High-resolution electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing of stretchable metal oxide semiconductor transistors with high performance

As demands for high pixel densities and wearable forms of displays increase, high-resolution printing technologies to achieve high performance transistors beyond current amorphous silicon levels and to allow low-temperature solution processability for plastic substrates have been explored as key processes in emerging flexible electronics. This study describes electrohydrodynamic inkjet (e-jet) technology for direct printing of oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs) with high resolution (minimum line width: 2 μm) and superb performance, including high mobility (∼230 cm² V^-1 s^-1). Logic operations of the amplifier circuits composed of these e-jet-printed metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) TFTs demonstrate their high performance. Printed In₂O TFTs with e-jet printing-assisted high-resolution S/D electrodes were prepared, and the direct printing of passivation layers on these channels enhanced their gate-bias stabilities significantly. Moreover, low process temperatures (<250 °C) enable the use of thin plastic substrates; highly flexible and stretchable TFT arrays have been demonstrated, suggesting promise for next-generation printed electronics.

Effect of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease on Endovascular Treatment for Patients with Acute Vertebrobasilar Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although intracranial atherosclerotic disease is often encountered during endovascular treatment for acute vertebrobasilar occlusions, its clinical implication is not well-known. We aimed to evaluate whether intracranial atherosclerotic disease influences the clinical outcomes following endovascular treatment of acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke were included. The onset-to-groin puncture time was ≤12 hours, and aspiration- or stent-based thrombectomy was used as the primary treatment method. Following primary endovascular treatment, intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD group) was angiographically diagnosed when a fixed focal stenosis was observed at the occlusion site, whereas embolism (embolic group) was diagnosed if no stenosis was observed. Clinical and treatment variables were compared in both groups, and IAD was evaluated as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The baseline NIHSS score tended to be lower (14 versus 22, P = .097) in the IAD group (n = 19) than in the embolic group (n = 32). The procedural time was longer in the IAD group (96 versus 61 minutes, P = .002), despite similar rates of TICI 2b-3 (89.5% versus 87.5%, P = 1.000). The NIHSS score at 7 days was higher (21 versus 8, P = .060) and poor outcomes (mRS 4-6 at 3 months) were more frequent in the IAD group (73.7% versus 43.8%, P = .038). IAD (odds ratio, 5.469; 95% CI, 1.09-27.58; P = .040) was independently associated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An arterial occlusion related to IAD was associated with a longer procedural time and poorer clinical outcome. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the appropriate endovascular strategy.

Muscle profiling to improve the value of retail meat cuts

Nutrition and meat quality are always important to consumers, but vary by individual muscle or muscle groups in retail meat cuts. Muscle profiling of nutrient content and palatability for all retail beef cuts is necessary to suggest healthy and tasty beef cuts and to inform consumers of the benefits of beef consumption. The current paper reviews numerous studies that provide muscle profiles for nutrients and palatability attributes of muscles or muscle groups in retail beef cuts. The composition of nutrients including protein, fat, moisture, vitamins, and minerals in beef cuts is documented as well as the nutritive role as a part of a healthy diet. In addition, this review presents knowledge in relation to innovative carcass fabrication and value-added cuts to improve the value of beef carcass. Finally, the current work emphasize the palatability assessment of individual beef muscles, and concludes that all retail beef cuts should be merchandised for proper cooking according to the palatability profiles of beef muscles.

Optimal formation of genetically modified and functional pancreatic islet spheroids by using hanging-drop strategy

BACKGROUND

Rejection and hypoxia are important factors causing islet loss at an early stage after pancreatic islet transplantation. Recently, islets have been dissociated into single cells for reaggregation into so-called islet spheroids. Herein, we used a hanging-drop strategy to form islet spheroids to achieve functional equivalence to intact islets.

METHODS

To obtain single islet cells, we dissociated islets with trypsin-EDTA digestion for 10 minutes. To obtain spheroids, we dropped various numbers of single cells (125, 250, or 500 cells/30 μL drop) onto a Petri dish, that was inverted for incubation in humidified air containing 5% CO(2) at 37 °C for 7 days. The aggregated spheroids in the droplets were harvested for further culture.

RESULTS

The size of the aggregated islet spheroids depended on the number of single cells (125-500 cells/30 μL droplet). Their morphology was similar to that of intact islets without any cellular damage. When treated with various concentrations of glucose to evaluate responsiveness, their glucose-mediated stimulation index value was similar to that of intact islets, an observation that was attributed to strong cell-to-cell interactions in islet spheroids. However, islet spheroids aggregated in general culture dishes showed abnormal glucose responsiveness owing to weak cell-to-cell interactions. Cell-to-cell interactions in islet spheroids were confirmed with an anti-connexin-36 monoclonal antibody. Finally, nonviral poly(ethylene imine)-mediated interleukin-10 cytokine gene delivered beforehand into dissociated single cells before formation of islet spheroids increased the gene transfection efficacy and interleukin-10 secretion from islet spheroids >4-fold compared with intact islets.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated the potential application of genetically modified, functional islet spheroids with of controlled size and morphology using an hanging-drop technique.

Effect of thermal annealing on the efficiency of heterojunction photovoltaic cells fabricated using poly(3-hexylthiophene) and methanofullerene, [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester

The effects of thermal annealing on the efficiency of heterojunction photovoltaic (PV) cells that were fabricated using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and methanofullerene, [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were investigated. The absorption spectra showed that the absorption intensity of the P3HT:PCBM layer that was annealed for 5 min had the highest value among the several samples with different annealing temperatures. The atomic force microscopy image showed that the P3HT:PCBM layer that was annealed for 5 min had the best surface morphology. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the P3HT:PCBM layer that was annealed at 140 degrees C for 10 min enhanced the PCBM aggregation on the surface Al layer that was covered by the P3HT:PCBM layer. The efficiencies of the PV cells that were annealed at 3, 5, and 10 min were approximately 2.7, 4.2, and 3.5%, respectively. Based on the experiment results, the variations in the efficiency of the PV cells due their thermal treatment were described.

Application of PTFE membrane for ammonia removal in a membrane contactor

The feasibility of a membrane contactor system for ammonia removal was studied. The mass transfer coefficient was used to quantitatively compare the effect of various operation conditions on ammonia removal efficiency. Effective removal of ammonia was possible with a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane contactor system at all tested conditions. Among the various operation parameters, contact time and solution pH showed significant effect on the ammonia removal mechanism. The overall ammonia removal rate was not affected by influent suspended solution concentration unlike other pressure driven membrane filtration processes. Also the osmotic distillation phenomena which deteriorate the mass transfer efficiency can be minimized by preheating of influent wastewater. A membrane contactor system can be a possible alternative to treat high strength nitrogen wastewater by optimizing operation conditions such as stripping solution flow rate, influent wastewater temperature, and influent pH.

Fate of nitrogen species in nitrate reduction by nanoscale zero valent iron and characterization of the reaction kinetics

This study investigates the fate of nitrogen species during nitrate reduction by nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) as well as the related kinetics. The NZVI used for the experiments was prepared by chemical reduction without a stabilizing agent. The pseudo first order kinetic constant of nitrate reduction at 30 degrees C with an NZVI/nitrate ratio of 1.25:1, which were the reference conditions of this study, was 4.08 h(-1) (R(2)=0.955). A nitrogen mass balance was established by quantitative analysis of aqueous-phase and gas-phase nitrogen species. The results confirm that the nitrate was converted to ammonium ion, that ammonia stripping subsequently occurred under a strong alkaline condition, and that the total amount of aqueous nitrogen was consequently reduced. The nitrate reduction rate also increased with a lower pH and a higher temperature when microscale ZVI was used. However, in contrast to the reaction by microscale ZVI, the nitrate reduction rate by NZVI was higher for an unbuffered condition, possibly due to the abundance of surface atoms and the smaller size.

Discoloration characteristics of 3 major muscles from cattle during cold storage

Discoloration characteristics of 3 major muscles (LD, Longissimus dorsi; PM, Psoas major; SM, Semimemebranosus) from Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) were monitored during 7 d of cold storage at 4 degrees C. The muscles were obtained from 12 Hanwoo carcasses at 24 h postmortem. Meat color (CIE L*, a*, b*), myoglobin (Mb) concentration, chemical form, metmyoglobin (MetMb) reducing ability (MRA), mitochondria concentration, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 d of storage. Although there were no significant differences in CIE a* and b*-values between the 3 muscles at day 1, the values of PM muscle were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of LD and SM muscles at day 5 and 7. PM muscle showed a rapid decrease in the oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) and an increase in MetMb, which resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentage of MetMb in PM muscle compared to LD and SM muscles. Also, the Mb and mitochondria concentration of PM muscle was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of LD and SM muscles. However, there were no significant differences in MRA, pH, or TBARS between the 3 muscles during 7 d of cold storage. It was concluded that rapid discoloration (that is, MetMb accumulation) in PM muscle of Hanwoo could be due to its higher contents of Mb and mitochondria.

Effect of chilling temperature of carcass on breast meat quality of duck

An experiment was carried out to investigate whether variations in chill water temperature affect muscle shortening and meat quality in duck breast. Three chill water temperatures were applied to duck carcasses at 20 min postmortem for 30 min, including in ice water at 0 degrees C, in cold water at 10 degrees C, and in water at 20 degrees C. Results revealed that carcass temperatures were different (P < 0.05) at 50 and 120 min of postmortem with lower temperatures at the 0 degrees C treatment (P < 0.05). The pH over the first 24 h postmortem was not different (P > 0.05) among treatments, with the exception of 50 min postmortem. The pH of breast meat in the 0 degrees C treatment was higher (P < 0.05) than that of 20 degrees C treatment at 50 min postmortem (just after chilling). No other differences (P > 0.05) in pH existed among treatments. Drip loss, cooking loss, and moisture content were not different for breast meat samples that were chilled at different temperatures. Differences (P < 0.05) were found in CIE (L, a, and b) color values. Lightness (L) increased, whereas redness (a) decreased as the chill water temperature increased. Lower yellowness (b) was found in the breast meat samples at the 10 degrees C chill water temperature. However, shear force, sarcomere length, and protein solubility were not different (P > 0.05) among the breast meat samples chilled at different chill water temperatures. It may be concluded that chilling duck carcasses at different temperature ranges from 0 to 20 degrees C did not influence muscle shortening or meat quality, except in regard to breast meat color.

Neuro-mediators as predictors of paediatric atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Attempts to identify predictors of atopic dermatitis (AD) have focused on genetic and immunologic factors. However, the role of neuro-mediators remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate nerve growth factor (NGF) and vaso-active intestinal peptide (VIP) in predicting paediatric AD and assess their correlation with intrinsic and extrinsic types of AD.

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study in the prospective Taiwan birth panel cohort study. Cord and maternal plasma and questionnaires were gathered at birth. During follow-up, we identified 40 available AD cases, which were matched to 80 unaffected controls chosen from this cohort. The concentrations of IgE, NGF, and VIP in cord and maternal plasma of these subjects were performed by ELISA. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to see how well each biomarker could predict AD.

RESULTS

The NGF levels were significantly higher in AD patients than controls (mean+/-SD: 65.47+/-44.45 vs. 49.21+/-12.18 pg/mL for cord plasma and 89.68+/-41.04 vs. 66.96+/-23.05 pg/mL for maternal plasma) (P<0.05). VIP levels were also higher but not statistically significant. Plasma NGF may be a better biomarker than IgE in detecting paediatric AD (area under the ROC curve=0.65 vs. 0.61 for cord plasma and 0.69 vs. 0.61 for maternal plasma). Maternal NGF levels were significantly higher in patients with both intrinsic (96.18+/-48.15 pg/mL) and extrinsic (86.18+/-37.23 pg/mL) types of AD compared with controls (66.96+/-23.05 pg/mL) (P<0.05). We assessed a significant correlation between self-reported stress during pregnancy and maternal NGF levels (r=0.22, P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that NGF is a good alternative biomarker in predicting children with a risk of AD.

Angiographic examination of spontaneous putaminal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

This study was carried out to examine indications for angiographic evaluation in the case of spontaneous putaminal hemorrhage.

METHODS

Angiographic examinations were performed on 62 consecutive adults with spontaneous putaminal hemorrhage without remarkable subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most patients were evaluated using conventional catheter angiography except for hypertensive patients over the age of 60 who underwent a magnetic resonance angiogram or a computed tomography angiogram. Computed tomography and clinical factors such as age and hypertension were correlated with the angiographic findings.

RESULTS

Nine of the 62 patients (15%) exhibited angiographic abnormalities, including middle cerebral artery aneurysm (n = 1), arteriovenous malformations (n = 3), moyamoya disease (n = 2), and the moyamoya phenomenon associated with a proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (n = 3). The angiographic yield was significantly higher (1) among patients at or below the median age of 55 compared with those above (9/33, 27%, versus 0/29, 0%; p < 0.01), and (2) among patients without hypertension compared with those with hypertension (5/9, 56%, versus 4/53, 8%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although our data could be biased due to the patient selection procedure, they suggest that angiographic evaluation is highly useful for spontaneous putaminal hemorrhage regardless of volume and shape of the hematomas, excepting hypertensive patients over 55 years of age.

PKD2 gene mutation analysis in Korean autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients using two-dimensional gene scanning

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is genetically heterogeneous and is caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes. ADPKD caused by PKD2 mutations is characterized by a longer survival and a later onset of end-stage renal disease than ADPKD caused by PKD1 mutations. PKD2 encodes a 2.9-kb messenger RNA and is derived from 15 exons. Two-dimensional gene scanning (TDGS) is more efficient in detecting mutations in genes such as PKD2 because it can scan the whole coding regions simultaneously. In order to determine the prevalence of Korean PKD2 patients, all the coding sequences of PKD2 were screened using TDGS and direct sequencing in 46 randomly selected ADPKD patients (group 1). Another 45 ADPKD patients (group 2), who were presumed to be PKD2 patients, were screened in order to identify the type of mutation in the Korean PKD2 patients. Eight novel different mutations and three known mutations in the PKD2 gene were detected in 17 patients: 6 patients (13.0%) in group 1 and 11 patients (24.4%) in group 2. Considering the sensitivity of TDGS, the prevalence of PKD2 in Korean population might be greater than 18.6%. Both known and novel mutations were identified by TDGS in Korean PKD2 patients. Overall, these results showed that TDGS might be useful for diagnosing PKD2.

Fatty acids, inhibitors for the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max dimer, suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of differentiated HL-60 human leukemia cell

c-Myc is instrumental in the progression of Burkitt's lymphoma including HL-60 human leukemia cells. We tested fatty acids for their inhibitory effect on the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max dimeric proteins of human origin, prepared as recombinant proteins encompassing DNA binding (basic) and dimerization (HLHZip) domain, and found that those suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells. The analyzed IC50 values of myristic acid, stearic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid by EMSA were 97(+/-3), 2.2(+/-1.2), 55(+/-5), 32(+/-2), 62(+/-12), 22(+/-2)microM for DNA binding of recombinant c-Myc/Max, respectively. According to the results shown by XTT assay, their influence on proliferation was quite different from the rank order of IC50. Whereas the degree of influence of the unsaturated fatty acids on the proliferation of DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells was similar, the influence of saturated fatty acids, stearic acid in particular, was very weak at same concentrations. In addition, we confirmed that these fatty acids have no influence on the expression of c-Myc in DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells. Our experiments demonstrated that the inhibitors for the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max contribute to the downregulation of Myc-dependent proliferation and to the inducement of apoptosis, and serve as an exploration of potent new inhibitors.

Biofeedback therapy for rectal intussusception

BACKGROUND

Surgery for isolated internal rectal intussusception is controversial due to high morbidity. Therefore, there is interest in other forms of treatment that are safe and effective. The aim of this study was to determine outcome and identify predictors for success of biofeedback therapy in patients with rectal intussusception.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the results of electromyography (EMG)-based biofeedback in 34 patients with rectal intussusception without any other major pelvic floor or colonic physiologic disorder.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients (7 men) had undergone at least 2 biofeedback sessions. The patients had a mean age of 68.5 years (SD=11.4 years). In the 27 patients with constipation, the frequency of weekly spontaneous bowel movements (mean+/-SD) was 2.0+/-6.8 before and 4.1+/-4.6 after biofeedback (p<0.05). The frequency of weekly assisted bowel movements decreased from 3.8+/-3.5 before to 1.5+/-2.2 after therapy (p<0.005). The number of patients who experienced incomplete evacuation decreased from 17 (63%) to 9 (33%) (p<0.05). Thirty-three percent of patients had complete resolution of the symptoms, 19% had partial improvement, and 48% had no improvement. Patients with constipation lasting less than nine years had a 78% success rate vs. 13% in patients who were constipated more than 9 years (p<0.01). In seven patients with incontinence, the frequency of daily incontinence episodes decreased from 1.0+/-0.7 before to 0.07+/-0.06 after biofeedback (p<0.05). The fecal incontinence score decreased from 13.1+/-4.2 before to 4.6+/-3.6 after treatment (p<0.005). Two patients (29%) were completely continent following biofeedback, 2 had partial improvement, and 3 (43%) had no significant improvement. There was no mortality in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofeedback is a safe and effective treatment option for constipation and fecal incontinence due to rectal intussusception in patients who are willing to complete the course of treatment. Long-standing constipation is less effectively cured by biofeedback.

Epidemiology of otitis media in Chinese children

From May to July 2001, 3013 Chinese children, aged 3-6 years old, from 19 kindergartens in Kaohsiung were examined for the prevalence of otitis media. A senior paediatric otolaryngologist performed examinations. Tympanometric and otoscopic records were combined for assessment of middle ear status. The prevalence rate of otitis media was 9.82% for all children, 5.24% for middle ear effusion and 5.34% for retracted tympanic membrane. The prevalence rates of otitis media in different age groups were as follows: 11.3% for 3-year-olds, 12.4% for 4-year-olds, 11.8% for 5-year-olds, and 6.1% for 6-year-olds. Considering the genetic factors and the previous history of otitis media, there was a significant difference between the normal group and the sick group.

No association of the TGF-beta1 gene polymorphisms with the renal progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients

BACKGROUND

Two genetic loci, PKD I and PKD2, have been identified as being responsible for ADPKD, and PKD1 is known to be associated with a poor prognosis. However, the presence of an intrafamilial study clinical diversity suggests that there are disease-modifying loci. Because the mechanism ofthe renal failure in ADPKD includes a cystic growth and tubulointerstitial atrophy and fibrosis, we studied the associations between 2 polymorphisms in the TGF-beta1 gene, which are known to be associated with chronic tubulointerstitial inflammation, and ADPKD progression in Korean patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five individuals who had ADPKD and 47 normal control subjects were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, the T869C (Leu10Pro) variant of TGF-beta gene leader sequence was discriminated with MspA1I and the G915C (Arg25Pro) variants with Bg1I. Statistical significances were determined using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The distribution of the alleles for the TGF beta1 Leu10Pro polymorphism in ADPKD was: T 54%, C 46%, which was similar to the Korean (56: 44, p = 0.887) and Western controls (65: 35). In addition, no differences were found between the ESRD and the non-ESRD groups (p = 0.888) or the early hypertension and the normotension groups (p = 0.249). The distribution of alleles for the TGF beta1 Arg25Pro polymorphism showed only the GG type which was different from the Western population controls (G:C = 90:10, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the polymorphism at Arg25Pro of TGF-beta1 in the Korean population has an allele distribution different from that ofthe Western population and that the polymorphism at Leu10Pro of TGF-beta1 has no association with the renal progression in Korean ADPKD patients.

Three novel mutations of the PKD1 gene in Korean patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Mutations at the PKD1 locus account for 85% of cases of the common genetic disorder called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Screening for mutations of the PKD1 gene is complicated by the genomic structure of the 5'-duplicated region encoding 75% of the gene. To date, more than 90 mutations of the PKD1 gene have been reported in the European and American populations, and relatively little information is available concerning the pattern of mutations present in the Asian populations. We looked for mutations of the PKD1 gene in 51 unrelated Korean ADPKD patients, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primer pairs located in the 3' single-copy region of the PKD1 gene and by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. We found three novel mutations, a G to A substitution at nucleotide 11012 (G3601S), a C to A substitution at nucleotide 11312 (Q3701X), and a C to T substitution at nucleotide 12971 (P4254S), and a single polymorphism involving a G to C substitution at nucleotide 11470 (L3753L). These mutations were not found in control individuals, and no other mutations in the 3' single-copy region of the PKD1 gene of patients with these mutations were observed. In particular, P4254S segregated with the disease phenotype. The clinical data of affected individuals from this study, and of previously reported Korean PKD1 mutations, showed that patients with frameshift or nonsense mutations were more prone to develop end-stage renal failure than those with missense mutations. Our findings indicate that many different PKD1 mutations are likely to be responsible for ADPKD in the Korean population, as in the Western population.

An Epstein-Barr virus isolated from a lymphoblastoid cell line has a 16-kilobase-pair deletion which includes gp350 and the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3A

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with human cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric carcinoma and, somewhat controversially, breast carcinoma. EBV infects and efficiently transforms human primary B lymphocytes in vitro. A number of EBV-encoded genes are critical for EBV-mediated transformation of human B lymphocytes. In this study we show that an EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell line obtained from the spontaneous outgrowth of B cells from a leukemia patient contains a deletion, which involves a region of approximately 16 kbp. This deletion encodes major EBV genes involved in both infection and transformation of human primary B lymphocytes and includes the glycoprotein gp350, the entire open reading frame of EBNA3A, and the amino-terminal region of EBNA3B. A fusion protein created by this deletion, which lies between the BMRF1 early antigen and the EBNA3B latent antigen, is truncated immediately downstream of the junction 21 amino acids into the region of the EBNA3B sequence, which is out of frame with respect to the EBNA3B protein sequence, and indicates that EBNA3B is not expressed. The fusion is from EBV coordinate 80299 within the BMRF1 sequence to coordinate 90998 in the EBNA3B sequence. Additionally, we have shown that there is no detectable induction in viral replication observed when SNU-265 is treated with phorbol esters, and no transformants were detected when supernatant is used to infect primary B lymphocytes after 8 weeks in culture. Therefore, we have identified an EBV genome with a major deletion in critical genes involved in mediating EBV infection and the transformation of human primary B lymphocytes that is incompetent for replication of this naturally occurring EBV isolate.

Genetic heterogeneity in Korean families with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): the first Asian report

BACKGROUND

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disease in adults, and the prevalence of this disease within the chronic haemodialysis patient population is known to be approximately 2% in Korea. So far, three genetic locus have been identified as being responsible for ADPKD, and approximately 85% of the cases in Western countries are related to the PKD1 gene. However, little information is available concerning the pattern of linkage analysis in Asian populations.

METHODS

48 families with hereditary renal cysts were recruited by consent and their molecular genetic characteristics were studied. Linkage analysis was done with microsatellite markers (PKD1: SM7, UT581, AC2.5, KG8, D16S418; PKD2: D4S423, D4S1534, D4S1542, D4S1544, D4S2460). Genomic DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) gel run were performed, and the resultant allele patterns were compared with sonographic findings.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that the ratio PKD1:PKD2 was 31:8, and that the PKD2 families exhibited a tendency toward a milder renal prognosis than the PKD1 families.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed the applicability of linkage analysis for ADPKD in the Korean population, and our data confirmed a similar incidence of PKD1 (79%) and PKD2 (21%) in Korean patients as in the Western population.

Outcome and management of patients with large rectoanal intussusception

OBJECTIVES

Rectoanal intussusception is the funnel-shaped infolding of the rectum, which occurs during evacuation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk of full thickness rectal prolapse during follow-up of patients with large rectoanal intussusception, and whether therapy improved functional outcome.

METHODS

Between September 1988 and July 1997, patients diagnosed with a large rectoanal intussusception by cinedefecography (intussusception > or = 10 mm, extending into the anal canal) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with full thickness rectal prolapse on physical examination or cinedefecography were excluded, as were patients with colonic inertia or a history of surgery for rectal prolapse. The patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment received: group I, conservative dietary therapy; group II, biofeedback; and group III, surgery. Outcomes were obtained by postal questionnaires or telephone interviews. Parameters included age, gender, past medical and surgical history, change of bowel habits, fecal incontinence score, and development of full thickness rectal prolapse.

RESULTS

Of the 63 patients, 18 were excluded (seven patients had confirmed full thickness rectal prolapse, four had previous surgery for rectal prolapse, three had colonic inertia, and four died). Follow-up data were obtained in 36 (80%) of the remaining 45 patients. The mean follow-up of this group was 45 months (range, 12-118 months). There were 34 women and two men, with a mean age of 72.4 yr (range, 37-91 yr). The mean size of the intussusception was 2.2 cm (range, 1.0-5.0 cm). The patients were classified as follows: group I, 13 patients (36.1%); group II, 13 patients (36.1%); and group III, 10 patients (27.8%). Subjectively, symptoms improved in five (38.5%), four (30.8%), and six (60.0%) patients in the three groups (p > 0.05). Among the patients with constipation, the decrease in numbers of assisted bowel movements per week (time of diagnosis to present) was significantly greater in group II compared to group 1 (8.1+/-2.8 vs 0.8+/-0.5, respectively, p = 0.004). Among the patients with incontinence, incontinence scores improved more in group II as compared to either group I or group III (time of diagnosis to present, 3.7+/-4.2 to 1.1+/-5.4 vs 1.4+/-2.2, respectively, p > 0.05). Six patients (two in group I, three in group II, and one in group III) had the sensation of rectal prolapse on evacuation; however, only one patient in group I developed full thickness rectal prolapse.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the risk of full thickness rectal prolapse developing in patients medically treated for large intussusception is very small (1/26, 3.8%). Moreover, biofeedback is beneficial to improve the symptoms of both constipation and incontinence in these patients. Therefore, biofeedback should be considered as the initial therapy of choice for large rectoanal intussusception.

Reproducibility of colonic transit study in patients with chronic constipation

PURPOSE

Major therapeutic decisions are rendered based on a single colonic transit study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of colonic transit time in patients with chronic constipation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients with chronic idiopathic constipation were randomly selected to undergo two separate colonic transit tests. All clinical conditions, methodology, and patients' instructions were identical on both occasions. The gamma rate (linear correlation analysis) was undertaken between the first and second colonic transit times. Groups were divided according to the diagnoses of colonic inertia (slow-transit constipation), paradoxical puborectalis contraction, and chronic idiopathic constipation (normal-transit constipation).

RESULTS

In 35 of 51 patients (69 percent), the results were identical between the two studies; however, in 16 patients (31 percent), the results were disparate (gamma correlation coefficient = 0.53; P < 0.01). The specific correlation coefficients for patients with colonic inertia, paradoxical puborectalis contraction, and chronic idiopathic constipation were 0.12, 0.21, and 0.60 (P < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, the success rate of colectomy for colonic inertia was significantly higher in patients who underwent a repeat transit study confirming inertia than in patients who underwent colectomy based on a single study.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, colonic transit time is reproducible in patients with chronic constipation. The correlation coefficient is best for patients with idiopathic constipation and worst for patients with colonic inertia. This new finding suggests that suboptimal surgical outcome may be attributable to inaccurate diagnosis. Because of this poor correlation coefficient, in patients with colonic inertia, consideration should be given to repeating the colonic transit study before colectomy to help secure the diagnosis and improve outcome.

Lip lead as an alternative measure for lead exposure assessment of lead battery assembly workers

This study investigated lead exposures of lead battery assembly workers in Taiwan. A special attempt was made to evaluate the use of lip lead as an alternative index for occupational lead exposure. Ninety-six of 113 workers from a lead battery plant were recruited as study subjects. Air lead; lead loadings on workers' sleeves, gloves, hands, cheeks, and lips; and blood lead were determined for exposure assessment. A questionnaire also was administered to collect information on work history, suspected exogenous lead sources, and personal behavior and activities. Geometric means of total air lead at different subareas ranged from 0.070 (2.5 geometric standard deviation [GSD]) to 0.159 (1.8 GSD) mg/m3. Geometric means of respirable air lead level for different subgroups of workers varied from 0.009 (2.0 GSD) to 0.032 (1.9 GSD) mg/m3, whereas those of the blood lead level ranged from 22.4 (1.3 GSD) to 44.5 (1.3 GSD) microg/dL. The heaviest lead loadings were found for plate-processing workers (e.g., 66.4 [1.5 GSD] on gloves, 0.80 [3.7 GSD] on cheeks, and 0.79 [3.2 GSD] microg/cm2) on bare-hands after washing. Blood lead level was significantly correlated with lead levels in air, lead loadings on lips, and bare hands after washing (r=0.24-0.30). Results of multiple regression analysis showed that only lip lead had a significant effect on the blood lead, whereas respirable air lead and personal behavior had only mild effects in this model. It was concluded that lip lead level may be used as an alternative index of lead exposure to facilitate the estimation of lead uptake through ingestion.

Functional outcomes in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis by the double stapling technique: is there a relation to tissue type?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate any differences in functional outcome in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with use of the double stapling technique relative to the type of tissue in the stapled doughnut.

METHODS

Between September 1988 and June 1997, the pathology of all patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with use of the double stapling technique were reviewed. Information was obtained regarding the tissue types in the distal tissue rings (doughnuts) obtained from the stapled ileal pouchanal anastomosis. The level of anastomosis was classified according to the type of tissue in the distal doughnut: Group I- patients in whom the anal transitional zone was removed and the distal doughnut included squamous epithelium or transitional epithelium and Group II- patients in whom the anal transitional zone was preserved because the distal doughnut revealed only columnar epithelium. Functional outcomes were assessed and compared by detailed questionnaires mailed to all patients at least one year after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery.

RESULTS

Distal doughnuts were obtained from the stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 222 patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis. Follow-up data at a mean of 38 (range, 12-132) months were obtained in 138 (62.2 percent) patients, including 72 males, with a mean age of 46.9 (range, 13-79) years. Group I consisted of 40 patients (29 percent; 35 (25.4 percent) who had squamous epithelium and 5 (3.6 percent) who had transitional epithelium in the distal tissue rings). Group II consisted of 98 patients (71 percent) with columnar epithelium in the distal tissue rings. Age at diagnosis and operation, duration of disease, length of follow-up, and stage of pouch surgery were similar in the two groups. Incontinence scores, frequency of bowel movement, use of a protective pad, discrimination between gas and stool, use of antidiarrheals, life-style alteration, and patient satisfaction showed similar functional results between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The tissue type in the stapler distal doughnut did not greatly influence functional outcome. Failure to identify a relationship may attest to the variable height and composition of the anal transitional zone.

Desorption behavior of sorbed flavor compounds from packaging films with ethanol solution

Desorption behavior of sorbed flavor compounds such as ethyl esters, n-aldehydes, and n-alcohols from LDPE and PET films was investigated in 0 to 100% (v/v) ethanol solutions at 20 degrees C, 50 degrees C, and 60 degrees C. In both films, the desorption apparently increased with increasing ethanol concentration and treatment temperature, depending on the compatibility of the flavor compound with the solvent. Namely, the partition coefficient of ethyl esters, n-aldehydes, and n-alcohols in the LDPE film turned out to be approximately zero at >/=60%, >/=80%, and >/=40% (v/v) ethanol, respectively (for PET film, >/=80%, >/=80%, and >/=40% (v/v) ethanol concentrations were required for complete desorption, respectively). As for physical properties (heat of fusion, melting point, and tensile strength and elongation at break) of LDPE and PET films, there were no significant differences between intact film and the treated film with 60% (v/v) ethanol for 30 min at 60 degrees C. These results suggest that it is possible to apply a desorption solvent such as ethanol solution for desorption of sorbed flavor compounds from packaging films with no physical change in the film properties by this desorption treatment.

Monitoring of low level arsenic exposure during maintenance of ion implanters

To delineate potential exposure in ion implanter maintenance, the authors recruited 21 maintenance engineers (exposed group) and 10 computer programmers (controls) at three semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Samples of air, wipes, and urine; used cleaning cloths; and used gloves were collected for the characterization of arsenic exposure. Arsenic levels were very low in environmental samples, but high arsenic levels were found in some wipe samples, used cleaning cloths, and gloves. The average baseline content of urinary arsenic measured for maintenance engineers was 3.6 microg/g creatinine. Maintenance engineers experienced an increase of 1.0-7.8 microg/g creatinine in urinary arsenic levels during ion implanter maintenance. Results of a mixed-model analysis indicated that urinary arsenic levels were associated significantly with time series (p = .0001), and the extent of association was different among the three facilities (p = .0226). The results of this study indicate that arsenic intake via ingestion, rather than through inhalation, might play a significant role in the elevation of urinary arsenic levels. However, a series of urine samples with self-reference continue to be a good approach for the monitoring of low-level arsenic exposure.

Clinical status of laparoscopic bowel surgery for GI malignancy

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is being utilized increasingly for benign diseases. Recent published series have proven that morbidity and mortality from laparoscopic procedures are superior to those seen after traditional open procedures. However, although the technical feasibility of laparoscopic bowel resections has been confirmed, the oncologic advisability has not. The procedures are not yet standards of care, due to port site recurrences, inadequate lymph node harvest, inadequate resection margins, and level of ligation. At present, laparoscopic bowel resection for cure of malignancy does not confer significant benefits when compared to laparotomy and, indeed, has been associated with some serious problems. Long-term critical evaluation of large numbers of patients in prospective, randomized trials is needed to define any merits of laparoscopy. Until such data become available, laparoscopy for attempted cure of colorectal malignancy should be performed only within the context of peer-reviewed, externally monitored, prospective, randomized trials. However, these techniques are perfectly appropriate for palliation of metastatic disease.

Experimental studies of the liquid-glass transition in trimethylheptane

The molecular glass former trimethylheptane was studied by calorimetric, dielectric, ultrasonic, neutron scattering, Brillouin scattering, and depolarized light-scattering techniques. The molecular structure appears to be nearly spherical optically as indicated by the low depolarization ratio and dielectric susceptibility values. A preliminary mode-coupling theory (MCT) analysis of the light-scattering and neutron-scattering data indicates that T(C) greater, similar150 K, at least 25 K above T(G). The susceptibility minima were analyzed with the MCT interpolation equation, and disagreement between the light and neutron results was observed despite the apparent isotropy of the molecules.

Chinese herbal medicine, sibship, and blood lead in children

OBJECTIVES

Risk factors for increased blood lead concentration (BPb) has been investigated. However, the effect of sibship and Chinese herbal medicine on BPb has not been systematically studied. In this study BPb data from voluntary testing was used to determine if Chinese herbal medicine and sibship were associated with BPb.

METHODS

319 children aged 1-7 were tested for BPb. Meanwhile, parents were interviewed to obtain information including consumption of Chinese herbal medicine, living environment, lifestyle, and sibship of the children tested.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) BPb of 319 preschool children was 4.4 (2.4) micrograms/dl. The consumption of Ba-baw-san (a Chinese herbal medicine) was significantly associated with increased BPb in children (p = 0.038). Further multivariate regression analysis of BPb in 50 pairs of siblings showed the factors of being brothers explained 75% of variation for BPb, and being sisters and brother-sister explained 51% and 41% of variation respectively.

CONCLUSION

Chinese herbal medicine and children's play patterns within the family expressed in different types of sibship are the main determinants of low concentrations of BPb in preschool children of Taiwan.

Occupational and environmental lead poisoning: case study of a battery recycling smelter in Taiwan

The rapid industrialization in Taiwan has caused both prosperity and environmental pollution. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a case of both occupational and environmental lead poisoning. A patient of lead poisoning initiated a survey of the battery recycling factory, which revealed that 31 of 64 workers suffered from lead poisoning. Children who attended a nearby kindergarten showed a significant increase of blood lead up to 15-25 micrograms/dl and a mild but significant decrease of IQ (intelligent quotient, by Binet-Simon scale) if compared with children of a nonexposed but socioeconomically comparable kindergarten. Outdoor workers of the nearby forging factory also showed a significant increase of blood lead if compared with indoor workers or workers of another nonexposed forging factory 20 Km away. Air sampling showed an average of more than 10 micrograms/m3 in the kindergarten. Soil sampling and analysis also revealed 400 folds increase of lead content, which decreased if the sample was taken deep down to 15-30 cm or 350 meters away from the battery recycling smelter. Moreover, after children were moved away from the pollution source, follow-up examination performed 2.5 years later showed a significant decrease of blood lead and partial recovery of IQ among them.

Urinary arsenic excretion as a biomarker of arsenic exposure in children

Urinary arsenic concentration has been used generally for the determination of exposure, but much concern has been raised over the most appropriate expression for urinary arsenic levels. In this study, we examined the influence of various adjustments of expressing urinary arsenic data. All children who were less than 72 mo of age and who were potty trained were invited to participate in the present study. Urine, soil, and dust samples were collected, and arsenic measurements were made. The geometric mean of speciated urinary arsenic among children who provided first-voided urine samples on 2 consecutive mornings was 8.6 microg/l (geometric standard deviation = 1.7, n = 289). Speciated urinary arsenic was related significantly to soil arsenic in bare areas (p < .0005). Use of a single urine sample versus the average of two first-voided urine samples collected on 2 consecutive mornings did not significantly alter the relationship between environmental arsenic and urinary arsenic levels. Furthermore, none of the adjustments to urinary concentration improved the strength of correlation between urinary arsenic and soil arsenic levels. Concentration adjustments may not be necessary for urinary arsenic levels obtained from young children who provide first-void samples in the morning.

Environmental arsenic exposure of children around a former copper smelter site

Arsenic residues in the communities surrounding former smelters remain a public health concern, especially for infants and children. To evaluate environmental exposure among these children, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the vicinity of a former copper smelter in Anaconda, Montana. A total of 414 children less than 72 months old were recruited. First morning voided urine samples and environmental samples were collected for arsenic measurements. The geometric mean of speciated urinary arsenic was 8.6 microg/liter (GSD = 1.7, N = 289). Average arsenic levels of different types of soil ranged from 121 to 236 microg/g and were significantly related to proximity and wind direction to the smelter site. The same significant relationship was observed for interior dust arsenic. Speciated urinary arsenic was found to be significantly related to soil arsenic in bare areas in residential yards (P < 0.0005). In general, elevated excretion of arsenic was demonstrable and warranted parents' attention to reduce exposure of their children to environmental arsenic.

Pollen of a male-sterile mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana isolated from a T-DNA insertion pool is not effectively released from the anther locule

We have isolated a male-sterile mutant from a pool of T-DNA insertional lines of Arabidopsis thaliana generated by an in planta transformation procedure [Chang et al. (1994) Plant J. 5: 551]. Pollen in this mutant is not effectively released from anther locules after cleavage of the stomium. Most mutant pollen grains are round, in contrast to the tricolpate wild-type pollen, and some pollen grains show an abnormal surface structure. Manually released mutant pollen grains are not fertile and show defects in pollen tube germination in vitro. Genetic analysis disclosed that this lesion is due to a single recessive nuclear mutation located on chromosome 3 closely linked to the gll locus. The mutation locus is tightly linked to the inserted T-DNA.

Evaluation of counting error due to colony masking in bioaerosol sampling

Colony counting error due to indistinguishable colony overlap (i.e., masking) was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model to predict colony masking was used to determine colony counting efficiency by Monte Carlo computer simulation of microorganism collection and development into CFU. The computer simulation was verified experimentally by collecting aerosolized Bacillus subtilis spores and examining micro- and macroscopic colonies. Colony counting efficiency decreased (i) with increasing density of collected culturable microorganisms, (ii) with increasing colony size, and (iii) with decreasing ability of an observation system to distinguish adjacent colonies as separate units. Counting efficiency for 2-mm colonies, at optimal resolution, decreased from 98 to 85% when colony density increased from 1 to 10 microorganisms cm-2, in contrast to an efficiency decrease from 90 to 45% for 5-mm colonies. No statistically significant difference (alpha = 0.05) between experimental and theoretical results was found when colony shape was used to estimate the number of individual colonies in a CFU. Experimental colony counts were 1.2 times simulation estimates when colony shape was not considered, because of nonuniformity of actual colony size and the better discrimination ability of the human eye relative to the model. Colony surface densities associated with high counting accuracy were compared with recommended upper plate count limits and found to depend on colony size and an observation system's ability to identify overlapped colonies. Correction factors were developed to estimate the actual number of collected microorganisms from observed colony counts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of extracellular calcium depletion on the two-step ANP secretion in perfused rabbit atria

Employing isolated perfused rabbit atrial model we have found that stretch-activated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion takes place in two steps: release of ANP from myocytes into surrounding intercellular space, and then translocation of the released ANP into atrial lumen along with the extracellular fluid (ECF) translocated upon releasing the stretch. Ca2+, one of the most important factors regulating secretory processes, has been reported by many workers to have influence on the ANP secretion, but at large variance. In the present study, therefore, we undertook to clarify the influence of Ca2+ depletion on ANP secretion and further to define which of the two steps is affected by Ca2+ removal. Extracellular Ca2+ depletion resulted in increased basal secretion and in accentuated secretion of immunoreactive (ir) ANP in response to mechanical stimuli. The translocation of ECF increased in response to atrial stretch-and-release, but it was not affected by Ca2+ depletion. The irANP concentration in the extracellular space calculated as the amount of irANP secreted in relation to the ECF translocated significantly increased when extracellular Ca2+ was depleted. These results indicate that extracellular Ca2+ depletion accentuates the stretch-induced ANP secretion through the augmentation of ANP release into the interstitium without changes in the ECF translocation.

Identification of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide in the gallbladder and bile juice of rabbit, pig and human

The presence of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (irANP) in rabbit, pig and human gallbladders was investigated using radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. Serial dilution curves of gallbladder tissue and bile juice extracts were paralleled to the standard curve of atriopeptin III. Gel filtration profiles of gallbladder tissue extracts showed a major peak corresponding to rat pro-ANP. The amounts of irANP in rabbit, pig and human gallbladders were 30.0 +/- 12.3 pg/mg (n = 7), 7.0 +/- 2.0 fg/mg (n = 7) and 17.7 +/- 2.0 fg/mg wet tissue (n = 8), respectively. Bile juice was also shown to contain irANP but with small molecular mass. The amounts of irANP in the rabbit, pig and human bile juice were 25.0 +/- 2.0 (n = 7) and 0.50 +/- 0.02 (n = 7), and 1.3 +/- 0.1 pg/ml (n = 8), respectively. The immunohistochemical staining of the rabbit gallbladder tissue revealed the presence of irANP in the luminal epithelium and smooth muscle layer. The amount of irANP was higher in the luminal epithelium than in the rest of the gallbladder tissue from rabbits (0.30 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.01 +/- 0.01 pg/microgram protein, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that ANP may be synthesized and stored in the gallbladder, and may have a role in the regulation of fluid balance and cystic motility.

Extracellular fluid translocation in perfused rabbit atria: implication in control of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion

1. Transmural transport of 22Na+, 51Cr-EDTA, [3H]inulin and [14C]Dextran (57 kDa) was measured in perfused rabbit atria. The radiolabelled extracellular space (ECS) markers and [14C]Dextran were introduced into the pericardial space or atrial lumen. Atrial volume changes were induced by steps up and down in atrial pressure. 2. Basal rates of transmural transport of radiolabelled ECS markers across the atrial wall were relatively stable up to 70 min. Atrial stretch and release resulted in a rapid but transient, and reversible increase in the ECS fluid (ECF) translocation. The increased translocation of the ECF into the atrial lumen occurred within 15 s of the reduction of atrial distension and returned to the baseline level within 60 s. 3. Transmural transport of [3H]inulin across the atrial wall was bidirectional. 4. The clearance of radiolabelled ECS markers was molecular-size dependent. The transmural clearance of [3H]inulin was dependent on the distension-reduction volume changes induced by atrial stretch and release. Little transport of [14C]Dextran across the atrial wall was observed. 5. The ECF translocation across the atrial wall was not influenced by changes in external Ca2+ but was suppressed by low temperature. 6. Dynamic changes in the ECS of the atrium were observed in response to atrial distension and reduction. The ECS of the atrium increased on distension and decreased on reduction of atrial distension. 7. Reduction in atrial distension resulted in an increase in the secretion of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) which coincided with an increase in the translocation of the ECF. The secretion of immunoreactive ANP was a function of the translocation of the ECF. 8. It is suggested that atrial stretch and release may play a role in driving fluid flow within the interstitium and fluid translocation out of the interstitium. This fluid movement presumably leads to convective transport of released ANP into the atrial lumen.

Synthesis of 2-deoxy-D-galactose containing gangliosides in vivo

Incorporation of 2-deoxy-D-galactose into the oligosaccharide moieties of different gangliosides of rat liver was examined. After intraperitoneal administration of 2-deoxy-D-galactose it was shown by GLC/MS analysis that this hexose analogue is metabolized and incorporated into all the gangliosides investigated, and predominantly into GM3 and GD3. In both of these gangliosides, 25-55% of the galactose residues were substituted by 2-deoxy-D-galactose. The epimer, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, was not detectable.