Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3 is effective at relieving intestinal inflammation by augmenting goblet cell regeneration

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Bifidobacterium breve was the first bacteria isolated in the feces of healthy infants and is a dominant species in the guts of breast-fed infants. Some strains of B. breve have been shown to be effective at relieving intestinal inflammation, but the modes of action have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of B. breve CBT BR3 isolated from South Korean infant feces in relieving colitis in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, in vitro FITC-dextran flux permeability assay, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) luciferase assay are performed using Caco-2 cells and HT29-Lucia™ AhR cells.

RESULTS

B. breve CBT BR3 was orally administered. B. breve CBT BR3 improved colitis symptoms in both DSS- and DNBS-induced colitis models. B. breve CBT BR3 increased the number of goblet cells per crypt. B. breve increased the mRNA expressions of Notch, Spdef, Muc5, and Il22. The mRNA expressions of Occludin, which encodes a membrane tight-junction protein, and Foxo3, which encodes a protein related to butyrate metabolism, were also increased in the DSS- and DNBS-induced colitis models. B. breve CBT BR3 protected inflammation-induced epithelial cell permeability and improved goblet cell function by inducing aryl hydrocarbon receptor in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that B. breve CBT BR3 is effective at relieving intestinal inflammation by augmenting goblet cell regeneration.

Overcoming the coupled climate and biodiversity crises and their societal impacts

Earth's biodiversity and human societies face pollution, overconsumption of natural resources, urbanization, demographic shifts, social and economic inequalities, and habitat loss, many of which are exacerbated by climate change. Here, we review links among climate, biodiversity, and society and develop a roadmap toward sustainability. These include limiting warming to 1.5°C and effectively conserving and restoring functional ecosystems on 30 to 50% of land, freshwater, and ocean "scapes." We envision a mosaic of interconnected protected and shared spaces, including intensively used spaces, to strengthen self-sustaining biodiversity, the capacity of people and nature to adapt to and mitigate climate change, and nature's contributions to people. Fostering interlinked human, ecosystem, and planetary health for a livable future urgently requires bold implementation of transformative policy interventions through interconnected institutions, governance, and social systems from local to global levels.

Unconventional supercurrent phase in Ising superconductor Josephson junction with atomically thin magnetic insulator

In two-dimensional (2D) NbSe₂ crystal, which lacks inversion symmetry, strong spin-orbit coupling aligns the spins of Cooper pairs to the orbital valleys, forming Ising Cooper pairs (ICPs). The unusual spin texture of ICPs can be further modulated by introducing magnetic exchange. Here, we report unconventional supercurrent phase in van der Waals heterostructure Josephson junctions (JJs) that couples NbSe₂ ICPs across an atomically thin magnetic insulator (MI) Cr₂Ge₂Te₆. By constructing a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), we measure the phase of the transferred Cooper pairs in the MI JJ. We demonstrate a doubly degenerate nontrivial JJ phase (ϕ), formed by momentum-conserving tunneling of ICPs across magnetic domains in the barrier. The doubly degenerate ground states in MI JJs provide a two-level quantum system that can be utilized as a new dissipationless component for superconducting quantum devices. Our work boosts the study of various superconducting states with spin-orbit coupling, opening up an avenue to designing new superconducting phase-controlled quantum electronic devices.

Van der Waals structures provide a new platform to explore novel physics of superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces. Here, NbSe₂ Josephson junction with Cr₂Ge₂Te₆ enables non-trivial Josephson phase by spin-dependent interaction, boosting the study of superconducting states with spin-orbit coupling and phase-controlled quantum electronic device.

S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and gingival crevicular fluid for screening established periodontitis: a cross-sectional study

Background

Periodontitis is one of major oral diseases, which has no consensus on early screening tool. This study aimed to compare the association and screening ability of S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for periodontitis status.

Methods

We recruited 149 community Korean adults, 50 no or initial periodontitis (NIPERIO) and 99 established periodontitis (PERIO). Using clinical attachment loss and a panoramic radiograph, stage II–IV of new classification of periodontitis proposed at 2018 was considered cases as PERIO. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to quantify S100A8 and S100A9. T-test, analysis of covariance, Mann–Whitney test and correlation analysis were applied to compare the relationship of S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood, and GCF for periodontitis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied for screening ability.

Results

Among S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and GCF, S100A8 in saliva was significantly higher in PERIO than in NIPERIO (p < 0.05). However, S100A8 and S100A9 in GCF were higher in NIPERIO (p < 0.05). The screening ability of salivary S100A8 was 75% for PERIO, while that of GCF S100A8 was 74% for NIPERIO. Salivary S100A8 was positively correlated to blood S100A8 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Salivary S100A8 could be a potential diagnostic marker for established periodontitis and be useful for screening established periodontitis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01749-z.

Diagnostic and prognostic ability of salivary MMP-9 for oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pre-/post-surgery case and matched control study

Over 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Hitherto, early detection marker for OSCC has not been available. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic ability of salivary matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) for OSCC. Total of 318 participants with 106 cases and 212 controls were included: OSCC cases were from Seoul National University Dental Hospital and age, sex, and smoking matched controls were from Yangpyeong cohort. Unstimulated saliva was collected to determine MMP-9 and 8-OHdG using sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariable linear regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were applied to evaluate the adjusted association of markers with OSCC. Wilcoxon sign rank sum test and Friedman test for median were applied to evaluate follow-up level of MMP-9 after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained for diagnostic ability. Salivary MMP-9 was associated with OSCC (ANCOVA and multivariable linear regression, p<0.05), while 8-OHdG was not. The diagnostic ability of MMP-9 was area under curve of 0.96 (100% specificity and 89.6% sensitivity, p<0.001). MMP-9 decreased dramatically after tumor surgery (p<0.05). Salivary MMP-9 could be a critical diagnostic and prognostic marker for OSCC.

Maximal strength and endurance scores of the tongue, lip, and cheek in healthy, normal Koreans

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for healthy Korean adults by measuring the maximal strength and endurance scores of the tongue, lip, and cheek, and to examine correlations between these measurements.

Materials and Methods

This study included 120 subjects that were divided into three groups according to age: young (20-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older (over 60 years); and by gender. Measurements were taken using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI).

Results

The mean maximal tongue strengths were as follows: young men (46.7±10.2 kPa) and women (32.1±7.9 kPa), middle-aged men (40.9±9.3 kPa) and women (36.9±8.6 kPa), and older men (35.2±9.0 kPa) and women (34.5±6.9 kPa). The mean tongue endurance scores were: young men (28.8±12.6 seconds) and women (20.8±13.5 seconds), middle-aged men (17.0±8.5 seconds) and women (15.3±5.2 seconds), and older men (15.8±6.7 seconds) and women (17.9±8.1 seconds). The mean maximal lip strengths were: young men (11.6±3.0 kPa) and women (11.4±3.8 kPa), middle-aged men (11.4±4.2 kPa) and women (11.1±5.1 kPa), and older men (14.5±3.9 kPa) and women (11.7±2.6 kPa). The mean lip endurance scores were: young men (41.1±23.9 seconds) and women (22.4±21.7 seconds), middle-aged men (24.3±10.3 seconds) and women (30.5±13.4 seconds), and older men (24.9±11.0 seconds) and women (12.8±7.6 seconds). The mean maximal cheek strengths were: young men (24.5±4.6 kPa) and women (20.5±4.3 kPa), middle-aged men (25.2±6.4 kPa) and women (21.2±5.5 kPa), and older men (22.4±5.3 kPa) and women (18.0±4.8 kPa). The mean cheek endurance scores were: young men (47.8±24.4 seconds) and women (43.9±25.0 seconds), middle-aged men (27.3±11.3 seconds) and women (20.0±14.6 seconds), and older men (21.7±14.5 seconds) and women (17.2±11.4 seconds).

Conclusion

The data collected in this study will provide an important database of standardized measurements for maximal strength and endurance scores of the tongue, lip and cheek in healthy, normal Koreans.

Progressive accumulation of autofluorescent granules in macrophages in rat striatum after systemic 3-nitropropionic acid: a correlative light- and electron-microscopic study

A variety of tissue biomolecules and intracellular structures are known to be autofluorescent. However, autofluorescent signals in brain tissues often confound analysis of the fluorescent markers used for immunohistochemistry. While investigating tissue and cellular pathologies induced by 3-nitropropionic acid, a mitochondrial toxin selective for striatal neurons, we encountered many autofluorescent signals confined to the lesion core. These structures were excited by blue (wavelength = 488 nm) and yellow-orange (555 nm), but not by red (639 nm) or violet (405 nm) lasers, indicating that this autofluorescence overlaps with the emission spectra of commonly used fluorophores. Almost all of the autofluorescence was localized in activated microglia/macrophages, while reactive astrocytes emitted no detectable autofluorescence. Amoeboid brain macrophages filled with autofluorescent granules revealed very weak expression of the microglial marker, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), while activated microglia with evident processes and intense Iba1 immunoreactivity contained scant autofluorescent granules. In addition, immunolabeling with two lysosomal markers, ED1/CD68 and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1, showed a pattern complementary with autofluorescent signals in activated microglia/macrophages, implying that the autofluorescent structures reside within cytoplasm free of intact lysosomes. A correlative light- and electron-microscopic approach finally revealed the ultrastructural identity of the fluorescent granules, most of which matched to clusters of lipofuscin-like inclusions with varying morphology. Thus, autofluorescence in the damaged brain may reflect the presence of lipofuscin-laden brain macrophages, which should be taken into account when verifying any fluorescent signals that are likely to be correlated with activated microglia/macrophages after brain insults.

Spatiotemporal expression of osteopontin in the striatum of rats subjected to the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid correlates with microcalcification

Our aim was to elucidate whether osteopontin (OPN) is involved in the onset of mineralisation and progression of extracellular calcification in striatal lesions due to mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid exposure. OPN expression had two different patterns when observed using light microscopy. It was either localised to the Golgi complex in brain macrophages or had a small granular pattern scattered in the affected striatum. OPN labelling tended to increase in number and size over a 2-week period following the lesion. Ultrastructural investigations revealed that OPN is initially localised to degenerating mitochondria within distal dendrites, which were then progressively surrounded by profuse OPN on days 7–14. Electron probe microanalysis of OPN-positive and calcium-fixated neurites indicated that OPN accumulates selectively on the surfaces of degenerating calcifying dendrites, possibly via interactions between OPN and calcium. In addition, 3-dimensional reconstruction of OPN-positive neurites revealed that they are in direct contact with larger OPN-negative degenerating dendrites rather than with fragmented cell debris. Our overall results indicate that OPN expression is likely to correlate with the spatiotemporal progression of calcification in the affected striatum, and raise the possibility that OPN may play an important role in the initiation and progression of microcalcification in response to brain insults.

Increased Expression of Slit2 and its Robo Receptors During Astroglial Scar Formation After Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Slit2, a secreted glycoprotein, has recently been implicated in the post-ischemic astroglial reaction. The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal changes and cellular localization of Slit2 and its receptors, Robo1, Robo2, and Robo4, in a rat transient focal ischemia model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. We used double- and triple-immunolabeling to determine the cell-specific changes in Slit2 and its receptors during a 10-week post-ischemia period. The expression profiles of Slit2 and the Robo receptors shared overlapping expression patterns in sham-operated and ischemic striatum. Constitutive expression of Slit2 and Robo receptors was observed in striatal neurons with weak intensity, whereas in rats reperfused after ischemic insults, these immunoreactivities were increased in reactive astrocytes. Astroglial induction of Slit2 and Robo in the peri-infarct region was distinct on days 7-14 after reperfusion and thereafter increased progressively throughout the 10-week experimental period. Slit2 and Robo were prominently expressed in the perinuclear cytoplasm and main processes of reactive astrocytes forming the astroglial scar. This observation was confirmed by quantification of the mean fluorescence intensity of Slit2 and Robo receptors over reactive astrocytes localized at the edge of the infarct area. However, activated microglia/macrophages in the peri-infarct area were devoid of any specific labeling for Slit2 and Robo. Thus, our data revealed a selective and sustained induction of Slit2 and Robo in astrocytes localized throughout the astroglial scar after ischemic stroke, suggesting that Slit2/Robo signaling participates in glial scar formation and brain remodeling following ischemic injury.

Spatiotemporal Progression of Microcalcification in the Hippocampal CA1 Region following Transient Forebrain Ischemia in Rats: An Ultrastructural Study

Calcification in areas of neuronal degeneration is a common finding in several neuropathological disorders including ischemic insults. Here, we performed a detailed examination of the onset and spatiotemporal profile of calcification in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, where neuronal death has been observed after transient forebrain ischemia. Histopathological examinations showed very little alizarin red staining in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer until day 28 after reperfusion, while prominent alizarin red staining was detected in CA1 dendritic subfields, particularly in the stratum radiatum, by 14 days after reperfusion. Electron microscopy using the osmium/potassium dichromate method and electron probe microanalysis revealed selective calcium deposits within the mitochondria of degenerating dendrites at as early as 7 days after reperfusion, with subsequent complete mineralization occurring throughout the dendrites, which then coalesced to form larger mineral conglomerates with the adjacent calcifying neurites by 14 days after reperfusion. Large calcifying deposits were frequently observed at 28 days after reperfusion, when they were closely associated with or completely engulfed by astrocytes. In contrast, no prominent calcification was observed in the somata of CA1 pyramidal neurons showing the characteristic features of necrotic cell death after ischemia, although what appeared to be calcified mitochondria were noted in some degenerated neurons that became dark and condensed. Thus, our data indicate that intrahippocampal calcification after ischemic insults initially occurs within the mitochondria of degenerating dendrites, which leads to the extensive calcification that is associated with ischemic injuries. These findings suggest that in degenerating neurons, the calcified mitochondria in the dendrites, rather than in the somata, may serve as the nidus for further calcium precipitation in the ischemic hippocampus.

Enhanced expression of the calcium-sensing receptor in reactive astrocytes following ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro

We recently demonstrated that the G protein-coupled calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is associated with the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and may be involved in vascular remodeling and astrogliosis. To further substantiate the involvement of CaSR in the astroglial reaction common to ischemic insults, we investigated the temporal and cell type-specific expression patterns of CaSR in the hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia. CaSR was constitutively expressed in neurons of the pyramidal and granule cell layers, whereas increased CaSR immunoreactivity was observed in reactive astrocytes, but not in activated microglia or macrophages, in the CA1 region of the post-ischemic hippocampus. Astroglial induction of CaSR expression was evident on days 3-7 after reperfusion and appeared to increase progressively through day 28, at which time CaSR expression was prominent in astrocytes with a highly reactive hypertrophic phenotype and elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein. This expression pattern was supported by results of immunoblot analyses. Furthermore, CaSR expression was upregulated in rat primary cortical astrocytes exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, which undergo reactive gliosis-like changes. Thus, our results demonstrate that selective and long-lasting astroglial induction of CaSR expression is a common characteristic of ischemic injury and suggest its involvement in the ischemia-induced astroglial reaction.

Increased expression of Slit2 and its receptors Robo1 and Robo4 in reactive astrocytes of the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia

Slit2 is a secreted glycoprotein that was originally identified as a chemorepulsive factor in the developing brain; however, it was recently reported that Slit2 is associated with adult neuronal function including a variety of pathophysiological processes. To elucidate whether Slit2 is implicated in the pathophysiology of ischemic injury, we investigated the temporal changes and cellular localization of Slit2 and its predominant receptors, Robo1 and Robo4, for 28 days after transient forebrain ischemia. Slit2 and its receptors had similar overall expression patterns in the control and ischemic hippocampi. The ligand and receptors were constitutively expressed in hippocampal neurons in control animals; however, in animals with ischemic injury, their upregulation was detected in reactive astrocytes, but not in neurons or activated microglia, in the CA1 region. Astroglial induction of Slit2 and its receptors occurred by day 3 after reperfusion, and appeared to increase progressively until the final time point on day 28. Their temporal expression patterns overlapped with the time period in which reactive astrocytes undergo dynamic structural changes and appear hypertrophic in the ischemic hippocampus. The immunohistochemical data were consistent with the results of the immunoblot analyses, indicating that the expression of Slit2 and Robo increased progressively over the relatively long period of 28 days examined here. Collectively, these results suggest that Slit2/Robo signaling may be involved in regulating the astroglial reaction via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms in post-ischemic processes. Moreover, this may contribute to the dynamic morphological changes that occur in astrocytes in response to ischemic injury.

Marginal and internal fit of nano-composite CAD/CAM restorations

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal and internal fit of nano-composite CAD-CAM restorations.

Materials and Methods

A full veneer crown and an mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) inlay cavity, which were prepared on extracted human molars, were used as templates of epoxy resin replicas. The prepared teeth were scanned and CAD-CAM restorations were milled using Lava Ultimate (LU) and experimental nano-composite CAD/CAM blocks (EB) under the same milling parameters. To assess the marginal and internal fit, the restorations were cemented to replicas and were embedded in an acrylic mold for sectioning at 0.5 mm intervals. The measured gap data were pooled according to the block types and measuring points for statistical analysis.

Results

Both the block type and measuring point significantly affected gap values, and their interaction was significant (p = 0.000). In crowns and inlays made from the two blocks, gap values were significantly larger in the occlusal area than in the axial area, while gap values in the marginal area were smallest (p < 0.001). Among the blocks, the restorations milled from EB had a significantly larger gap at all measuring points than those milled from LU (p = 0.000).

Conclusions

The marginal and internal gaps of the two nano-composite CAD/CAM blocks differed according to the measuring points. Among the internal area of the two nano-composite CAD/CAM restorations, occlusal gap data were significantly larger than axial gap data. The EB crowns and inlays had significantly larger gaps than LU restorations.

Rapid enlargement of endometrial stromal sarcoma after uterine fibroid embolization for presumed adenomyosis: a case report and literature review

Uterine sarcomas have rarely been diagnosed after uterine artery embolization. It remains unclear whether the diagnostic work-up is required prior to such embolization to prevent a missed diagnosis of sarcomas and a delay in providing definitive treatment. Because of the rarity and heterogeneity of endometrial stromal neoplasms, little is known about their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and molecular pathology. The authors report a case of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) diagnosed after uterine fibroid embolization. Although they performed laparoscopic biopsy of the rapidly growing uterine mass, they could not detect the ESS. Although rare, ESS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uterine fibroid enlargement. It is essential to assess the risk of malignancy by taking into account the patient's clinical symptoms, results of the physical exam, and imaging findings prior to uterine artery embolization. Pathologic diagnosis should include an adequate biopsy sample and the use of molecular genetic testing.

Expression of SOCS2 mRNA and protein in the ischemic core and penumbra after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

The suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) has been reported to be involved in astroglial reactions and adult neurogenesis in the ischemic hippocampus. To elucidate whether SOCS2 is implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke, we investigate spatiotemporal regulation and identification of cell phenotypes expressing SOCS2 after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Weak hybridization signals for SOCS2 mRNA were constitutively observed in striatal neurons and upregulation of SOCS2 mRNA was induced in association with nestin-positive cells in stroke-lesioned rats. Analysis of the characteristics and phenotypes of SOCS2/nestin double-labeled cells revealed spatial differences between infarct and peri-infarct areas. SOCS2/nestin double-labeled cells in the infarct area were associated with the vasculature and were highly proliferative. In contrast, the double-labeled cells in the peri-infarct area were indeed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive reactive astrocytes forming the glial scar, although nestin-negative reactive astrocytes also exhibited weak SOCS2 expression. In addition, induction of SOCS2 expression was observed in Iba1-positive cells showing a macrophage-like phenotype with amoeboid morphology; these cells were predominantly localized in the infarct area. In the peri-infarct area, only a small proportion of Iba1-positive cells with the morphology of brain macrophages expressed SOCS2 and most activated stellate microglial cells with thick and short processes exhibited weak or negligible SOCS2 expression. Thus, our results revealed the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of SOCS2-expressing cells within infarct and peri-infarct areas, suggesting the involvement of SOCS2 in astroglial reactions and activation/recruitment of brain macrophages and its potential role in perivascular progenitors/stem cells after ischemic stroke.

Increased Expression of Osteopontin in the Degenerating Striatum of Rats Treated with Mitochondrial Toxin 3-Nitropropionic Acid: A Light and Electron Microscopy Study

The mycotoxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP) is an irreversible inhibitor that induces neuronal damage by inhibiting mitochondrial complex II. Neurodegeneration induced by 3NP, which is preferentially induced in the striatum, is caused by an excess influx and accumulation of calcium in mitochondria. Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycosylated phosphoprotein and plays a role in the regulation of calcium precipitation in the injured brain. The present study was designed to examine whether induction of OPN protein is implicated in the pathogenesis of 3NP-induced striatal neurodegeneration. We observed overlapping regional expression of OPN, the neurodegeneration marker Fluoro-Jade B, and the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the 3NP-lesioned striatum. OPN expression was closely associated with the mitochondrial marker NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) flavoprotein 2 in the damaged striatum. In addition, immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that OPN protein was specifically localized to the inner membrane and matrix of the mitochondria in degenerating striatal neurons, and cell fragments containing OPN-labeled mitochondria were also present within activated brain macrophages. Thus, our study revealed that OPN expression is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction produced by 3NP-induced alteration of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, suggesting that OPN is involved in the pathogenesis of striatal degeneration by 3NP administration.

Ultrastructural investigation of microcalcification and the role of oxygen-glucose deprivation in cultured rat hippocampal slices

Intracellular calcium accumulation is associated with cell death in several neuropathological disorders including brain ischemia, but the exact mechanisms of calcification need to be clarified. We used organotypic hippocampal slice culture - cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) mimicking the in vivo situation to investigate the events underlying ectopic calcification. Alizarin red staining indicating calcium deposition was observed in the cornu ammonis (CA)1 and dentate gyrus regions in control hippocampal slices despite no specific labeling for cell death markers. Electron microscopy using the osmium/potassium dichromate method revealed scattered degenerated cells throughout the normally appearing CA1 region. They contained electron-dense precipitates within mitochondria, and electron probe microanalysis confirmed that they were calcifying mitochondria. Selective calcium deposition was noted within, but not beyond, mitochondria in these mineralized cells. They showed ultrastructural features of non-necrotic, non-apoptotic cell death and retained their compact ultrastructure, even after the majority of mitochondria were calcified. Unexpectedly, no intracellular calcification was noted in necrotic CA1 pyramidal cells after OGD, and there was no progression of calcification in OGD-lesioned slices. In addition, mineralized cells in both control and OGD-lesioned slices were closely associated with or completely engulfed by astrocytes but not microglia. These astrocytes were laden with heterogeneous cytoplasmic inclusions that appeared to be related with their phagocytic activity. These data demonstrate that microcalcification specifically associated with mitochondria might lead to a novel type of cell death and suggest that astrocytes may be involved in the phagocytosis of these mineralized cells and possibly in the regulation of ectopic calcification.

Suppression of creep-regime dynamics in epitaxial ferroelectric BiFeO3 films

Switching dynamics of ferroelectric materials are governed by the response of domain walls to applied electric field. In epitaxial ferroelectric films, thermally-activated ‘creep’ motion plays a significant role in domain wall dynamics, and accordingly, detailed understanding of the system’s switching properties requires that this creep motion be taken into account. Despite this importance, few studies have investigated creep motion in ferroelectric films under ac-driven force. Here, we explore ac hysteretic dynamics in epitaxial BiFeO₃ thin films, through ferroelectric hysteresis measurements, and stroboscopic piezoresponse force microscopy. We reveal that identically-fabricated BiFeO₃ films on SrRuO₃ or La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃ bottom electrodes exhibit markedly different switching behaviour, with BiFeO₃/SrRuO₃ presenting essentially creep-free dynamics. This unprecedented result arises from the distinctive spatial inhomogeneities of the internal fields, these being influenced by the bottom electrode’s surface morphology. Our findings further highlight the importance of controlling interface and defect characteristics, to engineer ferroelectric devices with optimised performance.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor (VEGFR-3) in the glial reaction elicited by human mesenchymal stem cell engraftment in the normal rat brain

To determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor (VEGFR-3) are involved in the glial reaction elicited by transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we examined the cellular localization of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 proteins in the striatum of adult normal rats that received bone marrow-derived human MSCs. The MSC grafts were infiltrated with activated microglia/macrophages and astrocytes over a 2-week period post-transplantation, which appeared to parallel the loss of transplanted MSCs. VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 was expressed in activated microglia/macrophages recruited to the graft site, where the induction of VEGF-C protein was rather late compared with that of its receptor. VEGF-C protein was absent or very weak on day 3, whereas VEGFR-3 immunoreactivity was evident within the first three days. Furthermore, within three days, VEGF-C could be detected in the brain macrophages localized immediately adjacent to the needle track. At the same time, almost all the brain macrophages in both regions expressed VEGFR-3. Reactive astrocytes at the graft site expressed VEGFR-3, but not VEGF-C. These data demonstrated the characteristic time- and cell-dependent expression patterns for VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 within the engrafted brain tissue, suggesting that they may contribute to neuroinflammation in MSC transplantation, possibly through the recruitment and/or activation of microglia/macrophages and astrogliosis.

The indolinone MAZ51 induces cell rounding and G2/M cell cycle arrest in glioma cells without the inhibition of VEGFR-3 phosphorylation: involvement of the RhoA and Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways

MAZ51 is an indolinone-based molecule originally synthesized as a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3 tyrosine kinase. This study shows that exposure of two glioma cell lines, rat C6 and human U251MG, to MAZ51 caused dramatic shape changes, including the retraction of cellular protrusions and cell rounding. These changes were caused by the clustering and aggregation of actin filaments and microtubules. MAZ51 also induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. This led to an inhibition of cellular proliferation, without triggering significant cell death. These alterations induced by MAZ51 occurred with similar dose- and time-dependent patterns. Treatment of glioma cells with MAZ51 resulted in increased levels of phosphorylated GSK3β through the activation of Akt, as well as increased levels of active RhoA. Interestingly, MAZ51 did not affect the morphology and cell cycle patterns of rat primary cortical astrocytes, suggesting it selectively targeted transformed cells. Immunoprecipitation–western blot analyses indicated that MAZ51 did not decrease, but rather increased, tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-3. To confirm this unanticipated result, several additional experiments were conducted. Enhancing VEGFR-3 phosphorylation by treatment of glioma cells with VEGF-C affected neither cytoskeleton arrangements nor cell cycle patterns. In addition, the knockdown of VEGFR-3 in glioma cells did not cause morphological or cytoskeletal alterations. Furthermore, treatment of VEGFR-3-silenced cells with MAZ51 caused the same alterations of cell shape and cytoskeletal arrangements as that observed in control cells. These data indicate that MAZ51 causes cytoskeletal alterations and G2/M cell cycle arrest in glioma cells. These effects are mediated through phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3β and activation of RhoA. The anti-proliferative activity of MAZ51 does not require the inhibition of VEGFR-3 phosphorylation, suggesting that it is a potential candidate for further clinical investigation for treatment of gliomas, although the precise mechanism(s) underlying its effects remain to be determined.

Evaluation of the shear bond strength of resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic after different surface treatments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various surface treatments on the shear bond strength of Y-TZP (Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal) ceramics with zirconia primer and two different resin cements both containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP). Zirconia blocks (LAVA, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN) were polished and assigned to five groups according to the surface treatment: (1) no further treatment (control); (2) airborne abrasion with Al2 O3 particles; (3) Z-PRIME Plus (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) applied on polished zirconia; (4) Z-PRIME Plus applied on zirconia after airborne abrasion; and (5) tribochemical silica-coating performed with the CoJet system (3M ESPE) followed by application of ESPE®-Sil (3M ESPE). Each group was further divided into one of two resin cements: Panavia F2.0 (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan) and Clearfil SA Luting (Kuraray). Resin cement placed inside a gel-cap was polymerized on the zirconia surface. Shear bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. One-way analysis of variance and paired t-test were done. (p < 0.05), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken. Zirconia primer applied after airborne abrasion significantly increased the shear bond strength resulting in the highest value for both resin cements. Control groups for both cements showed the weakest value for shear bond strength. No significant differences were found between the shear bond strengths of the individual resin cements applied to zirconia surfaces treated the same way. In conclusion, the combined surface treatment of airborne abrasion followed by a zirconia primer is recommended for zirconia bonding with Panavia F2.0 and Clearfil SA Luting cements.

Characterization of nestin expression in astrocytes in the rat hippocampal CA1 region following transient forebrain ischemia

Recent studies have suggested that nestin facilitates cellular structural remodeling in vasculature-associated cells in response to ischemic injury. The current study was designed to investigate the potential role of post-ischemic nestin expression in parenchymal astrocytes. With this aim, we characterized ischemia-induced nestin expression in the CA1 hippocampal region, an area that undergoes a delayed neuronal death, followed by a lack of neuronal generation after transient forebrain ischemia. Virtually all of the nestin-positive cells in the ischemic CA1 hippocampus were reactive astrocytes. However, induction of nestin expression did not correlate simply with astrogliosis, but rather showed characteristic time- and strata-dependent expression patterns. Nestin induction in astrocytes of the pyramidal cell layer was rapid and transient, while a long-lasting induction of nestin was observed in astrocytes located in the CA1 dendritic subfields, such as the stratum oriens and radiatum, until at least day 28 after ischemia. There was no detectable expression in the stratum lacunosum moleculare despite the evident astroglial reaction. Almost all of the nestin-positive cells also expressed a transcription factor for neural/glial progenitors, i.e., Sox-2 or Sox-9, and some cells were also positive for Ki-67. However, all of the nestin-positive astrocytes expressed the calcium-binding protein S100β, which is known to be expressed in a distinct, post-mitotic astrocyte population. Thus, our data indicate that in the ischemic CA1 hippocampus, nestin expression was induced in astroglia that were becoming reactive, but not in a progenitor/stem cell population, suggesting that nestin may allow for the structural remodeling of these cells in response to ischemic injury.

Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in the spinal cord of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

We investigated the spatiotemporal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) in the spinal cord of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis. VEGFR-3 mRNA and protein were constitutively expressed in gray matter neurons and in a few white matter astrocytes. Induction of VEGFR-3 occurred predominantly in perivascular infiltrated macrophages in the spinal cord white matter during the inductive phase of EAE. VEGFR-3 expression was also induced in activated microglial cells in the gray and white matter, mainly in the peak phase. In addition, reactive astrocytes in the white matter, but not in the gray matter, expressed VEGFR-3 as disease severity increased. These data suggest that VEGFR-3 is involved in the recruitment of monocytic macrophages and in glial reactions during EAE.

Sustained expression of osteopontin is closely associated with calcium deposits in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia

The present study was designed to evaluate the extent and topography of osteopontin (OPN) protein expression in the rat hippocampus 4 to 12 weeks following transient forebrain ischemia, and to compare OPN expression patterns with those of calcium deposits and astroglial and microglial reactions. Two patterns of OPN staining were recognized by light microscopy: 1) a diffuse pattern of tiny granular deposits throughout the CA1 region at 4 weeks after ischemia and 2) non-diffuse ovoid to round deposits, which formed conglomerates in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer over the chronic interval of 8 to 12 weeks. Immunogold-silver electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis demonstrated that OPN deposits were indeed diverse types of calcium deposits, which were clearly delineated by profuse silver grains indicative of OPN expression. Intracellular OPN deposits were frequently observed within reactive astrocytes and neurons 4 weeks after ischemia but rarely at later times. By contrast, extracellular OPN deposits progressively increased in size and appeared to be gradually phagocytized by microglia or brain macrophages and some astrocytes over 8 to 12 weeks. These data indicate an interaction between OPN and calcium in the hippocampus in the chronic period after ischemia, suggesting that OPN binding to calcium deposits may be involved in scavenging mechanisms.

Overlapping distribution of osteopontin and calcium in the ischemic core of rat brain after transient focal ischemia

Osteopontin (OPN), an adhesive glycoprotein, has recently been proposed to act as an opsonin that facilitates phagocytosis of neuronal debris by macrophages in the ischemic brain. The present study was designed to elucidate the process whereby OPN binds to neuronal cell debris in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Significant co-localization of the OPN protein and calcium deposits in the ischemic core were observed by combining alizarin red staining and OPN immunohistochemistry. In addition, electron microscopy (EM) using the osmium/potassium dichromate method revealed that electron-dense precipitates, typical of calcium deposits, were localized mainly along the periphery of putative degenerating neurites. This topical pattern of calcium precipitates resembled the distribution of OPN as detected by immunogold-silver EM. Combining immunogold-silver EM and electron probe microanalysis further demonstrated that the OPN protein was localized at the periphery of cell debris or degenerating neurites, corresponding with locally higher concentrations of calcium and phosphorus, and that the relative magnitude of OPN accumulation was comparable to that of calcium and phosphorus. These data suggest that calcium precipitation provides a matrix for the binding of the OPN protein within the debris or degenerating neurites induced by ischemic injury. Therefore, OPN binding to calcium deposits may be involved in phagocytosis of such debris, and may participate in the regulation of ectopic calcification in the ischemic brain.

Immunochemical changes of calbindin, calretinin and SMI32 in ischemic retinas induced by increase of intraocular pressure and by middle cerebral artery occlusion

The reaction of neuroactive substances to ischemic conditions in the rat retina evoked by different methods was immunochemically evaluated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Ocular ischemic conditions were unilaterally produced by elevating intraocular pressure (EIOP) or by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Two EF-hand calcium binding proteins, calbindin D28K (CB) and calretinin (CR), in the normal retina showed similar immunolocalization, such as the amacrine and displaced amacrine cells, the ganglion cells, and their processes, particularly CB in horizontal cells. CB immunoreactive neurons in the ganglion cell layer in both types of ischemic retinas were more reduced in number than CR neurons compared to those in a normal retina. The CB protein level in both ischemic retinas was reduced to 60-80% of normal. The CR protein level in MCAO retinas was reduced to about 80% of normal but increased gradually to the normal value, whereas that in the EIOP showed a gradual reduction and a slight recovery. SMI32 immunoreactivity, which detects a dephosphorylated epitope of neurofilaments-M and -H, appeared in the axon bundles of ganglion cells in the innermost nerve fiber layer of normal retinas. The reactivity in the nerve fiber bundles appeared to only increase slightly in EIOP retinas, whereas a moderate increase occurred in MCAO retinas. The SMI32 protein level in MCAO retinas showed a gradual increasing tendency, whereas that in the EIOP showed a slight fluctuation. Interestingly, the MCAO retinas showed additional SMI32 immunoreactivity in the cell soma of presumed ganglion cells, whereas that of EIOP appeared in the Müller proximal radial fibers. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity appeared in the astrocytes located in the nerve fiber layer of normal retinas. Additional GFAP immunoreactivity appeared in the Müller glial fibers deep in EIOP retinas and at the proximal end in MCAO retinas. These findings suggest that the neurons in the ganglion cell layer undergo degenerative changes in response to ischemia, although EIOP retinas represented a remarkable Müller glial reaction, whereas MCAO retinas had only a small-scaled axonal transport disturbance.

Induction of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 mRNA in glial cells following focal cerebral ischemia in rats

To identify whether vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3, a receptor for VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is involved in pathophysiology of stroke, we investigated the spatiotemporal regulation of VEGFR-3 mRNA after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Most of the increase in VEGFR-3 expression in the ischemic core could be attributed to brain macrophages, whereas VEGFR-3 in the peri-infarct penumbra region was predominantly expressed in reactive astrocytes. A subpopulation of VEGFR-3-expressing brain macrophages was positive for NG2 proteoglycan and showed proliferative activity. In addition, in vitro model of stroke revealed no significant induction of VEGFR-3 in activated microglial cells, indicating that infiltrating exogenous macrophages expressed VEGFR-3 after focal ischemia. These data suggest that VEGFR-3 may be involved in the glial reaction and possibly in the recruitment of monocytic macrophages during ischemic insults.

Enhanced expression of the sweet taste receptors and alpha-gustducin in reactive astrocytes of the rat hippocampus following ischemic injury

The heterodimeric sweet taste receptors, T1R2 and T1R3, have recently been proposed to be associated with the brain glucose sensor. To identify whether sweet taste signaling is regulated in response to an ischemic injury inducing acute impairment of glucose metabolism, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of the sweet taste receptors and their associated taste-specific G-protein α-gustducin in the rat hippocampus after ischemia. The expression profiles of both receptor subunits and α-gustducin shared overlapping expression patterns in sham-operated and ischemic hippocampi. Constitutive expression of both receptors and α-gustducin was localized in neurons of the pyramidal cell and granule cell layers, but their upregulation was detected in reactive astrocytes in ischemic hippocampi. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the immmunohistochemically determined temporal patterns of sweet-taste signaling proteins. These results suggest that the expression of sweet taste signaling proteins in astrocytes might be regulated in response to altered extracellular levels of glucose following an ischemic insult.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 mRNA in the rat developing forebrain and retina

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3, a receptor for VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is expressed in neural progenitor cells, but there has been no comprehensive study of its distribution in the developing brain. Here, the temporal and cell-specific expression of VEGFR-3 mRNA was studied in the developing rat forebrain and eye. Expression appeared along the ventricular and subventricular zones of the lateral and third ventricles showing ongoing neurogenesis as early as embryonic day 13 but was progressively down-regulated during development and remained in the subventricular zone and rostral migratory stream of the adult forebrain. VEGFR-3 expression was also detectable in some differentiating and postmitotic neurons in the developing cerebral cortex, including Cajal-Retzius cells, cortical plate neurons, and subplate neurons. Expression in the subplate increased significantly during the early postnatal period but was absent by postnatal day 14. It was also highly expressed in nonneural tissues of the eye during development, including the retinal pigment epithelium, the retinal ciliary margin, and the lens, but persisted in a subset of cells in the pigmented ciliary epithelium of the adult eye. In contrast, there was weak or undetectable expression in the early neural retina, but a subset of retinal neurons in the postnatal and mature retina showed intense signals. These unique spatiotemporal mRNA expression patterns suggest that VEGFR-3 might mediate the regulation of both neurogenesis and adult neuronal function in the rat forebrain and eye.

Enhanced expression of SOCS-2 in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-2 (SOCS-2) has recently been identified as an important regulator involved in neuronal differentiation and maturation. However, the role of SOCS-2 in ischemia-induced hippocampal neurogenesis remains to be clarified. Here we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of SOCS-2 in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia, and particular attention was paid to changes in the dentate gyrus. SOCS-2 mRNA was constitutively expressed in hippocampal neurons and astrocytes in control animals. However, its upregulation occurred specifically in reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus proper, in particular the CA1 and dentate hilar regions, at day 3 after reperfusion, and was sustained for more than 2 weeks. In addition to the CA1 and hilar regions, SOCS-2 was transiently increased in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus on days 3-7 after reperfusion. This correlated with the post-ischemic upregulation of SOCS-2 in the CA1 or dentate gyrus subfield, including the SGZ detected by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The majority of the SOCS-2-expressing cells in the SGZ were co-labeled with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and a subpopulation of GFAP/SOCS-2 double-labeled cells in the SGZ co-expressed the neural progenitor marker nestin, or the proliferation marker proliferating cellular nuclear antigen. In addition, a subset of SOCS-2-labeled cells in the SGZ expressed the immature neuronal marker polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule. These data suggest that SOCS-2 may be involved in glial reactions, and possibly adult hippocampal neurogenesis during ischemic insults.

Spatial and temporal changes of osteopontin in oxygen-glucose-deprived hippocampal slice cultures

We have examined the temporal changes and cellular localization of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and protein in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures subjected to ischemia-like oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The sequential induction pattern response consisted of neuronal and microglial OPN upregulation, followed by a later extended phase of expression in reactive astrocytes. OPN immunoreactivity after OGD matched the mRNA induction patterns. Activated microglia revealed OPN staining in focal deposits, whereas neurons and reactive astrocytes showed perinuclear staining with a punctate cytosolic pattern of OPN, typical of secreted proteins. These data demonstrated that the temporal and cellular patterns of OPN induction in reactive glial cells in this in vitro model closely correlated with that in the in vivo model, suggesting that OPN has a multifunctional role in the pathogenesis of ischemic injury.

Comprehensive clinical follow-up of late effects in childhood cancer survivors shows the need for early and well-timed intervention

BACKGROUND

Due to recent advances in treatment, nearly 80% of childhood cancer patients become long-term survivors. Studies on the late effects of survivors are under way worldwide. However, data on Asian survivors remain limited.

METHODS

Data on 241 survivors at the Long-term Follow-up Clinic in Severance Hospital, South Korea, were collected and late effects were confirmed by oncologists.

RESULTS

The median follow-up from diagnosis was 7.8 years. Late effects were identified in 59.8% of survivors and 23.2% had two or more late effects. Grade 3 or higher late effects were present in 10.8%. The most common late effects involved endocrine system (29.0%). Late effects were present in 95.7% of brain tumor survivors and 36.0% of Wilms' tumor survivors. Chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and radiotherapy were significant factors associated with the number and severity of late effects (P < 0.05). Brain tumor survivors had more severe late effects (P < 0.001), whereas Wilms' tumor survivors had fewer and milder late effects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The observation that over 50% of cancer survivors suffered from late effects during the short follow-up period and that a high frequency of endocrine late effects was present indicates the need for early and well-timed intervention of the survivors.

Circulating osteoprotegerin levels are elevated and correlated with antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have an increased risk for the development of thrombotic complications. Recent studies indicate that osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as an important molecule in the development of vascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between serum OPG levels and APS manifestations in patients with SLE. Seventy-nine patients with SLE and ninety-two healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were included in this study. Serum levels of OPG, monocyte chemoattractant protein(MCP)-1 and soluble E-selectin were determined by ELISA. At the time of serum sampling, various clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed. We found that serum levels of OPG were significantly higher in patients with SLE than in healthy controls (1236 ± 82 vs 967 ± 37 pg/mL, P = 0.003). Particularly, serum OPG levels were significantly higher in SLE patients with APS than those without (1615 ± 191 vs 1171 ± 91 pg/mL, P = 0.006). Serum OPG levels correlated with titres of IgG anti-cardiolipin antibody ( P = 0.026) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody ( P < 0.001). Moreover, serum OPG also correlated with serum levels of sE-selectin ( P = 0.002), which is an endothelial cell activation marker, and MCP-1 ( P = 0.003), a well known chemokine implicated in thrombogenesis. Collectively, serum OPG levels were increased in SLE patients with APS and correlated with titres of antiphospholipid antibodies, suggesting that OPG might be linked to the development of APS.

Differential regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and its receptor in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia

We investigated the changes in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor, VEGFR-3, in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. The expression profiles of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were very similar in the control hippocampi, where both genes were constitutively expressed in neurons in the pyramidal cell and granule cell layers. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of VEGF-C was similar to that of VEGFR-3 in the ischemic hippocampus, and in the CA1 and dentate hilar regions both VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were strongly expressed in activated glial cells rather than in neurons. Most of the activated glial cells expressing both genes were reactive astrocytes, although some were a subpopulation of brain macrophages. In the dentate gyrus, however, VEGFR-3 expression was transiently increased in the innermost layer of granule cells on days 7-10 after reperfusion, coinciding with an increase in polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule staining--a marker for immature neurons. These data suggest that VEGF-C may be involved in glial reaction via paracrine or autocrine mechanisms in the ischemic brain and may carry out specific roles in adult hippocampal neurogenesis during ischemic insults.

Fabrication of transparent capacitive structure by self-assembled thin films

An approach to fabricating transparent electronic devices by using nanomaterial and nanofabrication is presented in this paper. A see-through capacitor is constructed from self-assembled silica nanoparticle layers that are stacked on the transparent substrate. The electrodes are made of indium tin oxide. Unlike the traditional processes used to fabricate such devices, the self-assembly approach enables one to synthesize the thin film layers at lower temperature and cost, and with a broader availability of nanomaterials. The vertical dimension of the self-assembled thin films can be precisely controlled, as well as the molecular order in the thin film layers. The shape of the capacitor is generated by planar micropatterning. The monitoring by quartz crystal demonstrates the steady growth of the silica nanoparticle multilayer. In addition, because the material synthesis and the device fabrication steps are separate, the fabrication is not affected by the harsh conditions required for the material synthesis. As a result, a clear pattern is allowed over a large area on the substrate. The prepared capacitive structure has an optical transparency higher than 92% over the visible spectrum. The capacitive impedance is measured at different frequencies and fit the theoretical results. As one of the fundamental components, this type of capacitive structure can serve in the transparent circuits, interactive media and sensors, as well as being applicable to other transparent devices.

Relationship between the change in overweight status from childhood to adolescence and metabolic syndrome phenotypes: a 9-year retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how the changes in overweight status from childhood to adolescence are related to metabolic syndrome phenotypes in adolescents.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total 375 adolescents aged 16 years. The overweight status from childhood to adolescence (from 7 years of age to 16 years) was determined by body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) calculated from records of the School Physical Examination data. The change in body weight was classified into four groups: normal weight to normal weight (NW-NW); overweight to normal (OW-NW); normal to overweight (NW-OW); overweight to overweight (OW-OW). Metabolic syndrome phenotypes were examined from a cross-sectional survey.

RESULTS

The mean values of all phenotypes except for body fatness (BMI and waist) and the cluster score of phenotypes at 16 years of age were not different between the NW-NW group and the OW-NW group, nor between the NW-OW group and the OW-OW group. However, the score as well as the level of body fatness and blood glucose were significantly different between current overweight and normal adolescents regardless of overweight status during childhood (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a linear relationship between overweight status during childhood and metabolic syndrome phenotypes in adolescence but current overweight status (adolescence overweight) was more closely related to the adolescent risk of metabolic syndrome than childhood overweight status.

Clusterin induces differentiation of pancreatic duct cells into insulin-secreting cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We recently reported that expression of the gene encoding clusterin (Clu) is upregulated in the regenerating pancreas, particularly in tissues undergoing differentiation. This led us to propose that clusterin participates in the cytodifferentiation of pancreatic tissue, particularly the endocrine islet cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether clusterin induces the differentiation of duct-lining cells into insulin-secreting cells.

METHODS

We isolated ductal tissue from rat pancreas and cultured it to develop epithelial cell explants for transfection of the Clu cDNA as well as for treatment of clusterin protein.

RESULTS

The number of newly differentiated insulin cells increased 6.9-fold upon Clu overexpression compared with controls. Ins1 mRNA and peptide levels were also increased. Furthermore, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was observed in the differentiated insulin cells. These cells were immunoreactive for insulin and C-peptide, but negative for other islet hormones and for cytokeratin-20, which indicates a fully differentiated state. Insulin cell differentiation was also increased in a dose-dependent manner by treating duct cells in culture with clusterin, indicating a growth-factor-like action of clusterin in insulin cell differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results suggest that clusterin can be considered as a potential morphogenic factor that promotes differentiation of pancreatic beta cells.

Comparison of one-step RT-PCR and a nested PCR for the detection of canine distemper virus in clinical samples

OBJECTIVE

To develop a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) by nested PCR using clinical specimens.

DESIGN

A nested PCR was developed, compared to a one-step RT-PCR and validated.

PROCEDURE

Two sets of specific primers for a one-step RT-PCR and a nested PCR, targeting a 640 bp fragment and a 297 bp fragment, respectively, were selected from the highly conserved region of the nucleocapsid protein (NP) gene of CDV. The nested PCR and the one-step RT-PCR were used to amplify a part of the CDV NP gene of a CDV vaccinal strain and samples of urine, blood, nasal discharge and saliva from 29 dogs suspected of suffering CD.

RESULTS

Both the one-step RT-PCR and the nested PCR reacted with the CDV vaccinal strain, but not with canine parvovirus. The expected 640 bp fragment of the NP gene was detected in 11/22 (50.0%) blood, 10/20 (50.0%) urine, 5/25 (20.0%) saliva and 6/27 (22.2%) nasal swab samples by one-step RT-PCR, whereas the nested PCR amplified an expected 297 bp fragment of the NP gene in 18/22 (81.8%) blood, 15/20 (75.0%) urine, 14/25 (56%) saliva and 19/27 (70.3%) nasal swab samples.

CONCLUSION

The nested PCR detected CDV in blood, urine, nasal swab and saliva more frequently than did the one-step RT-PCR. Therefore, this assay should be a useful aid to antemortem diagnosis of CDV infections in dogs.

Rubella antibody loss rates in Korean children

We followed students in eight elementary schools for rubella antibody from 1993 to 1996 (602 pairs) and 1996-9 (588 pairs) in Gyeonggi Province, Korea. We tested rubella IgG and administered rubella vaccine to the children with the titres < 10 IU/ml. The loss rates of rubella IgG during the follow-up periods were 14.3 and 15.8%, respectively. Among vaccinated groups, the loss rate was 18.8%, which was significantly higher than 13.8% of the mixture of natural and vaccine-induced immunity groups. The group that had the lower preceding antibody titre had a higher loss rate of 24.8% compared to 7.2% for the group whose titre was 40 IU/ml or above. In a multivariate analysis, age and gender were not related to antibody loss rate. Under this higher rubella antibody loss rate, in order to prevent congenital rubella syndrome, the immunization for women at childbearing age appears necessary until rubella can be eliminated or controlled.