Preliminary study on comparison of egg extraction methods for development of fetal bovine serum substitutes in cultured meat

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) substitution remains one of the challenges to the realization of cultured meat production in the marketplace. In this study, three methods were developed to extract a substitute for FBS using egg white extract (EWE): using 25 mM CaCl2/2.5 % ammonium sulfate/citric acid (A); ethyl alcohol (B); and 5 % ammonium sulfate/citric acid (C). B EWE can effectively replace up to 50 % of FBS in growth media (10 % of the total). Ovalbumin in the extracts can promote cell proliferation, and components along the 12 kDa protein band have the potential to inhibit cell proliferation. Chick primary muscle cells applied with B EWE, an edible material that improved the cost and time efficiency of cultured meat production, effectively proliferated/differentiated. Therefore, EWE extracted using ethyl alcohol may be used as an FBS substitute to reduce animal sacrifices and should be considered a viable alternative to FBS for cultured meat.

Current technology and industrialization status of cell-cultivated meat

Interest and investment in cultivated meat are increasing because of the realization that it can effectively supply sufficient food resources and reduce the use of livestock. Nevertheless, accurate information on the specific technologies used for cultivated meat production and the characteristics of cultivated meat is lacking. Authorization for the use of cultivated meat is already underway in the United States, Singapore, and Israel, and other major countries are also expected to approve cultivated meat as food once the details of the intricate process of producing cultivated meat, which encompasses stages such as cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and assembly, is thoroughly established. The development and standardization of mass production processes and safety evaluations must precede the industrialization and use of cultivated meat as food. However, the technology for the industrialization of cultivated meat is still in its nascent stage, and the mass production process has not yet been established. The mass production process of cultivated meat may not be easy to disclose because it is related to the interests of several companies or research teams. However, the overall research flow shows that equipment development for mass production and cell acquisition, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as for three-dimensional production supports and bioreactors have not yet been completed. Therefore, additional research on the mass production process and safety of cultivated meat is essential. The consumer's trust in the cultivated meat products and production technologies recently disclosed by some companies should also be analyzed and considered for guiding future developments in this industry. Furthermore, close monitoring by academia and the government will be necessary to identify fraud in the cultivated meat industry.

Current Technologies and Future Perspective in Meat Analogs Made from Plant, Insect, and Mycoprotein Materials: A Review

This study reviewed the current data presented in the literature on developing meat analogs using plant-, insect-, and protein-derived materials and presents a conclusion on future perspectives. As a result of this study, it was found that the current products developed using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials still did not provide the quality of traditional meat products. Plant-derived meat analogs have been shown to use soybean-derived materials and beta-glucan or gluten, while insect-derived materials have been studied by mixing them with plant-derived materials. It is reported that the development of meat analogs using mycoprotein is somewhat insufficient compared to other materials, and safety issues should also be considered. Growth in the meat analog market, which includes products made using plant-, insect-, and mycoprotein-derived materials is reliant upon further research being conducted, as well as increased efforts for it to coexist alongside the traditional livestock industry. Additionally, it will become necessary to clearly define legal standards for meat analogs, such as their classification, characteristics, and product-labeling methods.

Improved culture procedure for bovine muscle satellite cells for cultured meat

Many researchers and companies around the world are reported to have developed cultured meat, but their specific techniques have rarely been disclosed. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide an improved procedure for cultured meat. There are four major steps in this cultured meat production: muscle cell isolation, proliferation, differentiation, and validation. The improved isolation enabled the efficient removal of unnecessary cells and tissues compared to previous procedures. In addition, proper use of basal media can improve the proliferation efficiency by about 2-fold. During the differentiation process, improved procedure was performed by using 10 % horse serum-containing media after 3 days of initial differentiation for myotube induction. This method demonstrated significantly enhanced myotube formation, up to 2.6-fold increase in area and up to 1.9-fold increase in fusion index compared to the previous method. This study provides a simple, improved procedure to enable more effective cultured meat production compared to previous procedures and is expected to help produce inexpensive and safe cultured meat.

Analysis of commercial fetal bovine serum (FBS) and its substitutes in the development of cultured meat

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is an extremely important culture growth supplement, accounting for approximately 60 % of cell-culture-media costs; therefore, lowering FBS-acquisition costs for the industrialization of cultured meat is imperative. This study attempted to produce an FBS substitute using discarded livestock by-products, with particular focus on formulating a product with a composition similar to that of FBS to improve effectiveness. However, to date, no study has precisely analyzed the commercial components of FBS, and this study is the first to compare the chemical composition of FBS and commercially available horse serum purchased from the United States or Europe with that of FBS substitutes developed by our team. This study analyzed the chemical composition of the FBS products purchased by our team over the past 3 years via blood, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and independent composition analyses. While the composition and quality of commercial FBS products are known to vary, the FBS composition of our purchased products was relatively uniform regardless of company, brand, or country of origin. In contrast, FBS substitutes obtained from three major livestock species (cattle, pig, and chicken) clearly exhibited differences in composition, a phenomenon that was also observed upon comparing with FBS as well as among different species. Therefore, to replace commercial FBS entirely, the production of a proportionately effective substitute product comprising an equal or similar composition is required, and the results of this study can be a steppingstone to achieving this. In addition, FBS substitutes manufactured using inexpensive slaughter by-products as raw materials are expected to ultimately reduce the unit cost of cultured meat production.

Checkmeat: A Review on the Applicability of Conventional Meat Authentication Techniques to Cultured Meat

The cultured meat industry is continuously evolving due to the collective efforts of cultured meat companies and academics worldwide. Though still technologically limited, recent reports of regulatory approvals for cultured meat companies have initiated the standards-based approach towards cultured meat production. Incidents of deception in the meat industry call for fool-proof authentication methods to ensure consumer safety, product quality, and traceability. The cultured meat industry is not exempt from the threats of food fraud. Meat authentication techniques based on DNA, protein, and metabolite fingerprints of animal meat species needs to be evaluated for their applicability to cultured meat. Technique-based categorization of cultured meat products could ease the identification of appropriate authentication methods. The combination of methods with high sensitivity and specificity is key to increasing the accuracy and precision of meat authentication. The identification of markers (both physical and biochemical) to differentiate conventional meat from cultured meat needs to be established to ensure overall product traceability. The current review briefly discusses some areas in the cultured meat industry that are vulnerable to food fraud. Specifically, it targets the current meat and meat product authentication tests to emphasize the need for ensuring the traceability of cultured meat.

Study on the current research trends and future agenda in animal products: an Asian perspective

This study aimed to analyze the leading research materials and research trends related to livestock food in Asia in recent years and propose future research agendas to ultimately contribute to the development of related livestock species. On analyzing more than 200 relevant articles, a high frequency of studies on livestock species and products with large breeding scales and vast markets was observed. Asia possesses the largest pig population and most extensive pork market, followed by that of beef, chicken, and milk; moreover, blood and egg markets have also been studied. Regarding research keywords, "meat quality" and "probiotics" were the most common, followed by "antioxidants", which have been extensively studied in the past, and "cultured meat", which has recently gained traction. The future research agenda for meat products is expected to be dominated by alternative livestock products, such as cultured and plant-derived meats; improved meat product functionality and safety; the environmental impacts of livestock farming; and animal welfare research. The future research agenda for dairy products is anticipated to include animal welfare, dairy production, probiotic-based development of high-quality functional dairy products, the development of alternative dairy products, and the advancement of lactose-free or personalized dairy products. However, determining the extent to which the various research articles' findings have been applied in real-world industry proved challenging, and research related to animal food laws and policies and consumer surveys was lacking. In addition, studies on alternatives for sustainable livestock development could not be identified. Therefore, future research may augment industrial application, and multidisciplinary research related to animal food laws and policies as well as eco-friendly livestock production should be strengthened.

Current technologies, regulation, and future perspective of animal product analogs - A review

The purpose of this study was to investigate the recent development of meat analog, industrialization, and the related legal changes worldwide. Summarizing the current status of the industrialization of meat analog, studies on plant-based meat, mycoprotein, and edible insects were mainly conducted to investigate their sensory properties (texture, taste, flavor, and color resembling meat), nutritional and safety evaluations, acquisition method of meat alternatives, and commercialization. Cultured meat is mainly studied for developing muscle satellite cell acquisition and support techniques or materials for the formation of structures. However, these technologies have not reached the level for active industrialization. Even though there are differences in the food categories and labeling between countries, it is common to cause confusion or to relay false information to consumers; therefore, it is important to provide accurate information. In this study, there were some differences in the food classification and food definition (labeling) contents for each country and state depending on the product shape or form, raw materials, and ingredients. Therefore, this study can provide information about the current research available on meat alternatives, improve regulation, and clarify laws related to the meat analog industry, which can potentially grow alongside the livestock industry.

Analysis of changes in antibiotic resistance in the human body using an in vitro digestion model incorporating human gut microbiota

Residual antibiotics may affect human health by increasing challenges related to infection treatment due to antibiotic resistance development. Hence, determining whether residual antibiotics in the body can lead to antibiotic resistance is important. We developed a model to predict possible antibiotic resistance caused by residual antibiotics by simulating human digestion in vitro. Increased antibiotic resistance was found to be dependent on the digestion process. Ethical prediction of antibiotic resistance using fewer animals and no humans was possible by simulating the internal environment. Thus, preliminary studies to monitor antibiotic resistance that can affect human health may be safely conducted using this model.

Review of the Current Research on Fetal Bovine Serum and the Development of Cultured Meat

The purpose of this review is to summarize studies that investigate blood and the main components of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in vertebrates, including major livestock, and review the current research on commercializing cultured meat. Detailed research on FBS is still lacking; however, some studies have shown that FBS consists of proteins, carbohydrates, growth factors, cytokines, fats, vitamins, minerals, hormones, non-protein nitrogen, and inorganic compounds. However, there are few studies on how the composition of FBS differs from blood or serum composition in adult animals, which is probably one of the main reasons for not successfully replacing FBS. Moreover, recent studies on the development of FBS replacers and serum-free media have shown that it is difficult to conclude whether FBS has been completely replaced or serum-free media have been developed successfully. Our review of the industrialization of cultured meat reveals that many basic studies on the development of cultured meat have been conducted, but it is assumed that the study to reduce or replace ingredients derived from fetuses such as FBS has not yet been actively developed. Therefore, developing inexpensive and edible media is necessary for the successful industrialization of cultured meat.

Spontaneous Rupture of Abdominal Aorta after Seizure in a 23-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report

Spontaneous non-aneurysmal aortic rupture is a rare and life threatening clinical entity. A 23-year-old female patient who visited a nearby hospital due to intractable seizure was transferred to our hospital with the impression of hypotension and decreased level of haemoglobin. She had a history of seizure attacks once a month. However, in the 2 weeks before presentation, the frequency of seizure attacks had increased to 2 to 3 times a day. An abdominal-pelvic computed tomogram scan showed extravasation of contrast from the abdominal aorta at L3 level. An emergency laparotomy revealed a 0.3 cm diameter tear in the posterior wall of the aorta, superior to the iliac bifurcation. We discuss the mechanism of spontaneous aortic rupture and the possibility of aortic rupture related to seizure attacks. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:103-106)

A Fully Functional Drug-Eluting Joint Implant

Despite advances in orthopedic materials, the development of drug-eluting bone and joint implants that can sustain the delivery of the drug and maintain the necessary mechanical strength in order to withstand loading has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that modifying the eccentricity of drug clusters and the percolation threshold in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) results in maximized drug elution and in the retention of mechanical strength. The optimized UHMWPE eluted antibiotic at a higher concentration for longer than the clinical gold standard antibiotic-eluting bone cement while retaining the mechanical and wear properties of clinically used UHMWPE joint prostheses. Treatment of lapine knees infected with Staphylococcus aureus with the antibiotic-eluting UHMWPE led to complete bacterial eradication and to the absence of detectable systemic effects. We argue that the antibiotic-eluting UHMWPE joint implant is a promising candidate for clinical trials.

Enhancement patterns of hepatocellular carcinomas on multiphasicmultidetector row CT: comparison with pathological differentiation

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of typical and atypical enhancement patterns of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on multiphasic multidetector row CT (MDCT) and to correlate the enhancement patterns and morphological image findings of HCC with the degree of tumour differentiation.

METHODS

MDCT images of 217 patients with 243 surgically proven HCCs were evaluated through consensus reading by two radiologists. Our MDCT protocol was composed of precontrast, arterial, portal and delayed phases. The reviewers analysed the CT images for degree of attenuation; relative timing of washout; presence of dysmorphic intratumoral vessels, aneurysms and necrosis; tumour size; tumour margin; presence of pseudocapsule; intratumoral heterogeneity; and determined enhancement pattern. The imaging features were correlated with tumour differentiation using Fisher's exact test or the χ(2) test.

RESULTS

Among 243 HCCs, 137 (56.4%) showed the typical enhancement pattern of HCC, which is arterial enhancement and washout on portal or equilibrium phase images. In the arterial phase, 190 of 243 (78.2%) HCCs showed hypervascularity, with approximately three quarters of poorly differentiated (PD) (34 of 45, 75.6%) and moderately differentiated (MD) HCCs (92 of 123, 74.8%) showing washout during the portal or delayed phases, vs only 50% of well-differentiated (WD) HCCs (11 of 22; p<0.048). The presence of intratumoral vessels and aneurysms, tumour necrosis, attenuation of precontrast, the relative timing of washout, intratumoral attenuation heterogeneity, tumour margin and tumour size were correlated with the pathological differentiation of HCCs (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A typical enhancement of HCCs on MDCT was not unusual (43.6%) and WD and PD HCCs account for most of the atypical enhancement patterns. Early washout favoured MD and PD HCCs rather than WD HCCs, whereas in our study the presence of intratumoral aneurysm was a highly specific finding for PD HCC.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection or transanal endoscopic microsurgery for nonpolypoid rectal high grade dysplasia and submucosa-invading rectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been shown to be highly effective for early rectal cancer, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been introduced to treat noninvasive colorectal neoplasia. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of ESD and TEM for superficial early rectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients with nonpolypoid rectal high grade dysplasia or submucosa-invading cancer who were treated with ESD or TEM, and compared clinical outcomes and safety between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

30 patients underwent ESD and 33 underwent TEM. For ESD compared with TEM, en bloc resection rates were 96.7% vs. 100% (P = 0.476) and R0 resection rates were 96.7 % vs. 97.0 % (P = 1.000). There were no cases of local recurrence or distant metastasis in either group. Antibiotics were required in 11 patients (36.7%) in the ESD group and 33 (100%) in the TEM group (P < 0.001). There was no difference in net procedure time although ESD was associated with shorter total procedure time and hospital stay than TEM, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) 84.0 (51.2) vs. 116.4 (58.5) min (P = 0.0023), and 3.6 (1.2) vs. 6.6 (3.5) days (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ESD and TEM are effective and oncologically safe for treating nonpolypoid rectal high grade dysplasia and submucosa-invading cancers. ESD has the additional advantages of minimal invasiveness and avoidance of anesthesia. Therefore, ESD could be recommended as a treatment option for superficial early rectal cancers.

In vivo high-resolution fluorescence microendoscopy for ovarian cancer detection and treatment monitoring

Background:

In patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OvCa), microscopic residual tumour nodules that remain after surgical debulking frequently escape detection by current treatment assessment methods and lead to disease recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of high-resolution fibre-optic fluorescence imaging of the clinically approved photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent benzoporphyin-derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA) for detection of microscopic OvCa and for monitoring treatment response.

Methods:

Our fluorescence microendoscope consists of a flexible imaging fibre coupled to a custom epi-fluorescence system optimised for imaging BPD-MA, which, after a single administration, serves as both an imaging agent and a light-activated therapeutic agent. After characterisation in an in vitro OvCa 3D model, we used the flexible imaging fibre to minimally invasively image the peritoneal cavity of a disseminated OvCa murine model using BPD-MA administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). To evaluate longitudinal changes in response to treatment, we compared sets of images obtained before and after PDT with those from untreated mice imaged at the same time points.

Results:

By comparison with histopathology, we report an 86% sensitivity for tumour detection in vivo using the microendoscope. Using a custom routine to batch process-image data in the monitoring study, treated mice exhibited an average decrease of 58.8% in tumour volumes compared with an increase of 59.3% in untreated controls (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate the potential of this approach as a reporter of treatment outcome that could aid in the rational design of strategies to mitigate recurrent OvCa.

Local recurrence after curative resection in patients with colon and rectal cancers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There are a range of rates and a number of prognostic factors associated with the local recurrence of colorectal cancer after curative resection. The aim of this study was to identify the potential prognostic factors of local recurrence in patients with colon and rectal cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 1,838 patients who underwent curative resection of non-metastatic colorectal cancer was conducted. The patients were treated between 1994 and 2004, and had a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

RESULTS

There were 994 patients with colon cancer and 844 patients with rectal cancer. The median duration of follow-up was 60.9 +/- 24.5 months. With respect to colon cancer, the local recurrence rate was 6.1% (61 patients). With respect to rectal cancer, 95 patients had a local recurrence (11.3%), the rate of which was statistically greater than the local recurrence rate for colon cancer (p < 0.001). The overall recurrence rate was 16.4% (301 patients), and the local recurrence rate, with or without systemic metastases, was 8.5% (156 patients). Local recurrences occurred within 2 and 3 years in 59.9% and 82.4% of the patients, respectively. In patients with colon and rectal cancer, the pathologic T stage (p = 0.044 and p = 0.034, respectively), pathologic N stage (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.013 and p = 0.004, respectively) were adverse risk factors for local recurrence. The level of the anastomosis from the anal verge was an additional prognostic factor (p = 0.007) in patients with rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Compulsive follow-up care of patients with colon and rectal cancers is needed for 3 years after curative resection, especially in patients who have adverse risk factors for local recurrence.

Single-detector polarization-sensitive optical frequency domain imaging using high-speed intra A-line polarization modulation

We demonstrate a novel high-speed polarization-sensitive optical frequency domain imaging system employing high-speed polarization modulation. Rapid and continuous polarization modulation of light prior to illumination of the sample is accomplished by shifting the frequency of one polarization eigenstate by an amount equal to one quarter of the digitization sampling frequency. This approach enables polarization-sensitive imaging with a single detection channel and overcomes artifacts that may arise from temporal variations of the birefringence in fiber-optic imaging probes and spatial variation of birefringence in the sample.

High-speed polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging with frequency multiplexing

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides a cross-sectional image of birefringence in biological samples that is complementary in many applications to the standard reflectance-based image. Recent ex vivo studies have demonstrated that birefringence mapping enables the characterization of collagen and smooth muscle concentration and distribution in vascular tissues. Instruments capable of applying these measurements percutaneously in vivo may provide new insights into coronary atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. We have developed a polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging (PS-OFDI) system that enables high-speed intravascular birefringence imaging through a fiber-optic catheter. The novel design of this system utilizes frequency multiplexing to simultaneously measure reflectance of two incident polarization states, overcoming concerns regarding temporal variations of the catheter fiber birefringence and spatial variations in the birefringence of the sample. We demonstrate circular cross-sectional birefringence imaging of a human coronary artery ex vivo through a flexible fiber-optic catheter with an A-line rate of 62 kHz and a ranging depth of 6.2 mm.

Decision for salvage treatment after transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has emerged as an alternative to classic radical operation for early rectal cancer. Early rectal cancer can be treated by adequate local excision such as TEM. If there are adverse risk factors, especially poor cellular differentiation, close resection margin, or positive lymphovascular invasion or incomplete excision, a radical resection is indicated. This study aimed to clarify the factors related to recurrence for patients required to undergo a salvage operation after TEM.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 167 patients who underwent TEM for rectal cancer between 1994 and 2004. Of these patients, 36 with poor differentiation, mucinous carcinoma, proper muscle invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and positive resection margin were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 36 patients, 12 underwent a salvage operation, and the remaining 24 did not because of poor physical condition or refusal of radical surgery. There were a total of 6 (16.7%) recurrences. One (8.3%) of the 12 patients who underwent salvage surgery had systemic recurrence. Five (20.8%) of the 24 patients who did not receive surgery had recurrence (3 local recurrences, 2 distant recurrences). Analysis of the subgroups showed that 2 (28.6%) of 7 patients with lymphovascular invasion had recurrence, and that 1 patient (100%) had a T3 lesion. Three (17.6%) of 17 patients had T2 lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

For high-risk patients, TEM followed by radical surgery is the most beneficial in preventing local recurrence. Radical salvage surgery is strongly recommended if pathologic results after TEM show T3 lesion or lymphovascular invasion.

Prognostic Significance of β-catenin in Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis

AIMS

A decreased expression of beta-catenin has been known to be associated with tumour metastasis. The prognostic value of beta-catenin expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver metastasis was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy patients who underwent curative resection for CRC with liver metastasis were included. Tissue samples from normal colon mucosa, primary CRC and metastatic liver lesions were prepared in tissue microarrays, and were stained by immunohistochemistry with beta-catenin antibody. The beta-catenin expression of primary CRC tissues and metastatic liver tissues was analysed.

RESULTS

A high expression of beta-catenin (score > 6) was observed in 42.0% and 21.9% of primary colorectal tissues and metastatic liver tissues, respectively. The beta-catenin expression in metastatic liver tissues was significantly lower than in primary CRC tissues (P = 0.022). The patients were classified into two groups according to the difference in the beta-catenin expression score between the primary CRC and the liver metastasis. Group A was defined as patients showing a remarkably decreased expression of beta-catenin in their metastatic liver tissue and group B was defined as patients showing a maintained or increased beta-catenin expression in their metastatic liver tissue in comparison with their primary CRC. The overall survival and disease-free survival rates were better in group B than in group A, and this was statistically significant (P = 0.02, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The decreased expression of beta-catenin in a metastatic liver lesion may be a poor prognostic marker in CRC with liver metastasis and further investigation is necessary.

Optical frequency domain imaging with a rapidly swept laser in the 815-870 nm range

Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in the 800-nm biological imaging window is demonstrated by using a novel wavelength-swept laser source. The laser output is tuned continuously from 815 to 870 nm at a 43.2-kHz repetition rate with 7-mW average power. Axial resolution of 10-mum in biological tissue and peak sensitivity of 96 dB are achieved. In vivo imaging of Xenopus laevis is demonstrated with an acquisition speed of 84 frames per second (512 axial lines per frame). This new imaging technique may prove useful in comprehensive retinal screening for medical diagnosis and contrast-agent-based imaging for biological investigations.

Numerical study of wavelength-swept semiconductor ring lasers: the role of refractive-index nonlinearities in semiconductor optical amplifiers and implications for biomedical imaging applications

Recent results have demonstrated unprecedented wavelength-tuning speed and repetition rate performance of semiconductor ring lasers incorporating scanning filters. However, several unique operational characteristics of these lasers have not been adequately explained, and the lack of an accurate model has hindered optimization. We numerically investigated the characteristics of these sources, using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) traveling-wave Langevin model, and found good agreement with experimental measurements. In particular, we explored the role of the SOA refractive-index nonlinearities in determining the intracavity frequency-shift-broadening and the emitted power dependence on scan speed and direction. Our model predicts both continuous-wave and pulse operation and shows a universal relationship between the output power of lasers that have different cavity lengths and the filter peak frequency shift per round trip, therefore revealing the advantage of short cavities for high-speed biomedical imaging.

Evaluation of a modified antimycobacterial susceptibility test using Middlebrook 7H10 agar containing 2,3-diphenyl-5-thienyl-(2)-tetrazolium chloride

A rapid and accurate antimycobacterial susceptibility test is essential for effective treatment of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified method applying 2,3-diphenyl-5-thienyl-(2)-tetrazolium chloride (STC) to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A total of 132 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, forty-eight isolates showing resistance to one or more of the first-line antituberculosis drugs, and eighty-four fully susceptible isolates were collected from hospitals of a nationwide distribution from June to September 2004. The modified procedure was conducted basically according to the agar-proportion method described in the CLSI Guideline both with STC 50 mug/mL. The amount of growth in each well was recorded and graded at 2nd and 3rd weeks after inoculation. After 3 weeks of incubation, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the detection of drug-resistant strains of STC-containing agar proportion methods were 100%, except ethambutol-low level resistance, of which the diagnostic sensitivity was 93.4%. After two weeks of incubation in STC-containing agar proportion methods, one hundred of the 107 strain-drug combinations have shown drug resistance, indicating the sensitivity of 93.5%. Especially, all 41 isoniazid-resistant strains and 19 of 21 rifampin-resistant strains (90.5%) could be detected after two weeks of incubation. A modification of the agar proportion method using STC resulted in a reliable and more easily interpretable data, and detected most of resistant strains a week earlier than conventional method.

Elimination of depth degeneracy in optical frequency-domain imaging through polarization-based optical demodulation

A novel optical frequency-domain imaging system is demonstrated that employs a passive optical demodulation circuit and a chirped digital acquisition clock derived from a voltage-controlled oscillator. The demodulation circuit allows the separation of signals from positive and negative depths to better than 50 dB, thereby eliminating depth degeneracy and doubling the imaging depth range. Our system design is compatible with dual-balanced and polarization-diverse detection, important techniques in the practical biomedical application of optical frequency-domain imaging.

Ultrahigh-resolution full-field optical coherence microscopy using InGaAs camera

Full-field optical coherence microscopy (FFOCM) is an interferometric technique for obtaining wide-field microscopic images deep within scattering biological samples. FFOCM has primarily been implemented in the 0.8 mum wavelength range with silicon-based cameras, which may limit penetration when imaging human tissue. In this paper, we demonstrate FFOCM at the wavelength range of 0.9 - 1.4 mum, where optical penetration into tissue is presumably greater owing to decreased scattering. Our FFOCM system, comprising a broadband spatially incoherent light source, a Linnik interferometer, and an InGaAs area scan camera, provided a detection sensitivity of 86 dB for a 2 sec imaging time and an axial resolution of 1.9 mum in water. Images of phantoms, tissue samples, and Xenopus Laevis embryos were obtained using InGaAs and silicon camera FFOCM systems, demonstrating enhanced imaging penetration at longer wavelengths.

Ultra-high speed and ultra-high resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and optical Doppler tomography in ophthalmology

We present ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural intensity and optical Doppler tomography (ODT) flow velocity images of the human retina in vivo. The ultra-high speed OCT system is based on Spectral Domain or Fourier Domain technology, which provides a sensitivity advantage over conventional OCT of more than 2 orders of magnitude. This sensitivity improvement allows video rate OCT and ODT cross sectional imaging of retinal structures. Images will be presented with axial resolutions of 6 and 3.5 microns. We observed small features in the inner and outer plexiform layers, which are believed to be small blood vessels. Flow velocity images will be presented showing pulsatile flow in retinal arteries and veins.

115 kHz tuning repetition rate ultrahigh-speed wavelength-swept semiconductor laser

We demonstrate an ultrahigh-speed wavelength-swept semiconductor laser using a polygon-based wavelength scanning filter. With a polygon rotational speed of 900 revolutions per second, a continuous wavelength tuning rate of 9200 nm/ms and a tuning repetition rate of 115 kHz were achieved. The wavelength tuning range of the laser was 80 nm centered at 1325 nm, and the average polarized output power was 23 mW.

Three-dimensional imaging using spectral encoding heterodyne interferometry

We present a novel heterodyne approach for performing fast, three-dimensional spectrally encoded imaging. Volumetric data of a volunteer's finger and of coin surfaces were acquired at a rate of 5 volume sets per second with a depth resolution of 145 microm.

Transpalpebral tonometry: reliability and comparison with Goldmann applanation tonometry and palpation in healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND/AIM

TGDc-01 is a new, portable, transpalpebral tonometry device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of this method, including intraobserver and interobserver deviations, and to compare the results with those of Goldmann applanation tonometry and palpation of intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

A total of 40 eyes of 20 healthy volunteers were included. Two independent parallel observers (1 and 2) performed three replicate measurements per eye, respectively, both using TGDc01 tonometry, one observer (3) performed three replicate measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry, and one observer (4) measured the IOP via palpation. Intraindividual deviations within and between both observers using TGDc-01 tonometry and between all three methods were investigated about clinically relevance by comparison of medians and quartiles, statistically significance by pairwise sign tests. Comparisons between observers and methods were based on averaged IOP values of the three individual measurements for each observer and each patient. Intraobserver deviations were analysed by means of Friedman tests.

RESULTS

Observers 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant intraobserver deviation when using TGCc-01 (Friedman p = 0.007 for observer 1 and p = 0.002 for observer 2). There was no statistically significant interobserver deviation between observers 1 and 2 (sign test p = 0.200); however, in 45% of the eyes interobserver deviations were larger than plus or minus 3 mm Hg. The median intraindividual deviation between TGDc-01 and Goldmann (TGDc-01 minus Goldmann) was 0 mm Hg (interquartile range -1; 2 mm Hg; sign test p = 0.522); but deviations were larger than plus or minus 3 mm Hg for 38% of the 40 eyes. Median intraindividual deviation between TGDc-01 and palpation (TGDc-01 minus palpation) was -2 mm Hg (interquartile range -4; 1 mm Hg; sign test p = 0.018), but deviations were larger than plus or minus 3 mmHg for 43% of eyes. Median intraindividual deviation between Goldmann and palpation (palpation minus Goldmann) was 2 mm Hg (interquartile range -2; 4 mm Hg; p = 0.429), but deviations were larger than plus or minus 3 mm Hg in 48% of the eyes.

CONCLUSION

Interobserver deviations using TGDc-01 tonometry and intraindividual deviations between TGDc-01 tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and palpation of IOP were found to be clinically relevant. Thus, according to our results TGDc-01 could not be established as a substitute or diagnostic alternative method for Goldmann applanation tonometry. But as deviations between TGDc01 and Goldmann turned out smaller than between palpation of IOP and Goldmann, TGDc-01 seems to provide a better choice for tonometry in patients, in whom Goldmann applanation tonometry is not possible.

Pulsed-source and swept-source spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with reduced motion artifacts

Significant motion artifacts may arise in conventional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography due to sample or probe motion during the exposure time of a CCD array. We show, for the first time to our knowledge, that the motion artifacts can be greatly reduced by short illumination of individual CCD pixels and that this can be accomplished by use of two distinct classes of light sources: broadband pulsed sources and cw wavelength-swept sources. We experimentally demonstrate the benefit of these techniques in terms of the reduction of signal fading due to an axially moving sample and fiber-optic catheter at a high rotational speed.

Double-clad fiber for endoscopy

Endoscopes employing a single optical fiber may have advantages over conventional fiber-bundle or CCD array imaging techniques, including the potential for greater flexibility and miniaturization. Although single-mode fibers can provide superior resolution compared with multimode fibers, they are prone to increased speckle noise and suffer from limited optical throughput and reduced depth of field. We demonstrate the use of a double-clad fiber for single-mode illumination and multimode detection to achieve high-resolution, reduced-speckle imaging with high optical throughput and a large depth of field.

Tiefe Sklerektomie mit Hyaluronatimplantat vs. Trabekulektomie

BACKGROUND

It was investigated whether a very low target pressure could be achieved by modification of deep sclerectomy without losing the advantages of non penetrating surgery in comparison to conventional filtration surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 22 eyes from 22 patients with advanced open angle glaucoma were randomly assigned to receive a deep sclerectomy or a trabeculectomy. Both groups received 0.02% mitomycin C under the conjunctiva prior to preparation of the scleral flap. In the deep sclerectomy group at least parts of the outer trabecular meshwork were removed until an apparent filtration was achieved. A dry cross-linked hyaluronate served as an implant. In the other group a classical trabeculectomy was performed.

RESULTS

The median intraocular pressure 12 months post-operation was 11.5 mm Hg in the deep sclerectomy group compared to 11 mm Hg in the trabeculectomy group; the median of the relative IOP reduction was -47% in the deep sclerectomy group, and -57% in the trabeculectomy group. The best corrected visual acuity was unchanged 12 months postoperatively in both groups.

DISCUSSION

As a more aggressive IOP-lowering procedure (intended filtration, use of antimetabolites) deep sclerectomy proved to be as effective as trabeculectomy. Nevertheless, the advantages of the more difficult surgical procedure concerning visual acuity, complications and surgical interventions were lost postoperatively.

Motion artifacts in optical coherence tomography with frequency-domain ranging

We describe results of theoretical and experimental investigations of artifacts that can arise in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) as a result of sample or probe beam motion. While SD-OCT and OFDI are based on similar spectral interferometric principles, the specifics of motion effects are quite different because of distinct signal acquisition methods. These results provide an understanding of motion artifacts such as signal fading, spatial distortion and blurring, and emphasize the need for fast image acquisition in biomedical applications.

High-speed wavelength-swept semiconductor laser with a polygon-scanner-based wavelength filter

Ultrahigh-speed tuning of an extended-cavity semiconductor laser is demonstrated. The laser resonator comprises a unidirectional fiber-optic ring, a semiconductor optical amplifier as the gain medium, and a novel scanning filter based on a polygonal scanner. Variable tuning rates up to 1150 nm/ms (15.7-kHz repetition frequency) are demonstrated over a 70-nm wavelength span centered at 1.32 microm. This tuning rate is more than an order of magnitude faster than previously demonstrated and is facilitated in part by self-frequency shifting in the semiconductor optical amplifier. The instantaneous linewidth of the source is <0.1 nm for 9-mW cw output power and a low spontaneous-emission background of -80 dB.

[Nd-YAG laser iridotomy in pigment dispersion syndrome and pigment dispersion glaucoma]

Pigment dispersion syndrome is characterized by iris transillumination defects, Krukenberg spindels, and dense trabecular pigmentation. Additional features are bilaterality, myopia, concavity of the peripheral iris, a higher incidence in men than in woman,and young age of onset. A mechanism of reverse pupillary block causes iridozonular friction. Laser iridotomy is recommended as treatment to prevent further pigment dispersion and pigmentary glaucoma.

Cholinergic modulation of synaptic physiology in deep layer entorhinal cortex of the rat

We have recently shown that cholinergic effects on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the superficial (II/III) layers of the rat medial entorhinal cortex (EC) are similar, but not identical, to those in the hippocampus (Yun et al. [2000] Neuroscience 97:671-676). Because the superficial and deep layers of the EC preferentially convey afferent and efferent hippocampal projections, respectively, it is of interest to compare cholinergic effects between the two regions. We therefore investigated the physiological effects of cholinergic agents in the layer V of medial EC slices under experimental conditions identical to those in the previous study. Bath application of carbachol (0.5 microM) induced transient depression of field potential responses in all cases tested (30 of 30; 18.5% +/- 2.3%) and rarely induced long-lasting potentiation (only 3 of 30; 20.4% +/- 3.2% in successful cases). At 5 microM, carbachol induced transient depression only (20 of 20, 48.9% +/- 2.8%), which was blocked by atropine (10 microM). Paired-pulse facilitation was enhanced during carbachol-induced depression, suggesting presynaptic action of carbachol. Long-term potentiation (LTP) could be induced in the presence of 10 microM atropine by theta burst stimulation, but its magnitude was significantly lower (9.1% +/- 4.7%, n = 15) compared to LTP in control slices (22.4% +/- 3.9%, n = 20). These results, combined with our previous findings, demonstrate remarkably similar cholinergic modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity across the superficial and deep layers of EC.

Ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancer: functional and oncological results

We evaluated the functional and oncological outcome of ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis (CAA), which is a popular technique for preserving anal sphincter in patients with distal rectal cancer. Forty-eight patients were followed up for 6-100 months regarding fecal or gas incontinence, frequency of bowel movement, and local or systemic recurrence. The main operative techniques were total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation; the type of anastomosis was straight CAA, performed by the perianal hand sewn method in 38 cases and by the double-stapled method in 10. Postoperative complications included transient urinary retention (n=7), anastomotic stenosis (n=3), anastomotic leakage (n=3), rectovaginal fistula (n=2), and cancer positive margin (n=1; patient refused reoperation). Overall there were recurrences in seven patients (14.5%): one local and one systemic recurrence in stage B2; and one local, two systemic, and two combined local and systemic in C2. The mean frequency of bowel movements was 6.1 per day after 3 months, 4.4 after 1 year, and 3.1 after 2 years. The Kirwan grade for fecal incontinence was 2.7 after 3 months, 1.8 after 1 year, and 1.5 after 2 years. With careful selection of patients and good operative technique, CAA can be performed safely in distal rectal cancer. Normal continence and acceptable frequency of bowel movements can be obtained within 1 year after operation without compromising the rate of local recurrence.

Polyketide synthase genes in insect- and nematode-associated fungi

Production of polyketides is accomplished through complex enzymes known as polyketide synthases (PKS); these enzymes have highly conserved domains that might be useful in screens for PKSs in diverse groups of organisms. A degenerate PCR-based approach was used to amplify PKS fragments of the ketosynthase domain from genomic DNA of a group of insect- and nematode-associated fungi. Of 157 isolates (representing 73 genera and 144 species) screened, 92 isolates generated PCR products of predicted size (approximately 300 bp). The ability to detect PKS domains was a function of the number of different primer pairs employed in the screen. Cloning and sequencing revealed that 66 isolates had at least one unique PKS sequence; ten members of this set contained multiple PKS fragments, for a total of 76 unique PKS fragments. Since PKS genes appear to be widespread among fungi, a PCR-based screening system appears to be an efficient, directed means to identify organisms having the potential to produce polyketides.

Identification of deoxynivalenol- and nivalenol-producing chemotypes of Gibberella zeae by using PCR

Gibberella zeae, a major cause of cereal scab, may be divided into two chemotypes based on production of the trichothecenes deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). We cloned and sequenced the gene cluster for trichothecene biosynthesis from each chemotype. G. zeae H-11 is a DON producer isolated from corn, and G. zeae 88-1 is a NIV producer from barley. We sequenced a 23-kb gene cluster from H-11 and a 26-kb cluster from 88-1, along with the unlinked Tri101 genes. Each gene cluster contained 10 Tri gene homologues in the same order and transcriptional directions as those of Fusarium sporotrichioides. Between H-11 and 88-1 all of the Tri homologues except Tri7 were conserved, with identities ranging from 88 to 98% and 82 to 99% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. The Tri7 sequences were only 80% identical at the nucleotide level. We aligned the Tri7 genes and found that the Tri7 open reading frame of H-11 carried several mutations and an insertion containing 10 copies of an 11-bp tandem repeat. The Tri7 gene from 88-1 carried neither the repeat nor the mutations. We assayed 100 G. zeae isolates of both chemotypes by PCR amplification with a primer pair derived from the Tri7 gene and could differentiate the chemotypes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The PCR-based method developed in this study should provide a simple and reliable diagnostic tool for differentiating the two chemotypes of G. zeae.

p53, BCL-2, and Ki-67 expression according to tumor response after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer is an important modality for curative resection, but tumors show wide spectrum response. The purpose of this study was to investigate any correlation among related genetic mutations, proliferative index, and tumor response after CCRT.

METHODS

This study included 23 patients with rectal cancer, who were preoperatively staged as at least T3 N1 or T4 (determined by transrectal ultrasonography and MRI). Enrolled patients were given 5-FU 450 mg/m2/day and leucovorin 20 mg/m2/day intravenously for 5 days during weeks 1 and 5 of radiotherapy (45-54 Gy). Surgical resection was performed 4 weeks after completion of the scheduled treatment. Tumor response was classified as CR (complete response), PR (partial response: 50% diminution of tumor volume and downstaging), and NR (no response). Paraffin-embedded tissue obtained before chemoradiotherapy was studied by immunohistochemical staining for p53, BCL-2, and Ki-67. The extent of tumor response was correlated with proliferative activity and was measured by immunostaining Ki-67 proliferative antigen and the expression of p53 and BCL-2 oncoproteins.

RESULTS

All patients were resectable. CR was obtained in 4 patients, PR in 10 patients, and NR in 9 patients. The p53 mutation was noted in 16 patients: NR in 5 patients, PR in 9 patients, and CR in 2 patients (P = .638). BCL-2 expression was noted in 11 patients: NR in 4 patients, PR in 3 patients, and CR in 4 patients (P = .799). The Ki-67 labeling index was NR: 615.4+/-47.2; PR: 663.2+/-20.4; and CR: 765.5+/-58.3 (CR + PR vs. NR, P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical expression of p53 and BCL-2 does not correlate with tumor response after CCRT, but Ki-67 labeling may be a useful parameter for radiosensitive tumors selected for CCRT.

Ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 improve spatial learning and increase hippocampal synaptophysin level in mice

We investigated the cognition enhancing effects of ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1. Mice were trained in a Morris water maze following injection (i.p.) of Rb1 (1 mg/kg) or Rg1 (1 mg/kg) for 4 days. Both Rb1- and Rg1-injected mice showed enhanced spatial learning compared to control animals. The hippocampus, but not the frontal cortex, of treated mice contained higher density of a synaptic marker protein, synaptophysin, compared to control mice. Electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices revealed that Rb1 or Rg1 injection did not change the magnitude of paired-pulse facilitation or long-term potentiation. Our results suggest that Rb1 and Rg1 enhance spatial learning ability by increasing hippocampal synaptic density without changing plasticity of individual synapses.

Intravenous 5-fluorouracil versus oral doxifluridine as preoperative concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer: prospective randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Preoperative radiation treatment with concomitant intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is known to be effective in shrinking and downstaging of tumors. However, chemotherapy has often been limited by its toxicity and poor patient compliance. Oral 5-FU is known to have several advantages over conventional intravenous 5-FU infusion such as lower toxicity and higher quality of life without compromising the efficacy of the treatment. The aim of this study was to compare intravenous 5-FU with oral doxifluridine with respect to tumor response, toxicity and quality of life.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with rectal cancer, staged as over T3N1 or T4 by transrectal ultrasonography between July 1997 and December 1998, were included in this study. Intravenous 5-FU (450 mg/m2) and leucovorin (20 mg/m2) were given for five consecutive days during the first and fifth weeks of radiation therapy (50.4 Gy) (n = 14). Oral doxifluridine (700 mg/m2/day) and leucovorin (20 mg/m2) were given daily during radiation treatment (n = 14). Quality of life was scored according to 22 activity items (good, >77; fair, >58; poor, <57). Surgical resection was performed 4 weeks after completion of concurrent chemoradiation treatment. Tumor response was classified into CR (complete remission), PR (partial response; 50% diminution of tumor volume or downstaging ) and NR (no response).

RESULTS

Tumor response was CR 3/14 (21.4%), PR 7/14 (50%) and NR 4/14 (28.6%) in the IV arm versus CR 2/14 (14.2%), PR 6/14 (42.9%) and NR 6/14 (42.9%) in the Oral arm (p = 0.16, 0.23, 0.24), respectively. The quality of life was poor (36.4% versus 33.3%), fair and good (63.6% versus 66.7%) between the IV arm and Oral arm, respectively. Gastrointestinal toxicity was 2/14 (14.3%) in the IV arm versus 5/14 (35.7%) in the Oral arm, respectively. Stomatitis was only observed in the IV arm (1/14, 7.1%). Hematological toxicity was 3/14 (21.4%) in the IV arm versus 4/14 (28.5%) in the Oral arm, respectively. Systemic recurrence during the follow-up periods were 1/14 (7.1%) in the IV arm and 2/14 (14.3%) in the Oral arm, respectively (p = 0.307). One local recurrence was observed in the Oral arm.

CONCLUSION

Even though the results were not entirely reliable owing to the small number of patients enrolled, oral doxifluridine-based chemotherapy as preoperative chemoradiation for advanced rectal cancer did not show any significant advantages over intravenous infusion.

A prospective randomized trial comparing intravenous 5-fluorouracil and oral doxifluridine as postoperative adjuvant treatment for advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation treatment after curative resection for rectal cancer was needed to reduce recurrence and improve a survival rate. Intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin has been a mainstay of chemotherapy, but oral 5-FU derivatives have been shown a comparable antitumor activity. Intravenous 5-FU and oral doxifluridine were compared with respect to therapeutic efficacy, drug toxicity, and quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 166 patients were randomized to receive intravenous 5-FU (450 mg/m2/day) or oral doxifluridine (900 mg/m2/day) in combination with leucovorin (20 mg/m2/day) for depth of invasion, nodal status, metastasis (TNM) stage II and III patients between October 1997 and February 1999. Consecutive daily intravenous infusion for 5 days per every month for a total of 12 cycles (IV arm, n = 74) and oral doxifluridine daily for 3 weeks and 1 week rest for a total of 12 cycles (oral arm, n = 92). Drug toxicity and quality of life were observed. Quality of life was scored according to 22 daily activity items (good, > or =71; fair, < 70; poor, < 52).

RESULTS

There was no difference of sex between two groups (IV arm: male/female = 45/29, oral arm: male/female = 59/33). The mean age was 52.3 vs. 59.5, respectively. There was also no difference of TNM stage distribution and type of operation between groups (P>.05). Mean numbers of chemotherapy cycles were 6.5+/-3.7 (IV arm) vs. 7.2+/-4.3 (oral arm), respectively. The rate of recurrence was 9/74 (12.1%) in the IV arm and 6/92 (6.5 %) in the oral arm, respectively (P = .937). Local recurrence was 2/74 (stage III; 2.7%) in the IV arm and 1/92 (stage II; 1.1%) in the oral arm, respectively. Systemic recurrence was 7/74 (stage III; 9.4%) in the IV arm and 5/92 (stage III; 5.4%) in the oral arm, respectively. The most common site of systemic recurrence was the liver. Toxicity profile was as follows: leukopenia (30/74 vs. 17/92) and alopecia (21/74 vs. 13/92) were statistically more common in the IV arm. Diarrhea was more common in the oral arm. Poor quality of life score between two groups was observed at 1 month (23.9% vs. 13%) and 2 months (15.8% vs. 3.7%) after chemotherapy. Good quality of life score was observed at 1 month (19.5% vs. 49%) and 2 months (47% vs. 72%), respectively (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral doxifluridine with leucovorin shows a comparable therapeutic efficacy to intravenous 5-FU regimen with high quality of life as postoperative adjuvant therapy. The oral regimen also can be safely given with appropriate toxicity and tolerability.

Molecular organization of mating type loci in heterothallic, homothallic, and asexual Gibberella/Fusarium species

Mating type (MAT) genes were cloned from three members of the Gibberella/Fusarium complex that differ in reproductive mode: heterothallic G. fujikuroi, homothallic G. zeae, and asexual F. oxysporum. The G. fujikuroi MAT locus organization is typical of other heterothallic pyrenomycetes characterized to date; i.e., there are three genes at MAT1-1 and one at MAT1-2. G. zeae has homologues of all four genes encoded by the two G. fujikuroi MAT idiomorphs, tightly linked on the same chromosome, interspersed with sequences unique to G. zeae. Field isolates of F. oxysporum, although asexual, have either the MAT1-1 or the MAT1-2 genes found in sexual species and these genes are highly similar to those of heterothallic G. fujikuroi. RT-PCR analysis proved that the F. oxysporum MAT genes are expressed and that all putative introns found in each of the four MAT genes in G. fujikuroi and F. oxysporum are removed. Apparent failure of F. oxysporum to reproduce sexually could not be attributed to mutations in the MAT genes themselves.

Cholinergic modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of the rat

Effects of cholinergic agents on synaptic transmission and plasticity were examined in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Bath application of carbachol (0.25-0.75 microM) induced transient depression of field potential responses in all cases tested (24/24 in layer III of medial entorhinal cortex slices and 24/24 in CA1 of hippocampal slices; 11.0+/-1.9% and 7.8+/-2.5%, respectively) and long-lasting potentiation in some cases (4/24 in entorhinal cortex and 12/24 in hippocampus; 33.7+/-3.7% and 32.1+/-9.9%, respectively, in successful cases). Carbachol (0.5 microM) induced transient depression, but not long-lasting potentiation, of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated responses in entorhinal cortex. At 5 microM, carbachol induced transient depression only (55. 9+/-4.7% in entorhinal cortex and 41.4+/-2.9% in hippocampus), which was blocked by atropine. Paired-pulse facilitation was not altered during carbachol-induced potentiation but enhanced during carbachol-induced depression. These results suggest that the underlying mechanisms of carbachol-induced depression and potentiation are decreased transmitter release and selective enhancement of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated responses, respectively. Long-term potentiation could be induced in the presence of 10 microM atropine by theta burst stimulation. The magnitude was significantly lower (15.2+/-5.2%, n=9) compared with control (37.2+/-6.1%, n=8) in entorhinal cortex, however. These results demonstrate similar, but not identical, cholinergic modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus.

Selective enhancement of non-NMDA receptor-mediated responses following induction of long-term potentiation in entorhinal cortex

The contribution of NMDA receptors to the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) is controversial. In entorhinal cortex (EC) previous studies reported either that LTP was exclusively expressed through NMDA receptors or that both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors were involved in LTP expression. To reexamine this issue, horizontal entorhinal cortical slices were prepared from adult rats and electrical stimulation was delivered in layer II/III, while field potential recordings were made in layer III. In the standard condition (2.5 mM Mg(++)), LTP was reliably induced by theta burst stimulation, but was blocked by 100 microM D-AP5, an NMDA receptor antagonist. This corroborates previous reports that NMDA receptor activation is required for induction of EC LTP. The field potential response was not affected by D-AP5, but completely blocked by 10 microM CNQX, a non-NMDA receptor antagonist. This indicates that the expression of LTP is mediated by non-NMDA receptors in the standard condition. LTP of NMDA receptor-mediated responses was tested by comparing NMDA responses before and after applying theta burst stimulation in medium containing low magnesium (0.4-1 mM). Theta burst stimulation induced 43.2+/-9.7% increase of non-NMDA responses (i.e., AP5-insensitive fast component) but 5.6+/-9.0% decrease of the NMDA receptor component (AP5-sensitive slow component). These results indicate that activation of NMDA receptors is critical for induction of LTP, but LTP expression is mediated by non-NMDA receptors in EC under these experimental conditions.

Protective effects of asiaticoside derivatives against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity

Asiaticoside (AS) derivatives were tested for potential protective effects against Abeta-induced cell death. Of the 28 AS derivatives tested, asiatic acid (AA), asiaticoside 6 (AS6), and SM2 showed strong inhibition of Abeta-induced death of B103 cells at 1 microM. The three AS derivatives were further tested for their effects on free radical injury and apoptosis. All three AS derivatives reduced H(2)O(2)-induced cell death and lowered intracellular free radical concentration, but AA showed the strongest protection. In contrast, SM2 was the most effective blocker of staurosporine-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the three AS derivatives block Abeta toxicity by acting through different cellular mechanisms. When applied to hippocampal slices, AA, SM2, and AS6 did not alter n-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or non-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation or induction of long-term potentiation in the field CA1. These results indicate that the three AS derivatives do not alter physiological properties of the hippocampus at the concentration that blocks Abeta-induced cell death. Therefore AS6, AA, and SM2 can be regarded as reasonable candidates for a therapeutic Alzheimer's disease drug that protects neurons from Abeta toxicity.

Long-period fiber gratings based on periodic microbends

We demonstrate a new type of high-performance long-period fiber grating based on arc-induced periodic microbends. The fabrication method is simple and does not require special fibers. Flexibility in controlling the filter parameters makes it possible to produce arbitrary filter profiles by use of a simple apodization technique, which is difficult to do with conventional long-period gratings.

Frequency-division-multiplexed polarimetric fiber laser current-sensor array

We demonstrate a novel frequency-domain-multiplexing technique for implementing polarimetric fiber laser current sensors. Each sensor operates at a different polarization-mode beat frequency that is modulated in response to applied electric current. A bank of bandpass filters can be used to separate signals from different sensors. A simple frequency-demodulation technique based on a phase-locked loop is used for signal processing.