A comparative trial of two retinoids commonly used in the treatment of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Topical retinoids are highly effective treatments for acne vulgaris. The various formulations and concentrations available allow physicians to tailor therapies to individual patient's needs and minimize the cutaneous irritation that is often observed with the use of these drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of tretinoin gel microsphere 0.1% with adapalene gel 0.1% in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

METHODS

A 12-week double-blind study was conducted, and patients were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.

RESULTS

Although the two drugs displayed similar efficacy in the resolution of acne lesions at 12 weeks, a significantly greater reduction in the number of comedones was seen at week 4 among patients treated with tretinoin gel microsphere (p = 0.047). Patients receiving tretinoin gel microsphere had an increased incidence of dryness (weeks 8 and 10) and peeling (weeks 3, 6, 8, and 10) compared with those patients treated with adapalene gel, but the two groups were comparable with respect to erythema, burning/stinging, and itching.

CONCLUSION

Both drugs have similar efficacy in the resolution of acne lesions but tretinoin gel microsphere may result in a faster onset of action in the reduction of comedones compared to adapalene.

Characterization of congenital vascular malformation in the extremities using whole body blood pool scintigraphy and lymphscintigraphy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of combined whole body blood pool scintigraphy (WBBPS) and lymphscintigraphy (LS) in the characterization of patients with congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) of the extremities. Subjects included 134 patients who underwent Tc-99m RBC WBBPS and Tc-99m filtered tin colloid (or antimony sulfur colloid) LS on initial diagnosis. Scintigraphic results were interpreted as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), venolymphatic malformations (VLMs), lymphatic malformations (LMs), and venous malformations (VMs). Final diagnosis of the type of vascular malformation was determined by physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, duplex ultrasonography, and/or biopsy results. The final diagnosis demonstrated that 14 of the study subjects had an AVM, 29 had a HLM, 20 had a LM, and 71 had a VM. The sensitivity of WBBPS and LS in the characterization of CVM was 85.7% (12/14) for AVMs, 96.6% (28/29) for VLMs, 95.0% (19/20) for LMs, and 88.7% (63/71) for VMs. The specificity was 100% for AVMs (120/120), 91.4% for VLMs (96/105), 99.1% for LMs (113/114), and 98.4% for VMs (62/63). The overall accuracy of WBBPS and LS was 91.0% (122/134). Our results show that combination of WBBPS with LS can characterize extremity CVMs in patients with high diagnostic accuracy, and may thus be useful for making optimal treatment decisions.

Vibrational relaxation of trapped molecules in solid matrices: OH(A 2Sigma+; v = 1)/Ar

The vibrational relaxation of OH(A (2)Sigma(+);v=1) embedded in solid Ar has been studied over 4-80 K. The interaction model is based on OH undergoing local motions in a cage formed by a face-centered cubic stacking where the first shell atoms surround the guest and connect it to the heat bath through 12 ten-atom chains. The motions confined to the cage are the local translation and libration-rotation of OH and internal vibrations in OH...Ar, their energies being close to or a few times the energies of nearby first shell and chain atoms. The cage dynamics are studied by solving the equations of motion for the interaction between OH and first shell atoms, while energy propagation to the bulk phase through lattice chains is treated in the Langevin dynamics. Calculated energy transfer data are used in semiclassical procedure to obtain rate constants. In the early stage of interaction, OH transfers its energy to libration-rotation intramolecularily and then to the vibrations of the first shell and chain atoms on the time scale of several picoseconds. Libration-to-rotational transitions dispense the vibrational energy in small packages comparable to the lattice frequencies for ready flow. Energy propagation from the chains to the heat bath takes place on a long time scale of 10 ns or longer. Over the solid argon temperature range, the rate constant is on the order of 10(6) s(-1) and varies weakly with temperature.

Midazolam dose for loss of response to verbal stimulation during the unilateral or bilateral spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND

We have conducted this study to investigate whether unilateral or bilateral spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine induces different sensitivity to intravenous (i.v.) midazolam for sedation.

METHODS

Forty-two patients undergoing various elective unilateral lower extremity surgeries were allocated into two groups: (1) unilateral spinal anesthesia group (Group US, n=21; heavy bupivacaine 5 mg/ml, 9 mg) and (2) bilateral spinal anesthesia group (Group BS, n=21; heavy bupivacaine 5 mg/ml, 9 mg). One milligram of midazolam was injected i.v. at 30-s intervals until the patients did not respond to the hand grasp test beginning 15 min after spinal anesthesia. The concentration of plasma bupivacaine was evaluated every 15 min for the first 75 min after the start of the spinal anesthesia, and the bispectral index was monitored continuously.

RESULTS

The mean venous plasma concentration of bupivacaine was not significantly different between Group US and BS. The dose of midazolam required to abolish responses to verbal commands was significantly lower in Group BS (mean 5.9+/-1.2 mg) vs. Group US (mean 9.0+/-1.4 mg).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher dosage of midazolam is required for loss of response to verbal stimulation during unilateral spinal anesthesia than during bilateral spinal anesthesia.

Cytokine array after cyclosporine treatment in rats

OBJECTIVES

Long-term treatment with cyclosporine (CsA) results in chronic nephrotoxicity, which is known to be mediated by several cytokines including transforming growth factor-betal. Cytokines are known to play an important role in innate immunity, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell growth, and differentiation. They are known to be involved in most disease processes, including cancer, cardiac disease, and nephrotoxicity. To evaluate changes of cytokines in a rat model of CsA-induced chronic nephrotoxicity, we performed a cytokine array.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on two groups of rats; normal control group and CsA-treated group. Cytokine array in rat serum was performed using Cytokine Antibody Array I kit from RayBiotech.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine, urine creatinine, and creatinine clearance increased in the CsA-treated group. Among the several cytokines, the expressions of the lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), nerve growth factor (beta-NGF), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the CsA-treated group were increased above that of cytokines in the control group. The density of the LIX in controls was 0.62, and in the CsA-treated group was 1.24. The density of the MCP-1 in controls was 0.68, and in CsA-treated, 1.43. The density of the beta-NGF in controls was 0.62, and that in CsA-treated, 1.24. The density of the TIMP-1 in controls 1.13, and in CsA-treated, 1.40.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that among several cytokines elevated levels of the LIX, MCP-1, beta-NGF, and TIMP-1 are the contributing factors to CsA-induced nephropathy.

Improved islet yields after purification following the novel endogenous trypsin inhibitor and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate treatment in pigs

BACKGROUND

Adult porcine islet xenotransplantation into humans is greatly diminished by the difficulty to isolate islets because of their fragility. The goal of this study was to improve the efficacy of islet yields using endogenous trypsin inhibitor and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) perfusate.

METHOD

We compared two porcine islet isolation protocols: Eurocollins solution for in situ pancreas perfusion without use of an endogenous trypsin inhibitor versus HTK solution including endogenous trypsin inhibitor for pancreas perfusion.

RESULTS

Endogenous trypsin inhibitor and HTK strategies significantly improved total islet yield, recovery, and islet index after purification (P < .05), whereas unpurified islet yield did not increase. An average of 228,000 +/- 95,000 islet equivalents (IEQ) (n = 20) purified islets were obtained in the first group compared with 115,000 +/- 56,000 IEQ (n = 18) in the second group. The average islet index was significantly increased in the first group compared with the second group before and after purification: before: 0.28 versus 0.49 versus after: 0.25 versus 0.4 (P < .05). At this time, islet purity, viability, and stimulation index did not show a significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that endogenous trypsin inhibitor and HTK strategies significantly improved purified islet isolation efficacy because of reduction of islet fragility.

Effects of cyclosporine on the production of the reactive oxygen species in the glial cells

OBJECTIVES

After organ transplantation, some patients suffer mild neurological symptoms such as tremor to severe complications including seizures and encephalopathy. Among the immunosuppressants, cyclosporine (CsA) can induce neurological side effects. However, the mechanisms of encephalopathy by CsA are not fully understood. We measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the glioma cells after CsA treatment.

METHODS

CsA (2.5 mmol/L) added to glioma cells was incubated for 60 minutes at 37 degrees C. ROS production was evaluated by measuring the fluorescent product from the oxidation of an oxidant-sensitive 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin using VICTOR3 multilabel counter.

RESULTS

CsA resulted in ROS production by glioma cells. The ROS production increased with the time of exposure to CsA.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that CsA may contribute to neurological side effects via ROS production.

Experimental microencapsulation of porcine and rat pancreatic islet cells with air-driven droplet generator and alginate

Transplantation of microencapsulated islets is proposed as an ideal therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus without immunosuppression. This strategy is based on the principle that foreign cells are protected from the host immune system by an artificial membrane. The aim of this study was to establish an ideal condition of microencapsulation using an air-driven droplet generator and alginate in vitro. The optimal conditions for islet encapsulation were an alginate inflow rate of 10 mL/h, CO2 flow rate of 2.0 L/min in a concentration of 2% alginate. For 2.5% alginate, the alginate inflow rate of 20 mL/h, CO2 flow rate 3.0 L/min was ideal; alginate inflow rate of 40 mL/h, CO2 flow rate of 4.0 L/min showed good microcapsules at 3% alginate. Viability of encapsulated islets was greater than 90%. In terms of insulin secretion, encapsulated islets secreted insulin in response to glucose in static culture medium. However, there was no normal response to low or high glucose challenge with a stimulation index less than 2.0. Microencapsulation of pig islets was successfully performed with air-driven droplet generator and alginate in vitro. Further studies about biocompatibility and glucose control in vivo may provide a useful tool for treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.

A case of disseminated Nocardia farcinica diagnosed through DNA sequencing in a kidney transplantation patient

Nocardia is a rare gram-positive bacteria causing opportunistic infection, and belongs to the aerobic Actinomycetes group. As the mortality in the immunocompromised patients with nocardiosis is high, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. However, clinical manifestations of infection caused by Nocardia are very variable and early diagnosis is limited by the difficulty in obtaining specimens and its isolation. Rapid diagnosis of Nocardia infection may allow for earlier effective therapy, thus improving patient outcome. We report a case of Nocardia farcinica diagnosed by DNA sequencing through blood culture in a renal transplant recipient with severe pneumonia and multiple brain abscesses.

Use of a real time continuous glucose monitoring system as a motivational device for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The use of a real time continuous glucose monitoring system (RT-CGM) was studied as a behavior modification tool and the effectiveness of a RT-CGM in glucose control for patients with type 2 diabetes was determined.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial in 65 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (8.0</=HbA1c</=10%) over a 3-month period. The intervention group was monitored monthly with a RT-CGM (three days at a time for 3 months) and the control group continued self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) at least four times a week for 3 months.

RESULTS

The HbA1c of the RT-CGM group was significantly reduced after 12 weeks compared with the SMBG group (9.1+/-1.0% to 8.0+/-1.2% vs. 8.7+/-0.7% to 8.3+/-1.1%, respectively; P=0.004). In the RT-CGM group, there was a significant reduction in total daily calorie intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), and postprandial glucose level, and a significant increase in total exercise time per week after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the RT-CGM was useful in modifying a patient's diet and exercise habits and could induce better glycemic control than SMBG for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of pulsed radiofrequency for postherpetic neuralgia

BACKGROUND

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most intractable pain disorders, particularly among elderly patients. Lesioning of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) using pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) has shown pain reduction for PHN. We assessed the efficacy of PRF lesioning of DRG for PHN via an open, nonrandomized study.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with PHN refractory to conservative therapy were involved. After impedance and sensory electrical nerve stimulation thresholds were assessed, PRF was performed three times adjacent to the DRG of corresponding levels at 42 degrees C for 120 s under the fluoroscopic guidance. Pain ratings were conducted on a visual analogue scale at 4-, 8- and 12-week follow-up. The data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

There was excellent pain relief (about 55%) at 4 weeks after PRF lesioning adjacent to the DRG and the effectiveness was maintained at the subsequent 12-week follow-up. The pain duration, age and stimulation level did not influence the outcome. There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PRF lesioning of DRG showed significant pain relief compared with the conventional treatments in patients with intractable PHN. In order to elucidate the mode of action of PRF, further research is needed and the optimal electrical parameters of PRF have to be determined.

Endoscopic evaluation of significant gastrointestinal lesions in patients with iron deficiency with and without anaemia: a Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease study

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopy is recommended for patients with iron deficiency anaemia, there is, currently, no consensus on the role of endoscopy for iron-deficient patients without anaemia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of serious gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, identified by endoscopy in patients with iron deficiency and anaemia compared with patients with iron deficiency without anaemia.

METHODS

One thousand five hundred and eighteen patients with a ferritin value of <or=50 ng/mL and a total iron-binding capacity >or=300 mg/dL were retrospectively investigated using oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy between January 2005 and September 2006. The lesions identified were classified as clinically important according to standard predetermined criteria.

RESULTS

Among the 1518 cases, 749 patients had anaemia and 769 had normal haemoglobin levels. Clinically important lesions were identified in 24.6% of the patients with anaemia and in 22.8% of the patients without anaemia (P > 0.05). The frequency of lower GI tract lesions (13.6 vs 11.4%, P > 0.05) and upper GI tract lesions (11.9 vs 12.5%, P > 0.05) was similar in the comparisons between the two groups. However, the frequency of malignant GI lesions was higher in the patients with anaemia (5.1 vs 0.7%, P < 0.01). In addition, the patients without anaemia were significantly more likely to have early-stage neoplasia (adenoma, early gastric cancer and Dukes' A and B colon cancer) than were the patients with anaemia (98.4 vs 52.5%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that patients with iron deficiency should undergo endoscopic evaluation of the GI tract, irrespective of whether they have anaemia. The endoscopic evaluation of the GI tract in patients with iron deficiency without anaemia could provide an opportunity for the detection of early-stage neoplasia at a curable stage.

Surgical and pathological outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer

PURPOSE

Several multi-institutional prospective randomized trials have demonstrated short-term benefits using laparoscopy. Now the laparoscopic approach is accepted as an alternative to open surgery for colon cancer. However, in prior trials, the transverse colon was excluded. Therefore, it has not been determined whether laparoscopy can be used in the setting of transverse colon cancer. This study evaluated the peri-operative clinical outcomes and oncological quality by pathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection from August 2004 to November 2007 was made. Computed tomography, barium enema, and colonoscopy were performed to localize the tumor preoperatively. Extended right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, and extended left hemicolectomy were performed for transverse colon cancer. Surgical outcomes and pathologic outcomes were compared between transverse colon cancer (TCC) and other site colon cancer (OSCC).

RESULTS

Of the 312 colorectal cancer patients, 94 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for OSCC, and 34 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for TCC. Patients with TCC were similar to patients with OSCC in age, gender, body mass index, operating time, blood loss, time to pass flatus, start of diet, hospital stay, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of lymph nodes, and radial margin. One case in TCC and three cases in OSCC were converted to open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and OSCC had similar peri-operative clinical and acceptable pathological outcomes.

Syndecan-1 expression in gallbladder cancer and its prognostic significance

AIM

To determine whether the immunohistochemical detection of syndecan-1 could provide useful information as a novel therapeutic or prognostic factor in primary gallbladder (GB) cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three GB cancer tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for syndecan-1 expression. The relationship between syndecan-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics, and the univariate survival analysis for the influence of the syndecan-1 expression on the overall survival were analysed.

RESULTS

Epithelial syndecan-1 immunoreactivity was observed in 25 (58.1%) of the 43 GB cancer cases. The tumors with a positive syndecan-1 expression more frequently showed lymph node metastasis (p = 0.037). Although there was no statistically significant association, the tumors with a positive syndecan-1 expression tended to show a deeper invasion depth (p = 0.087) and more frequent lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.064). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that patients with positive syndecan-1 expression had a significantly shorter survival time than those patients with negative syndecan-1 expression (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A subset of GB cancers revealed an epithelial overexpression of syndecan-1, which was associated with a progressive pathological feature and an aggressive clinical course. Therefore, epithelial syndecan-1 expression may be a predictor for a poor prognosis in patients with GB cancer.

PKC delta in preeclamptic placentas promotes Bax dissociation from 14-3-3 zeta through 14-3-3 zeta phosphorylation

OBJECTIVE

We investigated placental apoptosis and the expression of and interactions between 14-3-3 and Bcl-2 family proteins during preeclampsia. In addition, we explored the mechanism of Bax dissociation from 14-3-3, hypothesizing that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of 14-3-3 results in dissociation of Bax from 14-3-3 proteins, and leads to apoptosis.

METHODS

Placental samples from 10 women with preeclampsia and 10 normotensive control patients were analyzed using M30-specific immunohistochemistry to assess placental apoptosis. Biochemical markers of cellular apoptosis, such as cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, 14-3-3, and PKC were followed by Western blotting. Interaction of 14-3-3 proteins with Bax and with PKC was assessed by immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

M30-positive cells were widespread in the preeclamptic placentas. The levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, 14-3-3 zeta, phospho-(Ser)-14-3-3, and PKC delta were significantly higher in the preeclamptic placentas than in normal placentas. Preeclampsia was also associated with weaker interactions between 14-3-3 zeta and Bax and stronger interactions between 14-3-3 zeta and PKC delta.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PKC delta in preeclamptic placentas promotes Bax dissociation from 14-3-3 zeta through the phosphorylation of 14-3-3 zeta. This finding may at least in part explain the apoptosis-inducing activity of PKC delta, revealing the important role of PKC delta in the development of apoptosis-related diseases such as preeclampsia.

Patient-controlled sedation vs. anaesthetic nurse-controlled sedation for cataract surgery in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled sedation (PCS) with propofol has been used successfully in various conditions, but controversies exist about its use in sedation of elderly patients for cataract surgery. This study evaluates the efficacy of anaesthetic nurse-controlled sedation (ACS) compared with PCS using the same device and the drug.

METHODS

All of the 153 elderly patients (aged 51-88 years) undergoing cataract surgery with a sub-Tenon's infiltration were assigned to receive ACS (n = 51) or PCS (n = 51) with propofol or no intra-operative sedation (control, n = 51). Propofol was administered with a bolus dose of 10 mg and a lockout interval of 1 min. Cognitive function, sedation, pain, anxiety, side effects and satisfaction of patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean +/- SD doses of propofol administered were 34.9 +/- 8.8 mg and 30.1 +/- 30.4 mg in the groups ACS and PCS, respectively. The anxiety score was lower in both ACS and PCS groups compared with control group but was not different between the two groups. Patient's satisfaction was highest in PCS group, ACS group was the next, compared with non-sedated group. Other parameters were not different among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ACS and PCS using propofol provided reduced anxiety compared with control, but patient's satisfaction was higher in the PCS group compared with ACS group.

Safety and usefulness of bronchoscopy in ventilator-dependent patients with severe thrombocytopenia

Flexible bronchoscopy is a useful diagnostic procedure in patients with respiratory failure due to unexplained pulmonary infiltrates, but its safety and usefulness in ventilator-dependent patients with severe thrombocytopenia have not been established. A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who underwent bronchoscopy while receiving mechanical ventilation support at Samsung Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea between January 2002 and July 2006 was conducted. The medical records of 37 patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000 /microl) at the time of bronchoscopy were analysed. Mean platelet count was 27,300+/-12,500 /microl. The most common underlying condition was haematologic malignancy, which occurred in 21(56.7%) patients, followed by severe sepsis in five (13.6%) and post-liver transplantation complications and autoimmune disease in four each (10.8%). The procedures performed were bronchoalveolar lavage in 33 patients, washing in three and transbronchial lung biopsy in five. Two patients died within 24 hours of completing the procedure. In patients surviving longer than 24 hours, there was no significant decline in oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), sequential organ failure assessment score or simplified acute physiological score II after the procedure. Lung compliance significantly decreased at two hours post-bronchoscopy but recovered to the pre-bronchoscopy level by 24 hours. Intensive care unit mortality was 51.4% (19 of 37 patients). Bronchoscopy was helpful in confirming the diagnosis in 17 patients (45.9%). Therapeutic modifications were made in 14 patients (37.8%) after bronchoscopy. Severe thrombocytopenia per se should not preclude bronchoscopy, even in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

A plant growth promoting rhizobacterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa strain GBR-1, suppresses root-knot nematode

Exposure of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita to various concentrations (5-100%) of culture filtrate of Paenibacillus polymyxa GBR-1 under in vitro conditions significantly reduced egg hatch and caused substantial mortality of its juveniles. The increase in the exposure durations of juveniles to culture filtrate and its concentrations increased the mortality rate. Similarly, higher concentrations increased its inhibitory effect on egg hatch. In higher concentrations (25-100%) egg hatch was inhibited by 84-91% after 2 days of exposures as compared to control in sterile distilled water. Application of various concentrations of culture filtrate extract or bacterial suspension of P. polymyxa GBR-1 into potting soil infested with 2000 J2 of M. incognita, reduced the root galling and nematode populations and increased tomato plant growth and root-mass production compared with untreated control (P< or = 0.05). The beneficial effect of P. polymyxa GBR-1 into potted soil increased exponentially with the increase in dose concentrations. Root gall index was reduced from 4.8 to 1.4 and 1.8 when potting soil was treated with 10% concentrations of culture filtrate extract and bacterial suspension, respectively, compared with untreated control. Application of bacterial suspension of P. polymyxa GBR-1 into potted soil at 3 day pre-inoculation of nematode was the most effective followed by simultaneously and at 2 days post-inoculation; as root galling was reduced by 62.5%, 58.3% and 50.0%, respectively, compared with untreated control.

Association of MCP-1 and CCR2 polymorphisms with the risk of late acute rejection after renal transplantation in Korean patients

Among the factors modulating transplant rejection, chemokines and their respective receptors deserve special attention. Increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its corresponding receptor (chemokine receptor-2, CCR2) has been implicated in renal transplant rejection. To determine the impact of the MCP-1-2518G and CCR2-64I genotypes on renal allograft function, 167 Korean patients who underwent transplantation over a 25-year period were evaluated. Genomic DNA was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Fifty-five (32.9%) patients were homozygous for the MCP-1-2518G polymorphism. Nine (5.4%) patients were homozygous for the CCR2-64I polymorphism. None of the investigated polymorphism showed a significant shift in long-term allograft survival. However, a significant increase was noted for the risk of late acute rejection in recipients who were homozygous for the MCP-1-2518G polymorphism (OR, 2.600; 95% CI, 1.125–6.012; P = 0.022). There was also an association between the MCP-1-2518G/G genotype and the number of late acute rejection episodes (P = 0.024). Although there was no difference in the incidence of rejection among recipients stratified by the CCR2-V64I genotype, recipients with the CCR2-V64I GG genotype in combination with the MCP-1-2518G/G genotype had a significantly higher risk of acute or late acute rejection among the receptor-ligand combinations (P = 0.006, P = 0.008, respectively). The MCP-1 variant may be a marker for risk of late acute rejection in Korean patients.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a Korean patient with late-onset X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: identification of a novel mutation in the NR0B1 gene

Adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is caused by mutations in the NR0B1 gene on chromosome Xp21.3-p21.2. It manifests as X-linked primary adrenal failure in early infancy or childhood and as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG) at puberty. Although studies of AHC patients and mutations in the NR0B1 gene have been reported throughout the world, there has previously been only one other case report from Korea. We encountered a 23-year old Korean male with delayed-onset AHC/HHG who had been previously diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency of unknown aetiology at age 13 years. Delayed puberty and incomplete HHG were observed. Direct sequencing of the NR0B1 gene revealed the patient to have a novel insertion mutation (c.959_960insT; Leu321ProfsX68). Although AHC is believed to be rare, it should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients showing late-onset primary adrenal insufficiency.

An automated and semi-continuous method for the analysis of water-soluble constituents in PM(2.5)

An automated and semi-continuous method for measuring water-soluble constituents in PM(2.5) was developed. The system consists of a multi-tube diffusion scrubber (MTDS), a low temperature particle impactor (LTPI), an inertial air/liquid separator, and two ion chromatography systems. The MTDS acts as an interfering gas removal system and also as a humidifier for growing particles. Since the MTDS operates at 40 degrees C, the loss of volatile compounds and hydrological conversion of nitrogen oxides to nitrite were not of significant concern. The condensation of water vapor, dissolution of soluble constituents, and capture of insoluble particles occurred in the LTPI. The condensed liquid containing the dissolved species and the insoluble particles was separated from the airflow using an inertial air/liquid separator. The analysis of cations and anions in the effluent liquid was performed using two ion chromatography systems. The collection efficiency, including the inlet loss, of the system was 96.6+/-7.1% at an air flow rate of 1.0 SLPM. The limits of detection ranged from 12 to 57 ng/m(3) for major ionic constituents without any pre-concentration procedure. This method was tested in the field and the average data capture was over 90%, demonstrating the reliability of the system.

The influence of head rotation on ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sealing during paediatric myringotomy

Myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion in children involves turning the head from neutral to allow surgical access to the ear. In adults, rotation of the head from the mid-line generally increases the oropharyngeal leak pressure when a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is used to manage the airway. There are concerns that these manoeuvres may distort or obstruct the paediatric airway. Paediatric sizes (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5) of the PLMA differ from the adult versions in that they do not have a dorsal cuff. This study examines the effect of these head position changes on the seal of the PLMA in children. Twenty-nine children (ASA 1-2, aged 0.9 to 7.5 years) scheduled for myringotomy were recruited. After PLMA insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressure and fibreoptic determined PLMA position scores were measured in the neutral position and with head rotation of 45 degrees to the left or right. Fibreoptic positioning scores were similar in all positions. Head rotation was associated with a statistically significant but modest increase in oropharyngeal leak pressure versus the neutral position (P < 0.05). After rotating the head from neutral, 38% (11 of 29) of subjects had an increase of oropharyngeal leak pressure of at least 2 cmH2O. Only 7% (2 of 29) of subjects had a decrease in oropharyngeal leak pressure with head rotation, the maximum decrease being 2 cmH2O. Airway obstruction did not occur in any of the positions. We conclude that the efficacy of the seal for the pediatric sizes PLMA is improved by head rotation for myringotomy.

Hyperthermal neutral beam sources for material processing

Hyperthermal neutral beams have a great potential for material processes, especially for etching and thin film deposition for semiconductor and display fabrication as well as deposition for various thin film applications. Plasma-induced damage during plasma etching is a serious problem for manufacturing deep submicron semiconductor devices and is expected to be a problem for future nanoscale devices. Thermal and plasma-induced damage is also problematic for thin film depositions such as transparent conductive oxide films on organic light emitting diodes or flexible displays due to high temperature processes in plasma environments. These problems can be overcome by damage-free and low-temperature processes with hyperthermal neutral beams. We will present the status of the hyperthermal neutral beam development and the applications, especially, in semiconductor and display fabrication and introduce potential applications of thin film growing for optoelectronic devices such as light emitting diodes.

Genomic profiling identifies TITF1 as a lineage-specific oncogene amplified in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, where the amplification of oncogenes contributes to tumorigenesis. Genomic profiling of 128 lung cancer cell lines and tumors revealed frequent focal DNA amplification at cytoband 14q13.3, a locus not amplified in other tumor types. The smallest region of recurrent amplification spanned the homeobox transcription factor TITF1 (thyroid transcription factor 1; also called NKX2-1), previously linked to normal lung development and function. When amplified, TITF1 exhibited increased expression at both the RNA and protein levels. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of TITF1 in lung cancer cell lines with amplification led to reduced cell proliferation, manifested by both decreased cell-cycle progression and increased apoptosis. Our findings indicate that TITF1 amplification and overexpression contribute to lung cancer cell proliferation rates and survival and implicate TITF1 as a lineage-specific oncogene in lung cancer.

PPAR-gamma ligand promotes the growth of APC-mutated HT-29 human colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

PPAR-gamma has been known to induce suppression, differentiation and reversal of malignant changes in colon cancer in vitro. However, there are several reports that PPAR-gamma ligands enhance colon polyp development in APCmin mice in vivo. These contradictory results have not yet been thoroughly explained. To explain the contradictory results, we analyzed the effects of different concentrations of the PPAR-gamma agonist, 15-deoxy-D12, 14-prostaglandin (15-d Delta PGJ2) and pioglitazone, on APC gene-mutated colon cancer cell lines (HT-29). We measured cell growth and suppression by cell count and MTT assay and analyzed the expression of beta-catenin and c-Myc protein by Western blot. In addition, we inoculated HT-29 cells into APCmin mice to compare tumor size. High concentrations (10-100 microM/L 15-d Delta PGJ2 and pioglitazone) of PPAR-gamma ligand suppressed growth, while low concentrations (0.01-1 microM/L 15-d Delta PGJ2 and pioglitazone) of PPAR-gamma ligand promoted growth. In particular, the effects of 0.1 microM/L 15-d Delta PGJ2 and pioglitazone on cell growth were statistically significant (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, respectively). Tumor growth was associated with an increase in beta-catenin and c-Myc expression. The growth of xenograft tumors was greater in PPAR-gamma ligand-treated mice than in control mice (control vs day 14: P = 0.024, control vs day 28: P = 0.007). The expression of beta-catenin and c-Myc protein were also elevated in PPAR-gamma-treated mouse tissues. PPAR-gamma ligand can promote the growth of APC-mutated HT-29 colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the tumor promoting effect seems to be associated with an increase in beta-catenin and c-Myc expression. We think that well-controlled clinical trials should be conducted to confirm our results and to verify clinical applications.

Triamcinolone acetonide protects the rat retina from STZ-induced acute inflammation and early vascular leakage

Streptozotocin (STZ) has been commonly used to induce in vivo and in vitro hyperglycemic diabetes and its toxicity leads to inflammation and vascular injury. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), as an anti-angiogenic/anti-inflammatory drug, is clinically used to improve the visual acuity in neovascular and edematous ocular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TA on early inflammation and vascular leakage in the retina of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg); only rats with blood glucose levels >13.9 mmol/l 1 day after STZ injection were included in STZ-hyperglycemic group. Sex- and age-matched SD rats injected with buffer were used as the control group. One day before STZ and buffer injection, 2 microl TA (4 mg/ml in saline) and 2 microl saline were intravitreal-injected into the right and the left eyes of rats, respectively. Retinal vascular leakage was measured using the Evans-blue method. Changes in pro-inflammatory target genes, such as tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by immunoblottings, immunostaining, and ELISA analyses. Vascular hyperleakage and up-regulation of most pro-inflammatory genes peaked within a few days after STZ injection and had recovered. However, these changes were blocked by TA pretreatment. Our data suggest that TA controls STZ-induced early vascular leakage and temporary pro-inflammatory signals in the rat retina.

Classical trajectory study of the formation of XeH+ and XeCl+ in the Xe++HCl collision

The collision-induced reaction of Xe+ with HCl has been studied by use of classical dynamics procedures at collision energies 2-20 eV using empirical potential parameters. The principal reaction pathway on the potential energy surface is the formation of XeH+ with the maximum reaction cross section, 1.2 A2, occurring at E=9 eV. At lower energies, the cross section for the charge transfer process Xe++HCl-->Xe+HCl+ is comparable to that for XeH+ formation, but at higher energies, it is larger by a factor of 2. The cross section of the XeCl+ formation is an order of magnitude smaller than that of XeH+. For both XeH+ and XeCl+ formations, the reaction threshold is approximately 2 eV. The XeH+ formation takes place immediately following the turning point in a direct-mode mechanism, whereas an indirect-mode mechanism operates in the formation of XeCl+. Both XeH+ and XeCl+ formations come mainly from the perpendicular configuration, Xe+...HCl, at the turning point. Product vibrational excitation is found to be strong in both XeH+ and XeCl+.

Spontaneous rupture of the left common iliac vein associated with May–Thurner syndrome: successful management with surgery and placement of an endovascular stent

We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the left common iliac vein diagnosed pre-operatively with CT and successfully treated with surgery and placement of a stent. A 60-year-old woman was referred to our emergency room because of a sudden left lower abdominal pain and swelling of the left lower extremity. CT revealed a huge retroperitoneal haematoma and extrinsic compression of the left common iliac vein with acute thrombosis of deep veins of the left lower extremity. Venous patch angioplasty was performed at the site of spontaneous rupture. After thrombectomy with use of a Forgaty catheter, a stent was placed at the occluded segment of the left common iliac vein under the C-arm fluroscopic guidance. Follow-up CT 10 days and 8 months after initial examination demonstrated a venous stent with preserved luminal patency and striking resolution of deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity.

Protein kinase C delta regulates anti-apoptotic alphaB-crystallin in the retina of type 2 diabetes

We investigated the relationship between phosphorylation of alphaB-crystallin (alphaBC) and retinal apoptosis in type 2 diabetes. The retinas of male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats at 24 and 35 weeks were used as an animal model for type 2 diabetes and sex- and age-matched Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as controls. In the retinas of 35-week OLETF rats, the interaction between alphaBC and protein kinase C delta (PKC delta) among the PKC isozymes, alphaBC phosphorylation at Ser45 (S45p-alphaBC), TUNEL-positive apoptotic ganglion cells, several apoptotic signs, and co-localization of S45p-alphaBC and TUNEL significantly increased as compared with other groups while the alphaBC-Bax interaction greatly decreased. These changes were abolished by rottlerin treatment, a highly specific PKC delta inhibitor. These results suggest that PKC delta is involved in regulation of anti-apoptotic function of alphaBC in the retina of type 2 diabetes.

Maternal serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To establish reference values for highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in normal pregnancy and determine whether disease severity could be predicted by serum hsCRP concentration in women with severe pre-eclampsia (PE).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 25 pregnant women with severe PE and 202 healthy pregnant women who were divided into 4 groups by pregnancy duration. Levels of hsCRP were determined by the immunonephelometric method. Mean arterial pressure, time between delivery and diuresis, and mean ratio of systolic to diastolic blood flow velocity in uterine arteries were used as indicators of the severity of PE.

RESULTS

The median values of hsCRP in each group were 0.76 mg/L (0.16-13.61 mg/L), 1.53 mg/L (0.39-20.31 mg/L), 2.08 mg/L (0.50-9.45 mg/L), and 2.28 mg/L (0.44-8.11 mg/L) and showed a trend toward increase. Serum levels of hsCRP were positively correlated with each severity indicator of PE.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that hsCRP levels were positively correlated to pregnancy duration in healthy women and could be used as a severity marker in women with severe PE.

Triamcinolone suppresses retinal vascular pathology via a potent interruption of proinflammatory signal-regulated activation of VEGF during a relative hypoxia

We examined the effect of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), a corticosteroid, on the relationship between vascular pathophysiology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activation in the retina of a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). OIR was induced by exposure of hyperoxia (80% oxygen) to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats from P2 to P14 and then returned to normoxic conditions. TA was intravitreal-injected once into the right eye of OIR rats at P15. Effects of TA on vascular pathophysiology or changes of various genes in response to hypoxia and/or proinflammation under hypoxic retina were assessed by the Evans-blue method, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) infusion, immunoblotting, and ELIZA. TA not only reduced retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage in the OIR-rat retina, but also blocked the induction of hypoxia-response proinflammatory genes before it negatively controlled VEGF activation. These findings suggest a potential that TA suppresses retinal neovascular pathophysiology via proinflammation-mediated activation of VEGF during hypoxia.

Manganese does not alter the severe neurotoxicity of MPTP

We utilized a mice model of Parkinsonism: (1) to evaluate 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity; and (2) to evaluate whether manganese (Mn) exposure can affect MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. A 2 x 3 experimental design (MPTP x+/- Mn) was as follows: SS, MPTP(-) x Mn(-); SLMn, MPTP(-) x low Mn(+); SHMn, MPTP(-) x high Mn(+); MpS, MPTP(+) x Mn(-); MpLMn, MPTP(+) x low Mn(+); MpHMn, MPTP(+) x high Mn(+). We administered MPTP (30 mg/kg per day) to male C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally, once a day for 5 days. Subsequently, mice were treated with either 2 or 8 mg/kg of MnCl(2).4H(2)O intraperitoneally, once a day for 3 weeks. Blood and striatal Mn levels were elevated in the Mnexposed groups. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta were decreased significantly in the MPTP-exposed groups. The densities of TH-ir axon terminals in caudate-putamen (CPU) were significantly decreased in the MPTP-treated groups. However, Mn treatment did not affect MPTP neurotoxicity. The densities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-ir astrocytes in the CPU or globus pallidus were significantly increased in the MPTP-treated groups. Concentrations of dopamine in the striatum were decreased significantly in the MPTP-exposed groups only, but Mn had no effect.

A phase II study of biweekly dose-intensified oral capecitabine plus irinotecan (bXELIRI) for patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer

Capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-FU, has been reported to generate maximal tumour activity at tumour sites and/or to improve drug tolerability as compared with 5-FU infusion, and it has also been demonstrated to act synergistically with irinotecan against some solid cancers. A previous study concluded that dose-intensified biweekly capecitabine seems to be more effective at increasing both response rate and progression-free survival time than conventional dose and schedule of capecitabine in colon cancer. We conducted this study to ascertain the efficacy and toxicity of dose-intensified biweekly capecitabine and irinotecan combination chemotherapy in chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic gastric cancer patients. Patients were treated with irinotecan 130 mg m⁻² intravenously for 90 min on days 1 and 15. Capecitabine at 3500 mg m⁻² day⁻¹, divided into two sessions per day, was administered for seven consecutive days from days 1 and 15, and followed by a 7-day drug-free period, respectively. Fifty-five eligible patients were enrolled in this study from November 2003 to April 2006. There were 22 women and 33 men: median patient age was 54 years (range: 27–81). A total of 200 treatment cycles were administered at a median number of four per patient (range: 1–9). Intent-to-treatment analysis showed that one patient achieved complete response (1.8%), 23 partial response (41.8%), 15 stable disease (27.3%), 10 progressive disease (18.2%) and 6 were non-evaluable (10.9%). The overall response rate was 43.6% (95% confidence interval: 30.2–56.9). The common grade 3–4 toxicities were neutropenia in 12 (21.8%), nausea/vomiting in 3 (5.4%) and diarrhea in 4 (7.2%) patients. Median time to progression was 5 months (range: 0.5–11 months), median survival duration was 11 months (range: 0.5–45 months) and median response duration was 6 months (range: 0.5–9 months). Biweekly dose-intensified capecitabine and irinotecan combination chemotherapy was active for the treatment of advanced or metastatic gastric cancers with a tolerable safety profile.

Kinetic studies of reductive dechlorination of chlorophenols with Ni/Fe bimetallic particles

The catalytic dechlorination of five chlorophenols, by Ni/Fe bimetal was investigated through batch experiments. The results showed that the destruction of chlorophenols by hydrodechlorination over Ni / Fe was very effective and followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics under aqueous conditions. The order of reaction rate was 2-chlorophenol > 4-chlorophenol > 2,4-dichlorophenol > 2,4,6-trichlorophenol > 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP). The dechlorination rate of chlorophenol increased linearly with increasing nickel coating on iron. In general, increasing the degree of chlorine substitution on the phenol ring decreased the rate of dechlorination except for 2,6-DCP. Chlorophenols were dechlorinated to phenol via both stepwise as the major pathway and concerted mechanisms with minor contribution. The relative contribution of each reaction pathway is discussed through a model fitting.

Transcript accumulation from the rpoS gene encoding a stationary-phase sigma factor in Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain O6 is regulated by the polyphosphate kinase gene

Polyphosphate levels are modulated by the actions of polyphosphate kinase, encoded by ppk, and exopolyphosphatase, encoded by ppx. The genes ppk and ppx are adjacent to each other in the genome of the root colonizer, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6. A ppk-deficient mutant was more sensitive to oxidative stress than the wild-type and the ppx mutant. Transcripts from ppx increased as cultures matured from mid- to late-logarithmic and stationary phases, whereas abundance was greater for ppk in the late-logarithmic phase than in the stationary phase. Transcript accumulation from the rpoS gene, encoding the stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS, was decreased in the mid- and late-logarithmic and stationary phases in the ppk mutant. Thus, ppk regulates rpoS transcript accumulation in P. chlororaphis 06. However, mutations in either the ppk or ppx genes had no effect on induction of systemic resistance in plants colonized by P. chlororaphis O6.

Motion analysis based on a multi-segment foot model in normal walking

The foot, an exceedingly complicated system, is essential to move the body forward and to keep dynamic stability during gait. In most previous studies on gait analysis, the foot has been defined as a single rigid segment, which results in many problems to understand the foot motion in detail. The purpose of this study is to develop a multi-segment foot model that can help analyze biomechanics of the foot during gait. A 9-segment foot model with 8 major joints was developed in this study. In addition, it was applied to the 3D motion analysis to determine the kinematics and the kinetics of the foot in the normal walking. Understanding the detailed foot motions by the present multi-segment foot model would be very useful to diagnose patients with various foot diseases.

Droplet-based magnetically activated cell separation

In this study, we developed a method that target cells in suspension can be separated by combining magnetic force and gravitation force. Since the newly developed method involves a separating process of a droplet containing nontarget cells in suspension by applying magnetic force to separate target cells, we called it droplet-based magnetic activated cell sorting (dMACS). To demonstrate the efficiency of the dMACS system, Ter119 (+) cells from mouse bone marrow cells were separated by both conventional MACS and our dMACS systems. Effects of three parameters on separation efficiency were examined in the dMACS system. As a result, both volume of droplet of cell suspension, and magnetic force did not affect the efficiency of cell separation markedly. However, the time for cell settlement in the droplet showed a critical role in the efficiency of cell separation according to increasing time. Therefore, we tried to verify that the saturation time affected increase of its efficiency and that flow rate injected to get rid of the negative cell resulted in the decrease of its efficiency. Using this dMACS system, we were able to pinpoint that the flow rate of cell suspension injected into a magnetic platform results in disturbance in the droplet, leading to turbulence in the cell suspension.

Validation of a testis specific serine/threonine kinase [TSSK] family and the substrate of TSSK1 & 2, TSKS, as contraceptive targets

A family of testis specific serine/threonine kinases, TSSK1-4 and SSTK, in addition to the substrate of TSSK1 & 2, TSKS, have been studied during the past several years in our laboratory. This paper will provide a general background on these kinases through review of pertinent literature and then will summarize data from our laboratory germane to evaluating these kinases as candidate targets for future development of small molecule kinase inhibitors that may serve to regulate male fertility. Bio-informatic and structural analyses of human TSSK1-4 and SSTK indicate that these kinases constitute a unique subfamily belonging to the AMPK branch on the human kinome tree. Expression studies showed that all five kinases and the TSKS substrate are testis abundant, if not strictly testis specific, indicating that tissue specific contraceptive targeting is possible. In situ hybridization further confirmed that mouse TSSK2, SSTK and TSKS are post-meiotic in their expression patterns, a finding that makes them possible targets of reversible contraceptive intervention by preserving spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Our laboratory detected TSSK2, TSKS and SSTK proteins in mature spermatozoa for the first time. TSKS was localized to the centrioles of human spermatozoa, while TSSK2 was observed in the sperm neck, equatorial segment and mid-piece of the sperm tail, and SSTK was localized in the equatorial segment. The interaction and binding between human TSSK2 and TSKS was confirmed by several methods: this substrate and enzyme interaction offers a particularly interesting opportunity for drug design. In vitro kinase assay showed phosphorylation of TSKS by TSSK2. The TSKS phosphopeptide, HGLSPATPIQGCSGPPGS*PEEPPR, was identified by IMAC-LC-FTMS, with serine 285 being phosphorylated (representend by asterisk). These results provide a rationale for high-throughput screening of inhibitors for TSKS phosphorylation and further studies of members of this kinase family as targets for both male contraception and intra-vaginal spermicides.

Continuous removal of hydrogen peroxide with immobilised catalase for wastewater reuse

Hydrogen peroxide was continuously removed for wastewater reuse using an immobilised biocatalyst. A commercial catalase, which is an enzyme to decompose hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, was entrapped in chitosan beads. Hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions of varying pH, temperature and concentration was continuously removed through a reactor containing the catalase-entrapped chitosan beads at high efficiency for 24 h. Additional silicate coating of the chitosan beads resulted in significant improvements in the catalase performance under harsh conditions, which are often found in peroxide-based industrial processes. We expect that immobilisation of catalases can enhance their applicability for continuous degradation of hydrogen peroxide for wastewater reuse.

Observations on the suppression of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria) on tomato by incorporation of cyanobacterial powder (Oscillatoria chlorina) into potting field soil

Experiments were carried out to investigate the nematicidal potential of a cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria chlorina, against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria on tomato plants grown in pots filled with 500 cm3 of field soil infested with 12-s stage juveniles (J2)/cm3 soil. Incorporation of freeze-dried cyanobacterial powder into potted field soil at the rate of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% (w/w) 5 days prior to tomato planting, reduced root galling, final population of M. arenaria and increased vegetative growth of tomato plants and root-mass production, compared with untreated control (P > or = 0.05). The beneficial effect of adding cyanobacterial powder into infested potted field soil increased exponentially with concentration up to 0.8%. Root galling and nematode population decreased by 68.9% and 97.6%, respectively at the highest dose (1%) of cyanobacterial powder compared with the untreated control. Addition of cyanobacterial powder into infested potted field soil at 5 days before planting was the most effective followed by 2 days before and at the time of tomato planting. We conclude that application rate and timing are important factors in the control of root-knot nematodes with O. chlorina.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase is activated in non-small-cell lung cancer and promotes neoplastic transformation in human bronchial epithelial cells

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) has been reported to either potentiate or inhibit oncogenesis, depending upon the cellular context, but its role in lung neoplasia is unclear. Here we sought to define the role of JNK in lung neoplasia by examining evidence of JNK phosphorylation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biopsy samples and by using genetic and pharmacologic approaches to modulate JNK expression and activity in cultured cells. Immunohistochemical staining for JNK phosphorylation was detected in 114 (45%) of 252 NSCLC biopsy samples and was predominantly nuclear, providing evidence of JNK activation in a subset of NSCLC cases. Introduction of a doxycycline-inducible, constitutively active, mutant mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) into the human bronchial epithelial cell lines BEAS-2B and HB56B increased the cells' proliferation, migration, invasion and clonogenicity. Depletion of JNK in MKK4 mutant-transformed BEAS-2B cells by introduction of JNK1/2 short hairpin RNA reversed the transformed phenotype, indicating that JNK activation is oncogenic and MKK4 confers neoplastic properties in these cells. The proliferation of NSCLC cell lines HCC827 and H2009, in which JNK and its substrate c-Jun are constitutively phosphorylated, was inhibited by SP600125, a JNK kinase inhibitor. We conclude that JNK is activated in a subset of NSCLC biopsy samples and promotes oncogenesis in the bronchial epithelium, suggesting that strategies to inhibit the JNK pathway should be considered for the prevention and treatment of NSCLC.

Longitudinal fMRI study for locomotor recovery in patients with stroke

The authors investigated bihemispheric motor network reorganization supporting locomotor recovery after stroke over time. They determined longitudinal changes in locomotor function and fMRI in 10 stroke patients at the subacute stage and the chronic stage. The results suggest that the bihemispheric reorganization mechanism underlying locomotor recovery evolved from the ipsilateral (contralesional) primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) activation at the subacute stage to the contralateral (ipsilesional) SM1 activation at the chronic stage.

Deep tracheal laceration after balloon dilation for benign tracheobronchial stenosis: case reports of two patients

We report two cases of deep tracheal laceration in female patients after balloon dilation for benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Immediate post-procedure bronchoscopy and CT including 3D reconstructions showed deep lacerations in the posterior tracheal wall. Clinically, the patients' dyspnoea subsided and there has been no recurrence during follow-up after balloon dilation. On the follow-up 3D-reconstructed CT scans obtained 2 months and 8 months following balloon dilation, respectively, the lacerations had healed completely and there was considerable improvement in lumen size.

Complete eversion and prolapse of bladder concurrent with primary adenocarcinoma

Complete eversion and prolapse of the urinary bladder is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, the imaging findings of complete bladder eversion have not been documented in the literature. Here, we report a case of complete eversion and prolapse of the urinary bladder demonstrated on MRI. Concurrent primary adenocarcinoma was found in the thickened wall of the everted urinary bladder.

Diagnostic yield of advanced colorectal neoplasia at colonoscopy, according to indications: an investigation from the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID)

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The factors that more accurately predict the detection of colorectal cancers and adenomas at colonoscopy are different. We conducted a prospective multicenter study to evaluate which indications were most closely associated with advanced colorectal neoplasm (CRN), including colorectal cancer, in a group of patients undergoing colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 17 468 patients were enrolled in this study between July 2003 and March 2004, from 11 tertiary medical centers in Korea. They were recruited according to 11 itemized colonoscopic indications. The term "advanced adenoma" refers here to tubular adenomas of diameter of 11 mm or more, or to tubulovillous, villous, or severely dysplastic adenomas, irrespective of their size. Cancer was defined as the invasion of malignant cells beyond the muscularis mucosa. Advanced CRN was defined as advanced adenoma or invasive cancer.

RESULTS

Advanced CRN was found in 1227/17 307 patients (1176 advanced adenomas plus 51 carcinomas, 7.1 %). According to univariate and multivariate analysis, the factors associated with advanced CRN included age >60 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.8 - 2.4, P < 0.0001), male gender (OR 2.1, 95 %CI 1.7 - 2.7, P < 0.0001), referral for colonoscopy from primary care physician (OR 3.1, 95 %CI 2.5 - 3.7, P < 0.0001), and several other indications (OR 1.8, 95 %CI 1.5 - 2.3, P < 0.001). The yield of colonoscopy for advanced CRN was lower (2.2 %) than expected in patients with iron-deficiency anemia (OR 0.5, 95 %CI 0.2 - 0.9, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, gender, and referral for colonoscopy from primary care physician constituted important independent predictors of advanced CRN in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Comparative study on biologic and immunologic characteristics of the pancreas islet cell between 24 degrees C and 37 degrees C culture in the rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of culture at 24 degrees C on cell viability, cellular function, immunogenicity, and cytokine profiles of rat pancreatic islets. Pancreatic islets were isolated from Lewis rats and cultured at either 24 degrees C or 37 degrees C for 14 days. Islet recovery was counted as islet equivalents; islet viability was examined with fluorescent vital staining. Islet function was measured with a glucose stimulation test. Annexin V, and MHC class I and II expression were measured using flow cytometric assay for apoptosis and immunogenicity, respectively. Lymphocyte cell proliferation was examined with WST-1 proliferation assay. Cytokine profiles were analyzed with quantitative real time RT-PCR. All these parameters were measured on 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 culture days after islet isolation. Islet recovery was higher in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than 37 degrees C without a change in viability. Insulin secretion after glucose stimulation was more effective in 24 degrees C culture conditions. Decreased apoptotic cell death was demonstrated in 24 degrees C cultured islets. Both MHC class I and II expression on islets and lymphocyte proliferation upon coculture with islets were less prominent in 24 degrees C cultured islets. TNF-alpha expression was lower in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than in islets cultured at 37 degrees C. Both IL-1beta and IL-10 cytokine expressions were similar under both culture conditions. This study demonstrated that cell recovery and function are increased in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than those at 37 degrees C with decreased antigenicity and proinflammatory cytokine expression.