Body fluid cellular analysis using the Sysmex XN-2000 automatic hematology analyzer: focusing on malignant samples

INTRODUCTION

The majority of previous studies on body fluid (BF) mode of automatic hematology analyzer used nonmalignant BF samples. Here, we evaluated the BF mode on the recently launched Sysmex XN for counting blood cells, especially for malignant samples.

METHODS

A total of 405 BF specimens including 125 malignant samples were analyzed using both the automated method and manual microscopy.

RESULTS

In non-cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) samples, there was an agreement between two methods for WBC, RBC, polymorphonuclear, and mononuclear cell counts (R(2)  = 0.96, 0.94, 0.88, and 0.88, respectively). CSF samples showed slightly poorer correlations than other fluids. Exclusion of malignant samples significantly improved correlations in non-CSF samples, but not in CSF samples. High fluorescence-BF (HF-BF) cells were identified significantly more frequently in malignant samples compared to benign samples (17.8 and 4.15/100 WBC, respectively; P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an HF-BF cell AUC of 0.791 using a cutoff value of 6.9/100 WBC for detecting malignant samples.

CONCLUSION

The BF mode on the Sysmex XN could be an alternative method for the manual counts in the BF analysis with a few drawbacks. However, if a concentration of HF-BF cells is greater than the given threshold, microscopic examination should be subsequently performed.

Influence of Cavity Preparation, Light-curing Units, and Composite Filling on Intrapulpal Temperature Increase in an In Vitro Tooth Model

This study examined the effect of both the tooth substance and restorative filling materials on the increase in pulp chamber temperature when using light-curing units with different power densities.

The tip of a temperature sensor was positioned on the pulpal dentinal wall of the buccal side of a maxillary premolar. Metal tubes were inserted in the palatal and buccal root of the tooth, one for water inflow and the other for water outflow. Polyethylene tubes were connected from the metal tubes to a pump to control the flow rate. For the unprepared tooth group (group 1), the tooth was light-cured from the buccal side using two light-curing units (three curing modes): the VIP Junior (QTH, BISCO, Schaumburg, IL, USA) and the Bluephase LED light-curing units (two modes: LEDlow and LEDhigh; Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). The power densities of each light-curing unit for the LEDlow, QTH, and LEDhigh modes were 785 mW/cm2, 891 mW/cm2, and 1447 mW/cm2, respectively. All light-curing units were activated for 60 seconds. For the prepared tooth group (group 2), a Class V cavity, 4.0 mm in width by 4.0 mm in height by 1.8 mm in depth in size, was prepared on the buccal surface of the same tooth for the temperature measurement. The light-curing and temperature measurements were performed using the same methods used in group 1.

The cavity prepared in group 2 was filled with a resin composite (Tetric N Ceram A3 shade, Ivoclar Vivadent) (group 3) or a flowable composite (Tetric N Flow with A3 shade, Ivoclar Vivadent) (group 4). The light-curing and temperature measurements were performed for these groups using the same methods used for the other groups.

The highest intrapulpal temperature (TMAX) was measured, and a comparison was conducted between the groups using two-way analysis of variance with a post hoc Tukey test at the 95% confidence level.

The TMAX values were as follows: 38.4°C (group 1), 39.0°C (group 2), 39.8°C (group 3), and 40.3°C (group 4) for the LEDlow mode. For the QTH mode, the TMAX values were 40.1°C (group 1), 40.4°C (group 2), 40.9°C (group 3), and 41.4°C (group 4). For the LEDhigh mode, the TMAX values were 43.3°C (group 1), 44.5°C (group 2), 44.7°C (group 3), and 45.3°C (group 4). The statistical analysis revealed the following: the TMAX values were arranged by mode in the following manner: LEDlow &lt; QTH &lt; LEDhigh (p&lt;0.05) and group 1 &lt; group 2 ≤ group 3 ≤ group 4 (p&lt;0.05).

Bioinformatic investigation of the cost management strategies of five oral microbes

Some amino acids are more energetically costly to synthesize de novo, therefore many microbes have evolved to regulate the metabolic expenditure of the cell and reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Several oral bacterial species take up amino acids and peptides obtained from proteolysis of host proteins and hence do not rely only on de novo synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate if five oral bacterial species implement cost management strategies to reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Since the relative de novo amino acid synthesis costs are proportional to the masses of the amino acids, the energy costs of producing proteins were assessed by calculating the mean amino acid mass for each protein. For Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia and Streptococcus sanguinis, the outer membrane/extracellular proteins are made up of a much larger percentage of lower average mass amino acids whereas cytoplasmic proteins are made up of a larger proportion of higher average mass amino acid residues. These results are consistent with the five oral bacterial species employing energy-saving mechanisms in the production of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Interestingly, the P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis genomes exhibited significantly lower predicted mean amino acid masses compared with those of the genomes of the other three species, suggesting that this may provide them with an energy advantage with respect to protein biosynthetic cost.

Technical tips and issues of biliary stenting, focusing on malignant hilar obstruction

In patients with inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), palliative endoscopic or percutaneous drainage provides benefits in terms of symptomatic improvement and quality of life. Endoscopic biliary stent placement is considered the gold standard, with metal stents preferred over plastic stents in patients with more than three months of life expectancy. However, the endoscopic management of advanced hilar obstruction is often more challenging and complex than distal malignant biliary obstructions. Recently, the Asia-Pacific working group on hepatobiliary cancers produced consensus recommendations on the use of endoscopic vs. percutaneous drainage and unilateral vs. bilateral drainage in the management of HCCA. However, these guidelines must be weighed against context-specific information, such as the volume of liver drainage required, life expectancy of the patient, and the available expertise. In this literature review, we describe the issues commonly encountered during endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant hilar obstruction and provide technical guidance to improve success rates and patient outcomes.

Measurement of the Internal Adaptation of Resin Composites Using Micro-CT and Its Correlation With Polymerization Shrinkage

In the present study, the internal adaptation of dentin-composite interfaces with various resin composite materials under conditions of thermomechanical loading was analyzed nondestructively using micro–computed tomography (micro-CT), and these results were compared with analyses of microgaps after sectioning. Additionally, the correlation of internal adaptation with polymerization shrinkage strain and stress was evaluated.

Four nonflowable resins, Gradia Direct (GD), Filtek P90 (P9), Filtek Z350 (Z3), and Charisma (CH), and two flowable resins, SDR (SD) and Tetric N-Flow (TF) were used. First, the polymerization shrinkage strain and stress were measured. Then, Class I cavities were prepared in 48 premolars. They were divided randomly into six groups, and the cavities were filled with composites using XP bond. To evaluate the internal adaptation, tooth specimens were immersed in a 25% silver nitrate solution, and micro-CT analysis was performed before and after thermomechanical loading. The silver nitrate penetration (%SP) was measured. After buccolingual sectioning and rhodamine penetration of the specimen, the rhodamine penetration (%RP) was measured using a stereo-microscope. One-way analysis of variance was then used to compare the polymerization shrinkage strain, stress, %SP, and %RP among the groups at a 95% confidence level. A paired t-test was used to compare the %SP before and after thermomechanical loading. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between polymerization shrinkage strain/stress and %SP or %RP to a 95% confidence level.

Evaluation of the polymerization shrinkage strain demonstrated that P9 &lt; Z3 ≤ GD &lt; CH ≤ SD &lt; TF (p&lt;0.05); similarly, evaluation of the polymerization shrinkage stress showed that P9 ≤ GD ≤ Z3 ≤ CH ≤ SD &lt; TF (p&lt;0.05). The %SP showed that P9 ≤ GD ≤ Z3 &lt; CH ≤ SD &lt; TF (p&lt;0.05) before loading and that P9 ≤ GD ≤ Z3 ≤ CH ≤ SD &lt; TF (p&lt;0.05) after loading. There was a significant difference between the before-loading and after-loading measurements in all groups (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the %SP and the %RP (r=0.810, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusively, the polymerization shrinkage stress and strain were found to be closely related to the internal adaptation of the resin composite restorations. The newly proposed model for the evaluation of internal adaptation using micro-CT and silver nitrate may provide a new measurement for evaluating the internal adaptation of restorations in a nondestructive way.

Abstract P2-06-05: Association of promoter methylation status of the FHIT gene and Fhit expression with HER2/neu status in breast cancer

Purpose: Aberrant DNA methylation has been recognized to contribute to breast carcinogenesis, and promoter hypermethylation of many tumor suppressor genes has been correlated with decreased gene expression. The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is a putative tumor suppressor gene in breast and other cancers, and loss of Fhit expression has been observed in breast cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between methylation of the FHIT gene and its expression in breast cancer, and to investigate whether methylation and expression of the FHIT gene would correlate with clinicopathological characteristics in relation to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status.

Methods: Pyrosequencing of bisulfite treated DNA was performed to study the methylation status of the FHIT gene in 60 breast cancer samples from Korean women obtained at Daegu Catholic University Hospital. We examined the expression of FHIT using tissue microarrays by immunohistochemical staining. Association between the methylation status of the FHIT gene and its expression was analyzed, and the relationship between the FHIT expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients was evaluated.

Results: FHIT methylation was detected in 96.7% and positive expression rate of Fhit was 87.3% of the patients. The mean methylation level of the FHIT gene was associated with intratumoral inflammation. Methylation level of the FHIT gene had no significant differences according to molecular subtypes. Loss of Fhit expression was associated with large tumor size, basal-like subtype and positive expression of EGFR. In HER2-negative breast cancers, loss of Fhit expression was significantly associated with tumor size, estrogen receptor status and Ki-67 proliferation index. There was no significant correlation between methylation of the FHIT gene and its expression in this study.

Conslusion: Our study revealed that loss of Fhit expression in breast cancer is associated with poor prognostic features, although there is no significance association between the FHIT gene methylation and Fhit expression. We found that in HER2-negatvie breast cancers, loss of Fhit expression was associated with poor prognostic features. These results support the possibility of potential complementation between HER2 and the Fhit pathway. The clinical significance of our findings needs to be further evaluated in larger cohorts with longer follow-up.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-06-05.

Safety of transorally-inserted anvil for esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

To assess the safety of transorally-inserted anvil (TOA) for use during esophagojejunostomy (EJ) reconstruction during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).

METHODS

Between March 2009 and December 2011, 39 consecutive open total gastrectomies (OTGs) and 36 LTGs using TOA for gastric cancer were comparatively evaluated. We investigated postoperative complications, using the Clavien-Dindo classification. To evaluate the effect of a learning period in using TOA for LTG, we also investigated shifts in the patterns of complications and changes in total operation time over the course of the study.

RESULTS

The patient characteristics at baseline were not different between both groups, except for the extent of lymphadenectomy (P < 0.001) and depth of tumor invasion (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that TOA usage elevated the occurrence of infectious complications significantly (OR = 3.32, P = 0.042), but was not associated with EJ-related complications. TOA usage did not need a learning period for the length of time required to complete the operation, or the likelihood of developing an EJ-related or infectious complication.

CONCLUSIONS

TOA use for EJ during LTG is relatively simple and easy enough not to require a learning period for surgeons. This procedure did not elevated the occurrence of EJ-related complications compared to circular stapling in open surgery, but it does require special prevention efforts to avoid infectious complications.

False negative results in axillary lymph nodes by ultrasonography and ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma

PURPOSE

For preoperative evaluation of ALN status using various methods, axillary US and subsequent US-FNA targeting the LNs suspicious for metastasis are the most widely used methods. The purpose of our study was to assess the rate of false-negative results at preoperative ultrasonography (US) and ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in breast cancer patients and the number of false-negative lymph nodes, and to evaluate factors related to ALN false negative results in US and/or US-FNA in patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 317 patients who underwent surgery for invasive ductal carcinoma during 2009 in Severance hospital, 237 patients had no reported ALN metastasis on preoperative US-FNA and US. We retrospectively reviewed the subsequent surgical pathology and clinicopathologic findings and assessed the rate of false-negative results from US and US-FNA of ALN and the number of false-negative lymph node. We performed univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationships between variable clinicopathologic factors (T-stage, position of ALN, hormone receptors, histologic grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and performance of FNA) and cytologic results (false-negative result; FNALN and true negative result; TNALN) from US and/or US-FNA of ALN.

RESULTS

The rate of false-negative results was 42.4 % (59/139) in both US and US-FNA of ALN but among them, 57.6 % (34/59) showed only one metastatic ALN. Breast cancer with FNALN on US and US-FNA was significantly related to positive estrogen receptor (p = 0.003), positive progesterone receptor (p = 0.001), and the presence of LVI (p = 0.004) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, high T stages (≥ T2, odds ratio (OR) 4.007, p = 0.004) and LVI (OR 7.951, p = 0.001) showed significant correlation with FNALN on US and US-FNA.

CONCLUSION

More than half of patients with FNALN showed only one metastatic ALN. LVI and high T-stages were the most important factors attributed to FNALN on US and US-FNA in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma.

Influence of a modified propofol equilibration rate constant (k(e0)) on the effect-site concentration at loss and recovery of consciousness with the Marsh model

This study compared the predicted effect-site concentration of propofol at loss and recovery of consciousness when using target-controlled infusion devices with the same pharmacokinetic model (Marsh) but a different plasma effect-site equilibration rate constant (ke0 ), the Diprifusor(TM) (ke0 0.26 min(-1) ) and Base Primea™ (ke0 1.21 min(-1) ). We studied 60 female patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia. Although the total dose of propofol and time until loss of consciousness were comparable, the effect-site concentration at loss of consciousness was significantly lower with the Diprifusor than with the Base Primea (1.2 (0.3) μg.ml(-1) vs 4.5 (0.9) μg.ml(-1) , respectively, p < 0.001). The effect-site concentration at recovery of consciousness was significantly higher with the Diprifusor than with the Base Primea (1.8 (0.4) μg.ml(-1) vs 1.5 (0.2) μg.ml(-1) , respectively, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the effect-site concentration of propofol differs depending on the ke0 , despite the use of the same pharmacokinetic model. Therefore, the ke0 should be considered when predicting loss and recovery of consciousness based on the effect-site concentration of propofol.

Primary and revision efficacy of cross-wired metallic stents for endoscopic bilateral stent-in-stent placement in malignant hilar biliary strictures

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic bilateral drainage for inoperable malignant hilar biliary strictures (HBS) using metal stents is considered to be technically difficult. Furthermore, endoscopic revision of bilateral stenting after occlusion can be challenging. This study was performed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic bilateral stent-in-stent placement of cross-wired metallic stents in high-grade malignant HBS and planned endoscopic bilateral revision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 84 patients with inoperable high-grade malignant HBS were enrolled from three academic tertiary referral centers. Two cross-wired metal stents were inserted using a bilateral stent-in-stent placement method. Bilateral endoscopic revision was also performed during follow-up using either identical metal stents or plastic stents. The main outcome measurements were technical and functional success, complications, stent patency, and endoscopic revision efficacy.

RESULTS

The technical and clinical success rates of endoscopic bilateral stent-in-stent placement of cross-wired metallic stents were 95.2% (80/84) and 92.9% (78/84), respectively. Median patency (range) and survival were 238 days (10-429) and 256 days (10-1130), respectively. Obstruction of primary bilateral stents occurred in 30.8% (24/78) of patients with functionally successful stent placement. The technical and clinical success rates of planned bilateral endoscopic revision for occluded stents were 83.3% (20/24) and 79.2% (19/24), respectively. For revision, bilateral metallic stents were placed in 11 patients (55.0%); the remaining patients received plastic stents.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative endoscopic bilateral stent-in-stent placement of cross-wired metallic stents was effective in patients with inoperable HBS. Revision endoscopic bilateral stenting may be feasible and successful in cases where the primary deployed metal stents are occluded.

Femur-mounted navigation system for the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement stems from an abnormal shape of the acetabulum and proximal femur. It is treated by resection of damaged soft tissue and by the shaping of bone to resemble normal features. The arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has many advantages, including minimal incisions, rapid recovery, and less pain. However, in some cases, revision is needed owing to the insufficient resection of damaged bone from a misreading of the surgical site. The limited view of arthroscopy is the major reason for the complications. In this research, a navigation method for the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement is developed. The proposed navigation system consists of femur attachable measurement device and user interface. The bone mounted measurement devices measure points on head-neck junction for registration and position of surgical instrument. User interface shows the three-dimensional model of patient's femur and surgical instrument position that is tracked by measurement device. Surgeon can know the three-dimensional anatomical structure of hip joint and surgical instrument position on surgical site using navigation system. Surface registration was used to obtain relation between patient's coordinate at the surgical site and coordinate of three-dimensional model of femur. In this research, we evaluated the proposed navigation system using plastic model bone. It is expected that the surgical tool tracking position accuracy will be less than 1 mm.

Interrupting gel layer between Double cuffs prevents fluid leakage past tracheal tube cuffs

BACKGROUND

Current tracheal tubes (TTs) cannot guarantee a perfect seal against pulmonary aspiration of upper airway secretions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a gel layer between the tracheal tube with double cuffs (Double cuffs) prevents fluid leakage past TT cuffs.

METHODS

In vitro fluid leakage tests were performed using the Double cuff with or without a gel layer between the two cuffs and four commercially available TTs (Euromedical Standard TT, Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo™, Microcuff, and Mallinckrodt TaperGuard™) when placed in artificial tracheas with three-different internal diameters (ID; 16, 20, and 22 mm). Blue-dyed water (5 ml) was placed above the cuff, and the extent of fluid leakage was observed for 48 h. Each test was repeated five times with new tubes at six different intracuff pressures (15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 cm H2O).

RESULTS

In all of the conventional TTs and the Double cuff without a gel layer, fluid leakage was observed even at clinically acceptable intracuff pressures (25-30 cm H2O). However, in the Double cuff with a gel layer, no fluid leakage was observed for 48 h at all intracuff pressures in three-different sized artificial tracheas. At an intracuff pressure of 20 cm H2O in a 20 mm ID trachea, the average volume of injected gel was 2.0 ml. After removal of the TT, the mean volume of the remaining gel in the trachea was 0.10 ml.

CONCLUSIONS

A prototype TT with gel-layered Double cuffs completely blocked fluid leakage past the cuffs for 48 h in a bench-top model. Clinical studies are required to determine whether this TT reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Physiologic load-bearing characteristics of autografts, allografts, and polymer-based scaffolds in a critical sized segmental defect of long bone: an experimental study

Background

To address the challenge of treating critical sized intercalary defects, we hypothesized that under physiologic cyclic loading, autografts, allografts, and scaffolds loaded with and without human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) would have different biomechanical characteristics.

Methods

Using a rat femoral defect model, 46 rats were assigned to four groups, ie, autograft (n = 12), allograft (n = 10), scaffold (n = 13), and scaffold with hMSCs (n = 11). The scaffold groups used a 5 mm segment of scaffold composed of 80% poly-ε-caprolactone and 20% hydroxyapatite. Rats were sacrificed 4 months postoperatively, and the repairs were assessed radiographically and biomechanically.

Results

Autograft and allograft groups exhibited the most bridging callus, while the scaffold/hMSCs group had more callus than the scaffold repairs. Although signs of radiographic healing did not accurately reflect restoration of mechanical properties, addition of hMSCs on the scaffold enhanced bone formation. The scaffold alone group had significantly lower elastic and viscous stiffness and higher phase angles than other repairs and the contralateral controls. Addition of hMSCs increased the elastic and viscous stiffness of the repair, while decreasing the phase angle.

Conclusion

Further comparative analysis is needed to optimize clinical use of scaffolds and hMSCs for critical sized defect repairs. However, our results suggest that addition of hMSCs to scaffolds enhances mechanical simulation of native host bone.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) sparing effects of glucosamine hydrochloride through N-glycosylation inhibition; strategy to rescue stomach from NSAID damage

Gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications limit nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) prescription. Glucosamine hydrochloride (GS-HCl) alternatively chosen, but debates still exist in its clinical efficiency. COX-2 instability through inhibiting COX-2 N-glycosylation of GS-HCl raised the possibility of NSAID sparing effect. Study was done to determine whether combination treatment of glucosamine and NSAID contributes to gastric safety through NSAID sparing effect. IEC-6 cells were stimulated with TNF-α and compared the expressions of inflammatory mediators after indomethacin alone or combination of indomethacin and GS-HCl by Western blotting and RT-PCR. C57BL/6 mice injected with type II collagen to induce arthritis were treated with indomethacin alone or combination of reduced dose of indomethacin and GS-HCl after 3 weeks. TNF-α increased the expression of COX-2, iNOS and inflammatory cytokines, but GS-HCl significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced COX-2 expression. Decreased COX-2 after GS-HCl was caused by N-glycosylation inhibition as much as tunicamycin. Combination of reduced dose of indomethacin and GS-HCl significantly reduced the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-8, IL-1β, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-11 mRNA as well as NF-κB activation better than high dose indomethacin alone. These NSAID sparing effect of GS-HCl was further proven in collagen-induced arthritis model. Combination of GS-HCl and 2.5 mg/kg indomethacin showed significant protection from gastric damages as well as efficacious anti-arthritic effect. Taken together, COX-2 N-glycosylation inhibition by GS-HCl led to indomethacin sparing effects, based on which combination of GS-HCl and reduced dose of NSAID can provide the strategy to secure stomach from NSAID-induced gastric damage as well as excellent anti-arthritic effects.

Molecular phylogenetic relationships among members of the family Phytolaccaceae sensu lato inferred from internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA

The phylogeny of a phylogenetically poorly known family, Phytolaccaceae sensu lato (s.l.), was constructed for resolving conflicts concerning taxonomic delimitations. Cladistic analyses were made based on 44 sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA from 11 families (Aizoaceae, Basellaceae, Didiereaceae, Molluginaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Phytolaccaceae s.l., Polygonaceae, Portulacaceae, Sarcobataceae, Tamaricaceae, and Nepenthaceae) of the order Caryophyllales. The maximum parsimony tree from the analysis resolved a monophyletic group of the order Caryophyllales; however, the members, Agdestis, Anisomeria, Gallesia, Gisekia, Hilleria, Ledenbergia, Microtea, Monococcus, Petiveria, Phytolacca, Rivinia, Schindleria, Seguieria, Stegnosperma, and Trichostigma, which belong to the family Phytolaccaceae s.l., did not cluster under a single clade, demonstrating that Phytolaccaceae is polyphyletic.

Immature Rubus coreanus Shows a Free Radical-Scavenging Effect and Inhibits Cholesterol Synthesis and Secretion in Liver Cells

Rubus coreanus fruits have been employed as a traditional medicine for centuries in the Asia-Pacific region. Its pharmacological action differs according to the different extraction methods utilized and the degree of fruit ripening. In this study, we determined the cellular effect of different ethanol extracts of mature and immature Rubus coreanus fruits in human hepatic cell line, HepG2 cells. The antioxidant activity, effect on superoxide dismutase activity and cholesterol biosynthesis efficiency was also evaluated. Immature Rubus coreanus extract showed higher antioxidant capability, compared with that of its mature fractions. Cellular antioxidant proteins including HO-1, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase were highly expressed in the presence of Rubus coreanus. Cholesterol levels in HepG2 cells treated with the water fraction of immature Rubus coreanus were significantly reduced. This antihyperlipidaemic action of Rubus coreanus is a consequence of cholesterol biosynthesis and extracellular secretion in HepG2 cells. These results indicate that among different ethanol fraction of mature and immature Rubus coreanus fruit extracts, water extract of immature fruit extract shows higher antioxidant as well as higher antihyperlipidaemic action.

Evaluation of antioxidant, rheological, physical and sensorial properties of wheat flour dough and cake containing turmeric powder

The effects of addition of turmeric powder (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) were examined in order to obtain an antioxidant-enriched cake with good physico-chemical and sensorial properties. The rheological properties of doughs were evaluated using dynamic rheological measurements. Physical properties, curcumin content, radical scavenging activity (RSA-DPPH assay) and sensory analysis (hedonic test) of the supplemented cake were determined. Addition of turmeric powder up to 8% caused significant changes on dough characteristics and on cake rheological properties. The highest curcumin (203 mg/kg) and RSA-DPPH activity (45%) were achieved in the cake having the highest percentage of turmeric powder (8%); however, this sample showed the worst results regarding the rheological properties. Moreover, by sensory evaluation this cake sample was not acceptable. A 6% substitution of wheat flour with turmeric powder showed acceptable sensory scores which were comparable to those of 0-4% turmeric cakes. This indicated that up to 6% level of turmeric powder might be included in cake formulation.

Decreased prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection is associated with obesity

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Obesity is correlated with low education, low economic status, and lower rates of Pap smears, which are known as socio-demographic risk factors for cervical cancer. However, the association between obesity and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, the necessary cause of cervical cancer, and its related precursors, is not established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors examined the association between obesity and HR-HPV infection in 6,868 patients, who participated in annual health examinations at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in Seoul, Korea, from January through December 2007.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 14.8%. Women infected with HR-HPV had a lower body mass index (BMI), when compared with non-infected women. After adjustment for alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and marital status, HR-HPV infection was found to be negatively associated with BMI. When the analysis was stratified according to BMI, the risk of HR-HPV infection was significantly lower among those who were overweight (OR = 0.817, 95% CI = 0.680-0.982), or obese (OR = 0.688, 95% CI = 0.556-0.851), when compared with women with normal weight.

CONCLUSION

HR-HPV infection was associated with obesity defined by BMI, with a lower prevalence of infection observed in obese women.

Interobserver variability and diagnostic performance in US assessment of thyroid nodule according to size

PURPOSE

To evaluate the interobserver variability for US assessments of thyroid nodules and analyze the diagnostic performances of US assessments in thyroid nodules according to nodule size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an IRB-approved retrospective study with waiver of informed consent. A total of 400 surgically-confirmed thyroid nodules were included. Nodules were divided into 4 groups by size; group 1 (nodule size < 5 mm), group 2 (5 mm ≤ nodule size < 10 mm), group 3 (10 mm ≤ nodule size < 20 mm), and group 4 (nodule size ≥ 20 mm). Three experienced (7 - 10 years) radiologists retrospectively reviewed the US images. Agreement of each US descriptor and final US assessment, and diagnostic performances were calculated in each group and compared.

RESULTS

Composition represented substantial or good agreement (k = 0.719 - 0.89). Margin showed the lowest agreement (k = 0.322 - 0.365). Individual kappa values for final assessment according to nodule size were as follows: group 1 (k = 0.674), group 2 (k = 0.596), group 3 (k = 0.674), and group 4 (k = 0.673). Specificity, PPV, and accuracy were significantly different among the groups with different size (p value < 0.05) and lowest in group 1. NPV, specificity, PPV and accuracy except PPV of observer 3 increased with nodule size (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Interobserver agreements were relatively good (k = 0.637) in final US assessment regardless of nodule size in experienced radiologists. High false-positive rate was observed in US assessment in nodules less than 5 mm in maximum diameter.

Upregulation of stromal cell-derived factor by IL-17 and IL-18 via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent pathway

Th17 cells that produce interleukin (IL)-17 play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation. Among the various cytokines that are involved in the IL-17 pathway, members of the IL-1β family, including IL-18, have recently gained attention. In this study, we stimulated synovial fibroblasts with a combination of IL-17 and IL-18 and quantified their stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and their transcript levels by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Both IL-17 and IL-18 significantly increased the level of SDF-1, not only individually but also synergistically (P< 0.05). The synergism was effectively suppressed by anti-IL-17 and -IL-18 antibodies, and a PI3K inhibitor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PI3K-dependent synergism between IL-18 and IL-17, and this work adds a novel perspective of the role of IL-18 in immune regulation. The individual effects of these two cytokines, and their interactions, suggest an interrelationship between the IL-1 family and IL-17.

Comparison of the microhardness and morphology of five different retrograde filling materials in aqueous and dry conditions

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dry and aqueous conditions on the surface morphology and surface hardness of five materials 24 h after being used as fillings without initial setting time in dry condition. The five materials were ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), super EBA, intermediate restorative materials (IRM), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), and amalgam. To evaluate microhardness, the five materials were submitted to the Vickers microhardness (VHN) test. We used a scanning electron microscope (Steroscan 440, Leica Cambridge, England) to observe the microstructural morphology of the five different materials. The VHN of MTA soaked in water showed five times lower than that of MTA soaked in dry condition. On the other hand, super EBA was less influenced by the medium of storage compared with the other materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the similar results with microhardness tests. The surface of MTA soaked in water appeared to be unstable compared with that of dry condition while super EBA showed similarly smooth surface in both conditions (aqueous and dry). In conclusion, the physical property of MTA is reduced after storage in water; however, super EBA is less influenced by aqueous condition.

Infectious complications following allogeneic stem cell transplantation: reduced-intensity vs. myeloablative conditioning regimens

BACKGROUND

In allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) is known for producing less regimen-related toxicity. However, whether or not RIC reduces the risk for infection and infection-related mortality (IRM) remains controversial.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed infectious episodes and IRMs after allo-SCTs by time period and by the intensity of the conditioning regimen (RIC [n = 81] vs. myeloablative conditioning, MAC [n = 150]).

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of any kind of infection was lower in the RIC group through the entire period (72% vs. 87%; P = 0.007). The onset of infections was deferred in the RIC group as compared with the MAC group (P = 0.012). Bacteremia occurred less frequently in the RIC group through the entire period (5% vs. 14%; P = 0.044). However, the incidences of cytomegalovirus reactivation and disease, herpes zoster, virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis, and invasive fungal infection were not different between the two groups. Furthermore, there was no difference in relapse-free survival and IRM between the two conditioning regimens.

CONCLUSION

Careful monitoring and appropriate preventive/therapeutic strategies for infectious complications, comparable to those for allo-SCT recipients with MAC, should also be applied to those with RIC, especially after engraftment.

Multicenter phase II study of sunitinib in patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Retrospective and molecular biologic data suggest that sunitinib may be effective in patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligibility criteria included advanced nccRCC except for collecting duct carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma without identifiable renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Patients were treated with 50 mg/day oral sunitinib for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. The primary end point was overall response rate (RR).

RESULTS

Thirty-one eligible patients were enrolled. Twenty-four patients (77%) had prior nephrectomy. By Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center criteria, 8 patients (26%) had poor risk and 14 (45%) had intermediate risk. Twenty-two patients had papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and three had chromophobe RCC. Eleven patients had partial response with a RR of 36% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19% to 52%) and an additional 17 patients (55%) had stable disease. Median duration of response was 12.7 months (95% CI 6.3-19.1 months), and median progression-free survival was 6.4 months (95% CI 4.2-8.6 months). At a median follow-up duration of 18.7 months (95% CI 13.7-23.7 months), 13 patients (42%) had died, resulting in an estimated median survival of 25.6 months (95% CI 8.4-42.9 months). Toxicity profiles were commensurate with prior reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunitinib has promising activity in patients with nccRCC (NCT01219751).

The effects of humidity and serum on the surface microhardness and morphology of five retrograde filling materials

The purpose of this study was to compare the surface morphology and surface hardness of five materials 24 h after filling, in conditions of 100% humidity, and fetal bovine serum. The five materials were ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Super-EBA, Intermediate Restorative Materials (IRM), Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE), and Amalgam. The microhardness of these materials was evaluated by Vickers microhardness test, and their morphologies were compared by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the microhardness, the mixed five materials were measured with Vickers microhardness test. Differences between the experimental groups were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparison tests. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). For the microstructural morphological evaluation, the cross cut and root-end cavity prepared surfaces followed by retrograde filling with five different materials were observed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (Steroscan 440; Leica, Cambridge, England) at ×500. To summarize, Super EBA was less influenced by storage medium than the other materials, especially MTA. However, further long-term studies considering other factors, such as biocompatibility (i.e. cellular toxicity) and retention, are needed to be collaborated with these findings in the clinical context.

The effect of fractional carbon dioxide lasers on idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a commonly acquired leucoderma that is characterized by discrete, round or oval porcelain-white macules ∼2-5 mm in diameter that increases in number with age. A variety of therapies with variable success rates, including cryotherapy, superficial abrasion and topical retinoids are currently being used.

OBJECTIVES

The effects of fractional CO(2) laser therapy on IGH were investigated in this pilot study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients with IGH were enrolled. The hypopigmented lesions were treated using a 10 600-nm carbon dioxide fractional laser (CO(2) FL). Two months after a single treatment, physicians' clinical assessments were performed and the patients' overall satisfaction was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of enrolled patients was 57.5 ± 10.9 years and the gender ratio was 7 : 33. The face was the most commonly treated area, although the extremities are epidemiologically the most frequently affected areas. Two months after treatment, objective assessments performed by two independent dermatologists indicated more than 50% improvement in 36 patients (90%), compared with baseline. In addition, 33 patients (82.5%) were very satisfied or satisfied with just one session of CO(2) FL treatment. Although a few patients complained of long-standing erythema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, these problems spontaneously resolved within 2 months after the assessments. No other noticeable side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

CO(2) FL might be a very convenient and effective modality for treating IGH without significant side effects.

H⁺-myo-inositol transporter SLC2A13 as a potential marker for cancer stem cells in an oral squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) from tumors of different phenotypes possess a marked capacity for proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. They also play a critical role in cancer recurrence. Although CSC has been regarded as a new target for cancer therapy, the fundamental questions in the CSC study have not been resolved mainly due to the lack of proper CSC markers. To find new CSC markers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we cultured the primary tumor cells from OSCC patients the regular culture condition and the sphere-forming culture condition to enrich primary tumor cells and potential CSCs. We compared gene expression profiles between sphere-forming and non-forming cells, thus identifying that 23 membrane protein-coding genes were over-expressed in the sphere-forming cells. Among them, 8 belonged to the solute carrier (SLC) protein family. H⁺-myo-inositol transporter SLC2A13 and monocarbohydrate transporter SLC16A6 genes that were consistently increased in the sphere-forming cells in the primary cultures of OSCC samples. Confocal microscopy revealed that SLC2A13-expressing cells were embedded in the limited areas of tumor tissue as a cluster, while SLC16A6 was uniformly detected in hyperplastic epithelium. Moreover, SLC2A13 an expression was induced in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells after serum starvation. Taken together, our results suggest that SLC2A13 can be a potential markers for CSC in various tumors.

Diagnostic sensitivity of culture and drug resistance patterns in Korean patients with intestinal tuberculosis

SETTING

It is challenging to differentiate between intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn's disease in areas where TB is still prevalent. The use of diagnostic tools and verifying the drug resistance patterns of ITB can be helpful for its correct diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic sensitivity of a culture assay using colonoscopic biopsy specimens and the drug resistance patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from ITB.

DESIGN

Data from 400 patients diagnosed with ITB were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 400 patients, 170 (42.5%) were males; the median age at diagnosis was 40 years. The sensitivity of culture was 44.1% (145/329). Resistance to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug was identified in 13 (17.6%) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) was diagnosed in two (2.7%) of the 74 patients for whom drug susceptibility testing was performed. Including M. tuberculosis isolated from respiratory specimens, the proportion of MDR-TB was 4.4% (5/113); previous anti-tuberculosis treatment was an independent risk factor for MDR-TB (26.7% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Culture of colonoscopic biopsy specimens shows substantial diagnostic sensitivity; the frequency of MDR-TB is higher in previously treated cases than in new cases.

Randomised phase II trial of docetaxel and sunitinib in patients with metastatic gastric cancer who were previously treated with fluoropyrimidine and platinum

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel is widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for gastric cancer treatment. A combined regimen with sunitinib demonstrated a synergistic antitumour effect in a preclinical model. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combination in patients with unresectable or metastatic advanced gastric cancer following failure of treatment with a fluoropyrimidine and platinum combination.

METHODS

This open-label, phase II, randomised trial enrolled patients with unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer. Patients were assigned to either a docetaxel monotherapy arm (D only arm: 60 mg m(-2), every 3 weeks) or a combination arm (DS arm: docetaxel+sunitinib 37.5 mg every day). The primary end point of the study was time to progression and the secondary end points were overall response rate, disease control rate, overall survival, and toxicity profile. A pharmacokinetic study was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were entered into the study. The TTP was not significantly prolonged in the DS arm when compared with the D only arm (DS vs D only arm: 3.9 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9-4.9) vs 2.6 months (95% CI 1.8-3.5) (P=0.206). The hazard ratio for TTP was 0.77 (95% CI 0.52-1.16). However, the objective response rate was significantly higher in the DS arm (41.1% vs 14.3%, P=0.002). Patients in the DS arm experienced stomatitis, diarrhoea, and hand-foot syndrome more frequently.

CONCLUSION

The addition of sunitinib to docetaxel did not significantly prolong TTP, although it significantly increased response.

A 6-month, open-label, multicenter clinical study in Korean de novo renal transplant patients evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of myfortic concomitantly used with tacrolimus

Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (myfortic, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) is designed to improve the gastrointestinal tolerability of micophenolic acid. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of myfortic in Korean de novo renal transplantation. A total of 65 patients from four transplantation centers received the study drug at least once and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. This study was an open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial with 6-month patient follow-up. Patients received 360 mg (body weight < 50 kg) or 720 mg (body weight > 50 kg) of myfortic per day with tacrolimus and steroids. Induction therapy included basiliximab. The incidence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (primary endpoint) within 6 months after transplantation was 7/65 (10.8%). There were 2 (3.1%) graft losses due to severe acute rejection and 1 (1.5%) patient-death due to cardiac arrest. Twenty-two (38.8%) patients experienced gastrointestinal discomfort; however, only 3 (4.5%) cases were associated with an apparent drug reaction. Seventeen (25.4%) patients underwent dose adjustment or myfortic discontinuation during the study period. Patient and graft survival rates at 6 months posttransplantation were 98.1% and 97.0%. Myfortic with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression was efficient and safe after de novo renal transplantation in Korean patients.

Sorafenib in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors who failed two or more prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a phase II study of Korean gastrointestinal stromal tumors study group

PURPOSE

To evaluated the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) who failed to previous standard treatments.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Thirty-one patients with measurable metastatic GIST who failed both imatinib and sunitinib were accrued. Sorafenib was administered orally at 400 mg twice daily until disease progression or development of intolerance. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (response + stable disease, DCR) at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Sorafenib was well tolerated, with hand-foot skin reaction, fatigue, hypertension, and abdominal pain being the most frequent adverse events. The relative dose intensity of sorafenib during the first 6 months was >80%. Four patients achieved partial response (response rate 13%, 95% CI 1-25%), and 16 (52%) had stable disease. DCR at 24 weeks was measured as 36% (95% CI 19-52%). Median progression-free and overall survivals were 4.9 and 9.7 months, respectively. Progression-free survival of patients with prior use of nilotinib (P = .0085) and with primary genotypes other than KIT exon 11 mutation (P = .0341) was significantly shorter than that of patients without.

CONCLUSIONS

Sorafenib showed antitumor activity in this population of imatinib and sunitinib pretreated GIST. With sorafenib, about one third of patients can maintain disease control for more than 24 weeks.

Is asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation really innocuous?

OBJECTIVES

Asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is not associated with immediate deterioration of patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear whether it is clinically innocuous with respect to long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of asymptomatic HT on 3-month outcome.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 1,618 patients, hospitalized between January 2004 and August 2007 for ischemic stroke within 7 days from symptom onset were identified in a prospective stroke registry database. Those who had no evidence of acute cerebral ischemia on diffusion-weighted MRI, who did not undergo T2-weighted gradient echo MRI, whose modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months after stroke onset was not available, or who had symptomatic HT were excluded. The odds ratio (OR) of asymptomatic HT was calculated for the full distribution of mRS score and adjusted for variables with p < 0.25 with respect to their associations with asymptomatic HT or functional outcome.

RESULTS

Of 1,412 patients eligible for the study, 100 (7.1%) had asymptomatic HT. Patients who experienced asymptomatic HT were more likely to have cardioembolic stroke, to receive thrombolytic therapy, to receive anticoagulation with heparin, and to have a higher initial NIH Stroke Scale score. The crude and adjusted ORs of asymptomatic HT for an increment of mRS score at 3 months were 2.94 (95% confidence interval 2.05-4.24) and 1.90 (1.27-2.82), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the odds of a worse outcome are increased by a factor of 2 in patients with asymptomatic HT compared with those without HT after acute ischemic stroke.

Long term follow-up of appendiceal and distal right-sided colonic inflammation

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) as a preceding lesion in the development of ulcerative colitis. A total of 20 patients were identified (mean age 41.2 years; 11 males) who had ulcerative colitis-like inflammatory lesions at the appendiceal orifice without concomitant typical features of ulcerative colitis, such as rectal involvement. A total of 19 patients were followed up endoscopically for a mean duration of 18.4 months (range 2 - 84 months). Typical ulcerative colitis developed in five patients (25 %; four proctitis, one pancolitis) in a mean time of 18.4 months (range 2 - 36 months). Negative conversion of all inflammatory lesions occurred in seven patients (35 %) after a mean follow-up of 20 months (range 3 - 84 months). In the remaining seven patients (35 %), initial lesions did not progress to ulcerative colitis and did not go into remission during a mean follow-up of 16.9 months (range 2 - 42 months). These results suggest that, at least in some cases, AOI precedes development of ulcerative colitis.

Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of a 10-day sequential therapy vs. a 14-day standard proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori in Korea

BACKGROUND

The eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy have declined due to antibiotic resistance worldwide.

AIM

To compare the eradication rate of the 10-day sequential therapy for H. pylori infection with that of the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomised, controlled study. A total of 409 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either the 10-day sequential therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) plus amoxicillin (1000 mg) twice a day for 5 days, then pantoprazole (40 mg) with clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (500 mg) twice a day for another five consecutive days or the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) with amoxicillin (1000 mg) and clarithromycin (500 mg) twice a day for 14 days. The pre- and post-treatment H. pylori status were assessed by rapid urease test, urea breath test, or histology. Successful eradication was confirmed at least 4 weeks after finishing the treatment.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rates of the 10-day sequential therapy and of the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy were 85.9% (176/205) and 75.0% (153/205), respectively (P = 0.006). In the per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 92.6% (175/205) and 85% (153/204), respectively (P = 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference between the two investigated groups regarding the occurrence of adverse event rates (18.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.143).

CONCLUSION

The 10-day sequential therapy achieved significantly higher eradication rates than the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy in Korea.

Comparison of premolar cuspal deflection in bulk or in incremental composite restoration methods

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the cuspal deflection of maxillary premolars when either a bulk filling or incremental filling technique was employed using a range of composites with different elastic moduli.

METHODS

Four brands of composite materials, Heliomolar (HM, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Heliomolar HB (HH, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Filtec Supreme XT (FS, 3M Dental Product, St Paul, MN, USA), and Renew (RN, Bisco Inc, Schaumburg, IL, USA), as well as three filling techniques, bulk filling, two-layer incremental filling, and three-layer incremental filling methods, were used. One hundred twenty caries-free human premolars were collected and divided into four groups according to the filling material used. Each of these four groups was then subdivided into three groups according to filling method. In group 1, a bulk filling of 0.15 g of each resin was inserted and light-cured with LED light from the occlusal, mesial, and distal surfaces for 60 seconds each. Group 2 was given two horizontal increments, 0.08 g and 0.07 g, with each increment light-cured from the occlusal, mesial, and distal surfaces for 30 seconds each. In group 3, three horizontal increments of 0.05 g were used, each of which was light-cured from the occlusal, mesial, and distal surfaces for 20 seconds each. The cuspal deflection was measured using a customized cuspal deflection measuring machine for 10 minutes after initiating light polymerization. The elastic modulus of each composite resin material was measured using a three-point bending test. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Dunnet test was used to examine the effect of the two variables (curing methods, materials) on the amount of cuspal deflection at the 95% confidence level. In each material, groups 1, 2 and 3 were compared using one-way ANOVA and a Dunnet test at the 95% confidence level. The elastic moduli of HM, HH, FS, and RN were compared using one-way ANOVA and a Tukey test at the 95% confidence level. The relationship between the amount of cuspal deflection in each group and the elastic modulus of the composite was analyzed using a Pearson correlation test.

RESULTS

The amount of cuspal deflection in HH was larger than in the other materials (HM, FS, and RN; p<0.05). There was no significant difference between HM, FS, and RN. The amount of cuspal deflection was greatest in group 1, followed in order by groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). The amount of cuspal deflection was in the following order: group 1≥2≥3 in HM, and 1>2, 3 in HH, FS, and RN. The elastic modulus was HH>RN>FS>HM (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the cuspal deflection and the elastic modulus of the composite.

CONCLUSIONS

The incremental filling techniques reduced the amount of cuspal deflection in all composite groups with different elastic moduli. The amount of cuspal deflection showed a positive correlation with the elastic modulus of the composite.

Outcomes of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting for symptomatic gallbladder diseases: a multicenter prospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage for symptomatic gallbladder disease is a safe and effective bridge therapy in patients at high risk for surgery or who have terminal liver disease and are awaiting transplantation. However, there are few reports on long-term results in terms of stent patency and clinical course. Our study was designed to investigate the long-term patency and clinical course after endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGS) in patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 29 patients who were unsuitable for cholecystectomy underwent ETGS from June 2006 to March 2010 using a 7-Fr double-pigtail stent between the gallbladder and the duodenum. Their clinical progress, adverse events, and stent patency after ETGS were recorded prospectively in two tertiary referral centers.

RESULTS

Technically, ETGS was successful in 23 (79.3%) of the 29 patients. The mean procedure time was 22.4 ± 11.5 min. Postprocedure adverse events were mild pancreatitis (8.7%) and cholestasis (8.7%), all of which resolved with conservative management. During the follow-up period (median 586 days, range 11-1403 days), 20 patients were analyzed as per protocol, and scheduled follow-up was performed. Late adverse events developed in four patients (20%), including distal migration (n = 2), cholangitis (n = 1), and recurrent biliary pain (n = 1). The remaining 16 patients were followed for more than 12 months (nine patients were followed for more than 24 months). Median stent patency was 760 days, as determined by the Kaplan-Meier method.

CONCLUSIONS

As a primary therapy, ETGS is technically feasible and effective in patients who are unsuitable for cholecystectomy. ETGS may also provide long-term stent patency without the need for scheduled stent exchanges.

Detection of Salmonella spp. survival and virulence in poultry feed by targeting the hilA gene

AIMS

The objectives of this work were to evaluate immunomagnetic beads and a reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR method for the detection of Salmonella inoculated into feed. In addition, a reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR method was evaluated for quantifying virulence gene hilA expression of Salmonella ssp. in poultry feed matrices and utilized to determine the influence of poultry feed environmental factors on Salmonella hilA expression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An immunomagnetic separation technique was evaluated for increased recovery of Salmonella from feed. Salmonella cultures were inoculated into feed samples and exposed to heat treatments of 70°C and sampled periodically. From these samples, RNA was collected and hilA gene expression was measured relative to the housekeeping 16S rRNA gene. The immunomagnetic bead protocol increased recovery by 1 log. The up-regulation of hilA was demonstrated after 5 and 10 min of inoculated feed samples being exposed to heat treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

From this work, the data indicate that the ability to detect live Salmonella cells in feed samples may be increased by targeting the hilA gene.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Foodborne salmonellosis originating from poultry is a major problem, and feed is a leading source of contamination in poultry, but detection in feed is complicated by low concentrations. The assays and experiments in this study examine possible improvements to recovery and detection of Salmonella in feed.

Design of species-specific oligonucleotide probes for the detection of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides by fluorescence in situ hybridization and their application to the analysis of mouse caecal Bacteroides-Parabacteroides microbiota

AIMS

To develop species-specific monitoring techniques for rapid detection of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides inhabiting the mouse intestine by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The specificity of oligonucleotide probes was evaluated by fluorescence whole-cell hybridization. Oligonucleotide probes specific for each species hybridized only with the target bacteria. Using these probes, caecal Bacteroides-Parabacteroides microbiota of conventional mice and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice from three different breeders were analysed. It was shown that Bacteroides acidifaciens Group-1, Group-2 and Group-3 were dominant in conventional mice and SPF mice from two out of three breeders. Bacteroides vulgatus and Parabacteroides distasonis were detected in one of these two SPF breeding colonies in addition to Bact. acidifaciens. SPF mice of the remaining breeder harboured characteristic Bacteroides-Parabacteroides microbiota, consisting of Bacteroides sp. ASF519 and Bacteroides caccae.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacteroides acidifaciens is the dominant and most typical species in the mouse Bacteroides-Parabacteroides microbiota. The Group-3 was identified as a novel group and revealed to occupy a major niche together with Bact. acidifaciens Group-1 and Group-2.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The species-specific probe set developed in this study was the efficient tool for rapid detection of target bacterial groups inhabiting the mouse intestine. The results of this study provide important new information on the mouse Bacteroides-Parabacteroides community.

Improved light extraction efficiency of InGaN-based multi-quantum well light emitting diodes by using a single die growth

We have demonstrated that the light extraction efficiency of the InGaN based multi-quantum well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be improved by using a single die growth (SDG) method. The SDG was performed by patterning the n-GaN and sapphire substrate with a size of single chip (600 x 250 microm2) by using a laser scriber, followed by the regrowth of the n-GaN and LED structures on the laser patterned n-GaN. We fabricated lateral LED chips having the SDG structures (SDG-LEDs), in which the thickness of the regrown n-GaN was varied from 2 to 6 microm. For comparison, we also fabricated conventional LED chips without the SDG structures. The SDG-LEDs showed lower operating voltage when compared to the conventional LEDs. In addition, the output power of the SDG-LEDs was significantly higher than that of the conventional LEDs. From optical ray tracing simulations, the increase in the thickness and sidewall angle of the regrown n-GaN and LED structures may enhance photon escapes from the tilted facets of the regrown n-GaN, followed by the increase in light output power and extraction efficiency of the SDG-LEDs.

The effects of mesenchymal stem cells injected via different routes on modified IL-12-mediated antitumor activity

Owing to its tumor tropism and prolonged transgene expression, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has been considered as an ideal delivery vehicle for cancer gene therapies or therapeutic vaccines. In this study, we demonstrated that intratumoral (i.t.) injection of MSCs expressing modified interleukin-12 (MSCs/IL-12M) exhibited stronger tumor-specific T-cell responses and antitumor effects as well as more sustained expressions of IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ in both sera and tumor sites than did IL-12M-expressing adenovirus (rAd/IL-12M) in mice bearing both solid and metastatic tumors. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of MSCs/IL-12M at contralateral site of tumor exhibited similar levels of serum IL-12 and IFN-γ as i.t. injection, but much weaker antitumor effects in both B16F10 melanoma and TC-1 cervical cancer models than i.t. injection. Although intravenous (i.v.) injection elicited earlier peak serum levels of cytokines, it induced weaker tumor-specific T-cell responses and antitumor effects than i.t. injection, indicating that serum cytokine levels are not surrogate indicators of antitumor effects. Taken together, these results indicated that MSC is more efficient than adenovirus as a cytokine gene delivery vehicle and that i.t. injection of MSCs/IL-12M is the best approach to induce strong tumor-specific T-cell responses that correlate with anti-metastatic effects as well as inhibition of solid tumor growth, although MSCs themselves have an ability to migrate into the tumor site. In addition, MSCs/IL-12M embedded in Matrigel (MSCs/IL-12M/Matrigel) exhibited significant antitumor effects even in immunodeficient mice such as SCID and BNX mice lacking T, B and natural killer (NK) cells, but not in IFN-γ knockout mice. Our findings provide an optimal approach for designing an efficient clinical protocol of MSC-based cytokine gene therapy to induce strong tumor-specific T-cell responses and therapeutic anticancer efficacy.

Detection and characterization of enterovirus associated with herpangina and hand, foot, and mouth disease in Seoul, Korea

BACKGROUND

Human enteroviruses (HEVs) are a major cause of herpangina, HFMD (hand, foot, and mouth disease), and other neurological diseases in Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

A total of 56 specimens from hospitalized patients collected from February to December 2009 (37 females and 19 males) in Seoul were tested for HEV from stool, throat swab, and vesicle swab samples taken from patients with herpangina or HFMD using cell culture and RT-PCR in 2009. By the 1D gene, encoding the VP1 capsid protein, seven different HEV genotypes were detected with Coxsackievirus A2, A4, A5, A9, A16 (CA), Coxsackievirus B1 (CB), and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). The most prevalent genotype was CA16 (6, 10.7%), followed by CA2 (4, 7.1%), CA5 (4, 7.1%), EV71 (2, 3.6%), CA4 (1, 1.8%), CA9 (1, 1.8%), and CB1 (1, 1.8%). The 1D gene sequences of two EV71 strains were closely related with one another (98.5% nucleotide similarity) and belonged to the C4 genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to continuously survey the genetic characteristics of EV71 and CA16 from patients, which will provide useful data that aids in our understanding of HFMD infections in Seoul, Korea and may contribute to future control.

Degradation of organic dye using zero-valent iron prepared from by-product of pickling line

In this study, zero-valent iron (ZVI) was produced using iron oxide that is a by-product of a pickling line at a steel works. The reaction activity of the produced ZVI was evaluated through a series of decomposition experiments of Orange II aqueous solution. The size of ZVI particles increased with reduction temperature due to coalescence. Correspondingly, the specific surface area of ZVI decreased with increasing reduction temperature. The decomposition efficiency of synthesized ZVI particles was higher at a lower pH. In particular, no significant decomposition reaction was observed at pH of 4 and higher. The rate of the ZVI-assisted decomposition of Orange II was increased by addition of H2O2 at pH of 3, whereas it was reduced by addition of H2O2 at a higher pH of 6. Nevertheless, simultaneous use of ZVI, UV and H2O2 led to a considerable increase in the decomposition rate even at a high pH condition (pH = 6).