Osseous metaplasia of the palate: a case report

Osseous metaplasia is defined as the formation of lamellar bone inside soft tissue structures where bone normally does not exist. It results from the transformation of non-osseous connective tissue into mature bone. This condition is rare in the oral and maxillofacial region. We report a case of osseous metaplasia of the maxilla, a rare benign tumor in an uncommon region. A 60-year-old male patient visited our clinic complaining of foreign body sensation and asymptomatic swelling on the right palatal side. However, he did not experience pain and reported no local trauma that he could remember. Intra-oral examination revealed an exophytic lesion on the right palatal portion. On computed tomography, there was a round hard-tissue mass approximately 2 cm in diameter on the right palate area. The mass was biopsied and diagnosed as an osseous metaplasia. We review the clinical, radiographic, and histologic features and common causes of osseous metaplasia and report a rare case of osseous metaplasia of the palate.

Changes in a facial recognition algorithm following different types of orthognathic surgery: a comparative study

Objectives

Contemporary biometric technologies have been gaining traction in both public and private security sectors. Facial recognition is the most commonly used biometric technology for this purpose. We aimed to evaluate the ability of a publicly available facial recognition application program interface to calculate similarity scores of presurgical and postsurgical photographs of patients who had orthognathic surgery.

Materials and Methods

Presurgical and postsurgical photographs of 75 patients who had orthognathic surgery between January 2018 and November 2020 in our department were used. Frontal photographs of patients in relaxed and smiling states were taken. The patients were classified into three groups: Group 2 had one-jaw surgery, Group 3 had two-jaw surgery to correct mandibular prognathism, and Group 4 had two-jaw surgery to correct facial asymmetry. For comparison, photographs of 10 participants were used as controls (Group 1). Two facial recognition application programs (Face X and Azure) were used to assess similarity scores.

Results

The similarity scores in the two programs showed significant results. The similarity score of the control group, which did not undergo orthognathic surgery, was the highest. The results for Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 were higher in the order of Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4.

Conclusion

In this study, all orthodontic patients were recognized as the same person using the face recognition program before and after surgery. A significant difference in similarity results was obtained between the groups with both Face X and Azure and in both relaxed and smiling states.

Uwhangchungsimwon, A Standardized Herbal Drug, Exerts an Anti-Depressive Effect in a Social Isolation Stress-Induced Mouse Model

Introduction

Uwhangchungsimwon (UCW) is one of the most representative standardized herbal drugs for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, including mood disorders, and has been used for over 600 years in Korea and China. In spite of the long clinical application of UCW, no experimental evidence for its use against depressive disorders exists. Here, we performed an animal study to investigate the anti-depressive effect of UCW and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A social isolation-induced depressive-like model was produced using C57BL/6J male mice by housing the mice individually for 31 days, and the mice underwent daily oral administration of distilled water, UCW (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) during the final 17 days. A tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and open field test (OFT) were used to explore the effects of UCW on depressive-like behaviors. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was measured in the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) using immunofluorescence. The serum corticosterone level was measured with its receptor and catecholamine, along with cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus.

Results

Social isolation stress effectively induced depressive-like behaviors, and UCW treatment significantly improved the symptoms of depressive-like behavior in the FST, TST, and OFT. The isolation stress-induced depletion of 5-HT was significantly ameliorated by UCW treatment. UCW also attenuated the activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the elevated serum corticosterone level, as well as the hippocampal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dexametasone-derived translocation of GR was inhibited by UCW treatment in PC12 cells and HT22 cells. In addition, alterations of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), BDNF, and CREB in the protein analyses were notably regulated by UCW treatment.

Conclusions

These results provide animal-based evidence for the anti-depressive effect of UCW, and its underlying mechanisms may involve regulating the serotonergic system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neurotrophin.

Clinical evaluation of anesthesia for high-risk cesarean section at a tertiary medical center: retrospective study for 8 years (2009-2016)

Objective

The number of high-risk pregnancies is increasing in tertiary medical centers. Therefore, we investigated perioperative outcomes based on risk factors to ascertain proper maternal and neonatal management.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving cesarean sections over an 8-year period. Clinical parameters for anesthesia and the neonatal outcome were compared among high-risk groups after subdivision by the number of clinical risk factors. The groups were as follows: group A (one risk factor), group B (two risk factors), and group C (three or more risk factors).

Results

Patient age, estimated blood loss (EBL), and volume of transfused red blood cell (RBC) were higher in group B than group A. Birth weight, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, and gestational age were lower while the frequency of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was higher in group B than group A. Group C patients were significantly older than group A or B patients. Birth weight, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and gestational age were significantly lower while frequency of NICU admission was higher in group C than group A and B.

Conclusion

The number of maternal risk factors was positively associated with adverse outcomes in the neonates.

The ethanol extract of Aquilariae Lignum ameliorates hippocampal oxidative stress in a repeated restraint stress mouse model

Background

Chronic stress contributes to the development of brain disorders, such as neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Oxidative damage is well known as a causative factor for pathogenic process in brain tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of a 30% ethanol extract of Aquilariae Lignum (ALE) in repeated stress-induced hippocampal oxidative injury.

Methods

Fifty BALB/c male mice (12 weeks old) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). For 11 consecutive days, each group was orally administered with distilled water, ALE (20 or 80 mg/kg) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 100 mg/kg), and then all mice (except unstressed group) were subjected to restraint stress for 6 h. On the final day, brain tissues and sera were isolated, and stress hormones and hippocampal oxidative alterations were examined. We also treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells with ALE (1 and 5 μg/mL) or NAC (10 μM) to investigate the pharmacological mechanism.

Results

Restraint stress considerably increased the serum levels of corticosterone and adrenaline and the hippocampal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA). ALE administration significantly attenuated the above abnormalities. ALE also significantly normalized the stress-induced activation of astrocytes and microglial cells in the hippocampus as well as the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). The in vitro assay outcome supplemented ALE could dramatically block NF-κB activation in microglia. The anti-oxidative stress effects of ALE were supported by the results of antioxidant components, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NFE2L2 (Nrf2) in the hippocampal tissues.

Conclusions

We firstly demonstrated the neuroprotective potentials of A. Lignum against hippocampal oxidative injury in repeated restraint stress. The corresponding mechanisms might involve modulations in the release of ROS, pro-inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones.

Prevalence rate and clinical characteristics of esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands in asymptomatic health screen examinees

Ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus have rarely been reported and, thus, represent an obscure medical condition. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence rate and clinical characteristics of this lesion in an asymptomatic population. We prospectively enrolled health screen examinees who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for gastric cancer screening. An esophageal biopsy was performed in the cases in which esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands were suspected. The general characteristics of the examinees were analyzed based on their medical records. A total of 9989 examinees were enrolled, and five examinees were diagnosed with esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands between December 2012 and June 2014. The endoscopic findings of the esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands indicated multiple yellowish patches or papules, which varied in size. The histopathological findings indicated several lobulated sebaceous glands in the squamous epithelium with inflammatory infiltration. The follow-up endoscopic findings indicated that there was no grossly discernible change. In conclusion, esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands are present in 0.05% of asymptomatic subjects. This lesion is thought to be benign and is not related to clinical symptoms. Therefore, esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands do not require further treatment or follow-up, which makes endoscopists free from active efforts for differential diagnosis with other malignant diseases.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Amomum xanthioides Exerts Antihepatofibrotic Actions via the Regulation of Fibrogenic Cytokines in a Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Rat Model

Amomum xanthioides has been traditionally used to treat diverse digestive system disorders in the Asian countries. We investigated antihepatofibrotic effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Amomum xanthioides (EFAX). Liver fibrosis is induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) injection (intraperitoneally, 10 mg/kg of DMN for 4 weeks to Sprague-Dawley rats). EFAX (25 or 50 mg/kg), silymarin (50 mg/kg), or distilled water was orally administered every day. The DMN injection drastically altered body and organ mass, serum biochemistry, and platelet count, while EFAX treatment significantly attenuated this alteration. Severe liver fibrosis is determined by trichrome staining and measurement of hydroxyproline contents. EFAX treatment significantly attenuated these symptoms as well as the increase in oxidative by-products of lipid and protein metabolism in liver tissues. DMN induced a dramatic activation of hepatic stellate cells and increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increases in the levels of protein and gene expression of α-smooth muscle actin. These alterations were significantly normalized by EFAX treatment. Our findings demonstrate the potent antihepatofibrotic properties of EFAX via modulation of fibrogenic cytokines, especially TGF-β in the liver fibrosis rat model.

Gongjin-Dan Enhances Hippocampal Memory in a Mouse Model of Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia

We evaluated the neuropharmacological effects of Gongjin-Dan (GJD) on the memory impairment caused by scopolamine injection. BALB/c mice were orally treated with GJD (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, daily) or tacrine (THA, 10 mg/kg) for 10 days, and scopolamine (2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. The radial arm maze and passive avoidance tests were performed to evaluate the animal’s learning and memory. Scopolamine increased the task completing time, the number of total errors (reference and working memory error) in the radial arm maze task, and the latency time in the passive avoidance test, which were significantly ameliorated by treatment with GJD. The GJD treatment also attenuated the scopolamine-induced hyperactivation of acetylcholinesterase activity, and suppression of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and their receptors in the hippocampus. These effects of GJD were supported by both the doublecortin (DCX)-positive staining and Nissl staining, which were used to measure hippocampal neurogenesis and atrophy, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that GJD exerts a potent anti-amnesic effect, and its underlying mechanism might involve the modulation of cholinergic activity.

Effect of Nicardipine on Haemodynamic and Bispectral Index Changes following Endotracheal Intubation

We investigated the effect of IV nicardipine on haemodynamic and bispectral index responses to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation. Forty patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 20 to receive normal saline or nicardipine 15 μg/kg IV 30 s after induction. Ninety seconds later, tracheal intubation was performed. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate and bispectral index were measured at baseline, 1 min after induction, pre-intubation, and every minute until 5 min after endotracheal intubation. Rate–pressure product values were calculated. In the nicardipine group, systolic blood pressure decreased compared with the control group, and heart rate increased compared with the control group. Bispectral index and rate–pressure product showed no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the administration of 15 μg/kg nicardipine IV does not affect anaesthetic depth in response to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation.

Effect of Administration of Ketorolac and Local Anaesthetic Infiltration for Pain Relief after Laparoscopic-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

The efficacy of local anaesthetic infiltration and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for post-operative analgesia following laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) was investigated in 83 patients, randomized into four groups in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study: group BK, local infiltration with bupivacaine and pre-incisional intramuscular (IM) ketorolac; group NN, saline local infiltration IM; group BN, local infiltration with bupivacaine and saline IM; group NK, local infiltration with saline and ketorolac IM. Post-operative pain scores were assessed at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The major pain site, first analgesic request time and incidence of analgesic requests were also recorded. At 1 h, 3 h and 6 h after surgery, group BK patients had significantly lower VAS pain scores than group NN patients. The first analgesic request time was significantly longer in group BK than in groups NN, BN and NK. Pre-incisional treatment with ketorolac IM and local infiltration with bupivacaine reduced post-operative pain after LAVH.

Uterine rupture during labor in women with twice successful vaginal births after cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture during labor is a serious complication resulting in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We present the extremely rare case of a 38-year-old gravid woman admitted with labor pain at term, about to experience a uterine rupture during labor. She had previously twice delivered vaginally, and during her third pregnancy had a low transverse Cesarean section. Prior to arriving at the hospital with labor pains, she had routine prenatal care with normal prenatal laboratory tests. One day the woman reported to having sudden epigastric pain, and 40 minutes after her admission a pelvic exam was completed. The unborn baby had a persistent revealed, and a live neonate was promptly delivered with an Apgar score of 1 at one minute and 5 at five minutes. On the fifth postoperative day the woman and her baby were discharged home with no maternal and neonatal complications.

A Herbal Formula, Atofreellage, Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in an NC/Nga Mouse Model

We evaluated the anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effect of Atofreellage (AF), a herbal formula composed of 10 medicinal plants. AD was induced on the dorsal skin areas of NC/Nga mice (male, seven weeks old) by daily application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for five weeks. After three weeks of DNCB application, 200 μL of AF (0, 25, 50 or 100 mg/mL) was applied to the skin lesions. Histological findings, blood cell populations, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory signaling in the skin tissue, and T-helper cell type 2 (Th₂)-related cytokines in splenocytes were analyzed. Histopathological findings showed AF treatment notably attenuated the thickness of dorsal skin, and eosinophil infiltration. AF treatment (especially 100 mg/mL) also demonstrably ameliorated the blood cell population abnormalities, as the notable elevation of serum concentrations of IgE, histamine, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were remarkably normalized by AF treatment. Western blot analysis evidenced the apparent normalization of inflammatory signals (ERK, p38 MAP kinase, JNK, and NF-κB) in the skin tissue. Additionally, AF treatment notably attenuated the activation of Th₂-dominant cytokines (IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5) in Con A-treated splenocytes in an ex vivo assay. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence for the clinical relevance of Atofreellage.

Myocardial oedema in acute myocarditis detected by echocardiographic 2D myocardial deformation analysis

AIMS

The clinical diagnosis of acute myocarditis is based on symptoms, electrocardiography, elevated myocardial necrosis biomarkers, and echocardiography. Often, conventional echocardiography reveals no obvious changes in global cardiac function and therefore has limited diagnostic value. Myocardial deformation imaging by echocardiography is an evolving method used to characterize quantitatively longitudinal systolic function, which may be affected in acute myocarditis. The aim of our study was to assess the utility of echocardiographic deformation imaging of the left ventricle in patients with diagnosed acute myocarditis in whom cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation was performed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 28 consecutive patients (mean age 32 ± 13 years) with CMR-verified diagnosis of acute myocarditis according to the Lake Louise criteria. Cardiac function was evaluated by a comprehensive assessment of left ventricular (LV) function, including 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. We found no significant correlation between the peak values of cardiac enzymes and the amount of myocardial oedema assessed by CMR (troponin: r= 0.3; P = 0.05 and CK-MB: r = 0.1; P = 0.3). We found a larger amount of myocardial oedema in the basal part of the left ventricle [American Heart Association (AHA) segments 1-6] in inferolateral and inferior segments, compared with the anterior, anterolateral, anteroseptal, and inferoseptal segments. In the mid LV segments (AHA segments 7-12), this was more pronounced in the anterior, anterolateral, and inferolateral segments. Among conventional echocardiographic parameters, LV function was not found to correlate with the amount of myocardial oedema of the left ventricle. In contrast, we found the wall motion score index to be significantly correlated with the amount of myocardial oedema, but this correlation was only present in patients with an extensive amount of oedema (>11% of the total left ventricle). Global longitudinal systolic myocardial strain correlated significantly with the amount of oedema (r = 0.65; P < 0.001). We found that both the epicardial longitudinal and the endocardial longitudinal systolic strains were significantly correlated with oedema (r = 0.55; P = 0.003 and r = 0.54; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute myocarditis, 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography was a useful tool in the diagnostic process of acute myocarditis. Global longitudinal strain adds important information that can support clinical and conventional echocardiographic evaluation, especially in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction in relation to the diagnosis and degree of myocardial dysfunction.

Sensible method for updating motif instances in an increased biological network

A network motif is defined as an over-represented subgraph pattern in a network. Network motif based techniques have been widely applied in analyses of biological networks such as transcription regulation networks (TRNs), protein-protein interaction networks (PPIs), and metabolic networks. The detection of network motifs involves the computationally expensive enumeration of subgraphs, NP-complete graph isomorphism testing, and significance testing through the generation of many random graphs to determine the statistical uniqueness of a given subgraph. These computational obstacles make network motif analysis unfeasible for many real-world applications. We observe that the fast growth of biotechnology has led to the rapid accretion of molecules (vertices) and interactions (edges) to existing biological network databases. Even with a small percentage of additions, revised networks can have a large number of differing motif instances. Currently, no existing algorithms recalculate motif instances in 'updated' networks in a practical manner. In this paper, we introduce a sensible method for efficiently recalculating motif instances by performing motif enumeration from only updated vertices and edges. Preliminary experimental results indicate that our method greatly reduces computational time by eliminating the repeated enumeration of overlapped subgraph instances detected in earlier versions of the network. The software program implementing this algorithm, defined as SUNMI (Sensible Update of Network Motif Instances), is currently a stand-alone java program and we plan to upgrade it as a web-interactive program that will be available through http://faculty.washington.edu/kimw6/research.htm in near future. Meanwhile it is recommended to contact authors to obtain the stand-alone SUNMI program.

AMPKα, C/EBPβ, CPT1β, GPR43, PPARγ, and SCD Gene Expression in Single- and Co-cultured Bovine Satellite Cells and Intramuscular Preadipocytes Treated with Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and Linoleic Acid

We previously demonstrated that bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes promote adipogenic gene expression in muscle satellite cells in a co-culture system. Herein we hypothesize that saturated fatty acids would promote adipogenic/lipogenic gene expression, whereas mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids would have the opposite effect. Bovine semimembranosus satellite cells (BSC) and intramuscular preadipocytes (IPA) were isolated from crossbred steers and cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)/Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and 1% antibiotics during the 3-d proliferation period. After proliferation, cells were treated for 3 d with 3% horse serum/DMEM (BSC) or 5% FBS/DMEM (IPA) with antibiotics. Media also contained 10 μg/mL insulin and 10 μg/mL pioglitazone. Subsequently, differentiating BSC and IPA were cultured in their respective media with 40 μM palmitic, stearic, oleic, or linoleic acid for 4 d. Finally, BSC and IPA were single- or co-cultured for an additional 2 h. All fatty acid treatments increased (p = 0.001) carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 beta (CPT1β) gene expression, but the increase in CPT1β gene expression was especially pronounced in IPA incubated with palmitic and stearic acid (6- to 17- fold increases). Oleic and linoleic acid decreased (p = 0.001) stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene expression over 80% in both BSC and IPA. Conversely, palmitic and stearic acid increased SCD gene expression three fold in co-cultured in IPA, and stearic acid increased AMPKα gene expression in single- and co-cultured BSC and IPA. Consistent with our hypothesis, saturated fatty acids, especially stearic acid, promoted adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression, whereas unsaturated fatty acids decreased expression of those genes associated with fatty acid metabolism.

The prognostic significance of pretreatment [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging in patients with uterine cervical cancer: preliminary results

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To evaluate the prognostic significance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with cervical cancer in FIGO Stages IB1 to IVB were imaged with PET/CT prior to treatment during one of the staging work-ups. The patients were observed for a median of 31.4 months (range, six to 89 months) after the initial treatment. The standardized uptake value (SUV) max of the primary cervical tumor mass was compared with the prognostic factors. RESULTs: A total of 81 patients who were primarily treated with radical hysterectomy (RH, n = 45) or concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT, n = 36) were analyzed. Multivariate analysis indicated that larger tumor size (> 4 cm, OR 8.694, 95% CI, 1.638-46.146), deep stromal invasion (≥ 1 cm, OR 7.249, 95% CI, 1.141-46.039) by the primary tumor, and pathologically confirmed pelvic lymph node involvement (positive, OR 14.586, 95% CI, 2.072-102.674) were significantly associated with recurrence after treatment. However, pretreatment SUVmax was not a significant independent predictor of disease recurrence (OR 1.058, 95% CI, 0.255-4.398).

CONCLUSION

[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by the primary tumor showed a significant association with several risk factors that have been identified as treatment predictors. However, a high pretreatment SUVmax was not predictive of recurrence in uter- ine cervical cancer patients.

Incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation is the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although there is significantly increased risk of malignancy after renal transplantation, carcinoma of the native kidney is very rare, and moreover, the risk of endocrinologic malignancy after renal transplantation is lower than in the general population and adrenal cortical carcinoma extremely rare. We report a case of incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient.

CASE REPORT

A 57 year-old male patient had undergone living-donor kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure from hypertension 15 years earlier and had a right adrenal tumor diagnosed on surveillance abdomen-pelvis computerized tomography. Based on 24-hour catecholamine laboratory findings, nonfunctioning tumor was suspected. The planned en-bloc resection of right adrenal gland and right native kidney combining the perirenal tissue and Gerota fascia was performed, because the tumor was suspicious for malignancy and could possibly invade the perirenal tissue or right kidney. On the final pathology, combined adrenal cortical carcinoma and incidental renal cell carcinoma was confirmed. Renal cell carcinoma was papillary, type I, and stage T1N0M0. Adrenal cortical carcinoma was 7.6 × 6.5 cm in size, had marked nuclear atypia, and was grade IV/IV. Mitotic counts were >10 per high-power field, but it had no capsular invasion or vascular invasion, and free resection margin was confirmed. In the preoperative period, he had taken immunosuppressants FK506 and mycophenolate sodium, but after combined carcinomas were confirmed, the regimen of combination of immunosuppressants was changed to sirolimus with low-dose FK506 and half-dose mycophenolate sodium.

Effects of Cordyceps militaris on the growth of rumen microorganisms and in vitro rumen fermentation with respect to methane emissions

This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different concentrations (0.00, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 g/L) of dried Cordyceps militaris mushroom on in vitro anaerobic ruminal microbe fermentation and methane production using soluble starch as a substrate. Ruminal fluids were collected from Korean native cattle, mixed with phosphate buffer (1:2), and incubated anaerobically at 38 °C for 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. The addition of C. militaris significantly increased total volatile fatty acid and total gas production. The molar proportion of acetate was decreased and that of propionate was increased, with a corresponding decrease in the acetate:propionate ratio. As the concentration of C. militaris increased from 0.10 to 0.30 g/L, methane and hydrogen production decreased. The decrease in methane accumulation relative to the control was 14.1, 22.0, 24.9, 39.7, and 40.9% for the 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 g/L treatments, respectively. Ammonia-N concentration and numbers of live protozoa decreased linearly with increasing concentrations of C. militaris. The pH of the medium significantly decreased at the highest level of C. militaris compared with the control. In conclusion, C. militaris stimulated mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation and inhibited methane production in vitro. Therefore, C. militaris could be developed as a novel compound for antimethanogenesis.

Effect of indigenous herbs on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of hanwoo steers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of indigenous herbal supplements on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of Hanwoo steers. In a 6 month feeding trial, thirty Hanwoo steers (647±32 kg) were allotted to one of 5 treatment groups, control (basal diet contained lasalocid), licorice, clove, turmeric and silymarin, with six steers per pen. All groups received ad libitum concentrate and 1 kg rice straw/animal/d throughout the feeding trial. Blood samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and the end of the experiment and the steers were slaughtered at the end. Blood glucose, triglyceride, total protein, and albumin concentrations were higher in the turmeric treatment compared with other treatments. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were highest (p<0.003 and p = 0.071, respectively) in steers treated with silymarin. Alanine aminotransferase activity was lower (p<0.06) for licorice and silymarin compared with the control group. There were no alterations in serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities as a consequence of herb treatments (p = 0.203 and 0.135, respectively). Final body weight, body weight gain, average dairy gain and dry matter intake were not significantly different among treatments. Yield grade, marbling score and quality grade were higher for silymarin group than those of the control group (p<0.05). Therefore, the results suggest that silymarin can be used an effective dietary supplement as an alternative to antibiotic feed additive and a productivity enhancer, providing safe and more consumer acceptable alternative to synthetic compounds during the late fattening period of steers.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for large benign adnexal tumors: one surgeon's experience over one-year period

OBJECTIVE

To present the authors' experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) surgery for large benign adnexal tumors and to compare the removal time of resected specimen with that of conventional laparoscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Ten consecutive patients underwent LESS for huge adnexal tumors at Myongjil Hospital, Korea between March 2011 and July 2012. A modified open Hasson technique was used to gain access to the abdominal cavity. The single-port device was inserted trans-umbilically into the wound opening. After suction of large amount of fluid content, LESS salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The resected adnexal specimen was placed into a LapBag for removal out of the abdominal cavity. The authors compared the removal time of resected specimen between LESS and previously performed conventional laparoscopy for large benign adnexal tumors.

RESULTS

The adnexal tumors in this study were all very large cystic tumors reaching near or over the umbilicus. It took less than ten minutes for the removal of the resected adnexal tumors in all LESS cases (three to ten minutes), much less time than that of the conventional laparoscopy (usually ten to 17 minutes).

CONCLUSION

LESS for large benign adnexal tumors is feasible and removal of resected adnexal tumor is easier than conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Multifocal microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma with extensive spread of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) into the uterine corpus, vagina, and left salpinx diagnosed five years after conization of cervical CIS

BACKGROUND

Multifocal microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with extensive spread of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) into the uterine corpus, salpinx, and vagina is extremely unusual.

CASE

The authors present a case of 69-year-old woman with hydrometra who was found to have multifocal microinvasive SCC in the endometrium. The CIS had spread superficially throughout the entire endometrium up to the fundus, completely replacing the epithelium. The uterine cervix, vaginal surface and left salpingeal mucosa were involved. She had previously undergone conization due to cervical CIS five years prior. The pathologic reports showed clear resection margins at that time.

CONCLUSION

The present case suggests that CIS in the endometrium spread back to the cervix and vagina, although the definite origin of the first CIS was not determined.

Abstract P2-02-08: MRI in predicting pathological response of breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Correlation with tumor size and morphology changes

PURPOSE

Contrast enhanced MR imaging is widely used to monitor the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients. The objectives of the study are 1) to assess the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) according to molecular biomarker status using MRI, 2) to evaluation of changes in morphological variation, and 3) to compare MR imaging-pathological size discrepancy depending on molecular biomarker status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2007 and March 2012, a total of 47 patients (age range, 34-65 years; mean age, 48 years) underwent NAC prior to surgery. Among them, 34 patients who performed MRI before and after NAC were enrolled. The extent of the lesion is measured by longest diameter. The response to NAC was calculated as reduction rate between pre NAC MRI and post NAC MRI. Histological grading system - Miller and Payne grade - was also recorded. Patients were divided into subgroups based on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), hormone receptors (HRs), and the proliferation marker Ki-67 status. The morphologic changes were classified into 1) concentric reduction, 2) fragmentation, 3) non-mass like, and 4) architectural distortion.

RESULTS

Total of 34 lesions from 34 patients were included. Among them, 12 lesions (35.3%) were pathologically proven to have no residual tumor (Miller and Payne grade 5). The mean MR reduction rate tended to be higher in HER2-positive (62.7%) and triple negative subgroups (61.9%) than HR-positive subgroup (47.7%). The mean MR imaging-pathologic size discrepancy tended to be smaller in triple negative subgroup (0.5cm) than HER2-positive (1.2cm) and HR-positive subgroups (1.4cm). All results showed no statistical significance (P&gt;0.05). Ki-67 expression showed no significant correlations in tumor response (r = 0.17, P = 0.4) and MR imaging-pathologic size discrepancy (r = 0.1, P = 0.6). The majority of morphologic change is concentric reduction (57.6%). MRI is tended to overestimate residual size of the lesion (62.5%)

CONCLUSION

HER2-positive and triple negative subgroups showed relatively better response. Tumors were most likely to response in the manner of concentric reduction. The mean MR imaging-pathologic size discrepancy tended to be smaller in triple negative subgroup. MRI is reliable method in predicting histopathological response to NAC, but is more likely to overestimate the residual size of the lesion.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-02-08.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumonia and sepsis: multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia is the primary source of sepsis and is significantly associated with mortality. However, only a few studies focus on its clinical characteristics and outcomes.

METHODS

We evaluated 500 intensive care unit patients who met severe sepsis or septic shock criteria, dividing them into two distinct groups (43%, sepsis with pneumonia; 41%, sepsis with an infection other than pneumonia).

RESULTS

Moderate differences between the groups were observed. The group of sepsis with pneumonia had a higher 28-day in-hospital mortality (41% vs. 30%; P=0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of pneumonia associated significantly with mortality (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11-2.78) along with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.50-11.74), serum lactate ≥ 3.5 mmol/L (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.20-3.08), and SOFA score ≥ 12 (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.52-3.82). Survival analysis revealed for both groups that the patients with PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio <170 and lactate ≥ 3.5 mmol/L had a worse prognosis than the patients with PF ratio ≥ 170 and lactate ≥ 3.5 mmol/L or PF ratio <170 and lactate <3.5 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

In patients admitted with sepsis, the pneumonia infection independently predicts 28-day in-hospital mortality. Combining the levels of serum lactate and PF ratio could be a useful approach in predicting mortality of these patients.

Life-threatening methemoglobinemia after unintentional ingestion of antifreeze admixtures containing sodium nitrite in the construction sites

CONTEXT

Construction workers are exposed to a wide variety of health hazards such as poisoning at the construction sites. Various forms of poisoning incidents in construction workers have been reported. However, studies on methemoglobinemia caused by unintentional ingestion of antifreeze admixtures containing sodium nitrite at the construction sites have not been reported yet.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate life-threatening methemoglobinemia after unintentional ingestion of antifreeze admixtures containing sodium nitrite at the construction sites and describe similar incidents involving ingestion of antifreeze admixtures in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective observational case series study on patients with methemoglobinemia after unintentional ingestion of antifreeze admixtures containing sodium nitrite admitted to the emergency department (ED) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012 and cases reported to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) was performed. Results. Six victims were admitted to our ED. They had methemoglobin levels ranging from 32.4% to 71.5% and all of them recovered after receiving one (2 mg/kg) or two doses infusion of methylene blue. From the data of the KOSHA, six incidents that caused 27 victims were identified. Of 27 victims, five were included in the ED cases. For all incidents, antifreeze admixtures were not contained in their original containers and all new containers did not have a new label. All workers mistook antifreeze admixtures for water. Among the 28 victims included in this study, four died.

CONCLUSION

Unintentional ingestion of antifreeze admixtures containing sodium nitrite at the construction sites can cause life-threatening methemoglobinemia. There is a need to store and label potentially hazardous materials properly to avoid unintentional ingestion at the construction sites.

The impact of saddle embolism on the major adverse event rate of patients with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE

Wider application of CT angiography (CTA) improves the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It also permits the visualisation of saddle embolism (SE), namely thrombi, which are located at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SE and whether SE predicts a complicated clinical course in patients with non-high-risk PE.

METHODS

In total, 297 consecutive patients with non-high-risk PE confirmed using CTA in the emergency department were studied. The presence of SE and its ability to predict the occurrence of major adverse events (MAEs) within 1 month were determined.

RESULTS

Of the 297 patients, 27 (9.1%) had an SE. The overall mortality at 1 month was 12.5%; no significant difference was observed between the SE and non-SE groups (18.5% vs 11.9%, p=0.32). However, patients with SE were more likely to receive thrombolytic therapy (29.6% vs 8.1%, p<0.01) and had significantly more MAEs (59.3% vs 25.6%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

At the time of diagnosis, SE, as determined using CTA, is associated with the development of MAE within 1 month. It may be a simple method for risk stratification of patients with non-high-risk PE.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The prognosis of patients with SE, especially those who are haemodynamically stable, is unclear. This study shows that patients with SE, determined with CTA, is associated with the development of MAE.

A case of severe methemoglobinemia caused by hair dye poisoning

Context:

Hair dyes are widely used and very popular xenobiotics. Most of these products contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD) that can cause methemoglobinemia. We here report a case of severe methemoglobinemia that we treated using large amounts of methylene blue.

Case details:

A 30-year-old man visited a regional hospital with cyanosis. He was congenitally blind and had autism. For several weeks, he had mistaken hair dye for toothpaste. When he arrived at a regional hospital, he was drowsy with cyanosis and his initial serum methemoglobin (MetHb) level was 59.5%. After being treated with 2 mg/kg methylene blue (1 mg/kg × 2 administrations), he was transferred to a tertiary university hospital. Upon presentation at the Emergency Department in the tertiary hospital, his MetHb level was found to be 49.4% and his oxygen saturation was 80%. He was then admitted to the intensive care unit. After treatment with 4 mg/kg methylene blue (1 mg/kg × 4 administrations), he successfully recovered.

Discussion:

Because PPD can result in serious methemoglobinemia, clinicians should test it in cyanotic patients who have been exposed to hair dye for an extended period.

Improvement of andropause symptoms by dandelion and rooibos extract complex CRS-10 in aging male

Many aging male suffer various andropause symptoms including loss of physical and mental activities. This study evaluated the putative alleviative effects of CRS-10 dandelion and rooibos extract complex (CRS-10) on the symptoms of andropause. The survival rate of TM3 Leydig cells (TM3 cells) treated with CRS-10 was measured based on typical physiological stress. After daily intake of CRS-10 for 4 weeks, the level of testosterone, physical activity and both the number and activity of sperm in older rats (18 weeks) were measured. Furthermore, thirty males were surveyed with AMS (Aging Males' Symptoms) questionnaire after intake of 400 mg of CRS-10. Overall, CRS-10 protected TM3 cells from serum restriction and oxidative stress via activation of ERK and Akt pathways. The level of testosterone and activation of spermatogenesis in rats were significantly enhanced. In addition, physical locomotion was markedly improved. Daily intake of 400 mg of CRS-10 improved the quality of life among agingmale respondents, according to a clinical survey using the AMS. The results indicate the potential of CRS-10 as a safe and efficacious natural substance for reducing or alleviating andropause symptoms.

Protein expression studies of desmoplakin mutations in cardiomyopathy patients reveal different molecular disease mechanisms

Mutations in the gene for desmoplakin (DSP) may cause arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and Carvajal syndrome (CS). Desmoplakin is part of all desmosomes, which are abundantly expressed in both myocardial and epidermal tissue and serve as intercellular mechanical junctions. This study aimed to investigate protein expression in myocardial and epidermal tissue of ARVC and CS patients carrying DSP mutations in order to elucidate potential molecular disease mechanisms. Genetic investigations identified three ARVC patients carrying different heterozygous DSP mutations in addition to a homozygous DSP mutation in a CS patient. The protein expression of DSP in mutation carriers was evaluated in biopsies from myocardial and epidermal tissue by immunohistochemistry. Keratinocyte cultures were established from skin biopsies of mutation carriers and characterized by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and protein mass spectrometry. The results showed that the mutation carriers had abnormal DSP expression in both myocardial and epidermal tissue. The investigations revealed that the disease mechanisms varied accordingly to the specific types of DSP mutation identified and included haploinsufficiency, dominant-negative effects, or a combination hereof. Furthermore, the results suggest that the keratinocytes cultured from patients are a valuable and easily accessible resource to elucidate the effects of desmosomal gene mutations in humans.

Effects of microencapsulated Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on the extension of the shelf-life of Kimchi

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a well-recognized antimicrobial agent but, application of AITC to food systems is limited due to its high volatility and strong odor. This study was performed to overcome the volatility of AITC by encapsulation using gum Arabic and chitosan and to investigate the effect of microencapsulated AITC as a natural additive on the shelf-life and quality of Kimchi. AITC loaded microparticles were prepared using gum Arabic and chitosan and were added to Kimchi at various concentrations (0-0.02%, w/w). The titratable acidity, pH, microbial changes, and sensory test of Kimchi were examined for 15days at different fermentation temperatures (4 and 10°C). The pH of Kimchi containing AITC microparticles was significantly higher than that of control and the higher the quantity of added AITC, the higher the pH became. The titratable acidity of Kimchi increased during storage especially, titratable acidity of control increased significantly higher than those of Kimchi with added AITC microparticles. The number of Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus species in Kimchi decreased with an increase in the concentration of AITC. The addition of AITC induced reduction of sour taste and improvement of the texture of Kimchi during fermentation. However, as the content of AITC increased, the scores of overall acceptability decreased due to the odor of AITC. These results indicate that addition of AITC (less than 0.1%) to Kimchi is an effective way of enhancing the shelf-life of Kimchi without reducing quality.

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

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

Interval and strength training in CAD patients

This study sought to study the effect of high intensity aerobic interval endurance training on peak stroke volume and maximal strength training on mechanical efficiency in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. 8 CAD patients (age 61.4 ± 3.7 years) trained 30 interval training sessions with 4 × 4 min intervals at 85-95% of peak heart rate while 10 CAD patients (age 66.5 ± 5.5 years) trained 24 sessions of maximal horizontal leg press. In the interval training group peak stroke volume increased significantly by 23% from 94.1 ± 23.0 mL · beat (-1) to 115.8 ± 22.4 mL · beat (-1) (p<0.05). Peak oxygen uptake increased significantly by 17% from 27.2 ± 4.5 mL · kg (-1) · min (-1) to 31.8 ± 5.0 mL · kg (-1) min (-1) (p<0.05) in the same group. In contrast, there was no such exercise training-induced change in peak stroke volume or peak oxygen uptake in the maximal strength training group, despite a 35% improvement in sub maximal walking performance.

A Comparison of Consumption and Recovery Profiles According to Anaesthetic Circuit Mode using a New Multifunctional Closed-Circuit Anaesthesia System during Desflurane Anaesthesia: A Clinical Study

This clinical study compared induction time, consumed anaesthetic dose, and haemodynamic and recovery profiles when using a new type of multifunctional anaesthesia machine (Zeus®) in semi-closed or closed circuit modes. Sixty female patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to three groups and received desflurane anaesthesia through a semi-closed circuit (SCC) at fresh gas flow rates of 4 l/min (SCC 4 l/min) or 2 l/min (SCC 2 l/min), or through a closed circuit (CC). Anaesthesia was maintained at the minimum alveolar concentration for blocking the adrenergic response to painful stimulus (MACBAR) (4.6% end-tidal desflurane) during each operation. The time required to reach MACBAR was significantly shorter and the dose of desflurane was significantly smaller in the CC group compared with the other groups. There were no differences in haemodynamic and recovery profiles between the groups. It is concluded that the CC mode allowed a faster and more reliable induction, lower anaesthetic consumption and stable haemodynamic and recovery profiles.

Cocaine regulates ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins and RhoA signaling in the nucleus accumbens

The ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins are a family of widely distributed membrane-associated proteins and have been implicated not only in cell-shape determination but also in signaling pathway. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is an important neuronal substrate mediating the effects of drugs of abuse. However, it has not been determined yet how ERM proteins are regulated in this site by drugs of abuse. Here we show in rat that the phosphorylation levels of ERM protein are dose- and time-dependently decreased in the NAcc by a single injection of cocaine (15 or 30 mg/kg i.p.). Further, we show that the amount of active RhoA, a small GTPase protein, is significantly reduced in the NAcc by cocaine, while the phosphorylation levels of ERM protein are also decreased by bilateral microinjections in this site of the Rho kinase inhibitors. Together, these results suggest that cocaine reduces phosphorylated ERM levels in the NAcc by making downregulation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling, which may importantly contribute to initiate synaptic changes in this site leading to drug addiction.

Porous tantalum uncemented acetabular shells in revision total hip replacement: two to four year clinical and radiographic results

In cementless revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), achieving initial implant stability and maximising host bone contact is key to the success of reconstruction. Porous tantalum acetabular shells may represent an improvement from conventional porous coated uncemented cups in revision acetabular reconstruction associated with severe acetabular bone defects. We reviewed the results of 46 acetabular revisions with Paprosky 2 and 3 acetabular bone defects done with a hemispheric, tantalum acetabular shell and multiple supplementary screws. At a mean follow-up of 40 (24-51) months, one acetabular shell had been revised in a patient with a Paprosky 3B defect. Cementless acetabular revision with the tantalum acetabular shell demonstrated excellent early clinical and radiographic results and warrants further evaluation in revision acetabular reconstruction associated with severe acetabular bone defects.

Role of HPV DNA testing for detection of high-grade cervical lesions in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance: a prospective study in a Korean population

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if HPV DNA testing improves the accuracy of detecting possible high-grade cervical lesions in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US).

METHODS

Cervical cytology and Hybrid Capture II (HCII) assay for HPV DNA detection was performed in 10,526 women from July 2005 to July 2007. Two hundred and sixty women with ASC-US underwent colposcopy-directed biopsy to determine the final histologic diagnosis. They were divided into two groups according to the positivity of the HPV DNA test, and the respective biopsy results were compared.

RESULTS

Positive HCII was significantly more associated with CIN 2, CIN 3, and invasive cancer than negative HCII (p < 0.001). The odds ratio of positive HPV DNA testing in detecting high-grade lesions was 7.0 (95% CI; 2.8-17.7).

CONCLUSION

The HPV DNA test is useful for predicting the severity of lesions of the uterine cervix and formulating decisions with regard to treatment plans.

Accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in assessing lymph node metastasis and myometrial invasion in patients with uterine cancer

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to know preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) and deep myometrial invasion (DMI, > or = 50%) in patients with uterine cancer.

METHODS

From January 1997 to December 2006, 99 patients who were diagnosed with uterine cancer and surgically staged at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics and MRI findings were reviewed and compared with LNM status and DMI observed in the final pathology.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) for MRI in determination of pelvic LNM were 77.7%, 85.6%, 35.0%, and 94.7%, respectively. MRI failed to detect the presence of paraaortic LNM in all of the three patients with positive paraaortic lymph nodes. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for MRI in determining DMI were 46.6%, 84.5%, 35%, and 89.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative evaluation of uterine cancer by MRI does not accurately predict the LNM and DMI.

Outbreak of rotavirus variant P[8] in Seoul, South Korea

An epidemiologic study was performed to determine the genetic variability of rotaviruses in Seoul, South Korea. In 3,174 stool specimens from children with acute diarrhea at five referral hospitals, 571 (18%) possessed the antigen of group A rotavirus detectable by ELISA--10.8% in 2004 and 28.1% in 2005. VP7 genotyping revealed that the G3 type was found in 25.6% of all typed isolates, G4 in 23.8%, G2 in 21.6%, and G1 in 17.6%. VP4 genotyping showed that the P[8] type was detected in 66.7%, P[6] in 15.6%, P[4] in 13.0%, and P[9] in 0.2%. Because the variant P[8] type could not be amplified initially by conventional P typing primers (1T-1), PCR were performed using newly designed 1T-1S primer, which revealed that 307 specimens were the variant P[8] type. Uncommon combinations such as G4P[6] and G2P[8] were also found with relatively high prevalence, 14.6% and 12.8%, respectively. Variant P[8] types were associated with an outbreak of rotavirus in 2005.

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model and flow theory to Cyworld user behavior: implication of the Web2.0 user acceptance

This study explores attitudinal and behavioral patterns when using Cyworld by adopting an expanded Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A model for Cyworld acceptance is used to examine how various factors modified from the TAM influence acceptance and its antecedents. This model is examined through an empirical study involving Cyworld users using structural equation modeling techniques. The model shows reasonably good measurement properties and the constructs are validated. The results not only confirm the model but also reveal general factors applicable to Web2.0. A set of constructs in the model can be the Web2.0-specific factors, playing as enhancing factor to attitudes and intention.