Postoperative evaluation of modified abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty using two anchors: Preliminary results

Among the various surgical treatments for basal joint arthritis, we modified abductor pollicis longus (APL) suspensionplasty by using two anchors. We hypothesized that this modification would prevent not only subsidence but also lateral migration of the first metacarpal. Thirteen thumbs that underwent APL suspensionplasty were investigated. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-69 months). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Progression of subsidence (trapezial space) and lateral migration of the first metacarpal were investigated sequentially and with the thumb abducted or adducted against stress in a specifically designed mold. Clinical improvement was assessed by decrease in QuickDASH score (from 49.6 to 19.7). The immediate postoperative trapezial space decreased significantly by 39% (p = 0.003), and lateral migration was improved significantly by 14% (p = 0.007). At final follow-up, subsidence and lateral migration had not significantly progressed (p = 0.059 and 0.278, respectively). Under stress, the trapezial space ratio decreased significantly with the thumb in abduction (from 0.63 to 0.59, p = 0.011). APL suspensionplasty using two anchors in patients with basal joint arthritis maintained the position of the first metacarpal bone, and especially lateral subluxation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Clinical application of protein-enhanced diet using mealworms in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery

OBJECTIVE

Patients with or without cancers who undergo major gastrointestinal surgery experience malnutrition owing to their catabolic status during the postoperative period. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the clinical application of protein-enhanced diet using mealworms in patients who underwent hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries.

METHODS

This study was designed as a prospective, two-armed, and double-blinded phase III study. The target number of enrolled patients was 216, and the patients were randomized on a 1:1 basis, either to the trial group (consuming mealworms) or to the control group (consuming grain powder). The primary endpoint was to examine the changes in body composition, including phase angle. For secondary outcomes, the activities of immune cells were evaluated using the patients' blood samples.

RESULTS

No difference in the demographic characteristics of patients was observed. The ratio of the actual protein intake to the recommended daily intake in the trial group was significantly higher than that in the control group (110.03% vs. 98.80%, P = 0.023). In the data on body composition measured by InBody S-10 (Biospace, Seoul, South Korea), the ratios in body cell mass, fat free mass, muscle mass, and phase angle at the study endpoint compared with those at admission showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Immune cell analyses suggested that cytotoxic T cells in the trial group had higher activity than in the study group (1.192 vs. 0.974, P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, protein-enhanced diet using mealworms clinically improved the activity of immune cells. However, it did not significantly improve the patients' nutritional status after they experienced hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries.

Ulnar nerve morphology on magnetic resonance imaging predicts nerve recovery after surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can evaluate nerve morphology in cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), but its value in predicting surgical outcome is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ulnar nerve morphology on MRI correlated with outcome after CuTS surgery. We reviewed 40 patients who had preoperative MRI and electrodiagnostic (EDX) examinations for CuTS and outcome evaluation 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Using MRI, ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (UNCSA), changes in signal intensity, and any space-occupying lesion were evaluated. Other factors assessed were age, symptom duration and severity, type-2 diabetes and EDX parameters. Factors associated with unfavorable surgical outcome were identified. At 6 months postoperatively, 12 patients (30%) had excellent, 19 (47.5%) good, 8 (20%) fair and 1 (2.5%) poor results on modified Wilson-Krout criteria. On univariate analysis, unfavorable outcomes were associated with increased UNCSA, space-occupying lesion, and decreased motor nerve conduction velocity (mNCV), and on multivariate analysis with increased UNCSA 1 cm distal from the epicondyle only (model 1) or increased UNCSA 1 cm proximal from the epicondyle and decreased mNCV (model 2). At 2 years, 15 patients (37.5%) had excellent, 21 (52.5%) good, 3 (7.5%) fair and 1 (2.5%) poor results, and no factors correlated with unfavorable outcome. Increased UNCSA on MRI was associated with unfavorable outcome at 6 months but not at 2 years. This study suggests that morphologic ulnar nerve changes can predict delayed nerve recovery after surgery for CuTS.

Improvement in lunate perfusion after radial closing-wedge osteotomy in patients with Kienböck's disease

Radial closing-wedge osteotomy is a widely accepted treatment for Kienböck's disease. However, despite favorable long-term clinical outcomes, its impact on lunate perfusion has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radial closing wedge osteotomy improved lunate perfusion on gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We conducted a retrospective review of 12 patients with Kienböck's disease who received radial closing wedge osteotomy. Mean age at surgery was 25 years. Preoperative Gd-enhanced MRI was performed in 7 patients. After bone union, implants were removed and MRI was repeated. Two patients were classified as Lichtman stage IIIA, and 5 as stage IIIB. Percentage pre- to post-operative perfused lunate volume was compared on MRI. At last follow-up, mean QuickDASH score improved from 43.7 to 6.2. Pre- to post-operative lunate fragmentation, collapse and perfusion were compared qualitatively on MRI. On quantitative analysis, perfusion increased from 24% to 54% (p = 0.018) using our method of measuring percentage perfused lunate volume. The method showed satisfactory reproducibility. Investigation using Gd-enhanced MRI suggested that radial closing wedge osteotomy increases lunate perfusion.

Tunable quad-band transmission response, based on single-layer metamaterials

We investigated the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like effects in planar metamaterials (MMs) at microwave (GHz) frequencies. The specific MMs that were used in this study consist of cut-wire resonator/ring resonator, which achieved the dual EIT-like effects in a single-layer through the bright- and quasi-dark-mode coupling and the lattice mode coupling. In addition, by varying the distance between the two resonators, the quad-band EIT spectral response in the microwave region was obtained, and the group refractive index at the EIT-like resonance of proposed design reached up to 4,000. This study provides the design approach to the multispectral EIT-like effects and might suggest potential applications in a variety of fields, for example, low-loss slow-light device, multiple switching sensor, and other sensing devices.

Genome sequence of the Japanese oak silk moth, Antheraea yamamai: the first draft genome in the family Saturniidae

Background

Antheraea yamamai, also known as the Japanese oak silk moth, is a wild species of silk moth. Silk produced by A. yamamai, referred to as tensan silk, shows different characteristics such as thickness, compressive elasticity, and chemical resistance compared with common silk produced from the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori. Its unique characteristics have led to its use in many research fields including biotechnology and medical science, and the scientific as well as economic importance of the wild silk moth continues to gradually increase. However, no genomic information for the wild silk moth, including A. yamamai, is currently available.

Findings

In order to construct the A. yamamai genome, a total of 147G base pairs using Illumina and Pacbio sequencing platforms were generated, providing 210-fold coverage based on the 700-Mb estimated genome size of A. yamamai. The assembled genome of A. yamamai was 656 Mb (>2 kb) with 3675 scaffolds, and the N50 length of assembly was 739 Kb with a 34.07% GC ratio. Identified repeat elements covered 37.33% of the total genome, and the completeness of the constructed genome assembly was estimated to be 96.7% by Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs v2 analysis. A total of 15 481 genes were identified using Evidence Modeler based on the gene prediction results obtained from 3 different methods (ab initio, RNA-seq-based, known-gene-based) and manual curation.

Conclusions

Here we present the genome sequence of A. yamamai, the first genome sequence of the wild silk moth. These results provide valuable genomic information, which will help enrich our understanding of the molecular mechanisms relating to not only specific phenotypes such as wild silk itself but also the genomic evolution of Saturniidae.

Anti-oxidative Fraction of Lycorma delicatula Alleviates Inflammatory Indicators

Lycorma delicatula is a reluctant pest capable of living in the stems of several tree species. The population has recently expanded in Korea due to several environmental factors including climate change. However, the precise reasons for this rapid and drastic increase in population size remain unknown. In order to examine the potential utility of this surplus biomass of Lycorma delicatula, we prepared an aqueous fraction from a dried imago, and tested its various anti-inflammatory activities and effects on cytokine levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. The aqueous extract of Lycorma delicatula showed potent inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production, by more than 60% at a concentration of 300 μg/mL. We also evaluated interleukin (IL)-13 level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The anti-oxidative fraction of Lycorma delicatula inhibited LPS-induced IL-13 production in a dose-dependent manner, and T-bet promoter activity of cells treated with 300 μg/mL of Lycorma delicatula extract was also dramatically inhibited to 62% of that of LPS-treated cells. Furthermore, we compared matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), -9, -14 and -17 expressions using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which showed a drastic decrease in RNA levels in cells treated with the anti-oxidative fraction. Together, the present results suggest that the aqueous fraction of Lycorma delicatula has potential to ameliorate inflammatory characteristics during an inflammation event, supporting the idea that the fraction may be applied as a biomaterial to prevent inflammatory damage in skin tissues.

Recombinant growth hormone therapy for prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature in Korea: a phase III randomized trial

PURPOSE

Several studies have evaluated the effects of growth hormone (GH) on auxological and biochemical parameters in children with non-GH-deficient, idiopathic short stature (ISS). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Growtropin^®-II (recombinant human GH) in Korean patients with ISS.

METHODS

This was a 1-year, open-label, multicenter, phase III randomized trial of Growtropin^®-II in Korean patients with ISS. In total, 70 prepubertal subjects (39 males, 31 females) between 4 and 12 years of age were included in the study. All patients were naive to GH treatment.

RESULTS

Annual height velocity was significantly higher in the treatment group (10.68 ± 1.95 cm/year) than the control group (5.72 ± 1.72, p < 0.001). Increases in height and weight standard deviation scores (SDSs) at 26 weeks were 0.63 ± 0.16 and 0.64 ± 0.46, respectively, for the treatment group, and 0.06 ± 0.15 and 0.06 ± 0.28, respectively, for the control group (p < 0.001). Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) increased significantly in the treatment group at week 26 compared to baseline. However, the SDS for body mass index (BMI) at 26 weeks did not change significantly in either group. Growtropin^®-II was well tolerated and safe over 1 year of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year GH treatment for prepubertal children with ISS demonstrated increased annualized velocity, height and weight SDSs, and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, with a favorable safety profile. Further evaluations are needed to determine the optimal dose, final adult height, and long-term effects of ISS treatment.

Scolopendin 2 leads to cellular stress response in Candida albicans

Centipedes, a kind of arthropod, have been reported to produce antimicrobial peptides as part of an innate immune response. Scolopendin 2 (AGLQFPVGRIGRLLRK) is a novel antimicrobial peptide derived from the body of the centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans by using RNA sequencing. To investigate the intracellular responses induced by scolopendin 2, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione accumulation and lipid peroxidation were monitored over sublethal and lethal doses. Intracellular ROS and antioxidant molecule levels were elevated and lipids were peroxidized at sublethal concentrations. Moreover, the Ca(2+) released from the endoplasmic reticulum accumulated in the cytosol and mitochondria. These stress responses were considered to be associated with yeast apoptosis. Candida albicans cells exposed to scolopendin 2 were identified using diagnostic markers of apoptotic response. Various responses such as phosphatidylserine externalization, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation were exhibited. Scolopendin 2 disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated metacaspase, which was mediated by cytochrome c release. In conclusion, treatment of C. albicans with scolopendin 2 induced the apoptotic response at sublethal doses, which in turn led to mitochondrial dysfunction, metacaspase activation, and cell death. The cationic antimicrobial peptide scolopendin 2 from the centipede is a potential antifungal peptide, triggering the apoptotic response.

A novel role for earthworm peptide Lumbricusin as a regulator of neuroinflammation

Recently, we reported that Lumbricusin, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, enhanced neuronal proliferation and ameliorated motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidence suggests that neurodegeneration is the primary pathological feature of acute or chronic inflammation mediated by microglia, the resident macrophage of the central nervous system. Therefore, microglial activation inhibitors may be useful as therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases. To determine whether Lumbricusin ameliorates neuroinflammation through inhibition of microglial activation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), we newly synthesized 9-mer Lumbricusin analogues based on the amino acid sequence of Lumbricusin. One of these, Lumbricusin Analogue 5 (LumA5; QLICWRRFR-NH₂), markedly reduced expression of enzymes (COX-2, iNOS), cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), and signal transduction factors (AKT, MAPKs, NF-κB) involved in inflammation triggered by LPS in vitro and in vivo. In addition, LumA5 inhibited the cytotoxicity of conditioned medium prepared by LPS-activated BV-2 microglia to neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and improved cell viability. These results indicate that LumA5 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various neuroinflammatory conditions.

Intraventricular administration of Tenebrio molitor larvae extract regulates food intake and body weight in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity

We recently reported the in vitro and in vivo antiobesity effects of Tenebrio molitor larvae, a traditional food in many countries, but it remains unknown how the larvae affect appetite regulation in mice with diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that the extract of T molitor larvae mediates appetite by regulating neuropeptide expression. We investigated T molitor larvae extract's (TME's) effects on anorexigenesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced orexigenic neuropeptide expression in the hypothalami of obese mice. Intracerebroventricular TME administration suppressed feeding by down-regulating the expression of the orexigenic neuropeptides neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein. T molitor larvae extract significantly reduced the expression of ER stress response genes. These results suggest that TME and its bioactive components are potential therapeutics for obesity and ER stress-driven disease states.

Tenebrio molitor Larvae Inhibit Adipogenesis through AMPK and MAPKs Signaling in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Despite the increasing interest in insect-based bioactive products, the biological activities of these products are rarely studied adequately. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm, have been eaten as a traditional food and provide many health benefits. Therefore, we hypothesized that T. molitor larvae might influence adipogenesis and obesity-related disorders. In the present study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic and antiobesity effects of T. molitor larvae in vitro and in vivo. The lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in mature adipocytes was reduced significantly (up to 90%) upon exposure to an ethanol extract of T. molitor larvae, without a reduction in cell viability. Exposure also resulted in key adipogenic and lipogenic transcription factors. Additionally, in adipogenic differentiation medium the extract induced phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Daily oral administration of T. molitor larvae powder to obese mice fed high-fat diet attenuated body weight gain. We also found that the powder efficiently reduced hepatic steatosis as well as aspartate and alanine transaminase enzyme levels in mice fed a high-fat diet. Our results suggest that T. molitor larvae extract has an antiobesity effect when administered as a food supplement and has potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity.

Multifractal anisotropic swimming: the optimal foraging behaviour of grouper larvae

It was hypothesized that the Malabar grouper Ephinephelus malabaricus larvae have developed search patterns adapted to the distribution of their prey to maximise their net energy intake per unit time. Analysis of the swimming behaviour of E. malabaricus larvae in both the presence and absence of Artemia sp. nauplii is presented to test this hypothesis. A method derived from turbulence studies (the moment function of the displacements) was used to characterize the behaviour. The results revealed that larval swimming pattern was multifractal (intermittent and long-range-correlated) and isotropic (i.e. uniform in all directions) in the presence of prey, but multifractal and anisotropic (i.e. more frequent long displacement on the vertical axis) in the absence of prey. It is suggested that the search behaviour observed in the absence of prey is an adaptive response to prey distribution pattern, which is often characterised by multifractality and anisotropy (i.e. larger patches on the horizontal axes). In the presence of prey, E. malabaricus shifted to intensive search behaviour. Other possible contributors to the observed patterns are discussed. It is concluded that multifractality and anisotropy of swimming patterns observed in the experiment are mainly explained in an optimal foraging theory framework.

Low Frequency of MKRN3 Mutations in Central Precocious Puberty Among Korean Girls

Mutations of MKRN3, the gene encoding makorin RING-finger protein 3, lead to central precocious puberty (CPP). The aim of this study was to investigate mutations of the MKRN3 gene in Korean girls with CPP. Two hundred-sixty Korean girls with idiopathic CPP were included. Auxological and endocrine parameters were measured, and the entire MKRN3 gene was directly sequenced. MKRN3 gene analysis revealed one novel nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) and 6 missense variants (p.Ile100Phe, p.Gly196Val, p.Ile204Thr, p.Gln226Pro, p.Lys233Asn, and p.Ser396Arg). The novel nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) was a heterozygous C>T nucleotide change (c.841C>T) predicted to result in a truncated protein due to a premature stop codon in the MKRN3 gene. The nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) was only identified in one of the girls and her younger brother. Compared to previous reports on MKRN3 mutations in familial and sporadic cases of CPP, the present study reveals a relatively low number of MKRN 3 mutations in Korean girls with CPP. Larger samples of children with CPP and MKRN3 mutations are necessary in order to clarify whether the clinical course of puberty may differ as compared to idiopathic CPP.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 by downregulating NADPH oxidase 4 in human gingival fibroblasts

We investigated the roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS)-induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). In human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), activation of PPARδ by GW501516, a specific ligand of PPARδ, inhibited Pg-LPS-induced activation of MMP-2 and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was associated with reduced expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4). These effects were significantly smaller in the presence of small interfering RNA targeting PPARδ or the specific PPARδ inhibitor GSK0660, indicating that PPARδ is involved in these events. In addition, modulation of Nox4 expression by small interfering RNA influenced the effect of PPARδ on MMP-2 activity, suggesting a mechanism in which Nox4-derived ROS modulates MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mediated PPARδ-dependent inhibition of MMP-2 activity in HGFs treated with Pg-LPS. Concomitantly, PPARδ-mediated inhibition of MMP-2 activity was associated with the restoration of types I and III collagen to levels approaching those in HGFs not treated with Pg-LPS. These results indicate that PPARδ-mediated downregulation of Nox4 modulates cellular redox status, which in turn plays a critical role in extracellular matrix homeostasis through ROS-dependent regulation of MMP-2 activity.

Early menarche increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged Korean women

AIMS

To investigate the association between early menarche (menarche age < 12 years) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in young and middle-aged Korean women.

METHODS

We analysed data for 4657 women aged 20-50 years from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV) (2007-2009).

RESULTS

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 2.8%. Women with early menarche had a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose than did women with later menarche (age ≥ 12 years) in the 20-30 age group (7.4% vs. 3.0%), and a higher prevalence of diabetes in the 30-40 (6.3% vs. 1.7%) and 40-50 (18.5% vs. 4.4%) age groups. The odds ratio (OR) of Type 2 diabetes in women with early menarche was 3.61 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90-6.88] after adjusting for age. In multivariate regression, the OR of Type 2 diabetes decreased to 2.52 (95% CI, 1.29-4.94) after further adjusting for BMI. However, the OR decreased to 2.04 (95% CI, 0.95-4.39) without significance after adjusting for HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSIONS

Early menarche increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged Korean women although adulthood adiposity attenuated the relationship. Knowledge of age at menarche is important in identifying women at risk for diabetes.

Scolopendin 2, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from centipede, and its membrane-active mechanism

Scolopendin 2 is a 16-mer peptide (AGLQFPVGRIGRLLRK) derived from the centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans. We observed that this peptide exhibited antimicrobial activity in a salt-dependent manner against various fungal and bacterial pathogens and showed no hemolytic effect in the range of 1.6 μM to 100 μM. Circular dichroism analysis showed that the peptide has an α-helical properties. Furthermore, we determined the mechanism(s) of action using flow cytometry and by investigating the release of intracellular potassium. The results showed that the peptide permeabilized the membranes of Escherichia coli O157 and Candida albicans, resulting in loss of intracellular potassium ions. Additionally, bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol and 3,3'-dipropylthiacarbocyanine iodide assays showed that the peptide caused membrane depolarization. Using giant unilamellar vesicles encapsulating calcein and large unilamellar vesicles containing fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, which were similar in composition to typical E. coli O157 and C. albicans membranes, we demonstrated that scolopendin 2 disrupts membranes, resulting in a pore size between 4.8 nm and 5.0 nm. Thus, we have demonstrated that a cationic antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 2, exerts its broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects by forming pores in the cell membrane.

Ligand-activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ and -γ inhibit lipopolysaccharide-primed release of high mobility group box 1 through upregulation of SIRT1

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a late proinflammatory mediator, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the inhibition of HMGB1 release by PPAR-δ and -γ is associated with the deacetylase activity of SIRT1. Ligand-activated PPAR-δ and -γ inhibited LPS-primed release of HMGB1, concomitant with elevation in SIRT1 expression and promoter activity. These effects were significantly reduced in the presence of small interfering (si)RNAs against PPAR, indicating that PPAR-δ and -γ are involved in both HMGB1 release and SIRT1 expression. In addition, modulation of SIRT1 expression and activity by siRNA or chemicals correspondingly influenced the effects of PPARs on HMGB1 release, suggesting a mechanism in which SIRT1 modulates HMGB1 release. Furthermore, we showed for the first time that HMGB1 acetylated in response to LPS or p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) is an effective substrate for SIRT1, and that deacetylation of HMGB1 is responsible for blockade of HMGB1 release in macrophages. Finally, acetylation of HMGB1 was elevated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts from SIRT1-knockout mice, whereas this increase was completely reversed by ectopic expression of SIRT1. These results indicate that PPAR-mediated upregulation of SIRT1 modulates the status of HMGB1 acetylation, which, in turn, has a critical role in the cellular response to inflammation through deacetylation-mediated regulation of HMGB1 release.

Fatty Acid Composition and Volatile Constituents of Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae

A total of 48 different volatile oils were identified form P. brevitarsis larvae by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Acids (48.67%) were detected as the major group in P. brevitarsis larvae comprising the largest proportion of the volatile compounds, followed by esters (19.84%), hydrocarbons (18.90%), alcohols (8.37%), miscellaneous (1.71%), aldehydes (1.35%) and terpenes (1.16%). The major volatile constituents were 9-hexadecenoic acid (16.75%), 6-octadecenoic acid (14.88%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (11.06%). The composition of fatty acid was also determined by GC analysis and 16 fatty acids were identified. The predominant fatty acids were oleic acid (C_18:1, 64.24%) followed by palmitic acid (C_16:0, 15.89%), palmitoleic acid (C_16:1, 10.43%) and linoleic acid (C_18:2, 4.69%) constituting more than 95% of total fatty acids. The distinguished characteristic of the fatty acid profile of P. brevitarsis larvae was the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acid (80.54% of total fatty acids) versus saturated fatty acids (19.46% of total fatty acids). Furthermore, small but significant amounts of linoleic, linolenic and γ-linolenic acids bestow P. brevitarsis larvae with considerable nutritional value. The novel findings of the present study provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization of the insect as a nutritionally promising food source and a possibility for more effective utilization.

Fatty Acid and Volatile Oil Compositions of Allomyrina dichotoma Larvae

Thirty-two different volatile oils were identified from Allomyrina dichotoma (A. dichotoma) larvae by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major volatile components were 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl pentanoic acid isobutyl ester (5.83%), phenol,2,6-bis(a,a-dimethyl ethyl)-4-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl) (5.72%), heptacosane (5.49%) and phenol,2,4-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl) (5.47%). The composition of the fatty acids in A. dichotoma larvae was also determined by gas chromatography (GC) and fourteen constituents were identified. Oleic acid (19.13%) was the most abundant fatty acid followed by palmitic acid (12.52%), palmitoleic acid (3.71%) and linoleic acid (2.08%) in 100 g of A. dichotoma larvae on a dry weight basis. The quantity of unsaturated fatty acids (64.00%) were higher than that of saturated ones (36.00%). The predominant fatty acids in A. dichotoma consist of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, 57.70%) such as oleic acid, myristoleic acid and palmitoleic acid, followed by saturated fatty acids (36.00%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 6.50%). In particular, the presence of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic (5.30%) and linolenic acid (0.40%) give A. dichotoma larvae considerable nutritional and functional value and it may be a useful source for food and/or industrial utilization.

Antimicrobial effects of coprisin on wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus in rats

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally produced antibiotics that play important roles in host defense mechanisms. These proteins are found in variety of animal and plant species. The antibiotic effects of AMPs are gaining attention for use in human medicine. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of coprisin, a novel AMP isolated from the dung beetle (Copris tripartitus), were evaluated. The peptide was used to treat rats with wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Coprisin accelerated wound closure both grossly and microscopically compared with the untreated group. Additionally, treatment with this peptide decreased phosphorylated-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) levels, a downstream factor of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway which is believed to inhibit reepithelization, in the nucleus and cytoplasm of regenerating cells. Moreover, increased cell populations and angiogenesis were observed in lesions treated with coprisin, suggesting that this peptide promotes wound healing via its antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Our results demonstrated that coprisin is a potential therapeutic agent that can possibly replace traditional antibiotics and overcome microbial resistance.

No effect of the estrogen receptor α gene polymorphisms in the etiology of precocious puberty in girls

Estrogen plays a crucial role in the development and function in reproductive physiology. Estrogens regulate cellular activity through binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ). ERα polymorphisms have been associated with changes in age at menarche, menopause onset, and fertility. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of ERα gene polymorphisms with central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. Two hundred and one (201) Korean girls with idiopathic CPP were included in this study along with 100 healthy Korean female adults with pubertal maturation within normal age who served controls. Auxological and endocrine parameters were measured, and both patients and controls were genotyped for PvuII (397 T→C) and XbaI (351 A→G) polymorphisms in the ERα gene. A significantly lower incidence of the CC genotype with PvuII polymorphism were noted among CPP girls than controls (11.9% vs. 22%, P=0.021). However, the clinical parameters did not differ among the 3 genotypes. In addition, there was no significant difference in patients with the XbaI polymorphism compared to controls. The present study reveals that neither PvuII nor XbaI polymorphisms in the ERα gene are associated with onset and progression of puberty. However, further studies are needed to validate the exact function of these polymorphisms.

The novel biological action of antimicrobial peptides via apoptosis induction

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exert antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses by various mechanisms. AMPs commonly possess particular characteristics by harboring cationic and amphipathic structures and binding to cell membranes, resulting in the leakage of essential cell contents by forming pores or disturbing lipid organization. These membrane disruptive mechanisms of AMPs are possible to explain according to the various structure forming pores in the membrane. Some AMPs inhibit DNA and/or RNA synthesis as well as apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, mitochondria play a major role in the apoptotic pathway. During apoptosis induced by AMPs, cells undergo cytochrome c release, caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalization, plasma or mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA and nuclei damage, cell shrinkage, apoptotic body formation, and membrane blebbing. Even AMPs, which have been reported to exert membrane-active mechanisms, induce apoptosis in yeast. These phenomena were also discovered in tumor cells treated with AMPs. The apoptosis mechanism of AMPs is available for various therapeutics such as antibiotics for antibiotic-resistant pathogens that resist to the membrane active mechanism, and antitumor agents with selectivity to tumor cells.

Insight into the antimicrobial activities of coprisin isolated from the dung beetle, Copris tripartitus, revealed by structure-activity relationships

The novel 43-residue, insect defensin-like peptide coprisin, isolated from the dung beetle, Copris tripartitus, is a potent antibiotic with bacterial cell selectivity, exhibiting antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without exerting hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. Tests against Staphylococcus aureus using fluorescent dye leakage and depolarization measurements showed that coprisin targets the bacterial cell membrane. To understand structure-activity relationships, we determined the three-dimensional structure of coprisin in aqueous solution by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which showed that coprisin has an amphipathic α-helical structure from Ala(19) to Arg(28), and β-sheets from Gly(31) to Gln(35) and Val(38) to Arg(42). Coprisin has electropositive regions formed by Arg(28), Lys(29), Lys(30), and Arg(42) and ITC results proved that coprisin and LPS have electrostatically driven interactions. Using measurements of nitric oxide release and inflammatory cytokine production, we provide the first verification of the anti-inflammatory activity and associated mechanism of an insect defensin, demonstrating that the anti-inflammatory actions of the defensin-like peptide, coprisin, are initiated by suppressing the binding of LPS to toll-like receptor 4, and subsequently inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear translocation of NF-kB. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that an amphipathic helix and an electropositive surface in coprisin may play important roles in its effective interaction with bacterial cell membranes and, ultimately, in its high antibacterial activity and potent anti-inflammatory activity. In addition to elucidating the antimicrobial action of coprisin, this work may provide insight into the mechanism of action of insect defense systems.

Utility of Basal luteinizing hormone levels for detecting central precocious puberty in girls

The hallmark of puberty is the progressive increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) activity, reflected by an increase in the circulating concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The GnRH stimulation test is widely used in the evaluation of precocious puberty. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic utility of basal LH for the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. A total of 803 girls were referred to Ajou University Hospital for evaluation of precocious puberty between 2008 and 2011. All subjects underwent GnRH-stimulation tests as part of their evaluation. Serum LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by immunoradiometric assay before and after the GnRH injection. Of the 803 subjects, 505 (62.9%) were included in the pubertal response group and 298 (37.1%) were in the prepubertal response group. Basal LH level was identified as a significant predictor for CPP. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cut off point of basal LH related to 'pubertal response' was 1.1 IU/l, which was associated with 69.1% sensitivity and 50.5% specificity, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.620 (95% CI, 0.581-0.660). It is concluded that a single basal LH measurement can be used as a screening test to identify girls with CPP and to determine who should undergo GnRH stimulation test.

Synergistic effect and antibiofilm activity between the antimicrobial peptide coprisin and conventional antibiotics against opportunistic bacteria

Coprisin is a 43-mer defensin-like peptide from the dung beetle, Copris tripartitus. In this study, we tested its minimum inhibitory concentration and performed combination assays to confirm the antibacterial susceptibility of coprisin and synergistic effects with antibiotics. The synergistic effects were evaluated by testing the effects of coprisin in combination with ampicillin, vancomycin, and chloramphenicol. The results showed that coprisin possessed antibacterial properties and had synergistic activities with the antibiotics. To understand the synergistic mechanism(s), we conducted hydroxyl radical assays. Coprisin alone and in combination with antibiotics generated hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive oxygen forms and the major property of bactericidal agents. Furthermore, the antibiofilm effect of coprisin alone and in combination with antibiotics was investigated. Biofilm formation is the source of many relentless and chronic bacterial infections. The results indicated that coprisin alone and in combination with antibiotics also had antibiofilm activity. Therefore, we conclude that coprisin has the potential to be used as a combinatorial therapeutic agent for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria.

HbA1c and glucose intolerance in obese children and adolescents

AIMS

Childhood obesity is associated with an increased likelihood for having impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidaemia and diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate HbA(1c) as a screening test for impaired glucose tolerance in obese children and adolescents and identify the optimal HbA(1c) threshold.

METHODS

We studied 126 obese and overweight children (BMI > 85 th percentile for age and gender) 4-17 years of age referred to the endocrine clinic at Ajou University Hospital in Korea. All subjects underwent HbA(1c) and oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (27%) out of 126 had impaired glucose tolerance. Silent diabetes was diagnosed in 10 adolescents (7.9%). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut point of HbA(1c) related to impaired glucose tolerance diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test was 40 mmol/mol (5.8%), which was associated with a 64.7% sensitivity and 61.6% specificity, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.651 (95% CI 0.529-0.772).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance. An HbA(1c) value of 40 mmol/mol (5.8%) should be used as a screening tool to identify children and adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance.

Coprisin-induced antifungal effects in Candida albicans correlate with apoptotic mechanisms

Coprisin is a 43-mer defensin-like peptide from the dung beetle, Copris tripartitus. Here, we investigated the induction of apoptosis by coprisin in Candida albicans cells. Coprisin exerted antifungal and fungicidal activity without any hemolytic effect. Confocal microscopy indicated that coprisin accumulated in the nucleus of cells. The membrane studies, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, calcein-leakage, and giant unilamellar vesicle assays, confirmed that coprisin did not disrupt the fungal plasma membrane at all. Moreover, the activity of coprisin was energy- and salt-dependent. Next, we investigated whether coprisin induced apoptosis in C. albicans. Annexin V-FITC staining and TUNEL assay showed that coprisin was involved with both the early and the late stages of apoptosis. Coprisin also increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and hydroxyl radicals were included at high levels among the species. The effect of thiourea as a hydroxyl radical scavenger further confirmed the existence of the hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, coprisin induced mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, cytochrome c release, and activation of metacaspases. In summary, this study suggests that coprisin could be a model molecule for a large family of novel antimicrobial peptides possessing apoptotic activity.

Structure and function of papiliocin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities isolated from the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus

Papiliocin is a novel 37-residue cecropin-like peptide isolated recently from the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus. With the aim of identifying a potent antimicrobial peptide, we tested papiliocin in a variety of biological and biophysical assays, demonstrating that the peptide possesses very low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells and high bacterial cell selectivity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria as well as high anti-inflammatory activity. Using LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells, we found that papiliocin exerted its anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, producing effects comparable with those of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37. We also showed that the innate defense response mechanisms engaged by papiliocin involve Toll-like receptor pathways that culminate in the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Fluorescent dye leakage experiments showed that papiliocin targets the bacterial cell membrane. To understand structure-activity relationships, we determined the three-dimensional structure of papiliocin in 300 mm dodecylphosphocholine micelles by NMR spectroscopy, showing that papiliocin has an α-helical structure from Lys(3) to Lys(21) and from Ala(25) to Val(36), linked by a hinge region. Interactions between the papiliocin and LPS studied using tryptophan blue-shift data, and saturation transfer difference-NMR experiments revealed that Trp(2) and Phe(5) at the N-terminal helix play an important role in attracting papiliocin to the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that papiliocin is a potent peptide antibiotic with both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, and we have laid the groundwork for future studies of its mechanism of action.

Long-term bisphosphonate usage and subtrochanteric insufficiency fractures: a cause for concern?

For over a decade, bisphosphonate administration has evolved and become the cornerstone of the prevention and treatment of fragility fractures. Millions of post-menopausal women have relied on, and continue to depend on, the long-acting, bone density-maintaining pharmaceutical drug to prevent low-energy fractures. In return, we have seen the number of fragility fractures decrease, along with associated costs and emotional benefits. However, with any drug, there are often concerns with side effects and complications, and this unique drug class is seeing one such complication in atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture, counterproductive to that which it was designed to prevent. This has created concern over long-term bisphosphonate administration and its potential link to these atypical fractures. There is controversial evidence surrounding such a definitive link, and no protocol for managing these fractures. This review offers the latest information regarding this rare but increasingly controversial adverse effect and its potential connection to one of the most successful forms of treatment that is available for the management of fragility fractures.

Fabrication and radio frequency characterization of carbon nanotube field effect transistor: evidence of quantum capacitance

We fabricated an radio frequency (RF) carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) whose electrode shapes were standard RF designed ground-signal-ground (GSG)-type pads. The S-parameters measured from our RF CNTFET in the frequency range up to 6 GHz were fitted with an RF equivalent circuit, and the extracted gate capacitance was shown to be the capacitance value of the series combination of the electrostatic capacitance and the quantum capacitance. The effect of the channel resistance and the kinetic inductance was also discussed.

Factors predictive of perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of colorectal tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although perforation of the colon is known as one of the main complications of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal tumor management, factors predictive of perforation have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with perforation during colorectal ESD.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal tumors undergoing ESD were enrolled and their records were reviewed retrospectively. Age, sex, co-morbidity, medication history, procedure time, resection method, tumor size, location, gross morphology, the presence of fibrosis, and histologic findings were included as possible risk factors. In the cases where perforation had occurred, factors associated with the duration of hospitalization were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred eight lesions in 108 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study (68 patients were male; mean patient age was 63.01 ± 10.71 years). Mean tumor size was 27.59 ± 10.10 mm (range: 8 - 53 mm). Laterally spreading tumor was the most common type (75 %), followed by the protruding type (25 %). Procedure time was 61.95 ± 41.90 minutes (range: 5 - 198 minutes). Complete en bloc resection was achieved for 85 lesions (78.7 %). Perforation occurred in 22 patients (20.4 %). Multivariate analysis confirmed that tumor size [odds ratio (OR): 1.084; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.015 - 1.158; P = 0.017] and the presence of fibrosis (OR: 4.551; 95 %CI: 1.092 - 18.960; P = 0.037) were independent risk factors for perforation. All cases of perforation were managed with nonsurgical treatment. Younger age and abdominal pain appeared to be related to prolonged hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Tumor size and fibrosis are important factors related to complications during colorectal ESD. Younger age and development of abdominal pain can predict the hospital course in patients with perforation after ESD.

Microarray expression profiling of Spodoptera litura in response to oxidative stress

To examine the expression profile of oxidative stress responsive genes in Spodoptera litura, we constructed a cDNA library from S. litura injected with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Using a microarray chip composed of 2,964 cDNAs, we screened gene expression at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h post H(2)O(2) injection. Data were clustered into 15 groups of genes that behave similarly across each time course. Seventy-three genes were identified as being at least twofold up- or downregulated after treatment with H(2)O(2) in S. litura. We constructed expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for genes that changed at least twofold after treatment with H(2)O(2) . The functional classification of these ESTs based on Gene Ontology showed that the ESTs are rich in genes involved in oxidoreductase activity (5.7%), defense (14.3%), cellular process (22.9%), and development (17.1%).

Cerebral infarction associated with transient visual loss in child with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin deficiency and is the most important cause of mortality and morbidity in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Acute neurological complications related to diabetic ketoacidosis include cerebral oedema, cerebral infarction, brain herniation, cortical venous thrombosis and cerebral haemorrhage. Cerebral infarction is rare in juvenile diabetic ketoacidosis.

CASE REPORT

We report a girl with a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes mellitus who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and developed cerebral infarction with transient visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasize the importance of prompt evaluation and proper management of intracranial crises in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Probing the continuous radio frequency spectrum of water relaxation using a carbon nanotube

We have obtained the continuous radio frequency spectrum of water molecule relaxation using carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a high-speed nanoprobe. Three sets of characteristic time scales are clearly identified. Two sets are attributed to the electric-field-driven polarization of water molecules bound to CNTs and the collective relaxation of water layers in the vicinity of CNTs, respectively. The third set is appreciable only in air, and can be related to triplet oxygen relaxation.

The antimicrobial peptide, psacotheasin induces reactive oxygen species and triggers apoptosis in Candida albicans

Previously, the antimicrobial effects and membrane-active action of psacotheasin in Candida albicans were investigated. In this study, we have further found that a series of characteristic cellular changes of apoptosis in C. albicans can be induced by the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, specifically hydroxyl radicals, the well-known important regulators of apoptosis. Cells treated with psacotheasin showed diagnostic markers in yeast apoptosis at early stages: phosphatidylserine externalization from the inner to the outer membrane surface, visualized by Annexin V-staining; mitochondrial membrane depolarization, observed by DiOC6(3) staining; and increase of metacaspase activity, measured using the CaspACE FITC-VAD-FMK. Moreover, DNA fragmentation and condensation also revealed apoptotic phenomena at late stages through the TUNEL assay staining and DAPI staining, respectively. Taken together, our findings suggest that psacotheasin possess an antifungal property in C. albicans via apoptosis as another mode of action.