Aerosol-Synthesized Surfactant-Free Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based NO2 Sensors: Unprecedentedly High Sensitivity and Fast Recovery

This study pioneers a chemical sensor based on surfactant-free aerosol-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films for detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Unlike conventional CNTs, the SWCNTs used in this study exhibit one of the highest surface-to-volume ratios. They show minimal bundling without the need for surfactants and have the lowest number of defects among reported CNTs. Furthermore, the dry-transferrable and facile one-step lamination results in promising industrial viability. When applied to devices, the sensor shows excellent sensitivity (41.6% at 500 ppb), rapid response/recovery time (14.2/120.8 s), a remarkably low limit of detection (below ≈0.161 ppb), minimal noise, repeatability for more than 50 cycles without fluctuation, and long-term stability for longer than 6 months. This is the best performance reported for a pure CNT-based sensor. In addition, the aerosol SWCNTs demonstrate consistent gas-sensing performance even after 5000 bending cycles, indicating their suitability for wearable applications. Based on experimental and theoretical analyses, the proposed aerosol CNTs are expected to overcome the limitations associated with conventional CNT-based sensors, thereby offering a promising avenue for various sensor applications.

The Significance of Digital Citizenship and Gender in the Relationship between Social Media Usage Time and Self-Esteem among Adolescents: A Secondary Analysis

This study examined the significance of digital citizenship and gender in the relationship between social media usage time and self-esteem among adolescents. This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis using national data on 506 Korean adolescents acquired from the 2020 Korea Media Panel Survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro. We found that the moderated moderating effects of digital citizenship and gender on the relationship between social media usage time and self-esteem were significant. Both boys and girls had higher self-esteem in groups with higher digital citizenship than in groups with lower digital citizenship. The relationship between social media usage time and self-esteem for boys was positive in the high digital citizenship group and negative in the low digital citizenship group. Conversely, for girls, the relationship between social media usage time and self-esteem was positive in the low digital citizenship group and negative in the high digital citizenship group. It is important to take a differentiated approach that considers the relationship between digital citizenship and gender to promote healthy digital media use and positive self-esteem.

Digital Citizenship and Life Satisfaction in South Korean Adolescents: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Poverty

This study examined the moderated mediation effect of poverty on the paths between enactive mastery experience in digital life and life satisfaction mediated by digital citizenship and digital life among Korean adolescents using structural equation modelling. This cross-sectional study involved a secondary data analysis of 2020 national data in The Report on the Digital Divide provided by the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Korea. Data from 1084 Korean adolescents were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro. The results demonstrated a significant moderated mediation effect of poverty. Enactive mastery experience, which encompasses the self-knowledge, perceived task difficulty, and contextual factors of adolescents living in poverty, was associated with digital life and life satisfaction through the mediation of digital citizenship. For adolescents living in poverty, in contrast to their non-poor counterparts, enactive mastery experience in digital life and digital citizenship are two critical factors in life satisfaction. Therefore, institutional support enabling adolescents and their communities to forge partnerships is necessary to foster these two factors.

Relationship of chronic rhinosinusitis with Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the association between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and autoimmune diseases. However, there are few long-term longitudinal studies on this relationship. Therefore, we investigated the association between CRS and the risk of a subgroup of autoimmune disease using a representative nationwide cohort sample. METHODOLOGY: We investigated the association between CRS and autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis. A total of 15,130 CRS patients and 30,260 patients without CRS were enrolled after 1:2 propensity score matching. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse the hazard ratio (HR) of CRS for autoimmune disease. RESULTS: The incidence of Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis was 0.55, 0.10, and 0.48 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Among autoimmune diseases, the risk of Sjögren’s syndrome in CRS patients was significantly increased to an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.70, whereas we could not detect any significant risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus or ankylosing spondylitis. In the subgroup analysis according to CRS phenotype, the adjusted HR of developing Sjögren’s syndrome was greater in CRS patients without nasal polyps) than in CRS patients with nasal polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that CRS without nasal polyps is associated with an increased incidence of Sjögren’s syndrome diagnosis compared to CRS without nasal polyps. Additionally, there was no association between CRS and systemic lupus erythematosus or ankylosing spondylitis, regardless of CRS phenotype.

The Impact of Sleep Quality and Education Level on the Relationship between Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Parents of Adolescents

This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of sleep quality and the moderated moderation effect of education level on the relationship between depression and suicidal ideations among middle-aged parents of adolescent children. This is a secondary analysis of a survey collected from a cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were middle-aged parents of adolescent children in D city, South Korea, who answered the survey questionnaires. A total of 178 completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. The moderating effect of sleep quality (B = -0.03, p = 0.736) and education level (B = -1.80, p = 0.029) on the relationship between depression and suicidal ideations was shown. It was confirmed that the moderating effect of sleep quality on the effect of depression on suicidal ideations differed according to the subject's education level. The findings have implications for mental healthcare providers who can be educated on sleep hygiene based on the subject's education level.

Effect of depth of anesthesia on the phase lag entropy in patients undergoing general anesthesia by propofol: A STROBE-compliant study

The PLEM100 (Inbody Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) is a device for measuring phase lag entropy (PLE), a recently developed index for the quantification of consciousness during sedation and general anesthesia. In the present study, we assessed changes in PLE along with the level of consciousness during the induction of general anesthesia using propofol. PLE was compared with the bispectral index (BIS), which is currently the most commonly used index of consciousness.After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent, we enrolled 15 patients (8 men, 7 women; mean age: 37 ± 9 years; mean height: 168 ± 8 cm; mean weight; 68 ± 11 kg) undergoing nasal bone reduction. PLE and BIS sensors were attached simultaneously, and general anesthesia was induced via target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol. PLE and BIS scores were recorded when the calculated effect site concentration shown on the TCI pump was equal to the target concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, and 3.5 μg/mL (and at each 0.1 μg/mL increase, thereafter). Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scores were also recorded until unconsciousness was achieved. Throughout the anesthesia period, all pairs of PLE and BIS data were collected using data acquisition software.The partial correlation coefficients between OAA/S scores and PLE, and between OAA/S scores and BIS were 0.778 (P < .001) and 0.846 (P < .001), respectively. Throughout the period of anesthesia, PLE and BIS exhibited a significant positive correlation. The partial correlation coefficient prior to the loss of consciousness was 0.838 (P < .001), and 0.669 (P < .001) following the loss of consciousness. Intra-class correlation between the 2 indices was 0.889 (P < .001) and 0.791 (P < .001) prior and following the loss of consciousness, respectively.PLE exhibited a strong and predictable correlation with both BIS and OAA/S scores. These results suggest that PLE is reliable for assessing the level of consciousness during sedation and general anesthesia.

Abstract P6-02-08: SUV max of 18F FDG-PET/CT: A predictive factor associated with pathologic complete response in luminal HER2–negative breast cancer patients (receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy)

Purpose Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is considered to be the standard of care for locally advanced breast cancer. When pathological complete response (pCR) is obtained with NAC it is a predictor of better outcome and often used as a surrogate for survival. However, response to NAC of luminal type breast cancer is variable and mostly limited. This study investigated the predictive relevance of several clinicopathological factors, including parameters of 18F FDG-PET/CT, on the pCR to NAC in patients with luminal HER2–negative breast cancer.

Methods From 2009 to 2015, 117 hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients who were treated with NAC followed by curative surgery at the Kyungpook National University Hospital (Daegu, Korea) were retrospectively analyzed. pCR was defined as the absence of cancer cells in breast and axillary node. 18F FDG-PET/CT maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) was measured at baseline. Patients received from 6 to 8 cycles of anthracycline-based and taxane-based NAC.

Results The median age of the patients was 48 years (range-29-68 years). 104 patients (88.9%) were PR-positive, and forty-nine (41.9%) patients showed high ki-67 expression at initial diagnosis. After NAC, nine patients (7.7%) achieved pCR and patients who had high initial SUV max (≥ 9.09) achieved improved pCR rate compared to low initial SUV max (&lt; 9.09) patients (77.8 % vs. 22.2%).

Conclusion In luminal HER2-negative breast cancer, 18F FDG-PET/CT SUV max was useful for predicting pathologic complete response after NAC

Table 1Characteristics of study populationMedian, range48 (29-68)Initial clinical T stage 1 2 3 48 (6.8) 83 (70.9) 19 (16.2) 7 (6.0)Initial clinical N stage 0 1 2 310 (8.5) 49 (41.9) 47 (40.2) 11 (9.4)Initial ER expression Negative (0-2) Weak (3-5) Strong (6-8)8 (6.8) 14 (12) 95 (81.2)Initial PR expression Negative (0-2) Weak (3-5) Strong (6-8)13 (11.1) 20 (17.1) 84 (71.8)Initial Ki-67 expression &lt;14% ≥14% Not assessed55 (47) 49 (41.9) 13 (11.1)Pathologic T stage 0 I II III16 (13.7) 50 (42.7) 42 (35.9) 9 (7.7)Pathologic Stage (AJCC) pCR 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3C9 (7.7) 23 (19.7) 7 (6.0) 27 (23.1) 21 (17.9) 23 (19.7) 7 (6.0)Histologic grade 1 2 322 (18.8) 61 (52.1) 14 (12)Nuclear Grade 1 2 316 (13.7) 9 (7.7) 50 942.7)Pathologic complete response Yes9 (7.7)Recurrence18 (15.4)Death10 (8.5)table 2Association between pathologic complete response and clinicopathologic featuresFactorsPathologic CR NoPathologic CR YesP- valueAll patients108 (92.3)9 (7.7) Age &lt;40 40-55 56-7016 (18.2) 54(61.4) 18 (20.5)2 (22.2) 6 (66.7) 1 (11.1)0.789Initial clinical T stage 1 2 3 48 (7.4) 76 (70.4) 7 (6.5) 17 (15.7)0 (0) 7 (77.8) 2 (22.2) 0 (0)0.676Initial ER expression Negative (0-2) Weak (3-5) Strong (6-8)7 (6.5) 12 (11.1) 89 (8.4)1 (11.1) 2 (22.2) 6 (66.7)0.504Initial PR expression Negative (0-2) Weak (3-5) Strong (6-8)11 (10.2) 20 (18.5) 77 (71.3)2 (22.2) 0 (0) 7 (77.8)0.247Initial Ki-67 expression &lt;14% ≥14%52 (54.7) 43 (45.3)3 (33.3) 6 (66.7)0.301SUV max (tumor) &lt; 9.09 ≥ 9.0972 (66.7) 36 (33.3)2 (22.2) 7 (77.8)0.012SUV max (axilla) &lt; 6.08 ≥ 6.0858 (67.4) 28 (32.6)3 (42.9) 4 (57.1)0.228

Citation Format: Lee IH, Lee SJ, Lee J, Lee RK, Jung J, Park H, Lee S-w, Chae YS. SUV max of 18F FDG-PET/CT: A predictive factor associated with pathologic complete response in luminal HER2–negative breast cancer patients (receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-02-08.

Abstract P3-03-29: Evaluation of a direct reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method without RNA extraction (direct RT-LAMP) for the detection of lymph node metastasis in early breast cancer

Backgroud: The detection of lymph node metastasis by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method (RT-LAMP) had been studied previously. Even though, RT-LAMP method provides improved performance compared to intraoperative histology sentinel lymph node (SLN) evaluation, direct RT-LAMP method without RNA extraction can be more efficient and easily accessible process. Therefore, we evaluated the performance and efficacy of a direct reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (direct RT-LAMP) assay for visual detection of CK19, CK20, and CEA mRNAs to identify lymph node metastasis in patients with early breast cancer.

Methods: A total of 92 lymph nodes dissected from 40 patients with breast cancer were collected at the breast cancer center of Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital between November 2015 and February 2016. All of the samples were analyzed by direct RT-LAMP assay and routine histopathology examination. Cutoff values to distinguish metastasis and nonmetasis were determined by measuring cytokerain 19 (CK19) mRNA in histopathologically positive and negative lymph node using direct RT-LAMP.

Results: We set the cutoff value of direct RT-LAMP assay for CK 19 mRNA at 1ng to distinguish status of LN metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 94.4%.

Conclusion: Direct RT-LAMP assay can allow detection of SLN metastasis in breast cancer patients intraoperatively with a good sensitivity through cost-effective and time–saving manner.

Citation Format: Lee IH, Jung J, Lee S, Lee J, Lee RK, Park H, Jung J, Kang J, Chae Y. Evaluation of a direct reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method without RNA extraction (direct RT-LAMP) for the detection of lymph node metastasis in early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-29.

Abstract P6-05-10: MicroRNA-137 inhibits cancer progression by targeting DEL-1 in triple negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231

Background: This study aimed to investigate the function of microRNA-137 in Del-1 expression in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and tissues.

Methods: The Del-1 mRNA and microRNA levels were measured using a qRT-PCR in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, SK-BR3, and T-47D) and tissues from 20 patients with TNBC. The effects of miR-137 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined using MTT, wound healing, and Matrigel Transwell assays.

Results: microRNA-137 (miR-137) levels were remarkably low and Del-1 mRNA expression was higher in MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to other breast cancer cell lines. The luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-137 binds directly at the 3¢-UTR of Del-1 and that Del-1 expression was downregulated by miR-137 mimics and rescued by its inhibitors. Furthermore, miR-137 inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, among the 30 TNBC specimens, miR-137 was downregulated (p &lt;0.0001) and the level of Del-1 in plasma was significantly elevated as compared to normal controls (p &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions: In conclusion, miR-137 regulates Del-1 expression in TNBC via directly binding to the Del-1 gene, and thereby affects cancer progression. This suggests that miR-137 may be a new therapeutic biomarker for patients with TNBC.

Keywords: Del-1, triple negative breast cancer, miR-137, biomarker

Citation Format: Chae YS, Baek DW, Lee IH, Lee SJ, Lee RK, Lee J, Jung J, Park H, Jeong J-H, Kang J, Park J. MicroRNA-137 inhibits cancer progression by targeting DEL-1 in triple negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-10.

Uremic Encephalopathy: MR Imaging Findings and Clinical Correlation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Uremic encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder in patients with renal failure. The purpose of this study was to describe the MR imaging findings of uremic encephalopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed MR imaging findings in 10 patients with clinically proved uremic encephalopathy between May 2005 and December 2014. Parameters evaluated were lesion location and appearance; MR signal intensity of the lesions on T1WI, T2WI, and T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images; the presence or absence of restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient maps; and the reversibility of documented signal-intensity abnormalities on follow-up MR imaging.

RESULTS

MR imaging abnormalities accompanying marked elevation of serum creatinine (range, 4.3-11.7 mg/dL) were evident in the 10 patients. Nine patients had a history of chronic renal failure with expansile bilateral basal ganglia lesions, and 1 patient with acute renal failure had reversible largely cortical lesions. Two of 6 patients with available arterial blood gas results had metabolic acidosis. All basal ganglia lesions showed expansile high signal intensity (lentiform fork sign) on T2WI. Varied levels of restricted diffusion and a range of signal intensities on DWI were evident and were not correlated with serum Cr levels. All cortical lesions demonstrated high signal intensity on T2WI. Four patients with follow-up MR imaging after hemodialysis showed complete resolution of all lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The lentiform fork sign is reliable in the early diagnosis of uremic encephalopathy, regardless of the presence of metabolic acidosis. Cytotoxic edema and/or vasogenic edema on DWI/ADC maps may be associated with uremic encephalopathy.

Poor physical fitness is independently associated with mild cognitive impairment in elderly Koreans

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly Koreans. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 134 men and 299 women aged 65 to 88 years. Six senior fitness tests were used as independent variables: 30 s chair stand for lower body strength, arm curl for upper body strength, chair-sit-and-reach for lower body flexibility, back scratch for upper body flexibility, 8-ft up-and-go for agility/dynamic balance, and 2-min walk for aerobic endurance. Global cognitive function was assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Potential covariates such as age, education levels, blood lipids, and insulin resistance (IR) markers were also assessed. Compared to individuals without MMSE-based MCI, individuals with MMSE-based MCI had poor physical fitness based on the senior fitness test (SFT). There were significant positive trends observed for education level (p=0.001) and MMSE score (p<0.001) across incremental levels of physical fitness in this study population. Individuals with moderate (OR=0.341, p=0.006) and high (OR=0.271, p=0.007) physical fitness based on a composite score of the SFT measures were less likely to have MMSE-based MCI than individuals with low physical fitness (referent, OR=1). The strength of the association between moderate (OR=0.377, p=0.038) or high (OR=0.282, p=0.050) physical fitness and MMSE-based MCI was somewhat attenuated but remained statistically significant even after adjustment for the measured compounding factors. We found that poor physical fitness was independently associated with MMSE-based MCI in elderly Koreans.

Quantifying midbrain serotonin transporter in depression: a preliminary study of diagnosis and naturalistic treatment outcome

INTRODUCTION

Serotonin may play an important role in the pathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the relationship between serotonin transporter (SERT) availability and the medical outcome of antidepressant treatment is uncertain.

METHODS

In this naturalistic study, SERT availability (expressed as the specific uptake ratio, SUR) in the midbrain of 17 drug-free patients with MDD and 17 controls matched for age and gender was measured using SPECT with [(123)I]ADAM. The severity of MDD was measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale before, and after 6 weeks of non-standardized antidepressant treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients completed the study. The SUR of the patients with MDD was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls. The SUR of SERT was not found to have a linear relationship with the treatment outcome; however, supplemental analysis found a curvilinear relationship between treatment outcome and the SUR of SERT.

DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that the SUR of SERT is lower in patients with MDD; however it did not predict treatment outcome in a linear fashion. Studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Effects of combination of rice straw with alfalfa pellet on milk productivity and chewing activity in lactating dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of diets containing coarse-texture rice straw and small particle size alfalfa pellets as a part of total mixed ration (TMR) on milk productivity and chewing activity in lactating dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein dairy cows (670±21 kg body weight) in mid-lactation (194.1±13.6 days in milk) were randomly assigned to TMR containing 50% of timothy hay (TH) or TMR containing 20% of rice straw and 30% of alfalfa pellet mixture (RSAP). Geometric mean lengths of TH and RSAP were found to be 5.8 and 3.6, respectively. Dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition were measured. Moreover, eating and ruminating times were recorded continuously using infrared digital camcorders. Milk yield and milk composition were not detected to have significant differences between TH and RSAP. Dry matter intake (DMI) did not significantly differ for cows fed with TH or RSAP. Although particle size of TH was larger than RSAP, eating, ruminating and total chewing time (min/d or min/kg of DMI) on TH and RSAP were similar. Taken together, our results suggest that using a proper amount of coarse-texture rice straw with high value nutritive alfalfa pellets may stimulate chewing activity in dairy cows without decreasing milk yield and composition even though the quantity of rice straw was 40% of TH.

P300 waveform and dopamine transporter availability: a controlled EEG and SPECT study in medication-naive patients with schizophrenia and a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Reduced P300 event-related potential (ERP) amplitude and latency prolongation have been reported in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. However, the influence of antipsychotics (and dopamine) on ERP measures are poorly understood and medication confounding remains a possibility.

METHOD

We explored ERP differences between 36 drug-naive patients with schizophrenia and 138 healthy controls and examined whether P300 performance was related to dopamine transporter (DAT) availability, both without the confounding effects of medication. We also conducted a random effects meta-analysis of the available literature, synthesizing the results of three comparable published articles and our local study.

RESULTS

No overall significant difference was found in mean P300 ERP between patients and controls in latency or in amplitude. There was a significant gender effect, with females showing greater P300 amplitude than males. A difference between patients and controls in P300 latency was evident with ageing, with latency increasing faster in patients. No effect of DAT availability on P300 latency or amplitude was detected. The meta-analysis computed the latency pooled standardized effect size (PSES; Cohen's d) of -0.13 and the amplitude PSES (Cohen's d) of 0.48, with patients showing a significant reduction in amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the P300 ERP is not altered in the early stages of schizophrenia before medication is introduced, and the DAT availability does not influence the P300 ERP amplitude or latency. P300 ERP amplitude reduction could be an indicator of the progression of illness and chronicity.

Ahnak functions as a tumor suppressor via modulation of TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway

We provide detailed mechanisms of Ahnak-mediated potentiation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling, which leads to a negative regulation of cell growth. We show that Smad3 interacts with Ahnak through MH2 domain and that Ahnak stimulates Smad3 localization into nucleus leading to potentiating TGFβ-induced transcriptional activity of R-Smad. Moreover, overexpression of Ahnak resulted in growth retardation and cell cycle arrest through downregulation of c-Myc and cyclin D1/D2. We describe results from analyses of Ahnak^−/− mouse model expressing middle T antigen in a mammary gland-specific manner (MMTV^Tg/+Ahnak^−/−), which showed significantly progressed hyperplasia of mammary glands compared with MMTV^Tg/+Ahnak^+/+. Finally, we screened multiple human breast cancer tissues and showed that the expression of Ahnak in cancer tissues is lower than that in control tissues by 50%. Taken together, these data indicate that Ahnak mediates a negative regulation of cell growth and acts as novel tumor suppressor through potentiation of TGFβ signaling.

Lower availability of midbrain serotonin transporter between healthy subjects with and without a family history of major depressive disorder - a preliminary two-ligand SPECT study

PURPOSE

Serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels differ in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are in a depressed state in comparison with healthy controls. In addition, a family history of depression is a potent risk factor for developing depression, and inherited vulnerability to serotonergic and dopaminergic dysfunction is suspected in this. The aim of this study was to examine the availabilities of midbrain SERT and striatal DAT in healthy subjects with and without a first-degree family history of MDD.

METHODS

Eight healthy subjects with first-degree relatives with MDD and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited. The availabilities of SERT and DAT were approximated using SPECT, employing [¹²³I] 2-((2-((dimethylamino) methyl) phenyl)thio)-5-iodophenylamine (ADAM) and [(⁹⁹m)Tc] TRODAT-1 as the ligands, respectively. There are missing data for one participant with a first-degree family history of MDD from the ADAM study, due to a lack of the radio-ligand at the time of experiment.

RESULTS

SERT availability in the midbrain was significantly lower in subjects with a first-degree family history of MDD than in healthy subjects. However, DAT availability was no different between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results with regard to the midbrain SERT level suggest the heritability of MDD.

BrRZFP1 a Brassica rapa C3HC4-type RING zinc finger protein involved in cold, salt and dehydration stress

C3HC4-type RING zinc finger proteins are known to be essential in the regulation of plant processes, including responses to abiotic stress. Here, we identify, clone and examine the first C3HC4-type RING zinc finger protein (BrRZFP1) from Brassica rapa under stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis of BrRZFP1 revealed strong sequence similarity to C3HC4-type zinc finger proteins from Arabidopsis that are induced by abiotic stresses. Diverse environmental stresses, including salt and cold, were found to induce BrRZFP1 transcripts greater than eightfold in B. rapa. Additional strong induction was shown of the stress hormone abscisic acid, together suggesting that BrRZFP1 could play a role as a general stress modulator. Similar profiles of induction for each of these stresses was found in both root and shoot tissues, although at much higher levels in roots. Constitutive expression of BrRZFP1 in Nicotiana tabacum was conducted to further analyse how changes in gene expression levels would affect plant stress responses. BrRZFP1 overexpression conferred increased tolerance to cold, salt and dehydration stresses. This was observed in several assays examining growth status throughout development, including increased germination, fresh weight and length of shoots and roots, as well as enhanced chlorophyll retention. These results suggest that the transcription factor BrRZFP1 is an important determinant of stress response in plants and that changes in its expression level in plants could increase stress tolerance.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the STAT gene in Hyphantria cunea haemocytes

A new insect member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors, Hyphantria cunea STAT (HcSTAT), was cloned from the lepidopteran H. cunea. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain were well conserved. During all developmental stages, the gene was expressed at a low level in the haemocytes, fat body cells, midgut, epidermis and Malpighian tubules. The haemocytes and Malpighian tubules showed transcriptional activation of HcSTAT upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial challenges. These challenges increased the induction and nuclear translocation of the HcSTAT protein that recognizes a STAT target site in H. cunea haemocytes. In vivo treatment with sodium orthovanadate translocated HcSTAT to the haemocyte nucleus. This study shows the involvement of the haemocyte Janus kinase/STAT pathway after microbial infection in lepidopteran insects.

Frozen Section Biopsy to Evaluation of Obscure Lateral Resection Margins during Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic utility of a frozen section biopsy in patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric neoplasms with obscure margins even with chromoendoscopy using acetic acid and indigo carmine (AI chromoendoscopy).

Materials and Methods

The lateral spread of early gastric neoplasms was unclear even following AI chromoendoscopy in 38 patients who underwent ESD between June 2007 and May 2011. Frozen section biopsies were obtained by agreement of the degree of lateral spread between two endoscopists. Thus, frozen section biopsies were obtained from 23 patients (FBx group) and not in the other 15 patients (AI group).

Results

No significant differences were observed for size, histology, invasive depth, and location of lesions between the AI and FBx groups. No false positive or false negative results were observed in the frozen section diagnoses. Adenocarcinoma was revealed in three patients and tubular adenoma in one, thereby changing the delineation of lesion extent and achieving free lateral margins. The rates of free lateral resection margins and curative resection were significantly higher in the FBx group than those in the AI group.

Conclusions

Frozen section biopsy can help endoscopists perform more safe and accurate ESD in patients with early gastric neoplasm.

The rapid growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes using laser heating

Growth of densely packed vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) using laser-induced chemical vapor deposition with visible laser (lambda = 532 nm) irradiation at room temperature is reported. Using a multiple-catalyst layer (Fe/Al/Cr) on quartz as the substrate and an acetylene-hydrogen mixture as the precursor gas, VA-CNT pillars with 60 microm height and 4 microm diameter were grown at a high rate of around 1 microm s(-1) with good reproducibility. It is demonstrated that the fabrication of uniform pillar arrays of VA-CNTs can be achieved with a single irradiation for each pillar using LCVD with no annealing or preprocessing of the substrate. Here, laser fast heating is considered the primary mechanism facilitating the growth of VA-CNT pillars. Field emission characteristics of an array of VA-CNT pillars were then examined to investigate their potential application in vacuum electronic devices.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system: imaging and clinical findings in 16 children

AIM

To investigate the imaging and clinical findings of central nervous system (CNS) atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (AT/RTs) in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical records of 16 children with CNS AT/RTs were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour location, size, composition, enhancement pattern, peritumoural oedema, signal intensity (SI) on MRI and CT attenuation were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 17 lesions from 16 patients (median age 2.3 years, age range 0.7-15 years) were included in the evaluation. Tumour location was infratentorial for 11 lesions and supratentorial for six lesions. The mean diameter of the largest dimension for a tumour was 4 cm. The tumour was mainly solid in 65% of cases, and solid and cystic or cystic and solid in 35% of cases. The solid component of the tumours had a homogeneous iso SI (n=15) on T2-weighted MRI images and iso SI (n=14) on T1-weighted images. Moderate to strong enhancement of the solid component was noted in most cases. In spite of a large tumour size, peritumoural oedema was minimal or mild except in four cases. Rapid growth of the tumour was demonstrated in three cases. Seven patients died from tumour progression, with a mean survival time of 8.4 months (range 2-12 months).

CONCLUSION

Although the AT/RTs had non-specific imaging findings, the tumours tended to be large in size, have iso SI on T1 and T2-weighted MR images with prominent enhancement, and relatively mild peritumoural oedema. Rapid growth of the tumour was seen during the follow-up period.

Caudal midazolam does not affect sevoflurane requirements and recovery in pediatric day-case hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study aimed to determine whether caudal midazolam combined with ropivacaine affects anesthetic requirements, recovery profiles, and post-operative analgesia compared with ropivacaine alone in pediatric day-case hernioplasty.

METHODS

Sixty boys (2-5 years old) received caudal injections of 0.2% ropivacaine 1 ml/kg and epinephrine 1 : 200,000 with (RM group) or without (R group) 50 microg/kg of midazolam under sevoflurane anesthesia. The sevoflurane requirement was determined by adjusting to a bispectral index score=50.

RESULTS

Concentrations of end-tidal sevoflurane (ETsevo%) after induction were similar in both groups. After caudal block, ETsevo% before and after surgical stimuli did not show significant intra- or intergroup differences. Recovery characteristics, including post-operative sedations, were similar in both groups. Post-operative pain scores were significantly lower in the RM group than the R group.

CONCLUSIONS

Caudal midazolam (50 microg/kg) added to 2% ropivacaine did not influence sevoflurane requirement or recovery but improved post-operative analgesia compared with ropivacaine alone in pediatric day-case hernioplasty.

Comparative analysis of two attacin genes from Hyphantria cunea

A full-length clone corresponding to attacin was isolated from a cDNA library made from fat body of immunized Hyphantria cunea larvae. This newly isolated attacin B shows characteristics different from those previously reported for attacin A. The two attacin cDNAs encode precursor proteins of 233 and 248 amino acid residues, respectively. The two attacins show 45.9% identity at the amino acid level, and 35.2% identity at the nucleotide level. Attacins A and B of H. cunea show significant identities with the attacins of Lepidoptera. Attacin B is a typical glycine-rich protein, while attacin A is leucine-rich. Attacin B is expressed from last instar larvae to adult, while attacin A showed stage-specific expression during the prepupal and pupal stages. Attacins A and B are predicted to have different secondary structure in that attacin A has no tendency to form helices but attacin B contains a substantial number of helices. Attacin A is induced at a trace level in infected larvae, while attacin B is strongly induced against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The attacin B transcripts were detected in fat body, epidermis and hemocytes after injection with Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, or Candida albicans, but not in the midgut and Malpighian tubule. Recombinant attacin A showed no antibacterial activity, while recombinant attacin B showed strong antibacterial activity in proportion to the amount of the protein injected.

Prevalence and appearance of the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone caused by presumed arachnoid granulations and their clinical significance: CT findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Arachnoid granulations (AGs) of the posterior wall of the temporal bone are a rare cause of spontaneous CSF leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and appearance of presumed AGs, evidenced by the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone with lobulated or scalloped margins on CT scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of the temporal bone obtained in 1255 patients (573 men and 682 women; mean age, 42 years). We evaluated the prevalence, multiplicity, size, and location of presumed AGs in the posterior wall of the temporal bone. Preservation of the posterior wall of the mastoid air cells was also investigated and correlated with clinical features.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (2.4%), including 13 men and 17 women, aged 27-88 years (mean, 55 years), showed a total of 40 presumed AGs on CT scans. Their prevalence tended to increase with age. They were most commonly located at the lateral third of the temporal bone at a level of or above the common crus. Although 15 lesions in 11 patients also caused focal loss of the posterior wall of the mastoid air cells, symptomatic CSF leakage was found in only 2 patients, in both of whom the adjacent mastoid air cells were also opacified on CT scans.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, radiologists need to be familiar with the posterior wall defects of the temporal bone caused by presumed AGs on CT scans, because they might cause CSF leakage.

Bombyx mori cell line as a model of immune-system organs

We tested 11 Bombyx mori cell lines for induction of cecropin B gene (CecB) expression. After the immune challenge, CecB expression was induced in seven cell lines. A mixture of the cell-free supernatant from the immune-responsive cell lines and lipopolysaccharide activated a promoter of CecB in the non-immune-responsive cell line, indicating that secreted factor(s) is involved in CecB activation. The expressed sequence tags of one of the immune-responsive cell lines, NISES-BoMo-Cam1, contained genes encoding proteins similar to Relish, Cactus, clip-domain serine protease, serpin, lectin, peptidoglycan recognition protein, 6tox and gloverin, in addition to seven known B. mori immune-inducible genes. These results show that NISES-BoMo-Cam1 cells can be used as an in vitro model of the immune system organs of B. mori.

Antipruritic and antiemetic effect of epidural droperidol

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate whether single epidural droperidol or continuous epidural droperidol inhibit pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting induced by postoperative continuous epidural fentanyl administration, and to identify the optimal method of administering epidural droperidol.

METHODS

120 ASA I-II patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy with general anaesthesia combined with epidural anaesthesia were randomly allocated into three groups: control (no droperidol), single injection (droperidol 2.5 mg) and continuous group (droperidol 2.5 mg 2 day(-1)). Postoperatively the frequency and severity of pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting in all groups were compared during 48 h.

RESULTS

The frequency and severity of pruritus was significantly lower in both single injection and continuous groups than control group after epidural fentanyl administration (P < 0.05). The frequency and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in single injection group than control group after epidural fentanyl administration (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Epidural continuous droperidol is effective for reducing pruritus, and single epidural droperidol injection is effective for reducing pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting induced by postoperative continuous epidural fentanyl analgesia.

Comparison of the effects of intrathecal morphine and pethidine on shivering after Caesarean delivery under combined-spinal epidural anaesthesia

We performed a prospective, randomised, double blind study to compare the antishivering effect of morphine and pethidine when added to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine during elective Caesarean delivery under combined-spinal epidural anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia consisted of either 8-10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine alone (group B; n = 30) with 0.1 mg morphine (group BM0.1; n = 29), with 0.2 mg morphine (group BM0.2; n = 30), or with 10 mg pethidine (group BPeth10; n = 30). The incidences of shivering were 23.3% (7/30) in group B, 17% (5/29) in group BM0.1, 13.3% (4/30) in group BM0.2 and 3.3% (1/30) in group BPeth10 (p < 0.05). The shivering intensity for each patient was significantly higher in group B than the other groups. In conclusion, intrathecal pethidine added to hyperbaric bupivacaine reduces the incidence and intensity of shivering more than does morphine (0.1 or 0.2 mg).

Auranofin induces apoptosis and when combined with retinoic acid enhances differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia cells in vitro

1. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is characterized by a block in differentiation at the promyelocyte stage. Here, we describe the effects of auranofin (AF), a coordinated gold compound, on apoptosis and differentiation of APL cells. 2. Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation assay and Hoechst 33342 staining indicated that AF induced apoptosis in APL-derived NB4 cells at low concentrations (0.5-1.0 microm). The AF-induced apoptosis involved caspase-3 activation and specific cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. 3. The AF-treated NB4 cells also produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cotreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine protected the NB4 cells from AF-induced apoptosis. 4. Expression of the CD11b cell surface marker and C/EBPepsilon was increased when the cells were treated for 4 days with 0.3 microm AF and a physiological concentration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, 5 nm). Treatment with AF in combination with ATRA markedly increased the number of cells with differentiated features, such as lobed or multiple nuclei and numerous granules and vacuoles. At these low concentrations, neither AF nor ATRA alone induced significant cell differentiation. 5. These findings suggest not only that AF induces caspase-3-dependent apoptosis via a mechanism involving ROS, but also that the combined treatment with AF and ATRA induces differentiation of NB4 cells. Our results demonstrate a novel characteristic of AF from which an effective drug treatment of APL might be developed.

Purification, cDNA cloning and expression of an insect defensin from the great wax moth, Galleria mellonella

An insect defensin, named Galleria defensin, was purified from the larval haemolymph of Galleria mellonella immunized against E. coli. The peptide was composed of forty-three amino acid residues containing six cysteines that might be engaged in intramolecular disulphide bridges. The primary structure of Galleria defensin shared about 90.7% identity to that of heliomicin, which was an insect defensin isolated from Heliothis virescens. The full-length cDNA encoding Galleria defensin was cloned from the fat body of the immunized G. mellonella larvae. Northern blot analysis revealed that Galleria defensin was expressed not only in the fat body but also in the midgut against invading bacteria into haemocoel. This is the first report presenting cDNA and expression of an insect defensin in the lepidopteran species.

Fat body expressed yolk protein genes in Hyphantria cunea are related to the YP4 follicular epithelium yolk protein subunit gene of pyralid moths

cDNA clones for two of the yolk proteins, YP1 and YP2, produced by the fat body of the moth, Hyphantria cunea, were sequenced and found to be homologous to the follicular epithelium yolk proteins of pyralid moths. Both cDNA clones coded for polypeptides of 290 residues and the deduced amino acid sequence identity between YP1 and YP2 was very high (79.0%). Analysis of the secondary structure of the predicted polypeptides suggests that YP1 and YP2 do not form heteromeric proteins because of differences in secondary structure due to the lack of alpha helices in YP1. Northern blot analysis showed that the transcripts for YP1 (1.2 kb) and YP2 (1.1 kb) were present primarily in the female fat body with only trace levels detectable in the ovary of the adult female. In a developmental study, the YP1 and YP2 transcripts were first detectable in 10-day-old pupae and increased into the adult stage. These results suggest that the YP1 and YP2 genes in H. cunea have been recruited to replace the vitellogenin gene as the primary source of yolk proteins. During this process they have acquired a modified pattern of expression that is different from homologous genes reported in pyralid moths. The assessment of the evolution of proteinaceous yolk in these moths should serve as an excellent model for the evolution of gene recruitment.

Suprascapular nerve block or a piroxicam patch for shoulder tip pain after day case laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The reported incidence of shoulder tip pain following laparoscopic surgery varies from 35 to 63%. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of either performing a prophylactic suprascapular nerve block with bupivacaine or applying a piroxicam patch to the skin over both shoulders for the relief of shoulder tip pain after laparoscopy.

METHODS

Sixty healthy informed female patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) a control group (n = 20), no treatment; (b) a suprascapular nerve block group (n = 20) in which a bilateral suprascapular nerve block was performed before induction of anaesthesia with 5 mL 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine; and (c) a piroxicam patch group (n = 20) in which a 48 mg piroxicam patch on the skin of each shoulder was applied before induction of anaesthesia. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia technique with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium. Shoulder tip and wound pain were recorded on a visual analogue pain scale at five time intervals for 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 80% of patients in the control group, 75% in the suprascapular nerve block group and 45% in the piroxicam patch group complained of shoulder tip pain during the recording period (P < 0.05). The scores for shoulder tip pain in the piroxicam patch group were significantly lower compared with the control group at 3, 6 and 12 h, and compared with the suprascapular nerve block group at 6 and 12 h. The need for analgesics was also significantly lower in the piroxicam patch group compared with the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic piroxicam patches are effective and safe for the relief of shoulder tip pain after laparoscopy. Bilateral suprascapular nerve block is not effective in this setting.

Expression of calbindin-D9k messenger ribonucleic acid in the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cattle

The calcium demands of pregnancy and lactation are known to up-regulate expression of Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) mRNA in the intestines. The gastrointestinal CaBP-9k mRNA expressions has not been studied in dairy cows, which are bound to experience several pregnancies and lactation stages. In this study, the CaBP-9k mRNA expression were examined in the gastrointestinal tract of Holstein dairy cattle by Northern blot analysis. Detectable expression of CaBP-9k mRNA was localized in the proximal portion of the small intestines. These expressions were higher at the most proximal region of the duodenum and gradually decreased distally. The duodenal CaBP-9k mRNA was detected in all dairy cattle from 0.4 to 83.4 months old, but was not detectable in foetuses. There were no significant correlations between the age and the levels of CaBP-9k mRNA expression or between the plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations and the levels of CaBP-9k mRNA expression.

Isolation and characterization of a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki containing a new delta-endotoxin gene

A strain of Bacillus thuringiensis that showed significantly high toxicity to Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera exigua was isolated from a Korean soil sample and characterized. The isolate, named B. thuringiensis K1, was determined to belong to ssp. kurstaki (H3a3b3c) type by an H antisera agglutination test and produced bipyramidal inclusions. Plasmid pattern of K1 was different from that of the reference strain, ssp. kurstaki HD-1, but the parasporal inclusion protein profile of K1 had two major bands that were similar in size to those of ssp. kurstaki HD-1. To verify the delta-endotoxin gene types of K1, PCR analysis with specific cry gene primers was performed to show that K1 contained a new cry gene in addition to cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1E and cry2 genes. PCR-amplified region of the new cry gene, cryX, showed 79% similarity to cry1Fa1 gene (GenBank Accession No. M63897). In an insect toxicity assay, K1 had higher toxicity against Plutella xylostella and S. exigua than ssp. kurstaki HD-1.

Psychiatric morbidity and post-traumatic symptoms among survivors in the early stage following the 1999 earthquake in Taiwan

This study reports the clinical psychiatric presentations and post-traumatic symptoms among 525 survivors at Yu-Chyr District in Nantou County who sought psychiatric service in the first month following the devastating earthquake that struck the central area of Taiwan. All subjects received psychiatric interviews and assessments using the 12-item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12) and a checklist for post-traumatic symptoms. The most common psychiatric symptoms reported were insomnia, palpitations, nervousness, and dizziness with headache. Eleven percent of the subjects reported having thought of death or having suicidal ideation. The mean score on the CHQ-12 was 6.43 (S.D.=2.89). The rate of probable psychiatric morbidity as defined by a CHQ-12 score > or =3 was 89.9%. Post-traumatic symptoms were very prevalent, particularly symptoms of re-experiencing the earthquake and hyper-arousal. Factors significantly associated with high psychiatric morbidity were being female, serious destruction of property and house, and personality characteristics of nervousness and obsessiveness. Findings of this study suggest that early psychiatric intervention, including pharmacological treatment for acute stress disorder, is indicated during the early stages following a disastrous earthquake.

Optical organophosphorus biosensor consisting of acetylcholinesterase/viologen hetero Langmuir-Blodgett film

The fiber-optic biosensor consisting of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-immobilized Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film was developed to detect organophosphorus compounds in contaminated water. The sensing scheme was based on the decrease of yellow product, o-nitrophenol, from a colorless substrate, o-nitrophenyl acetate, due to the inhibition by organophosphorus compounds on AChE. Absorbance change of the product as the output of enzyme reaction was detected and the light was guided through the optical fibers. The enzyme portion of the sensor system was fabricated by the LB technique for formation of the enzyme film. AChE-immobilized LB film was formed by adsorbing the enzyme molecules onto a viologen monolayer using the electrostatic force. The proposed kinetics for irreversible inhibition of organophosphorus compounds on AChE agreed well with the experimental data. The surface topography of AChE-immobilized LB film was investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM). The immobilized AChE had the maximum activity at pH 7. The proposed biosensor could successfully detect the organophosphorus compounds up to 2 ppm and the response time to steady signal of the sensor was about 10 min.

Clavaspirin, an antibacterial and haemolytic peptide from Styela clava

We cloned the precursor of a novel peptide from a cDNA library prepared from pharyngeal tissues of the tunicate, Styela clava. Its sequence predicted a histidine-rich, amidated 23-residue peptide (FLRF(IG)SVIHGIGHLVHHIGVAL-NH2) that we named clavaspirin. A synthetic clavaspirin was prepared and it was found that it killed Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, permeabilized the outer and inner membranes of Escherichia coli, lysed phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) liposomes, and was potently haemolytic towards human and bovine erythrocytes. Each of these activities was performed more effectively at an acidic pH. Circular dichroism measurements of synthetic clavaspirin revealed a largely alpha-helical structure and polarized and residue-specific FTIR spectrometry showed that its association with phospholipid membranes was influenced by pH. Peptides such as clavaspirin may equip tunicate haemocytes to mediate cytotoxicity and participate in antimicrobial defence.

Cross-talk between IL-1 and IL-6 signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines plays an important role in determining the severity of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antagonism between opposing cytokines at the level of signal transduction plays an important role in many other systems. We have begun to explore the possible contribution of signal transduction cross-talk to cytokine balance in RA by examining the effects of IL-1, a proinflammatory cytokine, on the signaling and action of IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine that has both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions, in RA synovial fibroblasts. Pretreatment with IL-1 suppressed Janus kinase-STAT signaling by IL-6, modified patterns of gene activation, and blocked IL-6 induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases 1 expression. These results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to pathogenesis by modulating or blocking signal transduction by pleiotropic or anti-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of inhibition did not require de novo gene activation and did not depend upon tyrosine phosphatase activity, but, instead, was dependent on the p38 stress kinase. These results identify a molecular basis for IL-1 and IL-6 cross-talk in RA synoviocytes and suggest that, in addition to levels of cytokine expression, modulation of signal transduction also plays a role in regulating cytokine balance in RA.

Dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by a range of clinical manifestations, including cerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, myoclonus, choreoathetosis, and dementia. Outside the Japanese population, the prevalence is extremely low worldwide. The reason for different ethnic prevalences of DRPLA is unclear. A previous assumption was that large normal alleles contribute to generation of expanded alleles and the relative frequencies of DRPLA.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical, radiological, and genetic features of the first reported Chinese family with DRPLA, to our knowledge, and to compare the size distribution of normal alleles at the DRPLA locus in healthy Chinese individuals with that of other ethnic groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 80 Chinese kindreds with autosomally dominant spinocerebellar ataxias, 1 pedigree with 2 affected patients was found by polymerase chain reaction to carry the characteristic DRPLA mutation. The allele frequencies of different CAG repeat lengths at the DRPLA locus in 225 healthy Chinese individuals were also analyzed and compared with Japanese, white, and African American distributions.

RESULTS

The clinical presentations of the 2 Chinese patients affected with DRPLA are similar to those described in Japanese patients, except that the affected father exhibited myoclonus but not chorea. Although the normal DRPLA allele size is distributed similarly in Chinese and Japanese populations, DRPLA in Chinese individuals is rare. Thus far, to our knowledge, only 1 intermediate-sized allele containing more than 30 CAG repeats has been reported among healthy Chinese individuals, in contrast to 3 among Japanese populations.

CONCLUSION

The ethnic prevalence of DRPLA seems to be correlated with the prevalence of intermediate-sized alleles in individual populations.

Isolation and characterization of a Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki strain toxic to Spodoptera exigua and Culex pipiens

A strain of Bacillus thuringiensis with dual toxicity was isolated from Korean soil samples and named K2. K2 was determined as ssp. kurstaki (H3a3b3c) by serological test and produced bipyramidal-shaped parasporal inclusions. The plasmid and protein profiles of B. thuringiensis K2 were different from those of the reference strain, ssp. kurstaki HD-1. To verify gene type of B. thuringiensis K2, PCR analysis with specific cry gene primers was performed. The result showed that B. thuringiensis K2 had cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1C, and cry1D type genes, whereas ssp. kurstaki HD-1 had cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, and cry2 type genes. In addition, B. thuringiensis K2 had high toxicity against Spodoptera exigua and Culex pipiens, whereas B. thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki HD-1 does not have high toxicity against these two insect species.

Moyamoya disease initially presenting visual field defect

Progressive narrowing of distal carotid arteries and the development of compensatory fine networks are the characteristic findings of moyamoya disease. Cerebral infarction in moyamoya disease is due to a decreased blood flow and shows an uneven distribution in the distal bed of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The progression of disease in the posterior circulation follows that in the anterior circulation. Posterior circulation symptoms due to cerebral infarction usually occur in the advanced stage of the disease and follow the anterior circulation symptoms. We encountered an unusual case of moyamoya disease which initially presented with a transient visual field defect. One month later our patient developed blindness and her cerebral angiography showed advanced moyamoya disease.

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy in a 4-month-old infant

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL, Berardinelli-Seip syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with a clinical presentation of paucity of adipose tissue, muscular hypertrophy, organomegaly, and insulin-resistant diabetes. A 4-month-old Taiwanese female infant had hepatosplenomegaly and low body weight gain despite a voracious appetite. Hypermetabolism, hyperhidrosis, loss of subcutaneous fat, muscular hypertrophy, acanthosis nigricans, hypertrichosis, and marked hypertriglyceridemia were also noted. Liver histology revealed fatty change and portal-to-portal bridging fibrosis. Clinical features, serum biochemistry, and liver histology were compatible with the diagnosis of CGL. She was given a special diet characterized by calorie restriction and partial substitution of long-chain triglycerides with medium-chain triglycerides. The serum triglyceride concentration subsequently decreased. This present case suggests that extensive fatty infiltration and subsequent cirrhosis of the liver may be the earliest complication of CGL.

HLA-B51 and its allelic types in association with Behçet's disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis in Korea

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study was undertaken to evaluate the association of HLA-B51 antigen and its allelic types with Behçet's disease (BD) and with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), to investigate the degree of this association with diagnostic types and clinical variables of BD.

METHODS

The DNA typing of HLA-B51 by nested PCR-SSP was performed in 61 patients with BD, 56 patients with RAS, and in 70 healthy controls. Also, blind quality control study was done to assess the accuracy of nested PCR-SSP in HLA-B51-positive and negative BD patients on the microlymphocytotoxicity. In addition, direct DNA sequencing analysis was carried out in HLA-B51-positive individuals.

RESULTS

The outcome of nested PCR-SSP showed 100% concordance with those of the microlymphocytotoxicity. The prevalence of HLA-B51 in patients with BD was 55.7%, 16.1% in patients with RAS, and 15.7% in healthy controls. According to the diagnostic types of BD, all ten patients with complete BD had HLA-B51 antigen, and 47.1% in patients with incomplete BD (p = 0.002). In addition, the prevalence of HLA-B51 was statistically significant in patients with BD who had uveitis (p = 0.003) or erythema nodosum (p = 0.042). Direct DNA sequencing analysis revealed that the major allelic types in BD, RAS, and in healthy control were mostly HLA-B*51011.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to patients with RAS or healthy controls, prevalence of HLA-B51 in the Korean patients with BD was much higher. The BD patients with B51 seemed to be susceptible for manifesting uveitis, erythema nodosum, and the full-blown syndrome as complete BD. Therefore the presence of HLA-B51 antigen in BD patients would be a genetic marker for the severe disease. In addition, there was no difference on the major allelic types of HLA-B51 in BD, RAS, and in healthy control.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome associated with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type II--a case report

A 14-year-old girl with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome associated with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) type II is reported. The initial presentations of HMSN type II were developmental delay and gait disturbance at 2 years of age. All deep tendon reflexes were absent. Nerve conduction velocities and left sural nerve biopsy all revealed axonal changes. Recently, she suffered from intermittent bilious vomiting and epigastralgia for 6 months. That caused body weight loss from 40 kg to 28 kg. Abdominal echography showed narrowed superior mesenteric artery angle. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed obstruction of third portion of duodenum. Accordingly, SMA syndrome was diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of SMA with HMSN type II in the world. When a child with chronic neurological disease presents with intermittent vomiting, SMA should be considered as a disease entity of differential diagnosis.

Systemic, but not intrathecal, ketamine produces preemptive analgesia in the rat formalin model

BACKGROUND

We investigated the antinociceptive effects of pre- or posttreatment of intrathecal or intravenous ketamine on formalin-induced pain behaviors.

METHODS

Rats were divided into 4 groups of 7 rats each and 2 control groups (saline). Rats received ketamine 1 mg/kg intrathecally (i.t.) through a catheter either 15 min before or 5 min after formalin. In the other groups, they received ketamine 1 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) through a catheter either 1 min before or 5 min after the formalin. Pain related behavior was quantified by counting the incidence of flinching of the injected paw for 60 min. Formalin induced a biphasic fliching (phase 1, 0-5 min; phase 2, 10-60 min after formalin injection) of injected paw. The inter-group (control, pre, and posttreatment groups) comparisons were performed separately for route of administration (i.t. or i.v.) and phase 1 and 2 using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.

RESULTS

Flinches of phase 1 were not different among the three i.t. groups. The total flinches of phase 2 were reduced by posttreatment with i.t. ketamine (P < 0.05); In contrast, i.v. ketamine was effective only when given as a pretreatment. Flinches of phase 1 and 2 were reduced by pretreatment with i.v. ketamine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal ketamine was an analgesic even when administered as a posttreatment, whereas intravenous ketamine produced effective preemption only when given as a pretreatment.

Dicynthaurin: an antimicrobial peptide from hemocytes of the solitary tunicate, Halocynthia aurantium

We isolated a novel antimicrobial peptide, dicynthaurin, from hemocytes of a tunicate, Halocynthia aurantium. The native peptide had a mass of approximately 6.2 kDa and was composed of two 30-residue monomers without sequence homology to any previously identified peptides (ILQKAVLDCLKAAGSSLSKAAITAIYNKIT). Most cynthaurin molecules were C-terminally amidated and were linked covalently by a single cystine disulfide bond. When performed in membrane-mimetic environments, circular dichroism studies of dicynthaurin revealed largely alpha-helical conformations. Dicynthaurin's broad-spectrum activity encompassed Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), but not Candida albicans, a fungus. Although dicynthaurin was purified from a marine invertebrate, its antimicrobial activity was optimal at NaCl concentrations below 100 mM. This suggests that the antimicrobial actions of this molecule may take place intracellularly (e.g., within a phagosome) rather than extracellularly.