Compensatory Neural Reorganization in Tourette Syndrome

Jackson, Stephen ,R.,Parkinson, Amy,Jung, Jeyoung,Ryan, Suzanne ,E.,Morgan, Paul ,S.,Hollis, Chris,Jackson, Georgina ,M. Cell Press 2011 Current biology Vol.21 No.7

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P>Children with neurological disorders may follow unique developmental trajectories whereby they undergo compensatory neuroplastic changes in brain structure and function that help them gain control over their symptoms [1–6]. We used behavioral and brain imaging techniques to investigate this conjecture in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). Using a behavioral task that induces high levels of intermanual conflict, we show that individuals with TS exhibit enhanced control of motor output. Then, using structural (diffusion-weighted imaging) brain imaging techniques, we demonstrate widespread differences in the white matter (WM) microstructure of the TS brain that include alterations in the corpus callosum and forceps minor (FM) WM that significantly predict tic severity in TS. Most importantly, we show that task performance for the TS group (but not for controls) is strongly predicted by the WM microstructure of the FM pathways that lead to the prefrontal cortex and by the functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level-dependent response in prefrontal areas connected by these tracts. These results provide evidence for compensatory brain reorganization that may underlie the increased self-regulation mechanisms that have been hypothesized to bring about the control of tics during adolescence.</P>

Ginsenoside Content of North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L. Araliaceae) in Relation to Plant Development and Growing Locations

Jackson, Chung Ja C.,Dini, Jean-Paul,Lavandier, Clara,Faulkner, Harold,Rupasinghe, H.P. vasantha,Proctor, John T.A. The Korean Society of Ginseng 2003 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.27 No.3

North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) was analysed for total ginsenosides and ten major ginsenosides (R$_{0}$ , Rb$_1$, Rb$_2$, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg$_1$, pseudoginsenoside F$_{11}$ and gypenoside XVII), and variations in ginsenoside content with age of plant (over a four-year-period) and geographic location (Ontario versus British Columbia) were investigated. In the roots the total ginsenoside content increased with age up to 58-100 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ dry weights in the fourth year, but in leaves it remained constant over time. Roots and leaves, moreover, had different proportions of individual ginsenosides. The most abundant ginsenosides were Rb$_1$ (56mgㆍg$^{-1}$ for Ontario; 37mgㆍg$^{-1}$ for British Columbia) and Re (21mgㆍg$^{-1}$ for Ontario; 15 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ for British Columbia) in roots, and Rd (28-38 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ ), Re (20-25 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ ), and Rb$_2$ (13-19 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ ) in leaves. Measurable quantities of Rf were found in leaves (0.4-1.8 mgㆍg$^{-1}$ ) but not in roots or stems. Our results show that ginsenoside profiles in general, and Rf in particular, could be used for chemical fingerprinting to distinguish the different parts of the ginseng plant, and that ginseng leaves could be valuable sources of the ginsenosides Rd, Re, and Rb$_2$.

Development of Fast Prototyping Pneumatic Actuated Grippers

Nolan Jackson,Paul Chastain,Mitch Crowther,Minchul Shin 한국정밀공학회 2019 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.20 No.12

The goal of this paper is to develop biologically inspired soft robotic hands by using cheap commercial materials. Through finite elemental analysis and material testing, this paper shows effectiveness of a soft pneumatic finger for gripping and lifting. Using ANSYS simulations, the designs were analyzed in pressures, 0.0035 MPa and 0.007 MPa. This low pressure could output high deformations of the actuators. A single finger was able to withstand 25.3 N before failure, while being able to lift 15.3 g by itself under a low voltage air pump. When combing into a claw like gripper of four fingers it was able to lift roughly 8 times that of a single finger, around 130 g. This demonstration of a functional low-cost bio-inspired pneumatic finger showcases the potential for everyday use where a delicate touch is needed. Also, the high dexterity makes it a good design for use in manufacturing or medical areas.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Sarcopenia as Comorbid Chronic Diseases in Older Adults: Established and Emerging Treatments and Therapies

Jakub Mesinovic,Jackson J. Fyfe,Jason Talevski,Michael J. Wheeler,Gloria K.W. Leung,Elena S. George,Melkamu T. Hunegnaw,Costas Glavas,Paul Jansons,Robin M. Daly,David Scott 대한당뇨병학회 2023 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.47 No.6

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia (low skeletal muscle mass and function) share a bidirectional relationship. The prevalence of these diseases increases with age and they share common risk factors. Skeletal muscle fat infiltration, commonly referred to as myosteatosis, may be a major contributor to both T2DM and sarcopenia in older adults via independent effects on insulin resistance and muscle health. Many strategies to manage T2DM result in energy restriction and subsequent weight loss, and this can lead to significant declines in muscle mass in the absence of resistance exercise, which is also a first-line treatment for sarcopenia. In this review, we highlight recent evidence on established treatments and emerging therapies targeting weight loss and muscle mass and function improvements in older adults with, or at risk of, T2DM and/or sarcopenia. This includes dietary, physical activity and exercise interventions, new generation incretin-based agonists and myostatin-based antagonists, and endoscopic bariatric therapies. We also highlight how digital health technologies and health literacy interventions can increase uptake of, and adherence to, established and emerging treatments and therapies in older adults with T2DM and/or sarcopenia.

Ginsenoside Content of North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L. Araliaceae) in Relation to Plant Development and Growing Locations

Chung-Ja C. Jackson,Jean Paul Dini,Clara Lavandier,Harold Faulkner,H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe,John T. A. Proctor 고려인삼학회 2003 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.27 No.3

North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) was analysed for total ginsenosides and ten major ginsenosides (R0, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, pseudoginsenoside F11, and gypenoside XVII), and variations in ginsenoside content with age of plant (over a four-year-period) and geographic location (Ontario versus British Columbia) were investigated. In the roots the total ginsenoside content increased with age up to 58-100 mgㆍg.1 dry weights in the fourth year, but in leaves it remained constant over time. Roots and leaves, moreover, had different proportions of individual ginsenosides. The most abundant ginsenosides were Rb1 (56 mgㆍg.1 for Ontario; 37 mgㆍg.1 for British Columbia) and Re (21 mgㆍg.1 for Ontario; 15 mgㆍg.1 for British Columbia) in roots, and Rd (28-38 mgㆍg.1), Re (20-25 mgㆍg.1), and Rb2 (13-19 mgㆍg.1) in leaves. Measurable quantities of Rf were found in leaves (0.4-1.8 mgㆍg.1) but not in roots or stems. Our results show that ginsenoside profiles in general, and Rf in particular, could be used for chemical fingerprinting to distinguish the different parts of the ginseng plant, and that ginseng leaves could be valuable sources of the ginsenosides Rd, Re, and Rb2.

Solid-phase extraction and purification of membrane proteins using a UV-modified PMMA microfluidic bioaffinity μSPE device

Battle, Katrina N.,Jackson, Joshua M.,Witek, Małgorzata A.,Hupert, Mateusz L.,Hunsucker, Sally A.,Armistead, Paul M.,Soper, Steven A. The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014 The Analyst Vol.139 No.6

<P>We present a novel microfluidic solid-phase extraction (μSPE) device for the affinity enrichment of biotinylated membrane proteins from whole cell lysates. The device offers features that address challenges currently associated with the extraction and purification of membrane proteins from whole cell lysates, including the ability to release the enriched membrane protein fraction from the extraction surface so that they are available for downstream processing. The extraction bed was fabricated in PMMA using hot embossing and was comprised of 3600 micropillars. Activation of the PMMA micropillars by UV/O<SUB>3</SUB> treatment permitted generation of surface-confined carboxylic acid groups and the covalent attachment of NeutrAvidin onto the μSPE device surfaces, which was used to affinity select biotinylated MCF-7 membrane proteins directly from whole cell lysates. The inclusion of a disulfide linker within the biotin moiety permitted release of the isolated membrane proteins <I>via</I> DTT incubation. Very low levels (∼20 fmol) of membrane proteins could be isolated and recovered with ∼89% efficiency with a bed capacity of 1.7 pmol. Western blotting indicated no traces of cytosolic proteins in the membrane protein fraction as compared to significant contamination using a commercial detergent-based method. We highlight future avenues for enhanced extraction efficiency and increased dynamic range of the μSPE device using computational simulations of different micropillar geometries to guide future device designs.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>We present a novel microfluidic solid-phase extraction (μSPE) device for the affinity enrichment of biotinylated membrane proteins from whole cell lysates. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c3an02400h'> </P>

Impact of <i>Mycobacterium ulcerans</i> Biofilm on Transmissibility to Ecological Niches and Buruli Ulcer Pathogenesis

Marsollier, Laurent,Brodin, Priscille,Jackson, Mary,Kordulá,ková,, Jana,Tafelmeyer, Petra,Carbonnelle, Etienne,Aubry, Jacques,Milon, Geneviè,ve,Legras, Pierre,André,, Jean-Paul Public Library of Science 2007 PLoS pathogens Vol.3 No.5

<▼1><P>The role of biofilms in the pathogenesis of mycobacterial diseases remains largely unknown. <I>Mycobacterium ulcerans,</I> the etiological agent of Buruli ulcer, a disfiguring disease in humans, adopts a biofilm-like structure in vitro and in vivo, displaying an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) that harbors vesicles. The composition and structure of the ECM differs from that of the classical matrix found in other bacterial biofilms. More than 80 proteins are present within this extracellular compartment and appear to be involved in stress responses, respiration, and intermediary metabolism. In addition to a large amount of carbohydrates and lipids, ECM is the reservoir of the polyketide toxin mycolactone, the sole virulence factor of M. ulcerans identified to date, and purified vesicles extracted from ECM are highly cytotoxic. ECM confers to the mycobacterium increased resistance to antimicrobial agents, and enhances colonization of insect vectors and mammalian hosts. The results of this study support a model whereby biofilm changes confer selective advantages to M. ulcerans in colonizing various ecological niches successfully, with repercussions for Buruli ulcer pathogenesis.</P></▼1><▼2><P><B>Author Summary</B></P><P><B/></P><P>Mycobacterium ulcerans is the etiologic agent of Buruli ulcer, a necrotic skin disease affecting humans living close to wetlands in tropical countries. This mycobacteria resides in water where it could colonize many ecological niches such as aquatic plants, herbivorous animals, and water bugs. The latter were shown to be able to transmit the bacteria to mammalian hosts. Here, we described that the bacilli could be structured with a thick envelope called the extracellular matrix (ECM). This peculiar coat contains in small vesicles a toxin named mycolactone, the main virulence factor of M. ulcerans. The ECM confers to the mycobacterium increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and plays a role in virulence. Indeed, a bacteria with ECM is more potent for colonization of insect vectors and mammalian hosts compared to bacteria. Unraveling the regulation of the production of the ECM together with the export of mycolactone will be an important step in developing new pharmacological approaches for the treatment of Buruli ulcer, which has been greatly handicapped by the lack of effectiveness of the current antibiotics.</P></▼2>

배관 진단용 신개념 초음파 집속 기법을 적용한 비파괴 진단 연구

조윤호(Younho Cho),이재선(Jaesun Lee),Paul Jackson 대한기계학회 2014 대한기계학회 춘추학술대회 Vol.2014 No.4-1

Antibacterial phytocomplexes and compounds from Psychotria sycophylla (Rubiaceae) against drug-resistant bacteria

Olive M. F. Demgne,Judith Flore Tchuissang Mbougnia,Armel Jackson Seukep,Armelle Tsafack Mbaveng,Mathieu Tene,Paul Nayim,Brice E. N. Wamba,Michel-Gael F. Guefack,Veronique Penlap Beng,Pierre Tane,Vict 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2022 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.22 No.4

In this study, we examined the antibacterial and antibiotic-resistance reversal properties of methanol (MeOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts and compounds from Psychotria sycophylla aerial parts against drug-resistant bacteria. The tests were performed using the microdilution method. The mechanisms of action were investigated on growth kinetic and proton pumps of Escherichia coli. The structures of isolated compounds including oleanolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2), lupeol (3), betulinic acid (4), β-sitosterol glucoside (5), and stigmasterol (6), were established based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). The extracts displayed noteworthy antibacterial activities, with recorded minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 4 to 1024 μg/mL. Significant activities (MIC < 100 μg/ mL) were obtained with the MeOH extract against Providencia stuartii PS2636 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA9 (MIC of 16 μg/mL) as well as the EtOAc extract against S. aureus MRSA3 (MIC of 32 μg/mL) and Enterobacter aerogenes EA27 (MIC of 4 μg/mL). MeOH extract displayed a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, acting against 21 out of 22 studied bacteria. The MICs of compounds (1–6) varied from 16 to 256 μg/mL. Oleanolic acid (1) appeared to be the most effective, preventing the growth of 100% of studied bacteria. The MeOH extract significantly enhanced the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against selected multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The mechanistic investigations showed interference of MeOH with bacterial growth kinetic (by extending the lag phase) and inhibition of proton pumps. The current study provides a strong experimental baseline to consider P. sycophylla extracts and compounds as potent antibacterial natural products.