Anti-inflammatory effect of sinomenine by inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in PMA plus A23187-stimulated HMC-1 Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sinomenine is an alkaloid compound and a prominent anti-inflammatory agent found in the root of the climbing plant Sinomenium acutum. However, its effects on the mechanism of human mast cell line (HMC)-1-mediated inflammation remained unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To provide insight into the biological effects of sinomenine, we examined its influence on the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HMC-1 cells stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 by evaluating the stimulated cells in the presence or absence of sinomenine. In the present study, the pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured using ELISA, Reverse Transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway activation, as determined by Western blot analysis. Also, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression was measured through Western blot and RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Sinomenine inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by PMA plus A23187 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, sinomenine inhibited the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPKs as well as the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 through reduced IkappaBalpha degradation. In addition, sinomenine suppressed COX-2 protein and mRNA expression dose-dependently.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of sinomenine may occur via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and COX-2 production through the inhibition of MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathway activation by PMA plus A23187 stimulation in HMC-1 cells.

Cell death/proliferation roles for nc886, a non-coding RNA, in the protein kinase R pathway in cholangiocarcinoma

We have recently identified nc886 (pre-miR-886 or vtRNA2-1) as a novel type of non-coding RNA that inhibits activation of protein kinase R (PKR). PKR's pro-apoptotic role through eukaryotic initiation factor 2 α (eIF2α) phosphorylation is well established in the host defense against viral infection. Paradoxically, some cancer patients have elevated PKR activity; however, its cause and consequence are not understood. Initially, we evaluated the expression of nc886, PKR and eIF2α in non-malignant cholangiocyte and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. nc886 is repressed in CCA cells and this repression is the cause of PKR's activation therein. nc886 alone is necessary and sufficient for suppression of PKR via direct physical interaction. Consistently, artificial suppression of nc886 in cholangiocyte cells activates the canonical PKR/eIF2α cell death pathway, suggesting a potential significance of the nc886 suppression and the consequent PKR activation in eliminating pre-malignant cells during tumorigenesis. In comparison, active PKR in CCA cells does not induce phospho-eIF2α nor apoptosis, but promotes the pro-survival nuclear factor-κB pathway. Thus, PKR has a dual life or death role during tumorigenesis. Similarly to the CCA cell lines, nc886 tends to be decreased but PKR tends to be activated in our clinical samples from CCA patients. Collectively from our data, we propose a tumor surveillance model for nc886's role in the PKR pathway during tumorigenesis.

Interleukin-8 and its receptor CXCR2 in the tumour microenvironment promote colon cancer growth, progression and metastasis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Increased level of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CXCR2 on tumours and in the tumour microenvironment has been associated with CRC growth, progression and recurrence in patients. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tissue microenvironment-encoded IL-8 and CXCR2 on colon cancer progression and metastasis.

METHODS

A novel immunodeficient, skin-specific IL-8-expressing transgenic model was generated to evaluate colon cancer growth and metastasis. Syngeneic mouse colon cancer cells were grafted in CXCR2 knockout (KO) mice to study the contribution of CXCR2 in the microenvironment to cancer growth.

RESULTS

Elevated levels of IL-8 in the serum and tumour microenvironment profoundly enhanced the growth of human and mouse colon cancer cells with increased peri-tumoural angiogenesis, and also promoted the extravasation of the cancer cells into the lung and liver. The tumour growth was inhibited in CXCR2 KO mice with significantly reduced tumour angiogenesis and increased tumour necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression of IL-8 in the tumour microenvironment enhanced colon cancer growth and metastasis. Moreover, the absence of its receptor CXCR2 in the tumour microenvironment prevented colon cancer cell growth. Together, our study demonstrates the critical roles of the tumour microenvironment-encoded IL-8/CXCR2 in colon cancer pathogenesis, validating the pathway as an important therapeutic target.

Antibacterial activity of bark of Alnus pendula against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a rapidly growing health problem around the globe. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the use of plant materials as an alternative method to control pathogenic microorganisms. In this study we evaluated the antibacterial activity of bark of Alnus pendula against MRSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MIC determination was done using the microdilution broth method and bacterial growth was determined by measuring optical density using spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Alnus pendula bark EtOH extract and fractions (F-1, -2, -3 and -4) were investigated against MRSA. The most active fractions (F-3 and F-4) led to the isolation of oregonin (ORE) and hirsutanone (HIR). These compounds were active against MRSA strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 31.25 to 250 microg/ml MIC and 2 MIC of HIR completely inhibited the growth of MRSA.

CONCLUSIONS

The bark EtOH extract of Alnus Pendula has potent antibacterial activity against MRSA.

Lessons from two cases of anaphylaxis to proton pump inhibitors

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are widely used for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal diseases, reduce both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the parietal cell enzyme H(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase. There have been several reports of hypersensitivity reactions to PPIs but anaphylaxis is very rare. We report on two cases of anaphylaxis to PPIs.

CASE SUMMARY

Our two interesting and instructive cases of anaphylaxis to PPIs relate to the orally disintegrating form of lansoprazole and omeprazole. The first patient had taken esomeprazole 20 mg/day for 1 month without any side effects before experiencing anaphylaxis to lansoprazole. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anaphylaxis to the orally disintegrating form of lansoprazole. In the second case, the patient was misdiagnosed with penicillin allergy which she suffered from earlier.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Physicians need to be more aware of the possibility of hypersensitivity to PPIs.

Measurement of an exceptionally weak electron-phonon coupling on the surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Gapless surface states on topological insulators are protected from elastic scattering on nonmagnetic impurities which makes them promising candidates for low-power electronic applications. However, for widespread applications, these states should have to remain coherent at ambient temperatures. Here, we studied temperature dependence of the electronic structure and the scattering rates on the surface of a model topological insulator, Bi2Se3, by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We found an extremely weak broadening of the topological surface state with temperature and no anomalies in the state's dispersion, indicating exceptionally weak electron-phonon coupling. Our results demonstrate that the topological surface state is protected not only from elastic scattering on impurities, but also from scattering on low-energy phonons, suggesting that topological insulators could serve as a basis for room-temperature electronic devices.

Trabecular microstructure of the human lunate in Kienbock's disease

The trabecular microstructure of normal lunates and lunates with Kienböck's disease was investigated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Five lunates with advanced Kienböck's disease were obtained during lunate excision and scaphocapitate fusion, and five control lunates were from embalmed cadavers. Microstructural morphometric parameters were measured using micro-CT images. Trabeculations of lunates with Kienböck's disease were 2.67 times denser and 1.84 times thicker than those of normal lunates. Furthermore, bone surface areas were 1.43 times greater and bone volume 2.67 times greater, and structural model indices were significantly lower in lunates with Kienböck's disease. The study estimated that high mechanical stress would be applied to lunates with Kienböck's disease, and suggests that new bone formation and collapse may play important roles in the microstructural changes in the lunate with advanced Kienböck's disease.

Inferior paralabral ganglion cyst of the shoulder with labral tear -- a rare cause of shoulder pain

INTRODUCTION

Paralabral ganglion cysts of the shoulder are rare, and their pathogenesis is similar to that of meniscal cysts. The paralabral cysts are most frequently reported along the posterior, superior, and anterior aspects of the glenohumeral joint and are uncommon inferiorly to the joint. These cysts rarely become evident clinically, unless they cause compression of surrounding structures, i.e. nerve.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report a retrospective series of five patients with inferior paralabral ganglion cysts of the shoulder without compression of the surrounding nerve which were treated during the period from March 2007 to December 2009. All these patients presented with only chronic shoulder pain as their chief complaint, and preoperative MRI showed the cyst over the inferior aspect of a torn glenoid labrum. All patients were treated by arthroscopic cystic decompression with labrum repair. All patients were re-evaluated with MRI performed at an average of 15 months postoperatively. The clinical outcome, including the Constant score, was assessed for all patients at a median of 16 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

All the five patients had remission of pain and were satisfied with the shoulder function. The postoperative MRI in all patients showed no labral cyst recurrence. The median Constant score improved from a preoperative level of 81.5 points to 98.0 points at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that, in the absence of any nerve compression symptoms around the shoulder joint, inferior paralabral cysts with labral tear also be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic shoulder pain. Arthroscopic repair of the cyst with repair of the labrum can lead to the disappearance of symptoms. Knowledge of this clinical condition and its imaging features is critical for a correct diagnosis of this uncommon cause of chronic shoulder pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. Retrospective therapeutic study.

Photoemission spectroscopy of magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities on the surface of the Bi2Se3 topological insulator

Dirac-like surface states on surfaces of topological insulators have a chiral spin structure that suppresses backscattering and protects the coherence of these states in the presence of nonmagnetic scatterers. In contrast, magnetic scatterers should open the backscattering channel via the spin-flip processes and degrade the state's coherence. We present angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies of the electronic structure and the scattering rates upon the adsorption of various magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities on the surface of Bi2Se3, a model topological insulator. We reveal a remarkable insensitivity of the topological surface state to both nonmagnetic and magnetic impurities in the low impurity concentration regime. Scattering channels open up with the emergence of hexagonal warping in the high-doping regime, irrespective of the impurity's magnetic moment.

Change of telomerase activity in peripheral whole blood of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients before and after surgery: a pilot study

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate telomerase activity in peripheral whole blood from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients as a biomarker for diagnosis of HNSCC or detection of recurrence during follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS Telomerase activity was measured from peripheral whole blood extracts by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) in HNSCC patients before and after surgery and in a control group. Sixty-two HNSCC patients and 42 control subjects were included. RESULTS Telomerase activity was found in 41 out of 62 (66.1%) HNSCC patients before surgery and in 8 out of 42 (19.0%) controls (p<0.001). Among 41 HNSCC patients who showed positive telomerase activity before surgery, 32 (78.1%) showed a conversion of telomerase activity to negative after surgery. In follow-up, 6 out of 8 (75%) showed conversion of telomerase activity from negative to positive after recurrence. Telomerase activity was changed to negative in 4 out of 6 (66%) recurred patients with positive telomerase activity after second surgery. CONCLUSION The telomerase activity in peripheral whole blood extracts of HNSCC patients might be a useful biomarker for detecting recurrence after treatment. Further study with larger sample size using a more sensitive detection method of telomerase activity is necessary to verify these results.

Pretreatment HBeAg level and an early decrease in HBeAg level predict virologic response to entecavir treatment for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B

There are few reports on hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titres during nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment. We investigated the changes in HBeAg levels in patients treated with entecavir and the usefulness of HBeAg quantification for predicting antiviral response. Ninety-five consecutive HBeAg-positive patients treated with entecavir for more than 48 weeks were enrolled. Serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg and HBV DNA were assessed at 4-week intervals to week 24 and thereafter at 12-week intervals. Virologic response (Y1VR) was defined as an undetectable HBV DNA level at week 48 of therapy. During 48 weeks, HBeAg and HBV DNA level decreased significantly in a biphasic manner and HBsAg level tended to decease. Fifty-three patients (55.8%) attained Y1VR. Pretreatment HBeAg levels were significantly lower in the Y1VR group than in no Y1VR group. At week 4 and 12 of therapy, 25% and 41.4% of patients showed a decrease of HBeAg levels with >0.5 log(10) and >1.0 log(10) from baseline, respectively. These patients achieved more Y1VR than those with less decrease of HBeAg levels (97.7%vs 22.2% and 86.2%vs 29.3%, respectively). HBeAg level at week 12 had higher predictive values for Y1VR than HBV DNA level. Multivariate analysis revealed that a pretreatment HBeAg level of <360 PEIU/mL and the reduction in HBeAg level >1.0 log(10) at week 12 were associated with Y1VR. These results suggest that pretreatment HBeAg level and an early decrease in HBeAg level are useful measurements for predicting one-year virologic response during entecavir treatment.

Observation of a warped helical spin texture in Bi2Se3 from circular dichroism angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

A differential coupling of topological surface states to left- versus right-circularly polarized light is the basis of many optospintronics applications of topological insulators. Here we report direct evidence of circular dichroism from the surface states of Bi(2)Se(3) using laser-based time-of-flight angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. By employing a novel sample rotational analysis, we resolve unusual modulations in the circular dichroism photoemission pattern as a function of both energy and momentum, which perfectly mimic the predicted but hitherto unobserved three-dimensional warped spin texture of the surface states. By developing a microscopic theory of photoemission from topological surface states, we show that this correlation is a natural consequence of spin-orbit coupling. These results suggest that our technique may be a powerful probe of the spin texture of spin-orbit coupled materials in general.

Reliability and validity of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for asthma

BACKGROUND

The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a self-administered questionnaire that has been used to evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity and reliability of the SGRQ for a large population with asthma.

DESIGN

We used the previously developed Korean version of the SGRQ (SGRQ-K) to assess 676 asthma patients enrolled from the Cohort for Reality and Evolution of Adult Asthma in Korea study. Cronbach's α was used to assess test reliability and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between SGRQ scores and various clinical factors.

RESULTS

The total SGRQ-K score had acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.92). The total SGRQ-K score was significantly correlated with symptom duration (r = 0.157, P < 0.001), pulmonary function (% FEV(1) of predicted r = -0.314, P < 0.001; % FVC of predicted r = -0.224, P < 0.001; FEV(1)/FVC r = -0.224, P < 0.001), asthma severity (r = 0.278, P < 0.001) and history of asthma exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

With the exception of the SGRQ-K symptoms, SGRQ-K is a reliable and valid test for evaluation of the quality of life of patients with asthma. Scores were well correlated with duration of symptoms, lung function and previous history of asthma exacerbation.

Longitudinal study of childhood adiposity and the risk of developing components of metabolic syndrome-the Da Qing children cohort study

Childhood adiposity is increasingly recognized as a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risks in later life. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with longitudinal changes in weight during childhood and the development of metabolic disease risk factors. Four hundred twenty-four children from DaQing city, China, were recruited at 5 y old and followed up for 5 y. Birth weight, television (TV) viewing time at 5 y old, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, fasting plasma insulin (FI), and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured at 5 and 10 y old. Both birth weight and TV viewing time at 5 y old significantly correlated with percentage of ideal weight for height (WFH) at 5 y old (WFH5; p = 0.0032 and p = 0.01), but only TV time was significantly correlated with WFH at 10 y old (WFH10; p < 0.0001). Blood pressures, FI, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and TG at 10 y old were significantly greater in those children who had greater change in WFH from 5 to 10 y old (ΔWFH). We concluded that TV viewing time was the stronger determinant of later childhood adiposity. A greater ΔWFH was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors at 10 y old.

Effects of p.C430S polymorphism in the PPARGC1A gene on muscle fibre type composition and meat quality in Yorkshire pigs

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1A (encoded by PPARGC1A) is involved in the formation of type I fibres. Therefore, the PPARGC1A gene can be considered as a functional candidate gene for muscle fibre type composition and meat quality in pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of the p.C430S polymorphic site in exon 8 of the PPARGC1A gene with muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality traits. The polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP using AluI restriction enzyme on a total of 152 Yorkshire pigs. Statistical analyses revealed that the p.C430S genotypes significantly affected number (P < 0.05) and area (P < 0.01) of type I muscle fibre, and were significantly associated with muscle pH (P < 0.001) and lightness(P < 0.01). On the basis of these results, we suggest that the p.C430S polymorphism can induce variation of type I fibre formation in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and that it can be used as a meaningful molecular marker for better meat quality.

Selective probing of photoinduced charge and spin dynamics in the bulk and surface of a topological insulator

Topological insulators possess completely different spin-orbit coupled bulk and surface electronic spectra that are each predicted to exhibit exotic responses to light. Here we report time-resolved fundamental and second harmonic optical pump-probe measurements on the topological insulator Bi(2)Se(3) to independently measure its photoinduced charge and spin dynamics with bulk and surface selectivity. Our results show that a transient net spin density can be optically induced in both the bulk and surface, which may drive spin transport in topological insulators. By utilizing a novel rotational anisotropy analysis we are able to separately resolve the spin depolarization, intraband cooling, and interband recombination processes following photoexcitation, which reveal that spin and charge degrees of freedom relax on very different time scales owing to strong spin-orbit coupling.

Electronic structure of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy: evidence for a nearly full surface spin polarization

We performed high-resolution spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies of the electronic structure and the spin texture on the surface of Bi2Se3, a model TI. By tuning the photon energy, we found that the topological surface state is well separated from the bulk states in the vicinity of kz = Z plane of the bulk Brillouin zone. The spin-resolved measurements in that region indicate a very high degree of spin polarization of the surface state, ~0.75, much higher than previously reported. Our results demonstrate that the topological surface state on Bi2Se3 is highly spin polarized and that the dominant factors limiting the polarization are mainly extrinsic.

Transient expression of iron transport proteins in the capillary of the developing rat brain

Iron is essential for normal brain function and its uptake in the developing rat brain peaks during the first two weeks after birth, prior to the formation of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The first step of iron transport from the blood to the brain is transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated endocytosis in the capillary endothelial cells. However, the subsequent step from the endothelium into interstitium has not been fully described. The goal of this study was to examine the expression of iron transport proteins by immunodetection and RT–PCR in the developing rat brain. Tf and TfR are transiently expressed in perivascular NG2+ cells of the capillary wall during the early postnatal weeks in the rat brain. However, MTP-1 and hephaestin were expressed in endothelial cells, but not in the NG2+ perivascular cells. Immunoblot analysis for these iron transfer proteins in the developing brain generally confirmed the immunochemical findings. Furthermore, the expression of Tf and TfR in the blood vessels precedes its expression in oligodendrocytes, the main iron-storing cells in the vertebrate brain. RT–PCR analysis for the primary culture of endothelial cells and pericytes revealed that Tf and TfR were highly expressed in the pericytes while MTP-1 and hephaestin were expressed in the endothelial cells. The specific expression of Tf and TfR in brain perivascular cells and MTP-1 and hephaestin in endothelial cells suggest the possibility that trafficking of elemental iron through perivascular cells may be instrumental in the distribution of iron in the developing central nervous system.

Control of the haemodynamic response to surgical stimuli in semi-closed circuit or closed circuit anaesthesia using a multifunctional anaesthesia system

This study compared the ability of the Zeus multifunctional anaesthesia system to control haemodynamic response to surgical stimulation in semi-closed (SCA) or closed circuit anaesthesia (CCA) modes. Fifty patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to SCA or CCA. Anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg propofol and 0.9 mg/kg rocuronium, intravenously, and maintained using sevoflurane (minimum alveolar concentration [MAC], 1.0) using 2 l/min oxygen plus 2 l/min nitrous oxide (SCA 4 l/min group) or 50% oxygen plus 50% nitrous oxide (CCA group). An increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 20% above baseline in response to surgical stimulation provoked a stepwise increase in sevoflurane (1.3 MAC and then 1.6 MAC), followed by fentanyl 1 pg/kg intravenously (rescue drug). The time required for MAP to return to within 10% of baseline was significantly shorter in the CCA group (6.4 +/- 3.6 min) compared with the SCA 4 l/min group (10.2 +/- 6.0 min). The percentage of patients requiring fentanyl was significantly greater in the SCA 4 l/min group than in the CCA group. In conclusion, CCA controlled acute haemodynamic responses to surgical stimuli more successfully and rapidly than SCA 4 l/min, using a multifunctional anaesthesia machine.

Nonlinear optical probe of tunable surface electrons on a topological insulator

We use ultrafast laser pulses to experimentally demonstrate that the second-order optical response of bulk single crystals of the topological insulator Bi(2)Se(3) is sensitive to its surface electrons. By performing surface doping dependence measurements as a function of photon polarization and sample orientation we show that second harmonic generation can simultaneously probe both the surface crystalline structure and the surface charge of Bi(2)Se(3). Furthermore, we find that second harmonic generation using circularly polarized photons reveals the time-reversal symmetry properties of the system and is surprisingly robust against surface charging, which makes it a promising tool for spectroscopic studies of topological surfaces and buried interfaces.

Assessment of nurses' nutritional knowledge regarding therapeutic diet regimens

Metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the incidence of which is currently increasing in Korea, can be managed well with dietary education and modification. However, it has yet to be established whether nurses have sufficient knowledge to impart appropriate nutritional counseling to patients with these diseases. Our study involved 506 nurses working at Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, and Seoul National University Hospital between March and May, 2006. The questionnaire was comprised of 42 diet-related questions pertaining to diabetes, obesity, and CVD. Nurses' correct-response rate for overall nutritional knowledge was worse than reported in Western countries (58.4%), and particularly so with regard to obesity and CVD. Although many nurses were aware of the therapeutic aspects of nutrients in relation to CVD, most of them had limited knowledge about low-cholesterol diets and sources of water-soluble fiber, fatty acids and the specific food items that prevent CVD. Our results suggest that there is an urgent need to update the contents of nutrition education for nurses to reflect the current changes in the Korean diet and the increasing incidence of metabolic diseases and CVD.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of learning disabilities: a focus on NF1

Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is a single-gene disorder characterized by a high incidence of complex cognitive symptoms, including learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, executive function deficits, and motor coordination problems. Because the underlying genetic cause of this disorder is known, study of NF1 from a molecular, cellular, and systems perspective has provided mechanistic insights into the etiology of higher-order cognitive symptoms associated with the disease. In particular, studies of animal models of NF1 indicated that disruption of Ras regulation of inhibitory networks is critical to the etiology of cognitive deficits associated with NF1. Animal models of Nf1 identified mechanisms and pathways that are required for cognition, and represent an important complement to the complex neuropsychological literature on learning disabilities associated with this condition. Here, we review findings from NF1 animal models and human populations affected by NF1, highlighting areas of potential translation and discussing the implications and limitations of generalizing findings from this single-gene disease to idiopathic learning disabilities.

Borderline mucinous tumor arising in a paratubal cyst: a case report

BACKGROUND

Paratubal borderline tumors (PBTs) are found incidentally at frozen section or permanant pathology, and are extremely rare. We describe the first case of a paratubal borderline mucinous tumor (PBMT).

CASE REPORT

A 20-year-old woman was referred with a complex right adnexal mass on pelvic sonogram. She underwent laparoscopic paratubal cyst enucleation. We used an endobag for cyst extraction. Cyst rupture or tearing of the endobag in the laparoscopic field was absent. Frozen section analysis was reported as a borderline mucinous tumor of low malignant potential. Currently, she has had no evidence of disease recurrence after a laparoscopic fertility-sparing staging procedure.

CONCLUSION

A proper preoperative differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass is difficult. Thus, laparoscopy is needed in large or symptomatic cysts. Although growth, torsion and malignancy are rare in paratubal cysts, the possibility of tumor seeding should be excluded with use of an endobag.

Clinical analysis of borderline ovarian tumors

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical features of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTS).

METHODS

We retrospectively performed chart reviews of 22 patients with BOTS who were diagnosed and treated in the university medical center from 1998 to 2009 inclusively.

RESULTS

BOTS among ovarian pathology in our hospital were detected in 22 patients (1.79%). The mean age was 50 years, range (20-90). Post surgical FIGO staging was Stage I = 86.4%, and Stage II = 13.6%. The most common histologic subtype was mucinous (59%). Five patients (22.7%) had a unilocular cyst at ultrasonography. Conservative surgery was performed in 31.8%. One patient of them had normal spontaneous delivery after term pregnancy. Two patients had a recurrence. One patient with recurrent disease underwent transformation to invasive cancer and died 35 months after the initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should warn patients about the early relapse of BOTS and these patients may need careful follow-up due to the possibility of recurrences.

Unexpected synchronous follicular lymphoma of paraaortic and pelvic lymph nodes in a patient with endometrial carcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Multiple neoplasms in a patient occur rarely. There has only been one case report about synchronous endometrial carcinoma and follicular lymphoma of the paraaortic and pelvic lymph node (LN) until now.

CASE REPORT

The patient was 64 years old and had vaginal spotting for four months. She was diagnosed with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma by endometrial biopsy. In intraoperative inspection, the whole paraaortic and pelvic LN had formed into a massive tumor bundle following the aorta and iliac vessels. The diagnosis was endometrial carcinoma FIGO Stage IB with synchronous follicular lymphoma Stage III. We performed adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Currently, the patient has no evidence of recurrence for either carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node dissection was included in the staging and debulking operation of the endometrial carcinoma. An inaccurate result of the frozen section can not rule out metastasis of endometrial carcinoma and surgeons can fall into a dilemma regarding treatment.

Accessory polar renal artery encountered in transperitoneal systemic laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE

To increase vigilance among gynecological surgeons for the presence of accessory polar renal artery (APRA) encountered with transperitoneal systemic laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy (LPAL).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 156 women who underwent LPAL for various gynecologic malignancies between November 2003 and December 2009.

RESULTS

The median age, parity, body mass index, and number of previous abdominal surgeries, respectively, of the women were 52 years (range, 23-82 years), two (range, 0-7), 24.1 kg/m2 (range, 17.4-35.0 kg/m2), and 0 (range, 0-3). During the study period, we found four women with APRA. There were three cases of right lower APRAs arising from the abdominal aorta, caudal to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), terminating at the parenchyma of the lower pole of the right kidney. In the other case, the APRA arose from the abdominal aorta superior to the IMA. There were no vascular complications, such as transection or ligation of the APRA.

CONCLUSION

It is important for the gynecological oncologic surgeon to have knowledge of retroperitoneal vascular anatomy, experience in laparoscopic surgery, and an accurate surgical technique to avoid vascular injury during LPAL.

A case of primary ovarian adenomyoma mimicking ovarian malignancy

Adenomyoma is a benign tumor composed of smooth muscle and benign endometrium. These tumors typically originate within the uterus. An extrauterine adenomyoma is an extremely rare entity. After an extensive literature search, only four cases of primary ovarian adenomyoma appear to have thus far been reported. Here, we report a case of ovarian adenomyoma in a 39-year-old woman mimicking malignant neoplasma of the ovary, along with a brief literature review.

Association between interleukin-4R and TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Korean population

AIM

Colorectal cancer is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The mechanisms of how different genetic make-ups of cytokines might influence the individual susceptibility to develop particular types of tumours are still unknown. The authors analysed the association between genetic polymorphisms in cytokine/cytokine receptor genes and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Korean population.

METHOD

The authors assessed polymorphisms of the interleukin: IL-1, IL-1R, IL-2, IL-4, IL-4R, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, IFN-γ genes in Korean patients with colorectal cancer (n = 170) and in a normal healthy control group (n = 130) to investigate the association between theses cytokine gene polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

The IL-4R 1902*T allele was found to be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer (P < 0.01, OR = 2.0) and rectal cancer (P < 0.05, OR = 1.8). The IL-4R 1902*C allele was associated with a decreased risk of both colon cancer (P < 0.01, OR = 0.51) and rectal cancer (P < 0.05, OR = 0.5). The TFG-β1 10*T allele was found to be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer (P < 0.00, OR = 2.3) and the TFG-β1 10*C allele with a decreased risk of colon cancer (P < 0.00, OR = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms of IL-4R and TGF-β1 are associated with the risk of colorectal cancer in a Korean population.

Antimicrobial activity of the constituents of Smallanthus sonchifolius leaves against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a serious problem as its infection is associated with higher mortality and increase cost worldwide. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of enhydrin, polymatin B, allo-schkuhriolide from the leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Enhydrin, polymatin B, allo-schkuhriolide from the leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius were tested for antimicrobial activity using micro dilution broth method against 2 strains of ATCC 33591, ATCC 25923 and 15 strains of clinical isolates MRSA.

RESULTS

The antibacterial activity of Smallanthus sonchifolius can safely be attributed to enhydrin as polymatin B, and allo-schkuhriolide are not showing any activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains. The enhydrin showed good antibacterial activity against all tested strains (MIC = 125-500 microg/ml).

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that only enhydrin can be considered as an antibacterial drug against MRSA.

Arterial stiffness and proinflammatory cytokines in fibromyalgia syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We assessed arterial stiffness and inflammatory cytokine profiles in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients and analysed the association between them.

METHODS

Twenty-seven FMS patients and 29 age-matched premenopausal healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) from pulse waveform analysis. Levels of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a colorimetric assay was used for measurement of serum nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (nitrate and nitrite, NOx) level. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis.

RESULTS

Higher AIx and AIx@HR75 (aortic AIx at a heart rate of 75 beats/min) were noted in FMS compared to those in the controls after adjustment using covariants (p(adj)=0.023 and p(adj)<0.001). However, there were no differences between the three regional PWVs of the two groups at the aorta-femoral, femoral-dorsalis, and aorta-radialis arteries (p(adj)>0.05 for all). FMS subjects had significantly higher serum IL-8 levels than did the healthy controls (327.9±588.7 vs. 76.4±90.5, p(adj)=0.041). However, there were no significant differences in serum IL-1β, IL-6, VEGF, or NOx levels between the FMS patients and the controls (p(adj)>0.05 of all). Serum IL-8 level did not correlate with PWV and AIx in FMS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates higher AIx and IL-8 levels in FMS subjects compared to those of the controls. However, arterial stiffness including AIx in FMS was not determined by the serum IL-8 level.

Obesity of TallyHO/JngJ mouse is due to increased food intake with early development of leptin resistance

TALLYHO/JngJ (TallyHo) mouse is a recently established animal model for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with phenotypes of mild obesity and male-limited hyperglycemia. In this study, we investigated how obesity develops in TallyHo mice by measuring parameters of food intake and energy expenditure. At 4 weeks of age, TallyHo mice were heavier than control C57BL/6 mice with increased food intake but comparable energy expenditure parameters, such as body temperature, cold-induced thermogenesis, oxygen consumption rate (VO(2)) and spontaneous locomotor activity. Furthermore, pair-fed TallyHo mice, which were fed the same amount of food as C57BL/6 mice, showed similar patterns of body weight gain to C57BL/6 mice at all ages, implying that obesity in TallyHo mice may develop by increased food intake but not by decreased energy consumption. TallyHo mice appear to have hypothalamic leptin resistance at 4 weeks of age, as indicated by the increased expression of orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus and no alteration of food intake and neuropeptide expression upon intravenous leptin treatment. Leptin injection to TallyHo mice, however, increased the phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt, an important signaling mediator of leptin, in a pattern similar to that in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, increased food intake is a crucial component in the development of obesity in TallyHo mice, in which central leptin resistance, possibly caused by uncoupling between activation of leptin signaling and neuropeptide expression, might be involved.

An abnormal nonhyperdiploid karyotype is a significant adverse prognostic factor for multiple myeloma in the bortezomib era

Multiple myeloma is clinically heterogeneous and risk stratification is vital for prognostication and informing treatment decisions. As bortezomib is able to overcome several high-risk features of myeloma, the validity of conventional risk-stratification and prognostication systems needs to be reevaluated. We study the survival data of 261 previously untreated myeloma patients managed at our institution, where bortezomib became available from 2004 for the treatment of relapse disease. Patient and disease characteristics, and survival data were evaluated overall, and with respect to bortezomib exposure. Overall, the international staging system (ISS), metaphase karyotyping and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were discerning of survival outcomes, where the median for the entire cohort was 5.2 years. However, when stratified by bortezomib exposure, only metaphase karyotyping was still discriminating of long-term prognosis. The presence of an abnormal nonhyperdiploid karyotype overrides all other clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting for a worse outcome on multivariate analysis (median survival 2.6 years, P = 0.001), suggesting that bortezomib used at relapse is better able to overcome adverse risk related to high tumor burden (as measured by the ISS) than adverse cytogenetics on conventional karyotyping. Metaphase karyotyping provides additional prognostic information on tumor kinetics where the presence of a normal diploid karyotype in the absence of any high-risk FISH markers correlated with superior survival and could act as a surrogate for lower plasma cell proliferation.

Risk factors for device-associated infection related to organisational characteristics of intensive care units: findings from the Korean Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System

Device-associated infections (DAIs) have been the major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated the risk factors for DAIs in ICUs. Ninety-six medical or surgical ICUs of 56 hospitals participated in the Korean Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System between July 2007 and June 2008. The occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) were monitored and DAI rates were calculated. Data associated with ICU characteristics were collected and Poisson regression was used for statistical analysis. Rates of CAUTI, CABSI, and VAP were 3.87 per 1000 urinary catheter days, 2.23 per 1000 central line days, and 1.89 per 1000 mechanical ventilator days, respectively. Rates of CAUTI were higher in ICUs in Seoul (P=0.032) and ICUs of major teaching hospitals (P=0.010). The ICUs of university-affiliated hospitals showed lower CAUTI rates (P=0.013). CABSI rates were higher in Seoul (P=0.001) and in medical ICUs (P=0.026). VAP rates were lower in ICUs of hospitals with more than 900 beds compared with hospitals with 400-699 beds (P=0.026). VAP rates were higher in surgical ICUs (P<0.0001) and increased 1.13-fold with each 100-unit increase in beds per infection control professional (P=0.003). The organisational and institutional characteristics of ICUs may influence DAI rates and there is a need for improvement in the incidence of VAP, CAUTI or CABSI.

Electronic structure of double perovskite A2FeReO6 (A = Ba and Ca): interplay between spin-orbit interaction, electron correlation, and lattice distortion

We have investigated the electronic structure of double perovskites, Ba(2)FeReO(6) (metallic) and Ca(2)FeReO(6) (insulating) using optical and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. By comparing the experimental results with the density functional theory calculations, we found that the electronic structure of Ba(2)FeReO(6) could be determined from the interaction of the electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling. On the other hand, for Ca(2)FeReO(6), the lattice distortion and electron correlation are important in determining the electronic structure. Additionally, the insulating gap in Ca(2)FeReO(6) is realized by the spin-orbit coupling. Our work shows that the subtle interplay of the spin-orbit interaction, electron correlation, and lattice distortion should be taken into account to understand the electronic structure of the 5d transition metal oxides.

Roasted licorice extracts dampen high glucose-induced mesangial hyperplasia and matrix deposition through blocking Akt activation and TGF-beta signaling

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) characterized as nephrotic syndrome and diffuse glomerulosclerosis can cause renal failure and end-stage kidney disease. Expansion of mesangial matrix around capillaries in the kidney glomeruli is a prominent feature of DN. This study investigated whether licorice extracts inhibited mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and matrix accumulation induced by high glucose (HG). Human renal MC were cultured in media containing 5.5 mM glucose plus 27.5 mM mannitol as an osmotic control or 33 mM glucose for 3 d in the presence of water or ethanol extracts from raw licorice (LW, LE) or roasted licorice (RLW, RLE). Non-polar components including glycyrrhetic acid were elevated during licorice roasting, whereas polar components soluble in water extracts were diminished. Exposure of cells to HG caused significant increases in collagen IV secretion and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, which was appeased by RLW and RLE at transcriptional levels. The inhibitory potency was high in the order of RLE > or = RLW > or = LE > > LW. Non-polar glycyrrhetic acid but not glycyrrhizin retarded HG-stimulated mesangial matrix deposition through diminishing CTGF expression. In addition, RLW and RLE but not LW modulated membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT-1 MMP) expression, MMP-2 activity and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), which facilitated the degradation of mesangial matrix. Furthermore, the augmented expression of CTGF and TIMP-2 in HG-exposed cells was mediated by Akt activation and TGF-beta/Smad signaling through PKCbeta2-responsive signaling pathways. However, HG-down-regulated MT-1 MMP expression was independent of activation of ERK1/2 and Akt when using their inhibitors of DB98059 (ERK1/2) and LY294002 (Akt) alone or in combination. These results demonstrate that extracts from roasted licorice may be highly potent therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of mesangial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis leading to diabetes nephropathy due to longstanding diabetes mellitus.

A prospective observational study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Asia: baseline characteristics of symptom severity and treatment options in a paediatric population

OBJECTIVES

To better understand the burden and management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in East Asia, this subanalysis of the baseline characteristics of a large prospective, observational, nonrandomized study investigating the relationships between symptom severity, treatments, co-morbidities, and health outcomes provides information about the diagnosis of, and treatment patterns for, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in this region.

METHODS

Outpatients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms participated in this 12-month study performed in China, Korea, and Taiwan. Patients were grouped according to whether they received conventional treatment or no or other treatment. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and co-morbidities were assessed using the Clinical Global Impressions-Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Severity scale and Child Symptom Inventory-4: Parent Checklist (categories B to J) / Adolescent Symptom Inventory-4: Parent Checklist (categories L and O), respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 502 patients aged 6 to 18 years were enrolled. Investigators were psychiatrists (69%) and paediatricians (31%), who used the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (86%), the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (6%), and other attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic criteria (8%) for diagnosis. Pharmacotherapy was the most commonly prescribed treatment (n = 251; 50%), and treated patients were older (9.1 vs. 8.2 years; p < 0.001) and more severely ill (Clinical Global Impressions-Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- Severity scale, 4.6 vs. 4.2; p < 0.001) than those who were not treated. Anxiety and oppositional co-morbidities were commonly reported.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide an insight into the demographics, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in East Asia, and provide a baseline for assessing changes in treatment practices in this population.

Increased prevalence of white matter hyperintensities in patients with panic disorder

The aim of the current study is to compare the prevalence, severity and location of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between patients with panic disorder (PD) and healthy control subjects. Patients with PD (n = 24) and matched healthy control subjects (n = 24) were scanned using a 3.0 Tesla whole-body magnetic resonance scanner. Axial T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images were acquired and evaluated for the prevalence, severity and location of WMH using the modified composite scale of Fazekas and Coffey and coded separately for deep and periventricular WMH. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between WMH and the diagnosis of PD. A greater severity of total WMH was associated with a diagnosis of PD in a dose-dependent pattern (odds ratio [OR] = 8.8, P = 0.005 for mild WMH; OR = 27.7, P = 0.007 for moderate to severe WMH). Deep WMH, where most group differences originated, were predominantly located in the frontal region of the brain (n = 16 in PD, n = 1 in control). The current report is the first study to report an increased prevalence of WMH in patients with PD.

Callus formation is associated with hyperproliferation and incomplete differentiation of keratinocytes, and increased expression of adhesion molecules

BACKGROUND

A callus is a local thickening of skin, characterized by accelerated keratinization and a reduced rate of desquamation. However, the mechanism of callus formation is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the expression patterns, in callused skin, of genes that are implicated in keratinization and adhesion/desquamation.

METHODS

Samples of skin from the dorsum of the foot (DF), centre of the plantar arch (CP) and anterior aspect of the heel (AH) were obtained from fresh cadavers, and protein and gene expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

The stratum corneum in the DF showed a splitting phenotype by conventional haematoxylin and eosin staining, while the stratum corneum was normal in the AH. Cells of the stratum corneum in the AH were nonsquamous. Expression of cornification-related molecules including involucrin, filaggrin, caspase 14 and calcium-sensing receptor was higher in the AH. Similarly, expression of adhesive proteins such as corneodesmosin, desmoglein 1 and desmocollin 1 was increased in the AH. However, protease-activated receptor 2 expression was reduced in the stratum granulosum in the AH. The number of proliferating cells in the stratum basale was significantly increased in the AH, compared with the DF and CP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that calluses form as a result of hyperproliferation and incomplete differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes, and increased expression of adhesion molecules.

Generation of a recloned transgenic cat expressing red fluorescence protein

Somatic cells from a first-generation red fluorescence protein transgenic cat (first RFP TG cat) were used to produce a recloned RFP transgenic cat (Re-RFP TG cat) (Felis catus) that systemically expressed RFP. A total of 281 RFP cloned embryos were transferred into 13 surrogate mothers (mean=21+/-7.7 embryos/recipient). One surrogate cat was diagnosed pregnant (7.7%) and delivered one live kitten. The presence of the RFP gene in the mRNA and genomic DNA of the Re-RFP TG cat was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analyses, and red fluorescence was detected in its internal organs and placental tissue samples. Analysis of nine feline-specific microsatellite loci confirmed that the Re-RFP TG cat was genetically identical to the donor cat. To test whether results such as normality of offspring and a low cloning success were due to epigenetic modifications, global methylation of placenta from the two first cloned RFP TG cats (77.08% and 82.29%) and the Re-RFP TG cat (76.38%) were compared by bisulfite mutagenesis sequencing analysis. In conclusion, although cloning efficiency was low, we demonstrated the successful use of a cloned first RFP TG cat as a donor cat to produce a Re-RFP TG cat. These results may facilitate future developments in biomedical models for human therapeutic applications.

Dynamic scaling in the susceptibility of the spin-1/2 kagome lattice antiferromagnet herbertsmithite

The spin-1/2 kagome lattice antiferromagnet herbertsmithite, ZnCu(3)(OH)(6)Cl(2), is a candidate material for a quantum spin liquid ground state. We show that the magnetic response of this material displays an unusual scaling relation in both the bulk ac susceptibility and the low energy dynamic susceptibility as measured by inelastic neutron scattering. The quantity chiT(alpha) with alpha approximately 0.66 can be expressed as a universal function of H/T or omega/T. This scaling is discussed in relation to similar behavior seen in systems influenced by disorder or by the proximity to a quantum critical point.

The diagnostic value of the sagittal multiplanar reconstruction CT images for nasal bone fractures

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performance of sagittal multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images and axial images for the detection of a nasal bone fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 533 consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional images with 64-section multidetector-row CT for the evaluation of a facial bone fracture between June 2007 and May 2008 (366 males; 167 females; mean age +/- standard deviation 31.1+/-21.2 years; age range 1-92 years). Two observers independently scored the possibility of a nasal bone fracture on axial and sagittal images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The Az values of the sagittal images were higher than those of the axial images for both observers (p=0.002 and 0.010, respectively) with higher accuracy (p<0.001 and 0.016, respectively). The sensitivities of sagittal images were superior to those of axial images, especially for type 1simple nasal bone fractures with no or minimal displacement (observer 1, 98.6 versus 72.8%; observer 2, 84.9 versus 71%).

CONCLUSION

Sagittal MPR facial bone CT images provided superior diagnostic performance, and their addition to axial images is useful for the evaluation of nasal bone fractures.

Two-dimensional confinement of 3d{1} electrons in LaTiO_{3}/LaAlO{3} multilayers

We report spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of the anisotropy of the interband transitions parallel and perpendicular to the planes of (LaTiO3)n(LaAlO3)5 multilayers with n=1-3. These provide direct information about the electronic structure of the two-dimensional (2D) 3d{1} state of the Ti ions. In combination with local density approximation, including a Hubbard U calculation, we suggest that 2D confinement in the TiO2 slabs lifts the degeneracy of the t{2g} states leaving only the planar d{xy} orbitals occupied. We outline that these multilayers can serve as a model system for the study of the t{2g} 2D Hubbard model.

A case of ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor in a 35-year-old woman

Ovarian yolk sac tumor (YST) is a malignant ovarian neoplasm differentiated from primordial germ cells that occur in young age, while endometrioid carcinoma (ECA) is a müllerian epithelial tumor that usually occurs in older patients. The coexistence of an ovarian ECA and YST component is very rare. Only 12 cases have been reported until now according to a Medline search of the English literatures. We present a case of a simultaneous ECA and a YST component in a 35-year-old woman. Exploratory laparotomy was performed. The parts of both ovaries that showed an endometrioid-like glandular pattern were positive for cytokeratin 7 and negative for AFP, but the YST component was negative for cytokeratin 7 and positive for AFP. After completion of four courses of BEP chemotherapy, two courses of taxane and carboplatin chemotherapy were added. The patient failed to respond and succumbed to the disease after 12 months of follow-up.

Semen characteristics of genetically identical male cats cloned via somatic cell nucleus transfer

We investigated the sperm characteristics of four cloned male cats (Felis catus) to assess their reproductive potential. Fresh and frozen-thawed sperm were assessed for motility, viability, and morphology, and their functional competence was evaluated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) of domestic cat oocytes. All fresh semen characteristics varied among cats and collection times. Sperm concentration (x 10(6)/mL) of Cat A (512+/-140, range 368 to 685) was significantly higher, whereas that of Cat C (335+/-92, range 274 to 469) was significantly lower than that of Cloned B (459+/-159, range 336 to 510) and control cats (680+/-452, range 360 to 479). After thawing, motility and progressive motility of sperm from Cat B were significantly lower than that of the other cloned and control cats. The curvilinear, straight line, and average path velocities of sperm from Cat B were significantly higher, whereas the straightness was lower, than that of the other cloned and control cats. Frozen sperm from Cats A, B, and C successfully fertilized oocytes (cleavage=74.4%, 71.4%, and 86.2%, respectively) and produced embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage after IVF/In vitro culture (IVC) (34.4%, 26.7%, and 48.0%) at frequencies similar to the cleavage rate (82.0%) and blastocyst rate (43.9%) obtained with sperm from the control male. In conclusion, seminal characteristics of cloned male cats did not differ markedly from those of our noncloned, control male cats.