.359, P>0.05). During the follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher in CR group than in NCR group (P<0.05), but this difference was not related to the mutation type of 894C>T locus of CYP3A4 gene.

CONCLUSIONThe CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism is not associated with the effect of anti-platelet therapy and the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with ACS following PCI.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; therapy ; Alleles ; Blood Platelets ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A ; genetics ; Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Platelet Aggregation ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Platelet Function Tests ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Ticlopidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the anti-apoptotic effect of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats.

METHODSNormal male SD rats were divided into normal, diabetes and ethanol (the agonist of ALDH2) + diabetes groups. In the latter two groups, diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg STZ. Four weeks after the modeling, myocardial I/R was mimicked ex vivo, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content in the coronary flow was determined. The activities of caspase-3 and ALDH2 were evaluated, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA in the left anterior myocardium were detected using RT-PCR.

RESULTSIn diabetic group, LDH release and caspase-3 activity were increased, while ALDH2 activity and Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression were decreased as compared to those in normal control group. Compared with the diabetic group, ALDH2 agonist ethanol significantly reduced LDH release and caspase-3 activity, increased ALDH2 activity and Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONIn diabetic rats, enhanced ALDH2 expression can offer mycardial protection possibly in relation to suppress cell apoptosis.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; agonists ; metabolism ; Myocardial Ischemia ; enzymology ; etiology ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; enzymology ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Myocardium ; enzymology ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism