Influence of arm position on catheter placement during real-time ultrasound-guided right infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization

BACKGROUND

Real-time ultrasound-guided infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization is used in many clinical situations and provides the advantages of catheter stabilization, a reduced risk of catheter-related infection, and comfort for the patient without limitation of movement. However, unintended catheter tip dislocation and accidental arterial puncture occur occasionally. This study was designed to investigate the influence of arm position on catheter placement and complications.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to either the neutral group (n=240) or the abduction group (n=241). In the neutral group, patients were positioned with the head and shoulders placed in an anatomically neutral position and the arms kept by the side during catheterization. In the abduction group, the right upper arm was abducted at 90° from the trunk during catheterization. After real-time ultrasound-guided catheterization was carried out in the right infraclavicular proximal axillary vein, misplacement of the catheter and all complications were evaluated with ultrasound and chest radiography.

RESULTS

The success rate of complete catheterization before evaluating the placement of the catheter was high in both groups (97.1 vs 98.8%, P=not significant). The incidence of accidental arterial puncture was not different (1.7 vs 0%, P=not significant). The incidence of misplacement of the catheter was higher in the neutral group than in the abduction group (3.9 vs 0.4%, P=0.01). There were no complications, such as haemothorax, pneumothorax, or injury to the brachial plexus and phrenic nerve, in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper arm abduction may minimize the risk of misplacement of the catheter during real-time ultrasound-guided infraclavicular proximal axillary venous catheterization.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp. Identifier: KCT0001417.

Inhibition of arachidonate release from rat peritoneal macrophage by biflavonoids

Biflavonoid is one of unique classes of naturally-occurring bioflavonoid. Previously, certain biflavonoids were found to possess the inhibitory effects on phospholipase A(2) activity and lymphocytes proliferation(1) suggesting their anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory potential. In this study, effects of several biflavonoids on arachidonic acid release from rat peritoneal macrophages were investigated, because arachidonic acid released from the activated macrophages is one of the indices of inflammatory conditions. When resident peritoneal macrophages labeled with [(3)H]arachidonic acid were activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or calcium ionophore, A23187, radioactivity released in the medium was increased approximately 4.1 approximately 7.3 fold after 120 min incubation compared to the spontaneous release in the control incubation. In this condition, biflavonoids (10 uM) such as ochnaflavone, ginkgetin and isoginkgetin, showed inhibition of arachidonate release from macrophages activated by PMA (32.5 approximately 40.0% inhibition) or A23187 (21.7 approximately 41.7% inhibition). Amentoflavone showed protection only against PMA-induced arachidonate release, while apigenin, a monomer of these biflavonoids, did not show the significant inhibition up to 10 uM. Staurosporin (1 uM), a protein kinase C inhibitor, showed an inhibitory effect only against PMA-induced arachidonate release (96.8% inhibition). Inhibition of arachidonate release from the activated macrophages may contribute to an anti-inflammatory potential of biflavonoidsin vivo.

A rubrofusarin gentiobioside isomer from roastedCassia tora

From the roasted seeds ofCassia tora L., a new naphthopyrone glycoside was isolated and characterized as 10-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxyl-5-hydroxy-8-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-naphtho [1,2-b]pyran-4-one(isorubrofusarin gentiobioside). Along with isorubrofusarin gentiobioside, alaternin and adenosine were isolated and identified.

Reduction of experimental diabetic vascular leakage and pericyte apoptosis in mice by delivery of αA-crystallin with a recombinant adenovirus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant adenovirus expressing αA-crystallin (Ad-αAc-Gfp) in reducing pericyte loss within retinal vasculature in early diabetes.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection into C57BL/6 mice. Ad-αAc-Gfp was delivered by intravitreous injection to the right eyes of mice 2 weeks before induction of diabetes. Vascular leakage was determined by fluorescent angiography, Evans Blue leakage assay and leucocyte adhesion test. Production of αA-crystallin was analysed by immunoblotting and double immunostaining and pericyte loss was analysed by pericyte count.

RESULTS

Vessel leakage and pericyte loss were observed in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic retina. Decreased abundance of αA-crystallin in retinas 2 and 6 months after the induction of diabetes was confirmed by two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis, immunoblotting and RT-PCR. Double immunofluorescence staining for αA-crystallin and NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan revealed that αA-crystallin was predominantly produced in the retinal pericyte and that the number of αA-crystallin-producing pericytes decreased in the diabetic retina. Retinal infection with Ad-αAc-Gfp led to decreased pericyte loss and vascular leakage compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Intravitreal delivery of Ad-αAc-Gfp protects against vascular leakage in the streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes. This effect is associated with the inhibition of diabetic retinal pericyte loss in early diabetes, suggesting that αA-crystallin has a role in preventing the pathogenesis of early diabetic retinopathy.

Disrupted functional connectivity for controlled visual processing as a basis for impaired spatial working memory in schizophrenia

Although regional brain abnormalities underlying spatial working memory (SWM) deficits in schizophrenia have been identified, little is known about which brain circuits are functionally disrupted in the SWM network in schizophrenia. We investigated SWM-related interregional functional connectivity in schizophrenia using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected during a memory task that required analysis of spatial information in object structure. Twelve schizophrenia patients and 11 normal control subjects participated. Patients had SWM performance deficits and deficient neural activation in various brain areas, especially in the high SWM load condition. Examination of the covariation of regional brain activations elicited by the SWM task revealed evidence of functional disconnection between prefrontal and posterior visual association areas in schizophrenia. Under low SMW load, we found reduced functional associations between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior temporal cortex (ITC) in the right hemisphere in patients. Under high SWM load, we found evidence for further functional disconnection in patients, including additional reduced functional associations between left DLPFC and right visual areas, including the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), fusiform gyrus, and V1, as well as between right inferior frontal cortex and right PPC. Greater prefrontal-posterior cortical functional connectivity was associated with better SWM performance in controls, but not in patients. These results suggest that prefrontal-posterior functional connectivity associated with the maintenance and control of visual information is central to SWM, and that disruption of this functional network underlies SWM deficits in schizophrenia.

Abnormal mechanisms of antisaccade generation in schizophrenia patients and unaffected biological relatives of schizophrenia patients

Although errant saccadic eye movements may mark genetic factors in schizophrenia, little is known about abnormal brain activity that precedes saccades in individuals with genetic liability for schizophrenia. We investigated electrophysiological activity preceding prosaccades and antisaccades in schizophrenia patients, first-degree biological relatives of schizophrenia patients, and control subjects. Prior to antisaccades, patients had reduced potentials over lateral prefrontal cortex. Smaller potentials were associated with worse antisaccade performance. Relatives also exhibited reduced pre-saccadic potentials over lateral frontal cortex but additionally had reduced potentials over parietal cortex. Both patients and relatives tended toward increased activity over orbital frontal cortex prior to saccades. Results are consistent with lateral prefrontal dysfunction marking genetic liability for schizophrenia and underlying deficient saccadic control.

Optimizing multiphoton fluorescence microscopy light collection from living tissue by noncontact total emission detection (epiTED)

A benefit of multiphoton fluorescence microscopy is the inherent optical sectioning that occurs during excitation at the diffraction-limited spot. The scanned collection of fluorescence emission is incoherent; that is, no real image needs to be formed on the detector plane. The nearly isotropic emission of fluorescence excited at the focal spot allows for new detection schemes that efficiently funnel all attainable photons to detector(s). We previously showed [Combs, C.A., et al. (2007) Optimization of multiphoton excitation microscopy by total emission detection using a parabolic light reflector. J. Microsc. 228, 330-337] that parabolic mirrors and condensers could be combined to collect the totality of solid angle around the excitation spot for tissue blocks, leading to ∼8-fold signal gain. Using a similar approach, we have developed an in vivo total emission detection (epiTED) instrument modified to make noncontact images from outside of living tissue. Simulations suggest that a ∼4-fold enhancement may be possible (much larger with lower NA objectives than the 0.95 NA used here) with this approach, depending on objective characteristics, imaging depth and the characteristics of the sample being imaged. In our initial prototype, 2-fold improvements were demonstrated in the mouse brain and skeletal muscle as well as the rat kidney, using a variety of fluorophores and no compromise of spatial resolution. These results show this epiTED prototype effectively doubles emission signal in vivo; thus, it will maintain the image signal-to-noise ratio at two times the scan rate or enable full scan rate at approximately 30% reduced laser power (to minimize photo-damage).

Caudal epidural block in children: comparison of needle insertion parallel with caudal canal versus conventional two-step technique

This study compared the technique of inserting the needle for caudal epidural blockade in a single pass parallel to the caudal canal versus the conventional technique of approaching the caudal canal with the needle at a steeper angle. Seventy-five patients, aged 0 to 72 months, scheduled for urological surgery were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a conventional method group (caudal block performed with conventional needle insertion, n=40) and a new method group (needle inserted into the skin at an angle of 200 and into the caudal space without redirection, n=35). Two anaesthetists (A, B) performed the caudal blocks. For anaesthetist A, the mean time required (standard deviation) to perform needle insertion in the conventional method group was 2.2 (0.8) minutes and in the new method group 1.1 (0.7) minutes (P = 0.03). For anaesthetist B the mean time (standard deviation) to perform needle insertion in the conventional method group was 2.1 (1.1) minutes and in the new method group 1.3 (0.8) minutes (P = 0.04). Successful block was considered as first pass placement of the needle in the caudal canal confirmed (after placement) by ultrasound imaging, and the absence of a bloody tap. Subcutaneous placement of the needle after the first attempt occurred in two cases in the conventional method group and three cases in the new method group. Bloody tap occurred in four cases, all in the conventional method group and none in the new method group. When required, the second pass was successful in all cases.

Limitations of true score variance to measure discriminating power: psychometric simulation study

Demonstrating a specific cognitive deficit usually involves comparing patients' performance on 2 or more tests. The psychometric confound occurs if the psychometric properties of these tests lead patients to show greater cognitive deficits in 1 domain. One way to avoid the psychometric confound is to use tests with a similar level of discriminating power, which is a test's ability to index true individual differences in classic psychometric theory. One suggested way to measure discriminating power is to calculate true score variance (L. J. Chapman & J. P. Chapman, 1978). Despite the centrality of these formulations, there is no systematic examination of the relationship between the observable property of true score variance and the latent property of discriminating power. The authors simulated administrations of free response tests and forced choice tests by creating different replicable ability scores for 2 groups, across a wide range of various psychometric properties (i.e., difficulty, reliability, observed variance, and number of items), and computing an ideal index of discriminating power. Simulation results indicated that true score variance had only limited ability to predict discriminating power (explained about 10% of variance in replicable ability scores). Furthermore, the ability varied across tests with wide ranges of psychometric variables, such as difficulty, observed variance, reliability, and number of items. Discriminating power depends on a complicated interaction of psychometric properties that is not well estimated solely by a test's true score variance.

A genome-wide microarray analysis reveals anti-inflammatory target genes of paeonol in macrophages

OBJECTIVE

Paeony root has long been used for its anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the effects of albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and paeonol, compounds from paeony root, on gene expression profiles were examined in macrophages challenged with the inflammation inducer lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

The RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of albiflorin, paeoniflorin, or paeonol. Global mRNA expression levels were detected by using an oligonucleotide microarray platform covering the mouse whole genome.

RESULTS

Treatment with LPS caused expression level changes in 1,270 genes by 2 folds or more. Paeonol attenuated the induction level of 355 LPS-responsive genes. Classification of the genes targeted by paeonol according to the Panther group analysis revealed 20 biological processes, 24 molecular functions, and 22 signaling pathways. The Panther signaling pathways highly affected by paeonol included the 'inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling', 'interleukin signaling', and 'Toll receptor signaling'.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that paeonol has extensive inhibitory effects on the regulation of inflammation associated gene expression by LPS in macrophages. In addition, the predominant effect of paeonol among the tested compounds suggests that paeonol may be a major ingredient for the anti-inflammatory effect of paeony root.

Triamcinolone acetonide protects the rat retina from STZ-induced acute inflammation and early vascular leakage

Streptozotocin (STZ) has been commonly used to induce in vivo and in vitro hyperglycemic diabetes and its toxicity leads to inflammation and vascular injury. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), as an anti-angiogenic/anti-inflammatory drug, is clinically used to improve the visual acuity in neovascular and edematous ocular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TA on early inflammation and vascular leakage in the retina of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg); only rats with blood glucose levels >13.9 mmol/l 1 day after STZ injection were included in STZ-hyperglycemic group. Sex- and age-matched SD rats injected with buffer were used as the control group. One day before STZ and buffer injection, 2 microl TA (4 mg/ml in saline) and 2 microl saline were intravitreal-injected into the right and the left eyes of rats, respectively. Retinal vascular leakage was measured using the Evans-blue method. Changes in pro-inflammatory target genes, such as tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by immunoblottings, immunostaining, and ELISA analyses. Vascular hyperleakage and up-regulation of most pro-inflammatory genes peaked within a few days after STZ injection and had recovered. However, these changes were blocked by TA pretreatment. Our data suggest that TA controls STZ-induced early vascular leakage and temporary pro-inflammatory signals in the rat retina.

Protein kinase C delta regulates anti-apoptotic alphaB-crystallin in the retina of type 2 diabetes

We investigated the relationship between phosphorylation of alphaB-crystallin (alphaBC) and retinal apoptosis in type 2 diabetes. The retinas of male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats at 24 and 35 weeks were used as an animal model for type 2 diabetes and sex- and age-matched Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as controls. In the retinas of 35-week OLETF rats, the interaction between alphaBC and protein kinase C delta (PKC delta) among the PKC isozymes, alphaBC phosphorylation at Ser45 (S45p-alphaBC), TUNEL-positive apoptotic ganglion cells, several apoptotic signs, and co-localization of S45p-alphaBC and TUNEL significantly increased as compared with other groups while the alphaBC-Bax interaction greatly decreased. These changes were abolished by rottlerin treatment, a highly specific PKC delta inhibitor. These results suggest that PKC delta is involved in regulation of anti-apoptotic function of alphaBC in the retina of type 2 diabetes.

Triamcinolone suppresses retinal vascular pathology via a potent interruption of proinflammatory signal-regulated activation of VEGF during a relative hypoxia

We examined the effect of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), a corticosteroid, on the relationship between vascular pathophysiology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activation in the retina of a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). OIR was induced by exposure of hyperoxia (80% oxygen) to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats from P2 to P14 and then returned to normoxic conditions. TA was intravitreal-injected once into the right eye of OIR rats at P15. Effects of TA on vascular pathophysiology or changes of various genes in response to hypoxia and/or proinflammation under hypoxic retina were assessed by the Evans-blue method, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) infusion, immunoblotting, and ELIZA. TA not only reduced retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage in the OIR-rat retina, but also blocked the induction of hypoxia-response proinflammatory genes before it negatively controlled VEGF activation. These findings suggest a potential that TA suppresses retinal neovascular pathophysiology via proinflammation-mediated activation of VEGF during hypoxia.

Neuronavigation-Assisted Surgery for Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

We present our experience with the neuronavigation system as used for surgery of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysm.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2004, 12 patients with a DACA aneurysm were consecutively treated with direct clipping assisted by the neuronavigation system. We used the BrainLAB Vector Vision neuronavigation system (BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany). Seven out of 12 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aneurysms were located at distal A2 in 10 patients and distal A3 in two patients. The size of the aneurysms ranged from 3-10 mm.

RESULTS

There were no procedure-related complications or technical problems during application of the neuronavigation system. The registration accuracy ranged from 0.5-1.5 mm (mean: 0.88 mm). The neuronavigation system provided real-time presentation of the DACA and the aneurysm, and allowed for identification of the DACA aneurysm in all patients. No surgical complications developed, and all 12 patients had a good recovery after direct clipping.

CONCLUSION

Although current neuronavigation systems are not available for all intracranial aneurysms, we believe that the DACA aneurysm is a good candidate for its use. The additional benefits of a small craniotomy and precise intraoperative orientation during surgery result in a minimally invasive aneurysm procedure.

Neuronavigation-Assisted Surgery for Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

We present our experience with the neuronavigation system used for surgery of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2004, 12 patients with a DACA aneurysm were consecutively treated with direct clipping assisted by the neuronavigation system. We used the BrainLAB Vector Vision2 neuronavigation system (BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany). Seven out of 12 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aneurysms were located at distal A2 in 10 patients and distal A3 in two patients. The size of the aneurysms ranged from 3 to 10 mm.

RESULTS

There were no procedure-related complications or technical problems during application of the neuronavigation system. The registration accuracy ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 mm (mean: 0.88). The neuronavigation system provided real-time presentation of the DACA aneurysm, and allowed for identification of the DACA aneurysm in all patients. No surgical complications developed, and all 12 patients had a good recovery after direct clipping.

CONCLUSION

Although current neuronavigation systems are not available for all intracranial aneurysms, we believe that the DACA aneurysm is a good candidate for its use. The additional benefits of a small craniotomy and precise intraoperative orientation during surgery result in a minimally invasive aneurysm procedure.

Efficacy of moxibustion after rolling correction in dairy cows with abomasal displacement

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of moxibustion after rolling correction in dairy cows with abomasal displacement (AD). The experimental group comprised 86 Holstein cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) and right displacement of the abomasum (RDA), with a mean age of 3.8 with AD during a 2-year period. The cows were rolled for correction of AD. After the rolling procedure, moxibustion was conducted on six acupoints once a day during the course of treatment. After repositioning the abomasums, the bilateral points of BL-20, BL-21 and BL-26 were then stimulated. During the follow-up of 1 week, 67 (93.1%) of 72 LDA and 12 (85.7%) of 14 RDA cows were released as cured after moxibustion. In conclusion, moxibustion effectively treats AD following rolling correction in dairy cows.

A new diterpenoid alkaloid from Aconitum jaluense

A new diterpenoid alkaloid, jaluenine (1), has been isolated from the roots of Aconitum jaluense. The structure of jaluenine was determined by spectroscopic methods including two dimensional NMR (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY).

Neuropsychological correlates of error negativity and positivity in schizophrenia patients

The purpose of the present paper was to determine error-monitoring ability and its relationship with executive function in patients with schizophrenia. In order to evaluate error-monitoring ability, the error negativity (Ne) and error positivity (Pe) were measured using the Stroop task. The correct-related negativity (CRN) and positivity (Pc) were also measured. In addition, neuropsychological tests were administered in order to evaluate executive function. The patients with schizophrenia had significantly reduced Ne and augmented CRN amplitudes, but the Pe and Pc amplitudes of the patients were comparable to those of the controls. In addition, the Ne amplitude, measured at Fcz was positively correlated with the Trail Making Test (TMT), part B response time, and the categories achieved on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in patients with schizophrenia. No significant correlations were found between Ne amplitude and performance on the neuropsychological tests in the controls. And no associations were detected between CRN, Pe, Pc amplitudes and neuropsychological performance, in either the patients with schizophrenia or the controls. Reduced Ne amplitudes and augmented CRN amplitudes in patients with schizophrenia suggest the dysfunctional behavior-monitoring system in these patients. The functional significances of Ne and Pe are discussed.

Are Your Arteries Older Than Your Age?

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of age and atherosclerotic risk factors on the carotid intima-media layer thickness and morphology characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three groups of subjects were included in the study: Individuals with atherosclerotic risk factors including a family history of CHD, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and/or smoking (group A, n=180), age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without risk factors (group B, n=60) and a group of significantly younger volunteers (group C, n=25). The carotid artery was imaged longitudinally with B-mode ultrasound. Intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in the common (CCA) and internal carotid (ICA) arteries. Surface irregularity and continuity of the intima-media layer (IML) were assessed by high definition imaging. Echogenicity of the wall was quantified using Adobe Photoshop. The presence of calcium deposits was recorded. The double line wall pattern seen in young healthy people was used as a control to assess patterns and texture of the carotid IML. Fifteen subjects had their measurements repeated for intraobserver variability.

RESULTS

IMT measurements were reproducible in both the CCA and ICA (coefficient of variation 6% and 9%). IMT increased linearly with age (adjusted R(2)=0.72, p<0.0001), which was also an independent risk factor for increased IMT. All the risk factors had a significant association with increased IMT. In the lowest (third) decade the wall/blood interface was smooth and the double line was visualized with an echolucent center. With increased age and number of risk factors present, the wall/blood interface became more irregular (p<0.01), the double line was distorted (p<0.01) and the IML was more echogenic (p<0.01). The increase in IMT and the changes in the echogenicity of the IML were more pronounced in the ICA.

CONCLUSIONS

Age is an independent risk factor for increased IMT. Atherosclerotic risk factors are associated with the age-related changes seen in the IML. Such changes are also seen in younger asymptomatic volunteers with risk factors indicating that their arteries are older than their age.

Antiobese and hypolipidemic effects of platycodin saponins in diet-induced obese rats: evidences for lipase inhibition and calorie intake restriction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how and to what extent platycodin saponin (PS) from Platycodi Radix exerts a favorable influence on obesity and hyperlipidemia.

DESIGN

Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a high fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks and then the animals were treated with 35 or 70 mg / kg of PS for another 4 weeks. Changes in body weight and daily calorie intake were measured regularly during the experimental period and the degree of linear correlation for the above two variables was further analyzed. The in vitro lipase inhibition of each PS compound and the in vivo fecal lipid excretion were examined in hope of revealing their relationship. The concentrations of hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol in serum.

RESULTS

The body weight reduction (13+/-4% vs HF control, P<0.05) by PS administration was highly correlated to the food intake restriction (Pearson's linear coefficient r=0.752, P<0.005). The in vitro inhibition of lipase by each isolated compound and mixture of PS were virtually identical. Consequently, the fecal TG excretion was increased by 2.1-3.2 folds depending on the dose of PS. The serum TG and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were decreased without noticeable changes in HDL-cholesterol levels. Concomitantly, the contents of the hepatic TG, cholesterol, and the liver surface fat pads were decreased in ubiquity, but no noticeable biochemical abnormalities or histological tissue damages were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of PS produced profound effects on the control of obesity and lipid metabolism, which resulted in LDL-cholesterol reduction. PS also caused a remarkable reduction in calorie intake, which was highly correlated to the body weight loss. These results suggest that PS has a greater role in anti-obesity, hypolipidemia, and liver protection than previously thought. Hence, PS could be a potential therapeutic alternative in the treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemia.

Expression of 14-3-3 zeta and interaction with protein kinase C in the rat retina in early diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of and the relationship between 14-3-3 zeta and protein kinase C (PKC) in the retina of early diabetes.

METHODS

Changes in the expression levels of, and interaction between, 14-3-3 zeta and PKC were investigated by Northern and Western blot analyses, immunoprecipitation and double immunostaining in the retina of diabetic rats after 6 weeks of diabetes. PKC activity was examined using a PKC assay.

RESULTS

In the diabetic retina, the molecular levels of 14-3-3 zeta were reduced, while those of PKC beta and zeta were increased. Direct interaction between 14-3-3 zeta and PKC was markedly decreased in the retina after 6 weeks of diabetes, while PKC activity was increased.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These findings show that a reduction in 14-3-3 zeta can induce PKC activation, suggesting that this is a main cause of visual dysfunction in the retina during diabetes.

Dysplastic nodules in liver cirrhosis: detection with triple phase helical dynamic CT

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of triple phase helical dynamic CT for detecting dysplastic nodules in patients with liver cirrhosis. 76 dysplastic nodules were confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver specimens after surgical resection in 21 patients or after explantation of the whole liver in 20 patients. Triple phase helical dynamic CT including arterial, portal venous and delayed phases was performed as a pre-operative evaluation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Two readers retrospectively evaluated the images. The presence of dysplastic nodules was determined by one-to-one correlation of the CT images and the pathological results in terms of the anatomical location and size of each nodule. Helical dynamic triple phase CT depicted eight of 76 dysplastic nodules (10%): five of 35 high grade dysplastic nodules (14%) and three of 41 low grade dysplastic nodules (7%). Triple phase helical dynamic CT is insensitive for detection of dysplastic nodules in cirrhotic livers.