Purely laparoscopic explant hepatectomy and hybrid laparoscopic/robotic graft implantation in living donor liver transplantation

This report describes a purely laparoscopic/robotic technique for successful living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Purely laparoscopic explant hepatectomy followed by purely laparoscopic and robotic graft implantation can be performed in LDLT.

DTranNER: biomedical named entity recognition with deep learning-based label-label transition model

BACKGROUND

Biomedical named-entity recognition (BioNER) is widely modeled with conditional random fields (CRF) by regarding it as a sequence labeling problem. The CRF-based methods yield structured outputs of labels by imposing connectivity between the labels. Recent studies for BioNER have reported state-of-the-art performance by combining deep learning-based models (e.g., bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory) and CRF. The deep learning-based models in the CRF-based methods are dedicated to estimating individual labels, whereas the relationships between connected labels are described as static numbers; thereby, it is not allowed to timely reflect the context in generating the most plausible label-label transitions for a given input sentence. Regardless, correctly segmenting entity mentions in biomedical texts is challenging because the biomedical terms are often descriptive and long compared with general terms. Therefore, limiting the label-label transitions as static numbers is a bottleneck in the performance improvement of BioNER.

RESULTS

We introduce DTranNER, a novel CRF-based framework incorporating a deep learning-based label-label transition model into BioNER. DTranNER uses two separate deep learning-based networks: Unary-Network and Pairwise-Network. The former is to model the input for determining individual labels, and the latter is to explore the context of the input for describing the label-label transitions. We performed experiments on five benchmark BioNER corpora. Compared with current state-of-the-art methods, DTranNER achieves the best F1-score of 84.56% beyond 84.40% on the BioCreative II gene mention (BC2GM) corpus, the best F1-score of 91.99% beyond 91.41% on the BioCreative IV chemical and drug (BC4CHEMD) corpus, the best F1-score of 94.16% beyond 93.44% on the chemical NER, the best F1-score of 87.22% beyond 86.56% on the disease NER of the BioCreative V chemical disease relation (BC5CDR) corpus, and a near-best F1-score of 88.62% on the NCBI-Disease corpus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the incorporation of the deep learning-based label-label transition model provides distinctive contextual clues to enhance BioNER over the static transition model. We demonstrate that the proposed framework enables the dynamic transition model to adaptively explore the contextual relations between adjacent labels in a fine-grained way. We expect that our study can be a stepping stone for further prosperity of biomedical literature mining.

Initial experience with purely laparoscopic living-donor right hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

There may be concerns about purely laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) compared with open donor right hepatectomy, especially when performed by surgeons accustomed to open surgery. This study aimed to describe technical tips and pitfalls in PLDRH.

METHODS

Data from donors who underwent PLDRH at Seoul National University Hospital between December 2015 and July 2017 were analysed retrospectively. Endpoints analysed included intraoperative events and postoperative complications. All operations were performed by a single surgeon with considerable experience in open living donor hepatectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 26 donors underwent purely laparoscopic right hepatectomy in the study interval. No donor required transfusion during surgery, whereas two underwent reoperation. In two donors, the dissection plane at the right upper deep portion of the midplane was not correct. One donor experienced portal vein injury during caudate lobe transection, and one developed remnant left hepatic duct stenosis. One donor experienced remnant portal vein angulation owing to a different approach angle, and one experienced arterial damage associated with the use of a laparoscopic energy device. One donor had postoperative bleeding due to masking of potential bleeding foci owing to intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopy. Two donors experienced right liver surface damage caused by a xiphoid trocar.

CONCLUSION

Purely laparoscopic donor hepatectomy differs from open donor hepatectomy in terms of angle and caudal view. Therefore, surgeons experienced in open donor hepatectomy must gain adequate experience in laparoscopic liver surgery and make adjustments when performing PLDRH.

Pure laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy: Focus on 55 donors undergoing right hepatectomy

Although laparoscopic donor hepatectomy is increasingly common, few centers with substantial experience have reported the results of pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH). Here, we report the experiences of 60 consecutive liver donors undergoing pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH), with most undergoing right hepatectomy. None of the 60 donors who underwent PLDH had intraoperative complications and none required transfusions, reoperation, or conversion to open hepatectomy. Forty-five donors who underwent PLDRH between November 2015 and December 2016 were compared with 42 who underwent conventional donor right hepatectomy (CDRH) between May 2013 and February 2014. The total operation time was longer (330.7 vs 280.0 minutes; P < .001) and the percentage with multiple bile duct openings was higher (53.3% vs 26.2%; P = .010) in the PLDRH group. However, the length of postoperative hospital stay (8.4 vs 8.2 days; P = .495) and rate of complications (11.9% vs 8.9%; P = .733) and re-hospitalizations (4.8% vs 4.4%; P = 1.000) were similar in both groups. PLDH, including PLDRH, is feasible when performed by a highly experienced surgeon and transplant team. Further evaluation, including long-term results, may support these preliminary findings of comparative outcomes for donors undergoing PLDRH and CDRH.

Survival benefit of liver resection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Although transarterial chemoembolization is recommended as the standard treatment for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC-B HCC), other treatments including liver resection have been used. This study aimed to determine the survival benefit of treatment strategies including resection for BCLC-B HCC compared with non-surgical treatments.

Methods

The nationwide multicentre database of the Korean Liver Cancer Association was reviewed. Patients with BCLC-B HCC who underwent liver resection as a first or second treatment within 2 years of diagnosis and patients who received non-surgical treatment were selected randomly. Survival outcomes of propensity score-matched groups were compared.

Results

Among 887 randomly selected patients with BCLC-B HCC, 83 underwent liver resection as first or second treatment and 597 had non-surgical treatment. After propensity score matching, the two groups were well balanced (80 patients in each group). Overall median survival in the resection group was better than that for patients receiving non-surgical treatment (50·9 versus 22·1 months respectively; P &lt; 0·001). The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates in the resection group were 90, 88, 75 and 63 per cent, compared with 79, 48, 35 and 22 per cent in the no-surgery group (P &lt; 0·001). In multivariable analysis, non-surgical treatment only (hazard ratio (HR) 3·35, 95 per cent c.i. 2·16 to 5·19; P &lt; 0·001), albumin level below 3·5 g/dl (HR 1·96, 1·22 to 3·15; P = 0·005) and largest tumour size greater than 5·0 cm (HR 1·81, 1·20 to 2·75; P = 0·005) were independent predictors of worse overall survival.

Conclusion

Treatment strategies that include liver resection offer a survival benefit compared with non-surgical treatments for potentially resectable BCLC-B HCC.

Four-Year Experience With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Kidney Transplant Patients With Severe Refractory Cardiopulmonary Insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are vulnerable to infections because of their immunosuppressive treatments, and they occasionally exhibit serious acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in KT recipients and to identify risk factors for ECMO weaning failure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of KT patients who experienced severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction refractory to conventional therapy and received ECMO at the Asan Medical Center Surgical Intensive Care Unit between December 2010 and December 2014.

RESULTS

During the 4-year study period, 12 KT patients required ECMO management. Six of these patients were successfully weaned from ECMO; the mean duration of ECMO support was 9.1 days (range, 3.5-15.1 days). Indications for ECMO included pneumonia (8 cases required venovenous ECMO and 1 case required venoarterial [VA] ECMO), stress-induced cardiomyopathy due to fungemia (1 case required VA ECMO), and septic shock due to either urinary tract infection or unknown origin (2 cases required VA ECMO). In assessing risk factors leading to a failure of ECMO weaning, the pH on arterial blood gas analysis performed just before the beginning of this intervention was significantly lower in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors (P = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO can be a beneficial rescue therapy in immunosuppressed patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction refractory to treatment. Severe acidosis before the administration of EMCO is a major determinant of ECMO weaning failure.

Erratum to: Antimicrobials: a global alliance for optimizing their rational use in intra-abdominal infections (AGORA)

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13017-016-0089-y.].

Genome-wide Association Study for Warner-Bratzler Shear Force and Sensory Traits in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)

Significant SNPs associated with Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force and sensory traits were confirmed for Hanwoo beef (Korean cattle). A Bonferroni-corrected genome-wide significant association (p<1.3×10⁻⁶) was detected with only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on chromosome 5 for WB shear force. A slightly higher number of SNPs was significantly (p<0.001) associated with WB shear force than with other sensory traits. Further, 50, 25, 29, and 34 SNPs were significantly associated with WB shear force, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor likeness, respectively. The SNPs between p = 0.001 and p = 0.0001 thresholds explained 3% to 9% of the phenotypic variance, while the most significant SNPs accounted for 7% to 12% of the phenotypic variance. In conclusion, because WB shear force and sensory evaluation were moderately affected by a few loci and minimally affected by other loci, further studies are required by using a large sample size and high marker density.

Genetic Polymorphisms of the Bovine NOV Gene Are Significantly Associated with Carcass Traits in Korean Cattle

The objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV) gene and to evaluate whether these polymorphisms affect carcass traits in the Korean cattle population. We resequenced to detect SNPs from 24 unrelated individuals and identified 19 SNPs within the full 8.4-kb gene, including the 1.5-kb promoter region. Of these 19 SNPs, four were selected for genotyping based on linkage disequilibrium (LD). We genotyped 429 steers to assess the associations of these four SNPs with carcass traits. Statistical analysis revealed that g.7801T>C and g.8379A>C polymorphisms in the NOV gene were associated with carcass weight (p = 0.012 and 0.008, respectively), and the g.2005A>G polymorphism was associated with the back fat thickness (BF) trait (p = 0.0001). One haplotype of the four SNPs (GGTA) was significantly associated with BF (p = 0.0005). Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the NOV gene may be among the important genetic factors affecting carcass yield in beef cattle.

Phylogenetic Analysis of a Privately-owned Korean Native Chicken Population Using mtDNA D-loop Variations

The use of Korean native chicken is increasing, and the discovery of new genetic resources is very important from both economic and genetic conservation points of view. In this study, mtDNA D-loop sequences from 272 privately-owned Korean native chickens from a Hyunin farm were investigated. Seventeen nucleotide substitutions were identified from the sequence analysis and they were classified as 6 haplotypes. Previously investigated haplotypes in five Korean native chicken populations have been compared with the Hyunin chicken population. The results indicated that two haplotypes, H10 and H15, in the Hyunin chicken population were not previously identified in other Korean native chicken populations, representing 33.09% (90/272) and 1.1% (3/272) of the Hyunin population, respectively. On the other hand, four other haplotypes were identical to those of a previous study of Korean native chicken populations. This result is indicative of conservation strategies of Hyunin chicken populations for expanding the genetic diversity in the Korean native chicken population.

Protein Profile in Corpus Luteum during Pregnancy in Korean Native Cows

Steroidogenesis requires coordination of the anabolic and catabolic pathways of lipid metabolism, but the profile of proteins associated with progesterone synthesis in cyclic and pregnant corpus luteum (CL) is not well-known in cattle. In Experiment 1, plasma progesterone level was monitored in cyclic cows (n = 5) and pregnant cows (n = 6; until d-90). A significant decline in the plasma progesterone level occurred at d-19 of cyclic cows. Progesterone level in abbatoir-derived luteal tissues was also determined at d 1 to 5, 6 to 13 and 14 to 20 of cyclic cows, and d-60 and -90 of pregnant cows (n = 5 each). Progesterone level in d-60 CL was not different from those in d 6 to 13 CL and d-90 CL, although the difference between d 6 to 13 and d-90 was significant. In Experiment 2, protein expression pattern in CL at d-90 (n = 4) was compared with that in CL of cyclic cows at d 6 to 13 (n = 5). Significant changes in the level of protein expression were detected in 32 protein spots by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and 23 of them were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Six proteins were found only in pregnant CL, while the other 17 proteins were found only in cyclic CL. Among the above 6 proteins, vimentin which is involved in the regulation of post-implantation development was included. Thus, the protein expression pattern in CL was disorientated from cyclic luteal phase to mid pregnancy, and alterations in specific CL protein expression may contribute to the maintenance of pregnancy in Korean native cows.

First Report of Fusarium succisae Causing Flower Rot on Thread-leaf Coreopsis

In July 2010, flower rot of thread-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) was found in a garden in the Icheon City, Korea. The disease affected about 20 to 50% of a 100 m² area. The disease was characterized by the appearance of pinkish mycelia on the stigmata and inflorescences of flowers. In some cases, flowers failed to bloom or turned brown before opening fully. Fragments (each 5 × 5 mm) of the symptomatic tissue were surface-sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 1 min, and then rinsed twice in sterilized distilled water. The tissue pieces were placed on water agar (WA) and incubated at 25°C for 4 to 6 days. Twenty-two isolates of Fusarium species were obtained from the diseased flowers. All isolates were identified as Fusarium succisae based on their morphological characteristics on carnation leaf agar (CLA) medium and DNA sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (1). Macroconidia and sporodochia were sparsely produced on CLA medium. Microconidia were abundant, borne in false heads, oval or allantoid and sometimes pyriform, and measured 4.2 to 13 × 2.2 to 5.4 μm. Chlamydospores were absent. The EF-1α gene was amplified from three isolates by PCR assay and the amplification products were sequenced (2). The nucleotide sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers KF514658, KF514659, and KF514660. BLASTn analysis showed 99% homology with the EF-1α sequence of F. succisae NRRL13613 (GenBank Accession No. AF160291). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with inoculation of flowers on Coreopsis verticillata. Spore suspension was prepared by flooding 7-day-old cultures on potato dextrose agar with sterilized 2% (w/v) sugar solution. When the plants started to have buds, the isolates were inoculated by placing one drop (20 μl) of spore suspension (1 × 10⁶ spores ml^-1) into the buds. Fifteen buds of the plants were arranged into three replications. The control was treated with sterilized 2% sugar solution. Inoculated plants were kept in a greenhouse at 25/20°C (12 h/12 h). Three weeks after inoculation, the symptoms were observed on buds with mycelial production. Control plants had no mycelia on buds. F. succisae was re-isolated from the inoculated flowers. To our knowledge, this is the first report of flower rot of thread-leaf coreopsis caused by F. succisae. References: (1) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (2) K. O'Donnell et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 95:2044, 1998.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Race 3 Causing Fusarium Wilt on Tomato in Korea

In July 2010, fusarium wilt symptoms of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants were found in two commercial greenhouses in the Damyang area of Korea. Approximately 1% of 7,000 to 8,000 tomato plants were wilted and chlorotic in each greenhouse. The vascular tissue was usually dark brown and the discoloration extended to the apex. Fragments (each 5 × 5 mm) of the symptomatic tissue were surface-sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 1 min, then rinsed twice in sterilized distilled water (SDW). The tissue pieces were placed on water agar and incubated at 25°C for 4 to 6 days. Nine Fusarium isolates were obtained from four diseased plants, of which three isolates were identified as F. oxysporum based on morphological characteristics on carnation leaf agar medium and DNA sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) gene (2). Macroconidia were mostly 3- to 5-septate, slightly curved, and 28 to 53 × 2.8 to 5.2 μm. Microconidia were abundant, borne in false heads or short monophialides, generally single-celled, oval to kidney shaped, and 5 to 23 × 3 to 5 μm. Chlamydospores were single or in short chains. The EF-1α gene was amplified from three isolates by PCR assay using ef1 and ef2 primers (3), and the amplification products were sequenced. The nucleotide sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. KC491844, KC491845, and KC491846). BLASTn analysis showed 99% homology with the EF-1α sequence of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici MN-24 (HM057331). Pathogenicity tests and race determination were conducted using root-dip inoculation (4) on seedlings of tomato differential cultivars: Ponderosa (susceptible to all races), Momotaro (resistant to race 1), Walter (resistant to races 1 and 2), and I₃R-1 (resistant to all races). A spore suspension was prepared by flooding 5-day-old cultures on potato dextrose agar with SDW. Plants at the first true-leaf stage were inoculated by dipping the roots in the spore suspension (1 × 10⁶ conidia/ml) for 10 min. Inoculated plants were transplanted into pots containing sterilized soil, and maintained in the greenhouse at 25/20°C (12/12 h). Twenty-four seedlings of each cultivar were arranged into three replications. An equal number of plants of each cultivar dipped in water were used as control treatments. Disease reaction was evaluated 3 weeks after inoculation, using a disease index on a scale of 0 to 4 (0 = no symptoms, 1 = slightly swollen and/or bent hypocotyl, 2 = one or two brown vascular bundles in the hypocotyl, 3 = at least two brown vascular bundles and growth distortion, 4 = all vascular bundles brown and the plant either dead or very small and wilted). All isolates caused symptoms of fusarium wilt on all cultivars except I₃R-1, indicating that the isolates were race 3. The pathogen was reisolated from the discolored vascular tissue of symptomatic plants. Control plants remained asymptomatic, and the pathogen was not reisolated from the vascular tissue. Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races 1 and 2 has been reported previously; however, race 3 has not been reported in Korea (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 3 on tomato in Korea. References: (1) O. S. Hur et al. Res. Plant Dis. 18:304, 2012 (in Korean). (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) K. O'Donnell et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 95:2044, 1998. (4) M. Rep et al. Mol. Microbiol. 53:1373, 2004.

Limiting Concentrate during Growing Period Affect Performance and Gene Expression of Hepatic Gluconeogenic Enzymes and Visfatin in Korean Native Beef Calves

This study elucidated the effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth, plasma profile, and gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes and visfatin in the liver of Hanwoo beef calves. The purpose of this study was to test that reducing the amount of concentrate would partially be compensated by increasing the intake of forage and by altering the metabolic status. The study utilized 20 Korean native beef calves (Hanwoo; 60 to 70 d of age) divided into two groups of 10 calves each for 158 d. Control group calves received the amount of concentrate as per the established Korean feeding standards for Hanwoo, whereas calves in the restricted group only received half the amount of concentrate as per standard requirements. Good quality forage (Timothy hay) was available for ad libitum consumption to both groups. Since calves were with their dam until 4 months of age in breeding pens before weaning, the intake of milk before weaning was not recorded, however, the concentrate and forage intakes were recorded daily. Body weights (BW) were recorded at start and on 10 d interval. Blood samples were collected at start and at 50 d interval. On the final day of the experiment, liver biopsies were collected from all animals in each group. The BW was not different between the groups at all times, but tended to be higher (p = 0.061) only at final BW in control than restricted group. Total BW gain in the control group was 116.2 kg as opposed to 84.1 kg in restricted group that led to average BW gain of 736 g/d and 532 g/d in respective groups, and the differences were significant (p<0.01). As planned, the calves in the control group had higher concentrate and lower forage intake than the restricted group. The plasma variables like total protein and urea were higher (p<0.05) in control than restricted group. The mRNA expressions for the gluconeogenic enzymes such as cytosolic phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.32) and pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1), and visfatin measured by quantitative real-time PCR in liver biopsies showed higher expression (p<0.05) in restricted group than control. Overall, restricting concentrate severely reduced the growth intensity and affected few plasma indices, and gene expression in liver was increased indicating that restricting concentrate in the feeding schemes during early growth for beef calves is not advocated.

Effect of mulberry silage supplementation during late fattening stage of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steer on antioxidative enzyme activity within the longissimus muscle

This study was conducted to determine the possible application of mulberry silage as a functional feed in the feeding management of Hanwoo, Korean native cattle, for high quality beef production. Twenty Hanwoo steers in the last stage of fattening were randomly assigned to two groups with (MSS) or without (Control) supplemental mulberry silage. The Control group was fed on a standard total mixed commercial ration, while the MSS group was fed on a total mixed commercial ration formulated with mulberry silage at the rate of 10%, fresh matter basis, for 30 days. The mulberry silage contained active ingredients such as 1-deoxynojirimycin, γ-aminobutyric acid, and phenol compounds. In the present study, the oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase were improved in the MSS group compared with the Control group. Electron spin resonance assays showed that 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was significantly elevated by 75.5% in the MSS group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the MSS group exhibited stronger scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and alkyl radicals, and the radical scavenging activity occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Findings from the present study suggest that mulberry silage may be useful as a functional feed by improving the antioxidant activity against various reactive radicals for beef cattle.

First Report of Internal Fruit Rot of Sweet Pepper in Korea Caused by Fusarium lactis

In June 2010, an internal fruit rot of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit was found in a commercial greenhouse in Ilsan City, Korea. Disease incidence reached approximately 5% of 30 tons of harvested peppers. Affected fruits commonly did not show external symptoms. However, when the fruit was cut open, an internal rot and pinkish gray mycelium were observed on the seeds and the inner surface of fruit. Discolored soft patches, browning, and necrosis were observed on the outer surface of some fruits. Fragments (5 × 5 mm²) of the affected tissues were surface sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 30 s and then rinsed twice in sterile distilled water. The pieces were placed on water agar and incubated at 25°C for 4 to 6 days. Twenty-nine Fusarium isolates were obtained from 12 diseased fruits and maintained on synthetic low nutrient agar (SNA) at 10°C. The isolates were cultured on carnation leaf agar (CLA) and SNA at 23°C with 12 h of near-ultraviolet light per day for 14 days. Microconidia were abundant, borne in short, zig-zag chains or false heads, obovoid or clavate with a flattened base, and measured 4.3 to 7.1 × 2.2 to 3.3 μm. Macroconidia were sparse, thin walled, slender, straight to slightly curved, and measured 32 to 48 × 2.8 to 3.9 μm. Sporodochia were rare on CLA and chlamydospores were absent. The translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) gene was amplified from four isolates (SPF01, SPF09, SPF16, and SPF22) by PCR assay using ef1 and ef2 primers (2), and the 700-bp amplification products were sequenced. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. JF411956 to JF411959). BLAST analysis showed 98% homology with the EF-1α sequence of Fusarium lactis NRRL25200 (GenBank Accession No. AF160272). All isolates were identified as F. lactis based on morphological and molecular characteristics (1). Pathogenicity tests of the four isolates were conducted by inoculating flowers on plants of the orange pepper cv. Orange Glory (3). A spore suspension was prepared by flooding 5-day-old cultures on potato dextrose agar with sterile distilled water. When the plants started to flower, each flower was inoculated by placing 20 μl of spore suspension (1 × 10⁶ conidia/ml) on each flower. Four isolates of F. lactis were each inoculated onto three flowers on each of seven plants. Flowers from the same number of plants inoculated with sterile distilled water were used as the control treatment. Inoculated plants were kept in a greenhouse at 25°C by day and 20°C by night. Sixty days after inoculation, mature fruits were harvested and cut open to check for internal rot. Approximately 70% of inoculated fruits showed internal rot and pinkish gray mycelial growth on the inner surface of the fruits. No symptoms were observed on the control fruits. Fungal cultures resembling F. lactis were reisolated from inoculated fruits for all four isolates, fulfilling Koch's postulates. F. lactis has been reported on sweet pepper in the Netherlands and Canada (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of internal fruit rot of sweet pepper caused by F. lactis in Korea. Although disease severity was low in this greenhouse, the economic impact on sweet pepper could be significant because the disease can reduce the quality, quantity, and market value of pepper fruits. References: (1) H. I. Nirenberg and K. O'Donnell. Mycologia 90:434, 1998. (2) K. O'Donnell et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:2044, 1998. (3) J. Yang et al. Can. J. Plant Pathol. 31:47, 2009.

Ultrastructural observation of electron irradiation damage of lamellar bone

The ultrastructure of murine femoral lamellar bone and the effect of electron irradiation (200 kV) on collagen and mineral features were investigated using in situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Bands of collagen fibrils were mostly aligned parallel to the long axis of the bones, with some bands of fibrils inclined in longitudinal sections. The similarity of the ultrastructure between the longitudinal and transverse sections supports the rotated plywood structure of the lamellar bone. The collagen fibrils appeared damaged and the mineral crystals were coarsened after electron irradiation. Continuous diffraction rings became spotty and the contrast between rings and the background became sharper, further suggesting coarsening of apatite crystals and increased crystallinity after irradiation. No new phases were observed after irradiation. Both the damage to collagen and coarsening of apatite crystals can deteriorate the strength and integrity of bone, and may provide insight into fracture in patients who have undergone radiation therapy.

Improvement of the resolution in direct membrane integrity test by controlling solution surface tension

Membrane-based treatment technologies have been introduced as a promising tool for the removal of water-borne pathogens. To ensure successful application of membrane processes, the integrity of the membrane system should be maintained. Related with evaluation of the membrane integrity, USEPA guidance recommends pressure-based membrane integrity (MIT). Based on the bubble point theory, the ability of detecting smallest integrity breakage during the MIT is defined as "Resolution". However, the response to remarkably small breach demands significantly high initial test pressure of the pressure decay test. In this study, the surface tension of the test liquid was controlled to improve the resolution without increasing the corresponding test pressure. Three common chemicals were chosen to control the solution surface tension. It is concluded that 0.1 M of the citric acid can decrease the initial test pressure significantly for the same pore size. Subsequently, the improvement of the resolution with controlled surface tension was confirmed by the results of pressure decay test and marker test.

Pulmonary complications following adult liver transplantation

PURPOSE

Pulmonary complications frequently occur after liver transplantation, but the risk factors associated with them have not been fully determined. We therefore sought to identify risk factors for pulmonary complications among adult liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 128 consecutive adult patients who underwent 131 liver transplantations during 2001. We evaluated the incidence, time of onset, and outcome of radiographically determined pulmonary complications, as well as the factors predictive of infectious complications.

RESULTS

Postoperative chest roentgenograms detected 68 cases of pulmonary complications, including pleural effusion (n = 50), atelectasis (n = 6), pneumonia (n = 6), pulmonary edema (n = 5), and acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with pneumonia (n = 1). Of the seven patients with pneumonia, five died. On univariate analysis the risk factors predictive for pneumonia were high serum creatinine and total bilirubin, hemodialysis at the time of occurrence, and history of acute rejection and on multivariate analysis increased total bilirubin and history of acute rejection. Pulmonary complications were dependent on the medical condition at the time of occurrence rather than on the preoperative condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of pneumonia in liver recipients was relatively low, the mortality rate in patients who developed this complication was high. High-risk patients undergoing liver transplantation thus require early diagnosis and intensive treatment to diminish the morbidity and mortality associated with pulmonary complications.

A new venous conduit utilizing the recipient portal vein branches for segment V in adult partial liver transplantation

Right anterior-medial lobe congestion due to temporary clamping of segment V and/or VIII is common in the operative theater during adult donor right lobe liver transplantation, the most common procedure in our institute. We have used an autogenous saphenous vein conduit to recipient portal vein tributaries in 15 cases, as a "Y-to-I venoplasty" since January 2004. The recipient portal vein is transected 5 mm proximal to its bifurcation and extended to both sides with partial hepatic dissection. The "Y-to-I venoplasty" is made by suture closure of the portal vein transversely to form a tube. The average length is 7.5 cm with a 1.3 cm width. One end of "Y-to-I venoplasty" conduit is anastomosed to the donor segment V branch on the back table. And the other end is anastomosed directly to the IVC via a new window or the middle hepatic vein stump in recipient. The phase distension of the conduit with respiration is noted in the operative field. A 6/15 (40%) patency rate, was observed by CT angiography at the second postoperative week. All-patient conduits showed good flow on serial examinations at the 60th postoperative day. This new venous graft, made of recipient portal vein is a good conduit for segment V decongestion in adult right lobe partial liver transplantation.

Histological and functional aspects of different regions of the rabbit vagina

Relatively little data is available on regional differences in both morphological and functional studies of vaginal smooth muscle in the rabbit. Histological and in vitro strip studies were performed upon the vaginal walls of 10-week-old New Zealand White rabbits discriminately according to location (upper, middle or lower) and the type of muscle arrangement (longitudinal or circular). The contraction and relaxation responses of the vaginal smooth muscle were assessed. The upper and middle third of the vagina were histologically characterized by an abundance of smooth muscle, while the lower third was composed of numerous sinusoids scattered among smooth muscle bundles. The peak amplitudes of 60 mM KCl-induced contraction per tissue strip weight were regionally different (upper>middle>lower). Contractile responses induced by adrenergic agonists (epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine and isopreterenol) showed regional differences, and were mainly of a tonic nature in lower part and strong phasic in middle and upper vagina. Electrical field stimulation induced a prominent relaxation response in the lower third of the vagina precontracted with phenylephrine (5 microM). This relaxation response was partially inhibited by N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME, 43.3+/-6.9%, s.e.), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and D-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (11.3+/-4.4%), a VIP receptor antagonist. The type of muscle arrangement did not affect the results. Our results demonstrated that rabbit vagina has regional difference, not only histologically but also functionally. The contractile response was induced in all regions of the rabbit vagina by sympathetic agonists, while the prominent nerve-mediated relaxation was identified in the lower third portion of the rabbit vagina. The nature of relaxation and contractile function of vagina awaits future investigation.

Does race protect an oriental population from developing lipodystrophy in HIV-infected individuals on HAART?

OBJECTIVES

Lipodystrophy, hyperlipidaemia and hyperinsulinaemia are common metabolic complications of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Caucasians. We questioned whether such complications also occur in other races.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed in an outpatient clinic of a university teaching hospital with 156 Koreans, divided into HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART (n=57, group 1), HAART-naïve subjects (n=42, group 2), and healthy controls (n=57, group 3). Lipodystrophy was assessed by physical examination and questionnaire and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, free fatty acid (FFA), Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), glucose, insulin, c-peptide, leptin, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), CD4, CD8 lymphocyte counts and HIV RNA load were measured.

RESULTS

Lipodystrophy was observed in only 3.5% of HAART-treated HIV-infected Koreans. No statistical difference in regional fat accumulation or peripheral fat wasting was observed between groups 1, 2 and 3. No statistical difference in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, FFA, ApoA1, ApoB, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, leptin, cortisol, and DHEA were observed between groups 1, 2 and 3. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in HIV-infected individuals compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipodystrophy, hyperlipidaemia, and insulin resistance are rare metabolic complications of HAART in an oriental HIV-infected group of individuals. These findings warrant further race-specific metabolic complication studies in HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART.

Islet cell autoimmunity and mitochondrial DNA mutation in Korean subjects with typical and atypical Type I diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The 1997 American Diabetes Association classification of diabetes mellitus included a subset of Type I diabetic patients who do not need insulin for several years but eventually progress to complete insulin deficiency i. e. atypical Type I diabetes mellitus. In Caucasian populations, most Type I diabetic patients have auto-antibodies against islet cells. We examined the frequency of the auto-antibodies against islet cells and mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation in Koreans with typical and atypical Type I diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We measured plasma C-peptide level in 1870 consecutive Korean diabetic patients. Of these, 56 patients had insulin deficiency (fasting and glucagon-stimulated plasma C-peptide concentrations < or = 0.2 nmol/l and < or = 0.32 nmol/l, respectively), and they were subdivided into typical (n = 26) and atypical Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (n = 30) according to clinical manifestation. Islet cell antibody was measured by indirect immunofluorescence. Anti-GAD antibody and anti-ICA512 antibody were measured by radioimmunoassay. Mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation was detected using restriction enzyme Apa-I digestion of the amplified genomic DNA.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of auto-antibodies in the typical and atypical groups was 77% and 57%, respectively. Mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation was found in 3 out of 30 (10%) of atypical Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients but not in typical Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Autoimmunity might not be the only cause of progressive insulin deficiency in Koreans. Mitochondrial DNA mutation is another identifiable cause but the cause(s) of insulin deficiency in the remainder of Type I diabetic patients without autoimmunity is not clear.

Sympathetic sprouting in sensory ganglia depends on the number of injured neurons

We examined whether the extent of sympathetic sprouting in the dorsal root ganglion was a function of the number of injured nerve fibers. We compared two groups of rats. One group was subjected to unilateral superior and inferior caudal trunk transections at the level between the S1 and S2 spinal nerves (S-I group) and the other group was subjected to unilateral superior caudal trunk transection at the same level (S group). Immunohistochemical staining with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibody of the S1 DRG revealed that the degree of TH-immunoreactive fibers was more extensive in the S-I group than in the S group. However, there was no difference in the severity of neuropathic pain behaviors between the two groups. These results suggest that the extent of sympathetic sprouting in the DRG following peripheral nerve injury is proportionally related to the amount of injured nerve fibers, but not related to the degree of neuropathic pain behaviors.

Childhood meningioma: unusual location, atypical radiological findings, and favorable treatment outcome

OBJECTS

To investigate the characteristics of childhood meningioma, especially, locations, radiological findings, pathological features (including proliferative potential) and outcome, 11 children with meningiomas were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Unusual location, large size, frequent calcification, and cyst formation were characteristic radiological findings. Gross total resection was achieved in 8 patients, and there was recurrence in 2. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed on residual and recurrent tumors. MIB-1 indices tended to be high in large tumors. Nine patients had a Karnofsky Performance Scale of more than 70 during the follow-up period of 10 months to 19.5 years. Surgical treatment rendered 4 of 5 epileptic patients seizure free. The childhood meningiomas examined had unusual locations, atypical radiological findings, and various proliferative potentials.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be a good alternative for residual tumors and small recurrent tumors. The outcome of childhood meningiomas is good after surgery.

Gender differences in the potentiation of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide metabolite nephrotoxicity by phenobarbital

The agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) induces acute nephrotoxicity characterized as polyuric renal failure with proximal tubular necrosis. Phenobarbital pretreatment potentiates NDPS and N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide (NDHS, a nephrotoxic metabolite of NDPS) nephrotoxicity in male rats. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of phenobarbital pretreatment to potentiate (1) NDHS nephrotoxicity in female rats and (2) N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinamic acid (2-NDHSA, a nephrotoxic metabolite of NDHS) nephrotoxicity in male and female rats. Age-matched male and female Fischer 344 rats (4/group) were pretreated intraperitoneally (ip) with phenobarbital (75 mg/d, 3 d). At 24 h after the last injection of phenobarbital, an ip injection of NDHS (0.025 mmol/kg), 2-NDHSA (0.025 mmol/kg, females; 0.05 mmol/kg, males), or vehicle was given and renal function was monitored at 24 and 48 h post NDPS metabolite or vehicle. Additional groups received the NDPS metabolite or vehicle only and were also monitored for 48 h. In a separate experiment, male Fischer 344 rats were pretreated with piperonyl butoxide (PIBX, 1360 mg/kg) or the PIBX vehicle. 2-NDHSA (0.1 mmol/kg) or vehicle was administered (ip) 30 min after PIBX, and renal function was monitored for 24 h. Phenobarbital markedly potentiated 2-NDHSA nephrotoxicity in male rats as evidenced by increased kidney weight, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, and decreased tetraethylammonium (TEA) accumulation by renal cortical slices. PIBX had no effect on 2-NDHSA nephrotoxicity. Phenobarbital pretreatment did not markedly enhance the nephrotoxic potential of NDHS or 2-NDHSA in female rats. These results indicate that phenobarbital exhibits differential potentiation of NDPS metabolite nephrotoxicity in male and female rats and that the potentiation of 2-NDHSA nephrotoxicity observed in males is not due to cytochrome P-450-mediated oxidative biotransformation.

Endoscopic removal of the antral portion of antrochoanal polyp by powered instrumentation

OBJECTIVES

To introduce a new surgical technique for endoscopic removal of the antral portion of antrochoanal polyp (ACP) by powered instrumentation and to determine its efficacy by measures of relevant patient outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study in 28 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for ACP by our surgical technique.

METHODS

Improvements of clinical symptoms and endoscopic and computed tomographic findings were evaluated postoperatively with a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 52 months. All symptom scores on a 100-mm visual analogue scale before operation were compared with those at the last visit after operation. Postoperative endoscopic and computed tomographic findings were graded using a three-point scale ranging from 0 to 2. In surgical technique, the antral portion of ACP was identified through the enlarged ostium under intranasal endoscopy and removed by a blade of powered instrumentation that was inserted through the canine fossa.

RESULTS

Symptom scores were all significantly reduced postoperatively. All but one patient showed improvement in clinical symptoms and endoscopic and computed tomographic findings during the follow-up period. There were no major complications specific to this technique.

CONCLUSION

Our technique provides an attractive alternative to other methods for removing the antral portion of an ACP and is associated with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidities.

Expression of cspH, encoding the cold shock protein in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium UK-1

Both Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli contain the cspH gene encoding CspH, one of the cold shock proteins (CSPs). In this study, we investigated the expression of cspH in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium and found that it was induced in response to a temperature downshift during exponential phase. The cspH promoter was activated at 37 degrees C, and its mRNA was more stable than the other csp mRNAs at 37 degrees C. Moreover, lacZ expression of the translational cspH-lacZ fusion was induced at that temperature. Interestingly, the cspH mRNA had a much shorter 5'-untranslated region than those in the other cold-shock-inducible genes, and the promoter sequence, which was only 55 bp, was sufficient for cspH expression. The 14-base downstream box located 12 bases downstream of the initiation codon of cspH mRNA was essential for its cold shock activation.

A novel method for convenient assessment of arthritic pain in voluntarily walking rats

Quantification of arthritic pain can be very useful in elucidating the mechanisms of arthritis and in assessing the effect of anti-arthritic medication or treatment. Here we report a novel method that allows convenient measurements of the severity of arthritic pain in voluntarily walking rats. We constructed a device to measure the weight load on each leg while the animal was walking through a path, the bottom of which was equipped with strain gauge weight sensors. Using this device, we measured the weight load on the right hind leg before and after induction of arthritis by carrageenan injection into the knee joint cavity of this leg. The carrageenan injection resulted in a significant reduction of weight load on the affected leg; the load decreased to the minimum level at 4 h after the injection and gradually returned to the pre-injection level by the fifth day. Intraperitoneal administration of morphine at 5.5 h after carrageenan injection could reverse the weight load change. These results suggest that our new device is an effective tool for convenient measurements of arthritic pain in dynamic conditions like walking.

Is the re-closure of surgically induced open neural tube defect the repetition of primary neurulation? An experimental study with chick embryos

It is well known that surgically induced open neural tube defects (ONTDs) tend to re-close in early embryonic stages. To investigate whether the process of re-closure is a repetition of primary neurulation, the morphological changes of surgically induced ONTDs were chronologically examined in early chick embryos. Longitudinal incisions of 3-somite length were made in the neural tubes of chick embryos at Hamburger and Hamilton stage 18 or 19. About half of the embryos showed complete closure of the skin on surgical microscopic examination. The re-closed neural tubes showed no remarkable differences from the controls on histological examination. The process of re-closure involved a zipper-like (ventral to dorsal) closure in the transverse sections of neural tubes. The results indicate that the re-closure of surgically induced ONTDs does not repeat the process of natural primary neurulation.

In vitro nephrotoxicity induced by N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) metabolites in isolated renal cortical cells from male and female Fischer 344 rats: evidence for a nephrotoxic sulfate conjugate metabolite

The agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) induces nephrotoxicity in vivo that is characterized as acute polyuric renal failure and proximal tubular necrosis. However, earlier in vitro studies have failed to reproduce the in vivo nephrotoxicity seen with NDPS or its nephrotoxic metabolites N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide (NDHS) and N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinamic acid (2-NDHSA). The purpose of this study was to examine the nephrotoxic potential of NDPS, its known non-conjugated metabolites, the O-sulfate conjugate of NDHS (NSC), and the putative metabolite N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)maleimide (NDPM) and its hydrolysis product N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)maleamic acid (NDPMA) using freshly isolated renal cortical cells (IRCC). IRCC were obtained from untreated male or female Fischer 344 rats following collagenase perfusion of the kidneys. Cells (approximately 4 million per ml) (N=4) were incubated with up to 1.0 mM NDPS or an NDPS metabolite or vehicle for up to 120 min. Cytotoxicity was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into the medium. Only NSC (>0.5 mM) and NDPM (> or =0.5 mM) exposure increased LDH release from IRCC. NSC 1.0 mM or NDPM 0.5 mM increased LDH release from IRCC within 15--30 min of exposure. NDPS or the remaining NDPS metabolites did not increase LDH release at bath concentrations of 1.0 mM for exposures of 120 min. IRCC from male and female rats responded similarly to the toxic effects of NDPS and its metabolites. These results demonstrate that sulfate conjugates of NDPS metabolites can be fast acting nephrotoxicants and could contribute to NDPS nephrotoxicity in vivo. These results also suggest that the kidney probably accumulates toxic sulfate conjugates of NDPS metabolites rather than forming the conjugates. In addition, mechanisms responsible for gender differences in nephrotoxicity seen with NDPS and NDPS metabolites in vivo either occur prior to renal accumulation of sulfate conjugates and/or represent biochemical/physiological differences between the genders.

The value of cystoscopy as an initial diagnostic modality for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria

For the patients who visit outpatient clinics due to asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, cystoscopy has been looked upon as rather invasive compared to other diagnostic methods. We tried to elucidate the actual diagnostic value of cystoscopy in the initial evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. We reviewed the results of cystoscopic examinations in 213 patients who visited our hospital due to asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. No definite lesion that could explain the microscopic hematuria was detected by means of IVP, urine cytology, and other nephrologic evaluations for all the patients. Among the abnormal cystoscopic findings in 55 patients, the lesions suspected to be directly related to microscopic hematuria were classified as 'significant lesions' (31 patients, 17.6%) which include entities such as bladder cancer (1.31%). 27 of 31 patients with significant lesions (85.2%) were over 50 yr old, and furthermore, 3 patients who were diagnosed as bladder tumor by cystoscopy were over 60 yr. Cystoscopy should be utilized as initial diagnostic modality in older patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria to rule out any possibility of bladder cancer occurrence. Further studies are needed to justify implementation of cystoscopy as an initial diagnostic modality in younger patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.

Substance p plays a critical role in photic resetting of the circadian pacemaker in the rat hypothalamus

Glutamate is considered to be the primary neurotransmitter in the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT), which delivers photic information from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the locus of the mammalian circadian pacemaker. However, substance P (SP) also has been suggested to play a role in retinohypothalamic transmission. In this study, we sought evidence that SP from the RHT contributes to photic resetting of the circadian pacemaker and further explored the possible interaction of SP with glutamate in this process. In rat hypothalamic slices cut parasagittally, electrical stimulation of the optic nerve in early and late subjective night produced a phase delay (2.4 +/- 0.5 hr; mean +/- SEM) and advance (2.6 +/- 0.3 hr) of the circadian rhythm of SCN neuronal firing activity, respectively. The SP antagonist L-703,606 (10 microm) applied to the slices during the nerve stimulation completely blocked the phase shifts. Likewise, a cocktail of NMDA (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 50 microm) and non-NMDA (6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 10 microm) antagonists completely blocked the shifts. Exogenous application of SP (1 microm) or glutamate (100 microm) to the slices in early subjective night produced a phase delay ( approximately 3 hr) of the circadian firing activity rhythm of SCN neurons. Coapplication of the NMDA and non-NMDA antagonist cocktail (as well as L-703,606) resulted in a complete blockade of the SP-induced phase delay, whereas L-703,606 (10 microm) had no effect on the glutamate-induced delay. These results suggest that SP, as well as glutamate, has a critical role in photic resetting. Furthermore, the results suggest that the two agonists act in series, SP working upstream of glutamate.

Microalbuminuria is associated with the insulin resistance syndrome independent of hypertension and type 2 diabetes in the Korean population

To investigate whether microalbuminuria is associated with the insulin resistance syndrome independent of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, we studied the association between microalbuminuria and features of insulin resistance syndrome in Korean general population. We selected 1006 subjects by a random cluster sampling among residents aged >40 years living in the Chung-Up district, a rural area of South Korea. Subjects were stratified by oral glucose tolerance status [normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and diabetes mellitus], and by the presence or absence of hypertension. Urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was determined using timed overnight urine collection. Various cardiovascular risk factors including anthropometric indices, serum lipid, true insulin and proinsulin concentrations were also measured. The prevalence of microalbuminuria (UAER between 20 and 200 microg/min) increased as the glucose tolerance worsened (6.0% in NGT, 11.8% in IGT, and 21.8% in diabetes; chi(2) trend=25.9, P<0.001). Subjects with microalbuminuria had a higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), fasting and 2 h plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin and proinsulin levels, and lower HDL-cholesterol level than subjects without microalbuminuria. In multiple regression analysis, BMI, diastolic BP, 2 h plasma glucose, and fasting plasma insulin levels were found to be independent factors associated with UAER. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that not only diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but also fasting hyperinsulinemia and waist-to-hip ratio were independent factors associated with the presence of microalbuminuria. When the normotensive, non-diabetic subjects were analyzed separately, fasting hyperinsulinemia and impaired glucose tolerance remained independent variables associated with the presence of microalbuminuria. These results show that microalbuminuria in the Korean general population is associated with hyperinsulinemia and central obesity, and suggest that microalbuminuria is a feature of the insulin resistance syndrome independent of hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

The oxidation state of the photosystem II manganese cluster influences the structure of manganese stabilizing protein

Exposure of photosystem II membranes to trypsin that has been treated to inhibit chymotrypsin activity produces limited hydrolysis of manganese stabilizing protein. Exposure to chymotrypsin under the same conditions yields substantial digestion of the protein. Further probing of the unusual insensitivity of manganese stabilizing protein to trypsin hydrolysis reveals that increasing the temperature from 4 to 25 degrees C will cause some acceleration in the rate of proteolysis. However, addition of low (100 microM) concentrations of NH2OH, that are sufficient to reduce, but not destroy, the photosystem II Mn cluster, causes a change in PS II-bound manganese stabilizing protein that causes it to be rapidly digested by trypsin. Immunoblot analyses with polyclonal antibodies directed against the N-terminus of the protein, or against the entire sequence show that trypsin cleavage produces two distinct peptide fragments estimated to be in the 17-20 kDa range, consistent with proposals that there are 2 mol of the protein/mol photosystem II. The correlation of trypsin sensitivity with Mn redox state(s) in photosystem II suggest that manganese stabilizing protein may interact either directly with Mn, or alternatively, that the polypeptide is bound to another protein of the photosystem II reaction center that is intimately involved in binding and redox activity of Mn.