The association between the ratio of visceral fat to thigh muscle area and metabolic syndrome: the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS)

OBJECTIVE

A relationship between visceral fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been established. However, the effect of a relative increase in visceral fat and a decrease in muscle mass on metabolic disorders has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the ratio of visceral fat to thigh muscle area (VMR) and MetS in Korean adults. STUDY SUBJECT/MEASUREMENTS: A total of 264 age-and gender-matched subjects recruited from the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS), an ongoing prospective observational cohort study, were categorized into four groups based on their body mass index (BMI) and VMR. We measured visceral fat area and thigh muscle area using computed tomography.

RESULTS

Subjects with MetS showed a significantly higher VMR than those without MetS. In both obese and nonobese groups, the subjects with a higher VMR had a higher prevalence of MetS than those in the lower VMR groups. VMR was significantly related to components of the metabolic syndrome, especially in women, and was positively correlated with a number of MetS components in both men and women. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for MetS was 6·72 (highest vs lowest quartile, 95% confidence interval, 1·60-28·14) after an adjustment of potential confounders, including BMI and waist-to-hip ratio.

CONCLUSION

VMR is significantly increased in subjects with MetS and independently associated with MetS. These results suggest that the VMR may be a potential indicator for MetS risk in Korean adults.

Immunoglobulin D multiple myeloma: response to therapy, survival, and prognostic factors in 75 patients

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinical features, outcomes including efficacy of treatment, and prognostic factors of patients with immunoglobulin D multiple myeloma (IgD MM).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Seventy-five patients diagnosed with IgD MM were selected from the Korean Myeloma Registry database (www.myeloma.or.kr).

RESULTS

Median age was 57 years and the main presenting features were bone pain (77%). Renal function impairment and hypercalcemia were present in 40 (53%) and 20 (27%) patients. Sixty-seven patients (89%) had lambda light chains. Forty-eight patients (64%) were of stage III by International Staging System. Twenty-six patients (53%) had chromosomal abnormalities mostly by conventional cytogenetics. Thirty-nine patients (54%) were treated with vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone chemotherapy; the overall response rate (ORR) of 56%. Sixteen patients (22%) received first-line chemotherapy including new drugs (bortezomib or thalidomide), with an ORR of 81%. At a median follow-up time of 28.6 months, median overall survival (OS) was 18.5 months. Age, extramedullary plasmacytoma, del(13) or hypoploidy, serum β(2) microglobulin level, and platelet count were significant prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

IgD MM is an aggressive disease that is usually detected at an advanced stage. Despite a positive initial response, survival after relapse was dismal. Intensive treatment strategies before and following stem cell transplantation may improve outcomes in younger patients.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: incidence, risk factors, and outcome

Four hundred and sixty-seven hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) (217 autologous and 250 allogeneic HSCT) were performed in 374 children at four pediatric HSCT centers in Korea from January 2005 to December 2007. Among 467 transplants, veno-occlusive disease (VOD) developed in 72 transplants (15.4%) at a median of 10 days after HSCT. Multivariate analysis showed that BU or TBI-containing regimen (P=0.002), VOD prophylaxis without lipo-prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (P=0.012), number of previous HSCT (P=0.014), and pretransplant serum ferritin (P=0.018) were independent risk factors for developing VOD. Mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in HSCT with VOD (2109.6+/-2842.5 ng/ml) than in HSCT without VOD (1315.9+/-1094.4 ng/ml) (P<0.001). The relative risk of death within 100 days of HSCT in transplants with VOD compared with transplants without VOD was 3.39 (confidence interval: 1.78-6.45). Our results suggest that lipo-PGE1 might have a protective effect against the development of VOD, and pretransplant serum ferritin could act as a risk factor for VOD. A larger prospective study is needed to confirm a possible role of lipo-PGE1 and iron chelation therapy in reducing the incidence of VOD.

Neurological deficit after surgical enucleation of schwannomas of the upper limb

We evaluated 56 patients for neurological deficit after enucleation of a histopathologically confirmed schwannoma of the upper limb. Immediately after the operation, 41 patients (73.2%) had developed a new neurological deficit: ten of these had a major deficit such as severe motor or sensory loss, or intolerable neuropathic pain. The mean tumour size had been significantly larger in patients with a major neurological deficit than in those with a minor or no deficit. After a mean 25.4 months (12 to 85), 39 patients (70%) had no residual neurological deficit, and the other 17 (30%) had only hypoaesthesia, paraesthesiae or mild motor weakness. This study suggests that a schwannoma in the upper limb can be removed with an acceptable risk of injury to the nerve, although a transient neurological deficit occurs regularly after the operation. Biopsy is not advised. Patients should be informed pre-operatively about the possibility of damage to the nerve: meticulous dissection is required to minimise this.

EXPRESSION OF CANNABINOID RECEPTOR 1 IN MOUSE TESTES

Marijuana smoke and cannabinoids adversely affect male reproductive function in human and rodent through the cannabinoid receptors. To understand the possible function of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in spermatogenesis, expression of CB1 in testis during the postnatal development was examined in mice. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that testicular CB1 mRNA level was relatively high at 1 week post partum (p.p.). Following decrease during prepubertal development (2 weeks p.p.) and CB1 mRNA level re-increased during puberty (4 weeks p.p.) and reached the peak in adult testis. At 1 week p.p., some spermatogonia and Leydig cells showed strong immunoreactivity of CB1. At 2 weeks p.p., CB1 immunoreactivity was largely found in the primary spermatocytes as well as spermatogonia, and Leydig cells showed a weak signal. In adult testis, strong immunoreactivity was found in Leydig cells and luminal epithelia of seminiferous tubule. Germ cells including spermatozoa were positive for CB1 immunoreactivity. On Western blot, multiple forms of CB1 proteins were detected in testes, suggesting oligomerization of CB1. Ubiquitous, but spatiotemporal difference in expression of CB1 in soma and germ line during postnatal development of testis suggests functional involvement of CB1 signaling in steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and fertilization.

Phase I study of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib plus CHOP in patients with advanced, aggressive T-cell or NK/T-cell lymphoma

The aim of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of the combination of bortezomib and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) as first-line therapy in advanced, aggressive T-cell lymphoma. Patients received increasing doses of bortezomib on days 1 and 8 (weekly schedule, 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 mg/m(2)/dose) in addition to 750 mg/m(2) cyclophosphamide, 50 mg/m(2) doxorubicin, 1.4 mg/m(2) vincristine on day 1 and 100 mg/day prednisolone on days 1 to 5, every 3 weeks. Six cycles of therapy administered every 21 days were planned. Thirteen patients, who had stage III/IV chemonaive aggressive T-cell lymphoma, received a total of 55 cycles of treatment. One patient experienced hematologic dose-limiting toxicity (grade 4 neutropenia associated with febrile episode) at the 1.0 mg/m(2)/dose of bortezomib. There was no dose-limiting non-hematologic toxicity. The MTD was not reached at 1.6 mg/m(2) dose level of bortezomib. The overall complete remission rate in all patients was 61.5% (95% confidence interval = 31.6-86.1). Bortezomib can be safely combined with CHOP chemotherapy and constitutes an active regimen in advanced-stage, aggressive T-cell lymphoma patients. The recommended dose for subsequent phase II studies of bortezomib plus CHOP is 1.6 mg/m(2)/dose of bortezomib on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks as first-line treatment.

A randomised multicentre phase II trial of capecitabine vs S-1 as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic or recurrent unresectable gastric cancer

This randomised multicentre phase II study was conducted to investigate the activity and safety of two oral fluoropyrimidines, capecitabine or S-1, in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Elderly (⩾65 years) chemo-naive patients with AGC were randomly assigned to receive capecitabine 1250 mg m⁻² two times daily on days 1–14 every 3 weeks or S-1 40–60 mg two times daily according to body surface area on days 1–28 every 6 weeks. Ninety-six patients were enrolled and 91 patients were randomised to capecitabine (N=46) or S-1 (N=45). Overall response rate, the primary end point, was 27.2% (95% CI, 14.1–40.4, 12 of 44 assessable patients) with capecitabine and 28.9% (95% CI, 15.6–42.1, 13 of 45) with S-1. Median times to progression and overall survival in the capecitabine arm (4.7 and 9.5 months, respectively) were similar to those in the S-1 arm (4.2 and 8.2 months, respectively). The incidence of grade 3–4 granulocytopenia was 6.8% with capecitabine and 4.8% with S-1. Grade 3–4 nonhaematologic toxicities were: asthenia (9.1% with capecitabine vs 7.1% with S-1), anorexia (6.8 vs 9.5%), diarrhoea (2.3 vs 0%), and hand–foot syndrome (6.8 vs 0%). Both capecitabine and S-1 monotherapies were active and tolerable as first-line treatment for elderly patients with AGC.

Monoclonal antibody recognizing N-terminal epitope of hepatitis C virus nonstructural 5B inhibits viral RNA replication

The nonstructural 5B (NS5B) protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) with a key role in HCV replication. To characterize the functional roles of NS5B in HCV replication, we produced a panel of 10 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against NS5B protein from mice immunized with functionally active RdRp. The epitopes of eight mAbs are localized in the middle region (amino acid 240-263) of NS5B protein. On the other hand, the epitopes of two mAbs are mapped to amino acids 67-88 at the N-terminus of NS5B protein. To examine the effects of mAbs on HCV-RNA replication, we performed in vitro RdRp assay using either the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) or the full-length of HCV-RNA as a template in the presence of each mAb. mAbs specific for the middle region of NS5B had no effect on RdRp activity. Surprisingly, mAb recognizing the N-terminal region of NS5B inhibited RdRp activity in a dose-dependent manner. We have confirmed the same result using the other subclass of mAb, whose epitope is also localized to the same N-terminal region of NS5B. These data show that NS5B contains a B-cell epitope located between amino acid residues 67 and 88. Binding of this epitope with an antibody interferes with the enzymatic function of NS5B.

Spin resonance in the d-wave superconductor CeCoIn5

Neutron scattering is used to probe antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations in the d-wave heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn5 (T_(c)=2.3 K). Superconductivity develops from a state with slow (variant Planck's over 2piGamma=0.3+/-0.15 meV) commensurate [Q_(0)=(1/2,1/2,1/2)] antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations and nearly isotropic spin correlations. The characteristic wave vector in CeCoIn5 is the same as CeIn3 but differs from the incommensurate wave vector measured in antiferromagnetically ordered CeRhIn5. A sharp spin resonance (variant Planck's over 2piGamma<0.07 meV) at variant Planck's over 2piomega=0.60+/-0.03 meV develops in the superconducting state removing spectral weight from low-energy transfers. The presence of a resonance peak is indicative of strong coupling between f-electron magnetism and superconductivity and consistent with a d-wave gap order parameter satisfying Delta(q+Q0)=-Delta(q).

Magnetic interactions in the geometrically frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet CuFeO2

The spin-wave excitations of the geometrically frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet CuFeO2 have been measured using high resolution inelastic neutron scattering. Antiferromagnetic interactions up to third nearest neighbors in the ab plane (J1, J2, J3, with J{2}/J{1} approximately 0.44 and J{3}/J{1} approximately 0.57), as well as out-of-plane coupling (J{z}, with J{z}/J{1} approximately 0.29) are required to describe the spin-wave dispersion relations, indicating a three-dimensional character of the magnetic interactions. Two energy dips in the spin-wave dispersion occur at the incommensurate wave vectors associated with multiferroic phase and can be interpreted as dynamic precursors to the magnetoelectric behavior in this system.

Anatomy of the alar lobule in the Asian nose

OBJECTIVE

To provide details of the unique anatomical features on the alar lobule region in the Asian nose.

METHODS

We hypothesized that the shape of the alar lobule is dependent on its anatomy. The alar lobules were classified into flared type and straight type depending on their gross prominence and roundness. A total of 20 fresh cadaver noses (10 of each type) were dissected. Anatomical differences between the flared and straight types were investigated by gross and histologic studies.

RESULTS

The alar lobule consisted of three layers; external skin, muscle, and vestibular skin. The dilator naris anterior and dilator naris posterior muscles were well developed in the flared type alar lobules, whereas they were poorly developed in the straight type. The insertion of the dilator naris posterior muscle in the flared type was found to extend more anteriorly to the middle of alar lobule as well as to the alar base, whereas in the straight type the insertion was limited to the alar base only. External skin at the lateral end of the flared type was thicker than of the straight type. No significant differences were seen in other structures of the alar lobule region.

CONCLUSIONS

The gross appearance of the alar lobule is mainly affected by the volume of the dilator naris anterior muscle, the insertion of the dilator naris posterior muscle, and the thickness of the external skin at the lateral end of the alar circumference.

Rapid spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a new hospital in the broad-spectrum antibiotic era

OBJECTIVES

It has been known that it takes a long time for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to introduce and become endemic within a hospital. During the last decade, widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics might have affected the time required for MRSA to spread and become endemic in hospitals. However, there has been no report on this issue. We investigated how fast MRSA has spread and become endemic in a hospital opened in the broad-spectrum antibiotic era.

METHODS

The study was performed at a Korean hospital, which opened in 1999. We examined the change of antimicrobial susceptibility and antimicrobial use density (AUD) for 6 years since hospital opening.

RESULTS

S. aureus susceptibility to oxacillin decreased from 64% in the first month to 33% in the second month (P=.05), and then has maintained around 30%. AUD was remarkably high from the first year, in which total AUD and those of aminopenicillins, second-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides were 4674.6, 1444.6, 1700.9, 421.3, and 520.0 DDD/1000 patient-days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MRSA has spread within a few months in a hospital opened in the broad-spectrum antibiotic era. Excessively high use of broad-spectrum antibiotics seems to be responsible for rapid spread of MRSA in the hospital.

Carbon dioxide laser treatment of Bartholin's gland cyst

The purpose of this study is to present the results of laser surgery for Bartholin's cyst which shows to be a method that is safe, efficient, of low morbidity, and can be performed in an outpatient clinic under local anesthesia. Of the 22 cases operated on, only two had relapses which were resolved using a second procedure. The average surgery time was short, without bleeding during the operation. Complete epithelization was achieved within a maximum 4-week span with minimal or no postoperative discomfort.

Observation of muon neutrino disappearance with the MINOS detectors in the NuMI neutrino beam

This Letter reports results from the MINOS experiment based on its initial exposure to neutrinos from the Fermilab NuMI beam. The rates and energy spectra of charged current nu(mu) interactions are compared in two detectors located along the beam axis at distances of 1 and 735 km. With 1.27 x 10(20) 120 GeV protons incident on the NuMI target, 215 events with energies below 30 GeV are observed at the Far Detector, compared to an expectation of 336+/-14 events. The data are consistent with nu(mu) disappearance via oscillations with |Delta(m)2/32|=2.74 +0.44/-0.26 x10(-3)eV(2) and sin(2)(2theta(23))>0.87 (68% C.L.).

Resonance in the electron-doped high-transition-temperature superconductor Pr0.88LaCe0.12CuO4-δ

In conventional superconductors, the interaction that pairs the electrons to form the superconducting state is mediated by lattice vibrations (phonons). In high-transition-temperature (high-T(c)) copper oxides, it is generally believed that magnetic excitations might play a fundamental role in the superconducting mechanism because superconductivity occurs when mobile 'electrons' or 'holes' are doped into the antiferromagnetic parent compounds. Indeed, a sharp magnetic excitation termed 'resonance' has been observed by neutron scattering in a number of hole-doped materials. The resonance is intimately related to superconductivity, and its interaction with charged quasi-particles observed by photoemission, optical conductivity, and tunnelling suggests that it might play a part similar to that of phonons in conventional superconductors. The relevance of the resonance to high-T(c) superconductivity, however, has been in doubt because so far it has been found only in hole-doped materials. Here we report the discovery of the resonance in electron-doped superconducting Pr0.88LaCe0.12CuO4-delta (T(c) = 24 K). We find that the resonance energy (E(r)) is proportional to T(c) via E(r) approximately 5.8k(B)T(c) for all high-T(c) superconductors irrespective of electron- or hole-doping. Our results demonstrate that the resonance is a fundamental property of the superconducting copper oxides and therefore must be essential in the mechanism of superconductivity.

Early engraftment kinetics of two units cord blood transplantation

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) is a promising alternative means of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, limited cell doses may compromise outcome. To enhance engraftment, CBT has been conducted using two units with promising results. However, little is known about the mechanism of engraftment. Here, we analyzed the early engraftment kinetics of eight patients given two unit umbilical CBT. Early engraftment kinetics revealed dominancy of one of two units from the day of engraftment (absolute neutrophil count > 0.5 x 10(9)/l). The median value of percentage of the predominant unit by chimerism analysis at the time of engraftment was 88% (60-100%). Two units CBT was found to be a safe, effective and promising alternative treatment option with good engraftment potential. Dominancy occurred early after CBT and is probably influenced by multiple factors.

Field-dependent ordered phases and Kondo phenomena in the filled skutterudite compound PrOs4As12

Electrical resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements to temperatures as low as 80 mK and magnetic fields up to 16 T were made on the filled skutterudite compound PrOs4As12. The measurements reveal the presence of two ordered phases at temperatures below approximately 2.3 K and in fields below approximately 3 T. Neutron-scattering experiments in zero field establish an antiferromagnetic ground state < 2.28 K. In the antiferromagnetically ordered state, the electronic-specific heat coefficient gamma approximately 1 J/mol x K2 below 1.6 K and 0 < or = H < or = 1.25 T. The temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the electrical resistivity and specific heat in the paramagnetic state are consistent with single-ion Kondo behavior with a low Kondo temperature on the order of 1 K. The electronic-specific heat in the paramagnetic state can be described by the resonance-level model with a large zero-temperature electronic-specific heat coefficient that decreases with increasing magnetic field from approximately 1 J/mol x K2 at 3 T to approximately 0.2 J/mol x K2 at 16 T.

Studies on the development of functional powder from citrus peel

The suitability of citrus peels, generated as a by-product of the juice industry, as a source of antioxidants was investigated. Citrus peel powder was prepared by lyophilizing 70% ethanol extract from citrus peels. Extraction was carried out at room temperature (20 degrees C) for 72 h. The extract was subjected to gamma-irradiation treatment (20 kGy). The aqueous solutions of citrus peel powder were examined for color characteristics and antioxidant potential in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, beta-carotene bleaching and nitrite scavenging activities. There were significant changes in Hunter color values due to irradiation. The a*- and b*-values decreased due to radiation treatment. DPPH radical scavenging, beta-carotene bleaching and nitrite scavenging activities were not affected by irradiation treatment. Nitrite scavenging activity was the highest in the extract at pH 1.2 followed by pH 4.2 and 6.0. These functional properties of the aqueous solution were found to be stable in heat treatment. It could significantly improve oxidative stability of lipids in fish meat system. Based on these results there may be opportunities to use citrus peel powder as a functional component in the food processing industry with gamma irradiation treatment improving its color characteristics without adversely influencing the functional properties.

Phase II study of capecitabine and cisplatin as first-line combination therapy in patients with gastric cancer recurrent after fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine and cisplatin in patients with recurrent gastric cancer after fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant therapy. Patients with histologically confirmed and measurable advanced gastric cancer that had relapsed after fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy received oral capecitabine (1250 mg m⁻² twice daily, days 1–14) and intravenous cisplatin (60 mg m⁻² over 1 h, day 1) every 3 weeks. In total, 32 patients were enrolled, of whom 30 were evaluable for efficacy and 32 for safety. A median of 5 cycles (range 1–10) was administered. One patient achieved a complete response and eight had partial responses, giving an overall response rate of 28% (95% CI, 13–44%). The median time to progression and median overall survival were 5.8 months (95% CI, 4.1–7.5 months) and 11.2 months (95% CI, 5.5–16.9 months), respectively. Grade 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 38 and 6% of patients, respectively. Grade 2/3 nonhaematological toxicities included diarrhoea (19%), stomatitis (19%) and hand-foot syndrome (31%). No grade 4 toxicity, neutropenic fever or treatment-related deaths occurred. Capecitabine in combination with cisplatin was effective and well tolerated as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent gastric cancer after fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Direct measurements of Ab and Ac using vertex and kaon charge tags at the SLAC detector

Exploiting the manipulation of the SLAC Linear Collider electron-beam polarization, we present precise direct measurements of the parity-violation parameters A(c) and A(b) in the Z-boson-c-quark and Z-boson-b-quark coupling. Quark-antiquark discrimination is accomplished via a unique algorithm that takes advantage of the precise SLAC Large Detector charge coupled device vertex detector, employing the net charge of displaced vertices as well as the charge of kaons that emanate from those vertices. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400 000 Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(c)=0.673+/-0.029(stat)+/-0.023(syst) and A(b)=0.919+/-0.018(stat)+/-0.017(syst).

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide plus thymoglobulin conditioning regimen for unrelated bone marrow transplantation in severe aplastic anemia

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) as a part of the conditioning regimen. Among the many kinds of ATG preparations, thymoglobulin had been found to be more effective in preventing GVHD and rejection of organ transplants. As the fludarabine-based conditioning regimens without total body irradiation have been reported to be promising for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from alternative donors in SAA, thymoglobulin was added to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide conditioning to reduce GVHD and to allow good engraftment in unrelated BMT. Five patients underwent BMT with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg once daily i.v. on days -9, -8, -7 and -6), fludarabine (30 mg/m2 once daily i.v. on days -5, -4, -3 and -2) and thymoglobulin (2.5 mg/kg once daily i.v. on days -3, -2 and -1) from HLA-matched unrelated donors. Complete donor type hematologic recovery was achieved in all patients. No serious complication occurred during BMT. Only one patient developed grade I acute GVHD resolved spontaneously. Except for one who had rupture of hepatic adenoma 78 days after BMT, all the other four patients are still alive with median 566 days. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide plus thymoglobulin conditioning allows for the promising results of good engraftment, tolerable toxicity and minimal GVHD.

Spin-flop transition and the anisotropic magnetoresistance of Pr(1.3-x)La(0.7)CexCuO4: unexpectedly strong spin-charge coupling in the electron-doped cuprates

We use transport and neutron-scattering measurements to show that a magnetic-field-induced transition from noncollinear to collinear spin arrangement in adjacent CuO2 planes of lightly electron-doped Pr(1.3-x)La(0.7)CexCuO4 (x=0.01) crystals affects significantly both the in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity. In the high-field collinear state, the magnetoresistance (MR) does not saturate but exhibits an intriguing fourfold-symmetric angular dependence, oscillating from being positive at B//[100] to being negative at B//[110]. The observed MR of more than 30% at low temperatures induced by a modest modification of the spin structure indicates an unexpectedly strong spin-charge coupling in electron-doped cuprates.

Increased serum C3 levels in Crry transgenic mice partially abrogates its complement inhibitory effects

Complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry) is a potent murine complement regulator that inhibits C3 convertases. Transgenic mice that overexpress soluble Crry (sCrry), directed systemically by the metallothionein-I promoter, have been used as an animal model for chronic blockade of complement activation. Recently we have found that alternative pathway (AP) activity in Crry transgenic mice was not inhibited as much as expected. To elucidate the mechanism of this effect, we evaluated the AP activities and levels of sCrry and AP complement components in transgenic and non-transgenic mice. In transgenic mice, expression of sCrry was induced by feeding zinc sulphate solution to 70.1 +/- 42.7 micro g/ml mean serum level. Its corresponding level of purified sCrry inhibited 49% of AP activity of normal mice serum; however, the actual AP activities in transgenic mice were not decreased when compared to non-transgenic mice (130.2 +/- 9.0%versus 113.0 +/- 35.4%). Expressed sCrry was functional, as immunoprecipitation and removal of sCrry from transgenic sera with rabbit anti-Crry polyclonal antibody resulted in enhanced AP activity, consistent with initial levels of sCrry. We then compared the changes to C3, factor B, factor H and factor D serum levels in transgenic and non-transgenic mice after induction of sCrry expression. Of these only C3 was increased after zinc feeding in transgenic mice compared to non-transgenic mice (142.8 +/- 14.1%versus 121.4 +/- 15.1%, P = 0.023). These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of chronic exposure to sCrry is compensated by concomitant alteration in C3 levels. This result also suggests the presence of a complement regulatory protein controls the level of serum C3, which has potential importance in the design and interpretation of studies involving chronic use of complement inhibitors.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as epistaxis

Metastatic tumors in the nasal and paranasal sinuses are very rare. The origin of metastatic tumors in the nasal or paranasal sinuses is often renal cancer. Renal cell carcinomas are known for their tendency to early metastasis, and symptoms due to the metastatic lesion may be the only initial manifestation. In this paper we deal with the case of a 73-year-old patient who presented with recurrent epistaxis. The presence of a primary renal cell carcinoma was recognized only after surgical removal of the metastatic tumor. The presentation, difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of this tumor are discussed, with a review of the literature.

Type 2 diabetes in Singapore: the role of exercise training for its prevention and management

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been increasing in Singapore and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise training is an important therapeutic modality for managing glycaemic control and improving cardiovascular health among persons with type 2 diabetes. It may also help to prevent or delay the onset of this harmful condition. This review examines the evidence and possible mechanisms by which exercise training produces these benefits, and gives a brief review of appropriate exercise activities.

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with BCVAC conditioning in childhood acute myeloid leukemia

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) after intensifying conditioning is one of the post-remission therapeutic options in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients without a matched family donor, but the optimal conditioning regimen has not been defined. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel conditioning regimen without busulfan or total body irradiation. In total, 28 children with AML underwent APBSCT with BCVAC (BCNU, etoposide, cytosine arabinoside and cyclophosphamide) conditioning regimen during first remission. The event-free survival rate was 71.43% for all patients and the only cause of treatment failure was relapse. Eight male patients recurred at 1-11 months (median 5 months) after APBSCT. One patient remains alive with salvage therapy after relapse. With the exception of fever, mucositis and diarrhea, no serious complications occurred during APBSCT, including veno-occlusive disease (VOD), and there was no transplantation-related mortality. One patient developed secondary MDS after APBSCT but recovered hematologically on medication. APBSCT with BCVAC conditioning was found to be a safe and effective alternative option for patients with childhood AML in first remission, without a matched family donor.

Overexpression of p16INK4A and p14ARF in haematological malignancies

Two proteins, p16INK4A and p14ARF, originating from the same gene locus CDKN2A, use different promoters and alternative reading frames. p16INK4A is translated from alpha transcript and p14ARF is from beta transcript. These two proteins, which are inactivated in some human malignancies, are possible tumour suppressor candidates. In this study, we investigated the expression of p16INK4A and p14ARF mRNAs in haematological malignancies. We studied eight normal bone marrow samples, three reactive granulocytic hyperplasia patients, and 21 haematological malignancy patients, including seven acute myelogenous leukaemia, four acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, five myelodysplastic syndrome, five chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). p16INK4A and p14ARF mRNA expression was assayed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Normal bone marrows and reactive granulocytic hyperplasia showed barely detectable expression of either mRNA. In contrast, p16INK4A and p14ARF mRNA expression was abnormally increased in patients with haematological malignancies. Especially in CML, overexpression of p16INK4A and p14ARF mRNAs was more frequent than in controls (80 and 60%, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, p16INK4A and p14ARF mRNA expression was frequently increased in haematological malignancies, especially in CML. We suggest that overexpression of these mRNAs may be related to the pathogenesis of haematological malignancies.

Phase II study of capecitabine plus cisplatin as first-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary cancer

BACKGROUND

A phase II study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of substituting capecitabine for 5-fluorouracil in combination with cisplatin in patients with advanced biliary cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with previously untreated metastatic or unresectable measurable biliary adenocarcinoma received oral capecitabine 1250 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1-14, and intravenous cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1. This cycle was repeated every 21 days.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 38 were assessable for efficacy and 41 were assessable for safety. A median of three cycles of treatment (range one to eight) were administered. One patient achieved a complete response, and eight had partial responses, giving an overall response rate of 21.4% in the intention-to-treat population (95% confidence interval 9.1% to 33.9%). The median response duration was 5.1 months. The median time to progression and median overall survival were 3.7 and 9.1 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (20% of patients), vomiting (12%), diarrhea (7%) and stomatitis (5%). There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of capecitabine and cisplatin has promising antitumor activity and is well tolerated in patients with advanced biliary cancer.

Antiferromagnetic order as the competing ground state in electron-doped Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4

Superconductivity in the high-transition-temperature (high-T(c)) copper oxides competes with other possible ground states. The physical explanation for superconductivity can be constrained by determining the nature of the closest competing ground state, and establishing if that state is universal among the high-T(c) materials. Antiferromagnetism has been theoretically predicted to be the competing ground state. A competing ground state is revealed when superconductivity is destroyed by the application of a magnetic field, and antiferromagnetism has been observed in hole-doped materials under the influence of modest fields. None of the previous experiments have revealed the quantum phase transition from the superconducting state to the antiferromagnetic state, because they failed to reach the upper critical field B(c2). Here we report the results of transport and neutron-scattering experiments on electron-doped Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 (refs 13, 14), where B(c2) can be reached. The applied field reveals a static, commensurate, anomalously conducting long-range ordered antiferromagnetic state, in which the induced moment scales approximately linearly with the field strength until it saturates at B(c2). This and previous experiments on the hole-doped materials therefore establishes antiferromagnetic order as a competing ground state in the high-T(c) copper oxide materials, irrespective of electron or hole doping.

Change of complement system predicts the outcome of patients with severe thermal injury

To establish the clinical relevance of the changes in the complement system in patients with thermal injury, we studied 20 patients who had third-degree burns on more than 60% of total body surface area. Their levels of the C3, C4, soluble C5b-9, and functional hemolytic activities of total (CH50) and alternative (AH50) complement pathways were sequentially measured for 2 weeks after thermal injury. All patients showed low C3 levels initially but increased C3 levels in the following days. The increasing trend of C3 levels was prominent in survivors but transient and diminished in nonsurvivors. The change of levels of C3, CH50, and AH50 was closely associated with one another, and their chronological trends related to the survival of patients (P =.0060,.0064 and.0066, respectively). The recovery of C3, AH50, and CH50 to normal or supranormal level during the early treatment period relates to the survival of patients with thermal injury. The failure of recovery of the complement system indicates a poor prognosis for patients and the monitoring of complement system might be beneficial in the care of patients with thermal injury.

Improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter Ab using a mass tag and momentum-weighted track charge

We present an improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter A(b) in the Z boson-b-quark coupling using a self-calibrating track-charge technique applied to a sample enriched in Z-->bb events via the topological reconstruction of the B hadron mass. Manipulation of the Stanford Linear Collider electron-beam polarization permits the measurement of A(b) to be made independently of other Z-pole coupling parameters. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400,000 hadronic Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(b)=0.906+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.023(syst).

Use of alternative and complementary medicine in menopause

OBJECTIVES

To review the clinical evidence available for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with alternative and complementary medicine.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE and COCHRANE electronic databases for the years 1980-2002 were searched for articles concerning soy products, black cohosh, dong quai, acupuncture, ginseng and evening primrose oil. Studies pertaining to menopausal vasomotor symptoms, lipid profiles and bone mineral densities of postmenopausal women were included. The data from clinical trials were reviewed.

RESULTS

Soy isoflavones slightly decrease total cholesterol and LDL levels. The clinical significance of this small change is yet to be determined. The synthetic isoflavone derivative ipriflavone increases bone mineral density in healthy peri- and postmenopausal women with moderate bone mineral densities. Although earlier reports have claimed that soy is beneficial for the improvement of vasomotor symptoms, recent data do not support this claim. There are insufficient data on the other alternative therapies for treating menopausal symptoms at this time.

CONCLUSION

Alternative and complementary medicine may play a role in the management of menopause, however, well-designed large studies are still needed.

Improved direct measurement of A(b) and A(c) at the Z(0) pole using a lepton tag

The parity violation parameters A(b) and A(c) of the Zb(b) and Zc(c) couplings have been measured directly, using the polar angle dependence of the polarized cross sections at the Z(0) pole. Bottom and charmed hadrons were tagged via their semileptonic decays. Both the electron and muon analyses take advantage of new multivariate techniques to increase the analyzing power. Based on the 1993-1998 SLD sample of 550,000 Z(0) decays produced with highly polarized electron beams, we measure A(b) = 0.919+/-0.030(stat)+/-0.024(syst), and A(c) = 0.583+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.055(syst).

Anti-nucleosome antibody: significance in lupus patients lacking anti-double-stranded DNA antibody

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical significance of anti-nucleosome antibodies in SLE patients lacking anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies.

METHODS

IgG anti-nucleosome antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in the sera of SLE patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured by Farr assays and ELISA, not only in the samples taken for anti-nucleosome testing, but also in sera obtained regularly during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight (76.0%) out of 129 patients with SLE had anti-nucleosome antibodies. Twenty-five patients (19.4%) consistently showed little or no anti-dsDNA reactivity during the course of their disease, and among these anti-nucleosome antibodies were present in the sera of 15 (60.0%). Of the patients with anti-dsDNA-negative SLE, renal disorders were present in 8 patients (32.0%), all of whom had anti-nucleosome antibodies. Renal disorders were not found in patients (n = 10) who had neither anti-dsDNA nor anti-nucleosome antibodies. Other autoantibodies such as anti-Ro, anti-Sm and anti-cardiolipin were not associated with renal disorders in this group. The levels of anti-nucleosome antibody strongly correlated with the SLEDAI scores, but inversely correlated with serum complement levels in anti-dsDNA negative SLE patients.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the anti-nucleosome antibody may be a useful marker for diagnosis and activity assessment of anti-dsDNA negative SLE. Anti-nucleosome antibody may be an important factor for renal involvement in this subgroup of patients.

Constraining of small-ring cyclic ether triads by stereodefined spiroannulation to an inositol orthoformate platform. Solution- and gas-phase alkali metal binding affinities for three- to five-membered ring structural combinations

The structural features most conducive to complexation of the alkali metal ions Li(+), Na(+), and K(+) in a series of constrained inositol orthoformate derivatives have been probed in solution, in the solid state, and in the gas phase by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The eight spirotricyclic polyethers differ in the size of the rings containing the potentially ligating oxygen atoms. Although the ring sizes have been limited to three to five atoms inclusively, the combinations of oxirane, oxetane, and tetrahydrofuran are rather extensive and consist of many options. The overall trend for lithium ion affinity is [5.5.5] > [ 5.5.4] > [4.4.4] > [5.5.3] > [5.4.3] > [4.4.3] > [1.1.1] > [3.3.1], an ordering that correlates with the differing polarizabilities of the oxygen atoms, ease of alignment of the nonbonded electron pairs, and the overall size of the ligand as gauged by nonbonded O......O distances.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis increases apoptotic cardiomyocyte death and myocardial angiotensin-converting enzyme gene expression in ischemia/reperfusion-injured myocardium of rats

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important pathogenic mechanism in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are closely related, and both systems regulate apoptotic cell death. However, the effects of NO modulation on myocardial apoptotic cell death and changes in the RAS in the I/R-injured myocardium have not been studied. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: NO synthesis inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME, 10mg/kg); NO precursor, L-arginine (540mg/kg); and vehicle. The rats were then subjected to 45 min coronary occlusion followed by 4 h reperfusion. The TdT-mediated in situ nick and labeling (TUNEL) indices were 39.9%+/-0.8% at the border and 30.9%+/-1.2% at the center of the I/R area in the vehicle group. L-NAME administration significantly increased these TUNEL-positive cells to 45.3%+/-1.9% and 37.9%+/-1.3%, respectively (P < 0.05 each). L-arginine administration reduced the TUNEL index at the border zone with marginal significance (P = 0.08 vs vehicle group). I/R injury significantly reduced the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA expression in the left (ventricular) free wall of vehicle group rats. However, ACE mRNA expression was 1.9 times greater in the L-NAME group than that in the vehicle group (P < 0.05). This study showed that the inhibition of NO synthesis increased apoptotic cardiomyocyte death and local ACE mRNA expression in the I/R-injured myocardium. Our observations indicate that NO, ACE, and apoptotic cardiomyocyte death are related to each other during I/R injury.

Treatment of severe equinus deformity associated with extensive scarring of the leg

Nine severe equinus deformities of the foot associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle were corrected using a hinged Ilizarov apparatus and free-tissue transfer. The average duration of followup was 38 months (range, 28-54 months). Free tissue transfer was done in all patients; a parascapular flap was used in seven patients, and a groin flap was used in two patients. The results were evaluated using two objective criteria and one subjective assessment: the degree of active dorsiflexion, the range of active movement of the ankle, and daily activities. For active dorsiflexion of the ankle and activities, the results were good in seven patients and fair in two patients. For range of active motion of the ankle, the results were good in six patients and fair in two patients. One patient with ankle arthrodesis was excluded. This study showed that severe equinus deformities associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle can be corrected effectively with heel cord lengthening, free-tissue transfer, and a hinged Ilizarov technique.

Hepatitis B virus X protein induced expression of the Nur77 gene

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) plays an essential role in development of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, we reported that HBx induces Fas Ligand (FasL) expression, which may help HCC cells to evade host-immune surveillance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HBx in expression of Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor implicated in the upregulation of FasL. When Chang X-34 expressing HBx under the control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter was examined, induction of Nur77 was observed following HBx expression. Blocking of Nur77 function by introduction of an antisense or a dominant negative mutant Nur77 significantly inhibited the induction of FasL, indicating that Nur77 plays critical roles in FasL expression. Further, a high-level expression of transcripts and DNA binding of Nur77 were observed in the HBV-integrated cell lines established from HCC patients that express HBx. These results suggested that Nur77 may contribute to leading the HBx-induced Fas/FasL signaling pathway which eliminates invading Fas-expressing lymphocytes.

Rac1 regulates heat shock responses by reorganization of vimentin filaments: identification using MALDI-TOF MS

Rac1 has been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, including actin remodeling and various signaling cascades. Here we have examined whether Rac1 might be involved in heat shock-induced cell signaling. We found that Rat2 stable cells expressing a dominant negative Rac1 mutant, RacN17 (Rat2-RacN17), were significantly more tolerant to heat shock than control Rat2 cells, and simultaneously inhibited the activation of SAPK/JNK by heat shock compared to control Rat2 cells. However, no discernible effect was observed in typical heat shock responses including total protein synthesis and heat shock protein synthesis. To identify the proteins involved in this difference, we separated the proteins of both Rat2 and Rat2-RacN17 cell lines after heat shock using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified the differentially expressed proteins by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) after in-gel trypsin digestion. Differentially expressed proteins between two cell lines were identified as vimentin. Rat2-RacN17 cells showed significant changes in vimentin as well as marked changes in vimentin reorganization by heat shock. The vimentin changes were identified as N-terminal head domain cleavage. These results suggest that Rac1 plays a pivotal role in the heat shock-induced signaling cascade by modifying intermediate vimentin filaments.

Two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac

BACKGROUND

Malignancy of the lacrimal sac is rare, and primary malignant melanoma in this region is extremely rare.

METHODS

We report two cases of malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac presented with epiphora and a palpable mass in the medial canthal area. We performed radical surgery and radiation therapy.

RESULTS

The light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies confirmed the diagnosis. One of the patients, a 65-year-old-woman, has no evidence of recurrence or distant metastasis 3 years after surgery and radiotherapy, whereas another patient, a 56-year-old man, died of distant metastasis 6 months after surgery and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We present two cases of malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac that masqueraded as chronic dacryocystitis. Head and neck surgeons should be aware of this disease entity when encountered with patients with epiphora and mass in the medial canthal area.

Inhibition of invasion and induction of apoptosis by curcumin in H-ras-transformed MCF10A human breast epithelial cells

Curcumin, a dietary pigment in turmeric, posseses anti-carcinogenic and anti-metastatic properties. The present study was conducted to study in vitro chemopreventive effects of curcumin in transformed breast cells. Here, we show that curcumin inhibits H-ras-induced invasive phenotype in MCF10A human breast epithelial cells (H-ras MCF10A) and downregulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 dose-dependently. Curcumin exerted cytotoxic effect on H-ras MCF10A cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Curcumin-induced cell death was mainly due to apoptosis in which a prominent downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax were involved. We also suggest a possible involvement of caspase-3 in curcumin-induced apoptosis. Curcumin treatment resulted in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H-ras MCF10A cells. Apoptotic event by curcumin was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of an antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), suggesting redox signaling as a mechanism responsible for curcumin-induced apoptosis in H-ras MCF10A cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that curcumin inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis, proving the chemopreventive potential of curcumin.

Reconstruction of basement membrane in skin equivalent; role of laminin-1

To reconstruct the basement membrane in a skin equivalent, the epidermodermal interface was coated with porcine type IV collagen and mouse laminin-1 at various ratios before keratinocyte seeding. Laminin-1, a component of the basement membrane, induced massive infiltration of keratinocytes into the dermal equivalent, while type IV collagen induced discrete demarcation between dermal and epidermal compartments without any infiltrating cells. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the laminin-induced infiltrating cells expressed endogenous type IV collagens at the cell periphery, which were not incorporated into the basement membrane structure. The infiltrating cells did not express fibronectin receptor alpha5beta1 integrin but showed MMP-9 secretion and cell surface associated MMP-2. However, when laminin-1 was preincubated with type IV collagen, laminin-1-induced keratinocyte infiltration as well as MMP-9 induction were almost completely suppressed to basal levels. Therefore, replenishment of the type IV collagen lattice seemed to cause laminin-stimulated cells to anchor to the lattice, in a similar manner to the basal cells on the basement membrane of normal skin. Our study suggests that the molar ratio of basement membrane components may determine the behavior of basal cells within the wound healing microenvironment, which is probably regulated either by extracellular matrix deposition or degradation.

Finger reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe

From 1983 to 1998, 16 cases of finger reconstruction with a free neurovascular wrap-around flap from the big toe were treated. Fourteen cases were successful, and two cases failed. The authors reviewed these cases on the average of about 38 months after surgery. Pinch power was 51 percent of the unaffected normal hand, and two-point discrimination was 7.6 mm. The mean resorption of the grafted bone was 13 percent in width and 9 percent in length. There were no complications such as fracture of the grafted bone, nonunion, and pulp dislodgement. This procedure provided length, stability, and adequate sensibility for a functional pinch and grasp. Sensory return to the wrap-around flap on the thumb was often greater than for the same area on the opposite foot. The donor site of the wrap-around flap was acceptable, both aesthetically and functionally, and allowed the wearing of open-toed shoes by young women. Finger reconstruction with a wrap-around flap from the big toe yielded excellent cosmetic and functional results in cases involving amputation at the level of the metacarpophalangealjoints or distal to it. In addition, this procedure was an excellent choice for treatment in cases involving avulsion injuries of the fingers and reconstruction of soft-tissue defects after tumor excision.

1,2-bis(2-Aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid induces caspase-mediated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species-mediated necrosis in cultured cortical neurons

Sustained alteration in [Ca(2+)]i triggers neuronal death. We examined morphological and signaling events of Ca(2+)-deficiency-induced neuronal death. Cortical cell cultures exposed to 20 microM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM), an intracellular calcium chelator, underwent neuronal apoptosis within 12 h that was evident by shriveled cell bodies, aggregated and condensed nuclear chromatin, and disrupted nuclear membrane. Thereafter, surviving neurons revealed typical necrosis, accompanied by swelling of cell body and mitochondria, over 24 h. Both apoptosis and necrosis were prevented by inclusion of 1 microg/mL cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor. Treatment with BAPTA-AM induced translocation of Bax into mitochondria within 4 h and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria over 4-12 h. An active fragment of caspase-3, a downstream mediator of cytochrome c, was observed within 8 h and cleaved PHF-1-positive tau. Administration of zVAD-fmk, a broad inhibitor of caspases, or DEVD-amc, a selective inhibitor of caspase-3, selectively prevented the apoptosis component of BAPTA-AM neurotoxicity. In contrast, BAPTA-AM-induced necrosis was propagated through sequential production of superoxide, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species. Combined treatment with caspase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked BAPTA-AM neurotoxicity. The present study suggests that neurons deficient in [Ca(2+)]i undergo caspase-3-mediated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated necrosis.

Clinical analysis of voice change as a parameter of premenstrual syndrome

We have evaluated the relationship between voice change and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by comparing acoustic measurements made during the follicular phase and the premenstrual phase. Twenty-eight women were followed for 2 months for this study. Each participant was asked to produce an /a/ sound for 5 seconds at the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle and then 2-3 days before menstruation. Each voice sample was stored and analyzed by the Dr. Speech Science program. The voice data collected from all subjects during the two phases were compared. After that, the subjects were divided into a PMS-positive and PMS-negative group according to the criteria cited in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV); the voice data from each group were compared separately between the two phases. There was no significant difference in the acoustic parameters between the two phases in all subjects (N = 28). In the PMS-positive group (N = 16), jitter was significantly increased during the premenstrual phase compared to the follicular phase (p = 0.048). The patient's PMS score was not correlated with the severity of voice change. We conclude that the change of voice parameter was objectively identified in the PMS-positive group, therefore more careful voice habituation is required during the premenstrual phase in that group.

Short-term phytohaemagglutinin-activated mononuclear cells induce endothelial progenitor cells from cord blood CD34+ cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were recently demonstrated to exist in human cord blood. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a potent mitogen for mononuclear cells was used to induce EPCs from unsorted cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs). Adherent cells in clusters appeared approximately 24 h after CBMCs were cultured in plain Roswell Park Memorial Institute media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (culture media) and PHA. Adherent cells were further propagated for 1 week in plain culture media. Flow cytometry and Di-I staining analyses showed that CD45-, CD34+, Flk-1+, CD31+ or VE-cadherin+ EPCs were induced and that they were mainly from the CD34+ cell compartment. When enriched CD34+ cells alone were stimulated with culture supernatant of the PHA-activated CBMCs, they neither proliferated readily nor induced EPCs. Because EPCs first appeared within the clustering cells that expressed high levels of fibronectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), our data suggest that both cell-cell/cell-matrix interaction and the local VEGF action are important in the induction of EPCs. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that EPCs are induced from human cord blood stem cell populations that interact with neighbouring PHA-activated CBMCs. This finding may have a significant implication in inflammatory cell-mediated vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in vivo.

Zn(2+) induces stimulation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway through phosphoinositide 3-Kinase

Zn(2+), one of the most abundant trace metal ions in mammalian cells, modulates the functions of many regulatory proteins associated with a variety of cellular activities. In the central nervous system, Zn(2+) is highly localized in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. It has been proposed to play a role in normal brain function as well as in the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative disorders. We here report that Zn(2+) induced stimulation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in mouse primary cortical cells and in various cell lines. Exposure of cells to Zn(2+) resulted in the stimulation of JNK and its upstream kinases including stress-activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase. Zn(2+) also induced stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) The Zn(2+)-induced JNK stimulation was blocked by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, or by a dominant-negative mutant of PI3Kgamma. Furthermore, overexpression of Rac1N17, a dominant negative mutant of Rac1, suppressed the Zn(2+)- and PI3Kgamma-induced JNK stimulation. The stimulatory effect of Zn(2+) on both PI3K and JNK was repressed by the free-radical scavenging agent N-acetylcysteine. Taken together, our data suggest that Zn(2+) induces stimulation of the JNK signaling pathway through PI3K-Rac1 signals and that the free-radical generation may be an important step in the Zn(2+) induction of the JNK stimulation.

Capsaicin-induced apoptosis in SK-Hep-1 hepatocarcinoma cells involves Bcl-2 downregulation and caspase-3 activation

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies and there is no effective preventive measure in this highly malignant disease to date. In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive potential of capsaicin (8-methyl-N- vanillyl-6-nonenamide), the principal pungent ingredient found in hot red pepper, in SK-Hep-1 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Treatment of capsaicin inhibited growth of SK-Hep-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner while 4-methoxy capsaicin (Met-capsaicin) was less potent. This inhibitory effect of capsaicin on SK-Hep-1 cell growth was mainly due to the induction of apoptosis as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation. Furthermore, capsaicin prominently reduced the ratio of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 to pro-apoptotic Bax and consequently increased caspase-3 activity. These results demonstrate that capsaicin efficiently induced apoptosis in SK-Hep-1 cells through a caspase-3-dependent mechanism, which may contribute to its chemopreventive function.

5-Hydroxytryptamine attenuates free radical injury in primary mouse cortical cultures

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on several types of neuronal injury in mouse cortical cell cultures were tested. Co-treatment with 5-HT prevented free radical-mediated neuronal necrosis induced by FeCl2 or buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in a dose-dependent manner. Subtype antagonists did not reverse the protective effect and 5-HT showed direct free radical scavenging activity evidenced by its ability to reduce the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in a cell-free system. Excitotoxic necrosis induced by NMDA or apoptosis induced by staurosporine was not sensitive to 5-HT treatment. These features raise the possibility that the endogenous neurotransmitter 5-HT may work as an innate antioxidant defense mechanism in the CNS.

Tinnitus caused by traumatic posterior auricular artery--internal jugular vein fistula

A patient with an arteriovenous fistula that developed after a traffic accident was recently treated. The patient noticed pulsatile tinnitus in the right orbital region two months after the accident. On the first visit, the preliminary clinical impression of this case was a carotid-cavernous fistula, but angiography showed a fistula between the posterior auricular artery and the internal jugular vein. Although rare, this arteriovenous fistula should be included in the differential diagnosis of pusatile tinnitus in the orbit region. The fistula was controlled by embolization with a platinum coil. This is the first report of an arteriovenous fistula between the posterior auricular artery and internal jugular vein.