Lateral Decubitus Digital Subtraction Myelography: Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls

Digital subtraction myelography is a valuable diagnostic technique to detect the exact location of CSF leaks in the spine to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Digital subtraction myelography is an excellent diagnostic tool for assessment of various types of CSF leaks, and lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography is increasingly being used to diagnose CSF-venous fistulas. Lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography differs from typical CT and fluoroscopy-guided myelograms in many ways, including equipment, supplies, and injection and image-acquisition techniques. Operators should be familiar with techniques, common pitfalls, and artifacts to improve diagnostic yield and prevent nondiagnostic examinations.

1423Adherence to triple component antihypertensive regimen is higher in single-pill combination than two-pill regimen: data from a randomized controlled trial using medication event monitoring system

Background

Simplicity of regimen is known to be an important determinant of medication adherence and using single-pill combination (SPC) in hypertension treatment resulted in better adherence and persistence than free-equivalent combination. However, this finding has been studied only in dual-component antihypertensive treatments and in observational studies using medication possession ratio as an index of adherence. Medication event monitoring system (MEMS) is considered to be the gold standard in estimating medication adherence.

Purpose

To investigate the superiority in adherence of triple-component SPC compared to equivalent two-pill regimen using MEMS

Methods

This is a multi-center open-label randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were hypertensive patients whose clinic blood pressure is not adequately controlled (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) with combination antihypertensive regimen comprising two of three classes (angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker and thiazide diuretics) for at least 4 weeks. Eligible patients were randomized either to single-pill (triple-component SPC, olmesartan/amlodipine/ hydrochlorothiazide 20/5/12.5 mg) or two-pill (dual-component SPC + one free pill, olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 20/12.5 mg + amlodipine 5 mg) groups and maintained for 12 weeks. Medications were dispensed in MEMS. Primary outcomes were the difference of percentage of dose taken (PDT) and percentage of days with prescribed dose taken correctly (PDTc) between single- and two-pill therapy, calculated from MEMS data.

Results

From 8 hospitals, 146 hypertensive patients were randomized into single- and two-pill groups. Final analysis was done in 65 and 66 patients in each group from which adherence index could be obtained. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were not different. The single-pill group had significantly higher PDT and PDTc compared to the two-pill group. (median (25–75 percentile) (%), PDT 95.1 (87.9 - 100.0) vs 91.2 (79.8 - 96.5); PDTc 93.1 (79.8 - 96.5) vs 91.3 (70.7 - 96.4), p = both 0.04, by Wilcoxon rank sum test)

Percent dose taken

Conclusion

Single-pill combination of triple-component antihypertensive regimen showed superior adherence compared to equivalent two-pill therapy. Reducing pill burden by using SPC is a relevant strategy to enhance the adherence to multi-drug antihypertensive therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Daiichi-Sankyo

Soshiho-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms via Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators

Soshiho-tang (SST) is a well-known traditional herbal medicine used for the treatment of many diseases. The aims of this study are to investigate the effects of SST on atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and to examine its mechanism. Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/IFN-γ to induce AD-like keratinocyte environment. 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions in the dorsal skin of BALB/c mice. SST and dexamethasone were administered orally for 14 day. As a result, SST treatment increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an anti-oxidative factor, and the nuclear translocation of NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, the treatment also decreased the expression level of inflammatory mediator nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). SST treatment (75 and 150 mg/kg) significantly relieved AD symptoms in DNCB-induced AD-like mice by restoring skin thickness, spleen weight, immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4), pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and expression of several other mediators. We found that SST alleviates AD-like skin lesions and skin inflammation by modulating various atopic symptoms and inflammatory mediators. Therefore, SST can be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of AD.

Effect of Enzymatic Treatment of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné Extracts on Lipid Accumulation and Adipogenesis in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Male Mice

Enzyme treatment of the foods and herbs has been used to improve the absorption rate the efficiency of plant extracts by converting the glycosides of the plant into aglycones. In this study, we examined the obesity-inhibitory effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné (CI) treated with enzymes such as viscozyme and tannase, which are highly efficient in converting glycosides to aglycones and then compared with untreated CI extract. The enzyme-treated CI ethanol extract (CIVT) was administered orally at various doses for 7 weeks in the high fat diet (HFD)-fed male mice. CIVT administration reduced the body weights, the food efficiency and the serum levels of lipid metabolism-related biomarkers, such as triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and leptin in the dose-dependent manner but not those high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and adiponectin. CIVT also reduced considerably the total lipid amount in the liver and the size of adipocytes in the epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). CIVT effectively downregulated the adipogenesis-related transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferation activated receptor (PPAR)-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBP-α) but up-regulated PPAR-α, in the liver and eWAT. In addition, when compared to the enzyme-untreated CI 50% ethanol extract (CIEE), CIVT enhanced the reduction of body weight and lipid accumulation. Moreover, the viscozyme and tannase treatment of CI increased the flavonoid contents of the aglycone form. Therefore, our results support that the enzymatic treatment induced the production of aglycones for potentially suppressing the adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice. It suggests that CIVT might be an effective candidate for attenuating the over-weight and its related diseases.

Reevaluation of the earlobe types in Koreans

The shape of the earlobes has a variety of genetic significance. This study analyzed the frequencies of the earlobe shapes in the Korean population. Data were collected on randomly selected 500 males and 500 females in Daegu Metropolitan City, with all participant ages being in their twenties. Obtuse angled earlobes accounted for 41.2% of the earlobes observed, while acute angled earlobes prevalence was calculated at 38.8% and right angled earlobe was 20.0% of the total (sexes combined). In men, the acute angled earlobe was the most frequent type (43.0%), while the obtuse angled earlobe was the most frequent type in females (45.2%). These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.015). Overall, attached type earlobe (61.2%) was more frequent than free type earlobe. The attached type earlobe was more common in both sex groups (57.0% in male and 65.4% in female), and the proportion was significantly higher for females (p = 0.006). In conclusion, the findings in this study suggest that the attached earlobe type is the most common among Koreans, and the proportion of earlobe types among males and females is significantly different. Further studies are needed to understand the genetic background of earlobe types among Koreans.

Triticum aestivum Sprouts Extract Inhibits Azoymethane (AOM)/Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Mice

Chronic intestinal inflammation is critical risk factor of colorectal cancer. Triticum aestivum sprouts have been reported to provide a number of health benefits and used as a dietary supplement. In this study, the authors investigated the regulatory effects of T. aestivum sprouts ethanol extract (TAEE) on experimental colorectal carcinogenesis in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model. Oral administration of TAEE significantly attenuated crypt destruction and tumor formation in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Levels of inflammatory mediators involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, that is, tumor necrosis factor-α, interkeukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, were lower in the colons of 200 mg/kg TAEE-treated mice than in AOM/DSS controls (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that levels of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 and β-catenin were attenuated by TAEE in the colon tissues of AOM/DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, levels of β-catenin-related genes (cyclin D1 and c-Myc), which are known to contribute to cell cycle regulation, were decreased in the colon tissues of TAEE-treated mice versus AOM/DSS controls (p < 0.01). These results showed TAEE inhibited colon inflammation and neoplasm formation caused by AOM/DSS treatment, suggesting that TAEE could be useful for the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated colon cancer.

Antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of aerial part of Euphorbia supina Raf. Extract

Background

Euphorbia supina (ES) has been widely used in folk medicine owing to its antibacterial, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of a 70% ethanol extract of ES.

Methods

The aerial parts of ES plant were extracted with 70% ethanol. The viability of B16F10 cells was evaluated by MTT assay to determine the non-toxic doses for further experiments. The tyrosinase and cellular tyrosinase activities were then measured using an enzyme-substrate assay. In addition, the expression of whitening-related proteins was measured using western blot.

Results

The antioxidant activity of the ES samples increased in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by their radical scavenging activities in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The ES extract significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it decreased α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)-induced protein expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the ES extract attenuated α-MSH-stimulated melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase and MITF expression. Therefore, the ES extract could be a promising therapeutic agent to treat hyperpigmentation and as an ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics.

Triticum aestivum sprout extract attenuates 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene‑induced atopic dermatitis‑like skin lesions in mice and the expression of chemokines in human keratinocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, recurring, inflammatory skin disease. A number of researchers have been seeking safe AD therapies for a long time. Triticum aestivum sprouts (TAEE), known as wheatgrass, are one of the most widely used health foods worldwide. They show numerous beneficial effects, including anticancer, anti‑inflammatory, anti‑oxidant, anti‑obesity, anti‑colitis and anti‑allergy effects; however, their effect on AD is unknown. In the present study, the anti‑AD effects of a 70% ethanol extract of TAEE were investigated in 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‑treated mice with AD‑like skin lesions and in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α‑ and interferon (IFN)‑γ‑stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg TAEE for 10 days significantly decreased the skin thickness, transepidermal water loss and serum immunoglobulin E levels in DNCB‑treated mice. In addition, TAEE reduced the secretion of inflammatory chemokines via regulation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling pathways in TNF‑α‑ and IFN‑γ‑stimulated HaCaT cells. These results indicate that TAEE may have beneficial effects in the treatment and prevention of AD and associated skin diseases.

Chrysanthemum indicum L. ethanol extract reduces high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice

The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism behind the anti-obesity effect of the 50% ethanol extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L. flowers (CIEE) in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6J mice (six mice in each group) were administered CIEE (8, 40 and 200 mg/kg) for 6 weeks while being fed with a HFD. Garcinia cambogia (GC) was used as the positive control and was administered in the same manner as CIEE. Results demonstrated that oral administration of CIEE significantly reduced body weight, epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT), liver weight and serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride (P<0.05). In addition, CIEE reduced serum leptin and increased adiponectin levels. CIEE significantly downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α and fatty acid synthase expression levels in EWAT, and upregulated the protein expression of PPARα in liver tissue of HFD-fed obese mice (P<0.05). These results suggested that Chrysanthemum indicum L. flowers may be a potentially effective therapeutic agent for obesity and its associated complications.

Complement C1q stimulates the progression of hepatocellular tumor through the activation of discoidin domain receptor 1

C1q is known to perform several functions in addition to the role it plays in complement activation. C1q contains a collagen-like portion and DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) is a well-known collagen receptor. Accordingly, we hypothesized C1q might be a novel ligand of DDR1. This study shows for the first time C1q directly induces the activation and upregulation of DDR1, and that this leads to enhanced migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. In addition, C1q was found to induce the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, and to increase the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and 9). Our results reveal a relationship between C1q and DDR1 and suggest C1q-induced DDR1 activation signaling may be involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Euphorbia supina extract results in inhibition of high‑fat‑diet‑induced obesity in mice

The present study was undertaken to investigate the anti‑obesity effect of a 50% ethanol extract of Euphorbia supina (ESEE) in high‑fat‑diet (HFD)‑induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Mice were fed a HFD with or without ESEE (2, 10, or 50 mg/kg) or with Garcinia cambogia (positive control) for 6 weeks. ESEE supplementation significantly reduced body, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), and organ weights (P<0.05). ESEE also reduced hepatic steatosis and improved serum lipid profiles. In addition, ESEE significantly reduced serum leptin levels and increased adiponectin levels, and significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer‑binding protein alpha (C/EPBα) in eWAT and liver tissues (all P<0.05). These results suggested that ESEE supplementation protects against HFD‑induced obesity by downregulating PPARγ and C/EPBα, and that ESEE may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated diseases.

Chrysanthemum indicum Inhibits Adipogenesis and Activates the AMPK Pathway in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Chrysanthemum indicum (CI) is widely distributed in China and many parts of the tropical world, and has been reported to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects, but no information is available on its effects on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. This was undertaken to investigate the mechanism responsible for the effect of ethyl acetate fraction of CI (CIEA) on adipogenesis, in vitro and in vivo models of obesity. In the in vitro study, differentiating 3T3-L1 cells were treated with media to initiate differentiation (MDI) in the presence or absence of CIEA with different concentrations, and in the in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD and administered CIEA daily for six weeks. Garcinia cambogia (GC) was used as the positive control, and was administered in the same manner as CIEA. Results showed CIEA reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), and liver weight. In addition, CIEA significantly decreased serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels. Furthermore, CIEA also reduced leptin levels and increased adiponectin levels in serum, and significantly decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [Formula: see text] (PPAR[Formula: see text]) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EPBs) levels, but increased PPAR[Formula: see text] level and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in eWATs and in the liver tissues of HFD fed obese mice. Taken together, these results indicate CIEA might be beneficial for preventing obesity.

In vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity of dichloromethane fraction of Triticum aestivum sprouts

Triticum aestivum sprouts (TA) contain significant amounts of chlorophyll, minerals, enzymes, and other functional entities. Furthermore, TA extracts have been shown to possess anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective effects and are believed to help blood flow, digestion, and general detoxification of the body. In this study, the mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of a dichloromethane fraction of TA (TDF) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro study was done by examining cancer cells growth, morphological changes, cell cycles, expressions of death receptors and apoptosis-linked proteins in wide range of human cancer cell lines. To investigate the effect of TDF in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were injected with B16 melanoma cells and orally administered TDF. TDF markedly inhibited cancer cell growth and induced cellular morphological alterations, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and enhanced the expressions of death receptors (DR)-4, 5, and 6 in cell lines. In addition, TDF regulated the expressions mitochondrial apoptosis-linked proteins and induced caspase-dependent cell death. It also significantly enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK, but not p38, whereas inhibited the activation of NF-κB in cancer cells. In our mouse model, TDF significantly suppressed B16 melanoma growth, to an extent similar to cisplatin (reference control) and augmented immunomodulatory cytokines. In brief, this study presents the mechanism responsible for the anti-cancer effects of TDF in vitro and in vivo.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Euphorbia supina extract in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice

The aim of this study is to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of Euphorbia supina (ES) ethanol extract in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis model. ES was per orally administered at different doses of 4 or 20 mg/kg body weight with 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Twenty mg/kg of ES administration regulated body weight decrease, recovered colon length shortening, and increased disease activity index score and myeloperoxidase level in DSS-induced colitis. Histological features showed that 20 mg/kg of ES administration suppressed edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by DSS. Furthermore, ES suppressed the expressions of COX-2, iNOS, NF-kB, IkBα, pIkBα in colon tissue. These findings demonstrated a possible effect of amelioration of ulcerative colitis and could be clinically applied.

Triticum aestivum sprout-derived polysaccharide exerts hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced liver damage by enhancing the antioxidant system in mice

Triticum aestivum sprout-derived polysaccharide (TASP) has anti-diabetic properties, but no information is available in regards to its protective effect against ethanol-induced hepatic injury. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the protective role of TASP against ethanol-induced liver injury in vivo. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered ethanol with or without TASP for 10 consecutive days by oral gavage. Silymarin was administered in the same manner as a positive control. TASP reduced ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. TASP also prevented glutathione (GSH) depletion and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue. In addition, TASP significantly inhibited ethanol-induced cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activation, and upregulated the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and downregulated NADPH oxidase genes in ethanol fed mice. Furthermore, the upregulation of Nrf2 was found to be regulated by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. TASP also attenuated hepatic injury by modulation of caspase-3 and apoptosis-associated mitochondrial proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) in liver tissues of mice. The study demonstrated that TASP treatment protects against ethanol-induced hepatic injury via multiple pathways by inhibiting steatosis and improving antioxidant marker levels during hepatic injury. Such properties provide a basis for therapeutic agents against alcohol-induced liver injury.

A dichloromethane fraction of Triticum aestivum sprouts reduces allergic immune response through inhibiting Th2 differentiation in ovalbumin‑immunized mice

Triticum aestivum sprouts are small shoots that germinate from seeds and are consumed as a dietary supplement. The present study aimed to determine whether a dichloromethane fraction isolated from Triticum aestivum sprouts (TDF) suppressed the allergic immune response in ovalbumin (OVA)‑sensitized mice. In vivo experiments were performed by administering TDF or vehicle to mice during the sensitization and this was immediately followed by an intradermal injection of OVA into the ears. Splenocytes isolated from OVA‑sensitized mice were pre‑treated with TDF and re‑challenged with OVA for ex vivo evaluation. Results demonstrated that TDF suppressed the inflammatory response in ear tissues and levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and OVA‑specific IgE in serum. TDF inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)‑4 and expression of GATA‑binding protein‑3 (GATA‑3) transcription factor which regulates the differentiation of naïve T helper (Th) cells into Th2 cells in OVA‑stimulated splenocytes. TDF inhibited Th1‑associated cytokine interferon‑γ and IL‑12 production and downregulated the expression of Th1 specific transcription factor T‑box 21 in OVA‑stimulated splenocytes. Overall, these results indicated that TDF attenuates OVA‑induced allergic immune response by suppressing the production of Th2 specific cytokine IL‑4, through inhibiting transcription factor GATA‑3, and suggests that TDF may exhibit the potential to regulate the immune response in allergic diseases.

Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effect of Gastrodia elata on Colon Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a well-known kind of herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The extrusion of raw materials from it could improve flavor and enhance bioavailability in food and drug development. The purpose of this study is to investigate antitumor and immune boosting effects of extruded GE in human colon carcinoma cells, splenocytes, and mice-bearing CT26 colon carcinoma cell. Treatment with 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL of extruded GE decreased cell viability and induced the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax in HT29 cells ([Formula: see text]). When we performed DAPI staining, apoptotic bodies with condensed chromatin and fragmented nuclei, known as indicative of apoptotic morphology, increased 24[Formula: see text]h after treatment with 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL of extruded GE. Treatments with extruded GE significantly promoted splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 or IFN-[Formula: see text] secretion, compared with that of control cells ([Formula: see text]). The administration of extruded GE of 200 mg/kg/day decreased tumor growth and Ki-67 or [Formula: see text]-catenin expression in mice ([Formula: see text]). Additionally, we investigated the contents of compounds in extruded GE extracts using ultra performance liquid chromatography. The contents of p-hydroxylbenzyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde in extruded GE were 2.97[Formula: see text]mg/g and 0.04[Formula: see text]mg/g, respectively. It was supposed that antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of extruded GE might exert by the p-hydroxylbenzyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde of many compositions analyzed from extruded GE. These results suggest that extruded GE have the potential to be developed into a natural pharmaceutical and functional food as a cancer chemopreventive agent.

Comparing the immune responses of two genetically B-complex disparate Fayoumi chicken lines to Eimeria tenella

The present study was conducted to compare the susceptibility of congenic Fayoumi lines to Eimeria tenella infection and to assess genetic differences in Eimeria egression. Chickens were orally inoculated with 5 × 10(4) sporulated E. tenella oocysts and challenged with 5 × 10(6) oocysts on the 10th day after the primary infection. The Fayoumi M5.1 line exhibited higher levels of body weight gain, less oocyst shedding and higher percentages of B and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells than the M15.2 chickens. These results demonstrate that M5.1 line is more resistant to E. tenella infection than M15.2 line. Furthermore, the percentage of sporozoite egress from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was higher in the M5.1 line. The results of this study suggest that enhanced resistance of Fayoumi M5.1 to E. tenella infection may involve heightened cell-mediated and adaptive immunity, resulting in reduced intracellular development of Eimeria parasites.

Performance of a Web-based, realtime, tele-ultrasound consultation system over high-speed commercial telecommunication lines

A Web-based, realtime, tele-ultrasound consultation system was designed. The system employed ActiveX control, MPEG-4 coding of full-resolution ultrasound video (640 × 480 pixels at 30 frames/s) and H.320 videoconferencing. It could be used via a Web browser. The system was evaluated over three types of commercial line: a cable connection, ADSL and VDSL. Three radiologists assessed the quality of compressed and uncompressed ultrasound video-sequences from 16 cases (10 abnormal livers, four abnormal kidneys and two abnormal gallbladders). The radiologists' scores showed that, at a given frame rate, increasing the bit rate was associated with increasing quality; however, at a certain threshold bit rate the quality did not increase significantly. The peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) was also measured between the compressed and uncompressed images. In most cases, the PSNR increased as the bit rate increased, and increased as the number of dropped frames increased. There was a threshold bit rate, at a given frame rate, at which the PSNR did not improve significantly. Taking into account both sets of threshold values, a bit rate of more than 0.6 Mbit/s, at 30 frames/s, is suggested as the threshold for the maintenance of diagnostic image quality.

Triticumoside induces apoptosis via caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway and inhibits migration through downregulation of MMP2/9 in human lung cancer cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cancer-related death worldwide with only 14% five-year survival rate. Triticumoside, a phenolic compound present in Triticum aestivum sprout extract, has been recognized to have antiobesity and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of triticumoside on cancer cell proliferation and migration has not been studied. In order to elucidate whether triticumoside exhibits an anticancer effect, cells were incubated with different doses of triticumoside, and apoptosis was assessed by observing cell viability, cellular morphological changes, and annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining. Cell cycle analysis, western blotting, wound healing assay, and quantitative-polymerase chain reaction were also performed. Triticumoside exhibited marked cytotoxicity in the cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Triticumoside caused morphological changes, including cellular rounding, nuclear condensation, and shrinkage. Likewise, triticumoside enhanced the sub-G1 proportion of cells. Additionally, triticumoside regulated expression of apoptosis-associated proteins, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X, and procaspase-3/9. Triticumoside also inhibited migration of the cells through downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP2/9). Collectively, these results suggest that triticumoside induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway and suppresses migration via inhibition of MMP2/9 in NSCLC A549 cells.