Changes in heart-rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during Tai Chi Qigong practice

[Purpose] To explore the changes in heart-rate variability (HRV) of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) before, during, and after a Tai Chi (TC) Qigong exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven survivors of NPC participated voluntarily in the study. The heart rate of each participant was measured continuously for 1 minute before the TC Qigong intervention, during the 5-minute TC Qigong intervention, and for 1 minute after the intervention, using a Polar heart-rate monitor. Spectral HRV was expressed in terms of normalised low frequency (LF) power, normalised high frequency (HF) power, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. [Results] Both the LF-power and the HF-power components had significant time effects. However, the time effect of the LF/HF power ratio was not significant. Post hoc contrast analysis revealed a significant decrease in LF power and a concomitant increase in HF power during the 4th minute and 5th minute of the TC Qigong exercise. [Conclusion] Five minutes of TC Qigong exercise was found to improve HRV by increasing HF power and decreasing LF power, but these effects were transient. TC Qigong might be an appropriate exercise for improving the ANS function and psychological and cardiac health of survivors of NPC.

Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., isolated from subarctic rainwater

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and non-motile strain, designated PAMC 27367(T), was isolated from rainwater collected on the Bering Sea. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed an affiliation with the genus Rhodococcus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain PAMC 27367(T) formed a robust clade with the type strains of Rhodococcus rhodnii, Rhodococcus aetherivorans and Rhodococcus ruber with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.3 %, 95.8 % and 95.5 %, respectively. Cells of the strain grew optimally at 25 °C and at pH 6.5-7.0 in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) sea salts. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and three unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1ω8c and 10-methyl C17 : 0. Cell wall analysis showed that strain PAMC 27367(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 77.1 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, we propose a novel species with the name Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., with PAMC 27367(T) ( = KCTC 29240(T) = JCM 19485(T)) as the type strain.

Spatiotemporally controlled microchannels of periodontal mimic scaffolds

Physiologic bioengineering of the oral, dental, and craniofacial complex requires optimized geometric organizations of fibrous connective tissues. A computer-designed, fiber-guiding scaffold has been developed to promote tooth-supporting periodontal tissue regeneration and functional restoration despite limited printing resolution for the manufacture of submicron-scaled features. Here, we demonstrate the use of directional freeze-casting techniques to control pore directional angulations and create mimicked topographies to alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, and apical fibers of natural periodontal ligaments. For the differing anatomic positions, the gelatin displayed varying patterns of ice growth, determined via internal pore architectures. Regardless of the freezing coordinates, the longitudinal pore arrangements resulted in submicron-scaled diameters (~50 µm), along with corresponding high biomaterial porosity (~90%). Furthermore, the horizontal + coronal ([Formula: see text]) freezing orientation facilitated the creation of similar structures to major fibers in the periodontal ligament interface. This periodontal tissue-mimicking microenvironment is a potential tissue platform for the generation of naturally oriented ligamentous tissues consistent with periodontal ligament neogenesis.

Study on Growth Curves of Longissimus dorsi Muscle Area, Backfat Thickness and Body Conformation for Hanwoo (Korean Native) Cows

The objective of this study was to estimate the parameters of Gompertz growth curves with the measurements of body conformation, real-time ultrasound longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and backfat thickness (BFT) in Hanwoo cows. The Hanwoo cows (n = 3,373) were born in 97 Hanwoo commercial farms in the 17 cities or counties of Gyeongbuk province, Korea, between 2000 and 2007. A total of 5,504 ultrasound measurements were collected for the cows at the age of 13 to 165 months in 2007 and 2008. Wither height (HW), rump height (HR), the horizontal distance between the top of the hips (WH), and girth of chest (GC) were also measured. Analysis of variance was conducted to investigate variables affecting LMA and BFT. The effect of farm nested in location was included in the statistical model, as well as the effects of HW, HR, WH, and GC as covariates. All of the effects were significant in the analysis of variance for LMA and BFT (p<0.01), except for the HR effect for LMA. The two ultrasound measures and the four body conformation traits were fitted to a Gompertz growth curve function to estimate parameters. Upper asymptotic weights were estimated as 54.0 cm², 7.67 mm, 125.6 cm, 126.4 cm, 29.3 cm, and 184.1 cm, for LMA, BFT, HW, HR, WH, and GC, respectively. Results of ultrasound measurements showed that Hanwoo cows had smaller LMA and greater BFT than other western cattle breeds, suggesting that care must be taken to select for thick BFT rather than an increase of only beef yield. More ultrasound records per cow are needed to get accurate estimates of growth curve, which, thus, helps producers select animals with high accuracy.

Overexpression of the Brassica rapa transcription factor WRKY12 results in reduced soft rot symptoms caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum in Arabidopsis and Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis), an important vegetable crop, can succumb to diseases such as bacterial soft rot, resulting in significant loss of crop productivity and quality. Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum (Pcc) causes soft rot disease in various plants, including Chinese cabbage. To overcome crop loss caused by bacterial soft rot, a gene from Chinese cabbage was isolated and characterised in this study. We isolated the BrWRKY12 gene from Chinese cabbage, which is a group II member of the WRKY transcription factor superfamily. The 645-bp coding sequence of BrWRKY12 translates to a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 24.4 kDa, and BrWRKY12 was exclusively localised in the nucleus. Transcripts of BrWRKY12 were induced by Pcc infection in Brassica. Heterologous expression of BrWRKY12 resulted in reduced susceptibility to Pcc but not to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in Arabidopsis. Defence-associated genes, such as AtPDF1.2 and AtPGIP2, were constitutively expressed in transgenic lines overexpressing BrWRKY12. The expression of AtWKRY12, which is the closest orthologue of BrWRKY12, was down-regulated by Pcc in Arabidopsis. However, the Atwrky12-2 mutants did not show any difference in response to Pcc, pointing to a difference in function of WRKY12 in Brassica and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, BrWRKY12 in Chinese cabbage also exhibited enhanced resistance to bacterial soft rot and increased the expression of defence-associated genes. In summary, BrWRKY12 confers enhanced resistance to Pcc through transcriptional activation of defence-related genes.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Real-time Ultrasound Measurements for Hanwoo Cows at Different Ages and Pregnancy Status

The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of ultrasound measurements for longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) in Hanwoo cows (N = 3,062) at the ages between 18 and 42 months. Data were collected from 100 Hanwoo breeding farms in Gyeongbuk province, Korea, in 2007 and 2008. The cows were classified into four different age groups, i.e. 18 to 22 months (the first pregnancy period), 23 to 27 (the first parturition), 28 to 32 (the second pregnancy), and 33 to 42 (the second parturition), respectively. For each age group, a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate variance components and heritabilities of the three traits. The averages of LMA, BFT, and MS measurements across the cows of all age groups were 50.1 cm², 4.62 mm, and 3.04, respectively and heritability estimates were 0.09, 0.10, and 0.08 for the respective traits. However, when the data were analyzed in different age groups, heritability estimates of LMA and BFT were 0.24 and 0.47, respectively, for the cows of 18 to 22 months of age, and 0.21 for MS in the 28 to 32 months old cows. When the cows of all age groups were used, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.43 (0.35), −0.06 (0.34) and 0.21 (0.32) between LMA and BFT, LMA and MS, and BFT and MS, respectively. However, in the cow age group between 28 and 32 (18 and 22) months, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.05 (0.29), −0.15 (0.24) and 0.38 (0.24), for the respective pairs of traits. These results suggest that genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variations differ depending on cow age, such that care must be taken when ultrasound measurements are applied to selection of cows for meat quality.

Aminoguanidine protects against apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

AIM

The inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) mediated downstream signaling pathways have been suggested to have retinoprotective actions in diabetic retinopathy. Herein, we examined the protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG), an AGEs inhibitor, on diabetes-induced injury of retinal ganglion cells in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven-week-old male ZDF rats were treated with AG (50 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 13 weeks. Serum and vitreous concentration of AGEs were examined. Expressions of AGEs and its receptor (RAGE) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Southwestern histochemistry was used to detect activated nuclear factor (NF)-κB.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, vitreal levels of AGEs were significantly reduced in ZDF rats treated with AG. Similary, immunohistochemical analysis showed that AG significantly reduced the positive areas for AGEs and RAGE. Furthermore, AG strongly inhibited the loss of retinal ganglion cells by apoptosis. AG also suppressed the activation of to NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that AG has retinoprotective properties through not only direct inhibition of AGEs formation but also downregulation of NF-κB.

Only the chemical state of Indium changes in Mn-doped In3Sb1Te2 (Mn: 10 at.%) during multi-level resistance changes

We fabricated and characterized the material with Mn (10 at.%: atomic percent) doped In3Sb1Te2 (MIST) using co-sputtering and synchrotron radiation, respectively. The MIST thin film showed phase-changes at 97 and 320 °C, with sheet resistances of ~10 kΩ(sq) (amorphous), ~0.2 kΩ(sq) (first phase-change), and ~10 Ω(sq) (second phase-change). MIST did not exhibit any chemical separation or increased structural instability during either phase-change, as determined with high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Chemical state changes were only depended for In without concomitant changes of Sb and Te. Apparently, doped Mn atoms can be induced with movement of only In atoms.

Expression of heat shock protein 90 in the kidneys of diabetic db/db mice

OBJECTIVE

To identify novel genes regulated in diabetic nephropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total RNA from the renal cortex of db/+ and db/db mice was isolated and DNA microarrays specific for diabetes signaling pathways were used for expression profiling. Expression of mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical staining were assessed in renal cortex of db/db mice.

RESULTS

Microarray data revealed that 7 genes show up- or down-regulated pattern and diabetic mice specifically decreased heat shock protein (Hsp) 90α expression of genes compared to control mice (diabetic mice 0.68 vs. control mice 1 relative density). Expression of Hsp90α mRNA and Hsp90 protein was significantly decreased in the renal cortex of diabetic mice. However, Hsp70 mRNA and protein expression was not changed. Apoptosis was increased in glomeruli of diabetic mice due to increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Hsp 90 expression was decreased in diabetic glomeruli and decreased Hsp90 expression may mediate podocyte apoptosis in type 2 diabetic kidneys.

Curcumin decreases oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation in hepatocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common metabolic syndromes and is characterized by the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TG), which result from an imbalance between uptake, synthesis, export, and oxidation of fatty acids. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric, was found to prevent obesity and diabetes in mouse models. However, a hypolipidemic effect of curcumin in oleic acid- induced hepatocarcinoma cells has not been reported. In this study, we examined the effect of curcumin on reducing lipid accumulation in hepatic cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocytes were treated with oleic acid (OA) containing with or without curcumin to observe the lipid accumulation by Oil Red O stain. We also tested the effects of curcumin on triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in HepG2 cells. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression.

RESULTS

Curcumin suppressed OA-induced lipid accumulation and TG and TC levels. Also, curcumin decreased hepatic lipogenesis such as SREBP-1, and FAS. Besides, we also found out the antioxidative effect of curcumin by increasing the expression of PPARα. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that curcumin has the same ability to activate AMPK and then reduce SREBP-1, and FAS expression, finally leading to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic antioxidative ability. In this report, we found curcumin exerted a regulatory effect on lipid accumulation by decreasing lipogenesis in hepatocyte. Therefore, curcumin extract may be active in the prevention of fatty liver.

Deferoxamine promotes osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-mediated antioxidant signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Recently it was reported that deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, stimulates bone formation from MG63 and mesenchymal stem cells, but inhibits differentiation in rat calvarial cells; however, the effect of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and the possible underlying mechanism of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effect of DFO on osteoblast differentiation was determined by the staining intensity of calcium deposits with Alizarin red and by RT-PCR analysis of the expression of osteoblastic markers. Signal transduction pathways were analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

DFO increased osteogenic differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner by expression of the mRNA for differentiation markers and calcium nodule formation. Exposure of hPDLCs to DFO resulted in increases in the production of reactive oxygen species and in the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) protein in nuclear extractions, as well as a dose-dependent increase in the expression of Nrf2 target genes, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase, γ-glutamylcysteine lygase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Pretreatment with Nrf2 small interfering RNA, GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate, and with antioxidants by N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E, blocked DFO-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, pretreatment with GSH depletion and antioxidants blocked DFO-induced p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate, for the first time, that nontoxic DFO promotes osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs via modulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathway.

Resolution of adefovir-related nephrotoxicity by adefovir dose-reduction in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB) treated with adefovir were followed up to evaluate nephrotoxicity and its outcome.

AIM

To assess the incidence of renal dysfunction during adefovir therapy in Asian patients and factors associated with it, and evaluate strategies to improve adefovir-related renal dysfunction and their impact on viral suppression.

METHODS

Chronic hepatitis B clinic patients from a tertiary hospital on adefovir treatment, with their clinical and laboratory parameters were extracted from the hospital electronic clinical database in an observational study design. Patients were excluded if they had liver/renal transplant, baseline renal impairment or were on dialysis. Adefovir-related renal dysfunction was defined as adefovir-related abnormal serum creatinine (ARASC) > 125 μmol/L (males), >90 μmol/L (females); adefovir-related abnormal GFR <60 mL/min; and adefovir-related increased serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dL, without other known causes of nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 271/383 adefovir-treated patients were suitable for analysis and 33(12%) patients developed abnormal serum creatinine. Cumulative increase in proportion of patients with ARASC was 33.8% and GFR ≤60 mL/min was 38.3% by 6 years, while serum creatinine increase ≥0.5 mg/dL was 21.48% by 5 years. Using multivariate analysis, the only independent baseline predictor of ARASC was GFR ≤76.1 mL/min. Patients who had ARASC had similar levels of viral suppression to those who did not have ARASC. Those who had ARASC either continued adefovir (24%), switched therapy (24%) or had adefovir dose reduction (52%). ARASC resolved and GFR normalised in almost all patients after either switching therapy or reducing adefovir dose, with no difference between the two strategies (P = 0.737). Those with adefovir dose reduction had no significant increase in HBV DNA (P = 0.170).

CONCLUSIONS

Adefovir-related renal dysfunction occurred in a significant number of adefovir-treated patients, but reduction of the dose led to renal improvement without compromising treatment efficacy.

The protective effects of oxyresveratrol imine derivative against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in PC12 cells

Oxyresveratrol (2',3,4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring ingredient found in mulberries that shows potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent. This study was performed to identify materials similar to oxyresveratrol that may have more effective antioxidant properties. We synthesized a stilbene analog referred to as Compound 1 (2',3,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene); a benzamide analog referred to as Compound 2 ((2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,5-dimethoxybenzamide); and three imine analogs referred to as Compound 3 (3,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylamine), Compound 4 ((4-methoxybenzylidene)-(3-methoxyphenyl)amine), and Compound 5 ((4-methoxybenzylidene)phenylamine). The cytoprotective effects of these compounds were subsequently evaluated using hydrogen peroxide-treated PC12 cells. The cytoprotective effects of the imine analogs were greater than the effects of oxyresveratrol and the other analogs at concentrations of 200 μM. The Compound 3, which is the most effective imine analog of oxyresveratrol, exhibited these cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress through the regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and the translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our results suggest that imine analogs of oxyresveratrol may be useful agents in reducing neuronal oxidative damage.

Do different lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B genotypes carry the same risk of entecavir resistance?

Entecavir switch is one of the treatment options for lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B (HBV) patients in Asia. This study examined the outcome of patients with different baseline resistance genotypes in a cohort study. In this study, 14 patients with chronic HBV were treated with entecavir 1 mg/day for 5 years. Enrolment criteria include: documented lamivudine resistant mutations, treatment with adefovir 10 mg/day for at least 24 weeks, and Child-Pugh score <7. Most had previous failed adefovir therapy and compensated cirrhosis of the liver. Clinical outcomes, liver biochemistries, and HBV DNA were monitored regularly. Patients with virologic breakthrough were rescued with add-on adefovir. At the end of the treatment period, the mean HBV DNA fell from 5.92 × 10(6) (baseline) to 3.67 × 10(1)  IU/ml. The presence of a HBV polymerase rtM204V mutation at the baseline was found to be the major risk factor for adverse outcomes. Compared to the patients with the rtM204I mutant, patients with the rtM204V mutant had increased risk of virologic breakthrough (80% vs. 0%, P = 0.010) requiring add-on adefovir, slower virologic responses (log rank test, P = 0.0011), failure to reach undetectable HBV DNA levels (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.045), and higher risk of entecavir-resistance (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.045). All the patients with rtM204I and rtA181 mutants had undetectable HBV DNA from 18th month. In summary, lamivudine-resistant HBV patients with the rtM204V mutation have the highest risk of developing entecavir resistance, and entecavir monotherapy should be avoided. Those with the rtM204I and rtA181V mutations may have lower risks, but regular surveillance for viral breakthrough is required.

Association between the interleukin-18 promoter polymorphism and pulmonary tuberculosis in a Korean population

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of the -667G/T, -618A/C and -148G/C single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the human interleukin (IL) 18 gene in the development of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and its radiographic characteristics and severity.

DESIGN

Differences in the allele and genotype distributions of the -667G/T, -618A/C, and -148G/C polymorphisms between 251 patients with PTB and 225 healthy controls, between patients with single- and multilobe involvement, and between patients with and without cavities were explored. Serum IL-18 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The -148G/G genotype was more common in patients with cavities than in those without (82.8% vs. 70.9%, P = 0.04), but an analogous trend was not observed for the -667G/T and -618A/C genotypes. However, there were no significant differences in allele and genotype distributions between patients with PTB and healthy controls, or between patients with single- and multilobe involvement (P > 0.05). Serum IL-18 levels were higher in patients with cavities (P = 0.01) and in patients with the -148G/G genotype (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Considering serum IL-18 levels, the -148G/G genotype is associated with a cavitary formation of PTB rather than its development.

Alanine aminotransferase is an inadequate surrogate marker for detecting lamivudine resistance

AIM

To investigate the accuracy of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diagnosing lamivudine resistance and factors that contributed to abnormal serum ALT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of chronic hepatitis B patients on lamivudine therapy who were followed for 3-mo with liver function tests and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA measurement. Lamivudine resistance was defined as HBV DNA ≥ 1 log from nadir on at least 2 occasions, confirmed by genotyping. Serum ALT levels in patients with lamivudine resistance were compared to serum ALT levels in those without lamivudine resistance.

RESULTS

There were 111 patients with and 117 without lamivudine resistance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic of serum ALT to diagnose lamivudine resistance was 0.645 ± 0.037. Serum ALT > 42.5 U/L gave the best diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity = 61%, specificity = 60%, positive predictive value = 60%, negative predictive value = 61%, positive likelihood ratio = 1.53 and negative likelihood ratio = 0.65 for predicting lamivudine resistance, missing 39% of resistant patients. Using other serum ALT cutoffs, diagnostic accuracy was lower. By multivariate analysis, baseline abnormal serum ALT was associated with abnormal ALT during resistance (OR = 5.98, P = 0.003), and males were associated with serum ALT flares during resistance (OR = 8.9, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Serum ALT is inadequate for diagnosing lamivudine resistance and has implications where viral resistance testing is suboptimal and for reimbursement of rescue therapy.

Pre-Measured Length Using Landmarks on Posteroanterior Chest Radiographs for Placement of the Tip of a Central Venous Catheter in the Superior Vena Cava

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a common procedure but catheter misplacement is a frequent complication and can be lethal. Most CVCs are inserted at a recommended mean depth of 15 cm from the skin puncture site. Chest radiographs are used to confirm the positioning of CVCs, with the carina regarded as a reliable landmark for tip placement. The C-length, defined as the distance from the edge of the right transverse process of the first thoracic spine to the carina, can be measured on posteroanterior chest radiographs. To test the accuracy of C-length based CVC placement, 637 adult patients scheduled to undergo elective major abdominal procedures and neurological surgical procedures requiring CVC were randomized to undergo either the 15-cm guided method or the C-length guided method for placement of the CVC tip into the superior vena cava (SVC). All the CVC tips in the C-length group were successfully placed in the SVC. These findings indicate that the pre-measured C-length using two landmarks can be used to determine the insertion length and to place the CVC tip successfully into the SVC.

Enhancing biological phosphorus removal with glycerol

An enhanced biological phosphorus removal process (EBPR) was successfully operated in presence of acetate. When glycerol was substituted for acetate in the feed the EBPR process failed. Subsequently waste activated sludge (WAS) from the reactor was removed to an off-line fermenter. The same amount of glycerol was added to the WAS fermenter which led to significant volatile fatty acids (VFA) production. By supplying the system with the VFA-enriched supernatant of the fermentate, biological phosphorus removal was enhanced. It was concluded that, if glycerol was to be used as an external carbon source in EBPR, the effective approach was to ferment glycerol with waste activated sludge.

Eight enrichment broths for the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni from inoculated suspensions and ground pork

AIMS

The efficiency of eight enrichment broths for the selective isolation of Campylobacter jejuni was compared to identify an optimal enrichment broth.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Brucella-FBP, Preston, Doyle and Roman, modified CCD (mCCD), Park and Sanders, Bolton, Hunt and Radle and Hunt broths were compared for their recovery of (i) Camp. jejuni in suspension, (ii) Camp. jejuni from inoculated ground pork, (iii) heat-injured Camp. jejuni (55 degrees C for 20 min) in suspension and (iv) heat-injured Camp. jejuni from inoculated ground pork. Hunt broth and Bolton broth showed the highest and most rapid enrichment efficacy for the cell suspensions and ground pork, respectively. Preston, Park and Sanders and mCCD broths had relatively high enrichment efficiencies, while Brucella-FBP broth was significantly inferior to the other broths (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cell recovery from the eight enrichment broths was dependent on the sample type and the state of the cells. The use of the appropriate broth is important for the rapid and efficacious enrichment of Camp. jejuni. In particular, heat-injured Camp. jejuni require a longer cultivation time and a suitable enrichment broth.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results from the present study provide information for selecting the most appropriate enrichment broth for Camp. jejuni and may contribute to improved detection methods for the organism.

Sialolithiasis in a stump of Wharton's duct of an aplastic unilateral submandibular gland

Congenital absence of the salivary glands is an uncommon disorder. Isolated aplasia of a unilateral submandibular gland is rare and only 6 cases have been reported. The formation of a sialolith within the remaining Wharton's duct, associated with isolated aplasia of a unilateral submandibular gland, has not been reported previously. The authors report two cases of sialolithiasis within the ipsilateral remaining Wharton's duct in patients with isolated aplasia of a unilateral submandibular gland.

Hypoxic silencing of tumor suppressor RUNX3 by histone modification in gastric cancer cells

RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor that is silenced in cancer following hypermethylation of its promoter. The effects of hypoxia in tumor suppressor gene (TSG) transcription are largely unknown. Here, we investigated hypoxia-induced silencing mechanisms of RUNX3. The expression of RUNX3 was downregulated in response to hypoxia in human gastric cancer cells at the transcriptional level. This downregulation was abolished following treatment with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) and cytosine methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), suggesting that an epigenetic regulatory mechanism may be involved in RUNX3 silencing by hypoxia. DNA methylation PCR and bisulfite-sequencing data revealed that hypoxia did not affect the methylation of RUNX3 promoter. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed increased histone H3-lysine 9 dimethylation and decreased H3 acetylation in the RUNX3 promoter following hypoxia. Hypoxia resulted in the upregulation of G9a histone methyltransferase (HMT) and HDAC1; additionally, overexpression of G9a and HDAC1 attenuated RUNX3 expression. The overexpression of G9a and HDAC1, but not their mutants, inhibited the nuclear localization and expression of RUNX3. Diminished mRNA expression and nuclear localization of RUNX3 during hypoxia was abolished by siRNA-mediated knockdown of G9a and HDAC1. This study suggests that hypoxia silences RUNX3 by epigenetic histone regulation during the progression of gastric cancer.

Potential of pranlukast and zafirlukast in the inhibition of human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes

1. The potential of zafirlukast to inhibit several human cytochrome P450 enzymes is well known. However, pranlukast, a structural analogue of zafirlukast, has not been studied. Accordingly, the inhibitory potential of pranlukast was evaluated and compared with that of zafirlukast, a known CYP2C9 inhibitor, in in vitro microsomal incubation studies. 2. Both pranlukast and zafirlukast showed moderate inhibition of CYP2C9-catalysed tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation, competitively inhibiting tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation with estimated mean K(i) values of 3.82 +/- 0.50 and 5.86 +/- 0.08 microM, respectively. 3. Pranlukast had no effect on CYP2C19-catalysed S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylation or CYP3A4-catalysed midazolam 1-hydroxylation. However, zafirlukast showed minor inhibition of these reactions. Neither pranlukast nor zafirlukast inhibited CYP1A2-catalysed phenacetin O-deethylation, CYP2D6-catalysed dextromethorphan O-demethylation or CYP2E1-catalysed chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation. 4. The results suggest that like zafirlukast, pranlukast also has the potential moderately to inhibit CYP2C9-catalysed tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation. Therefore, the inhibitory potential of pranlukast should be considered when it is co-administered with CYP2C9 substrates with narrow therapeutic ranges (e.g. S-warfarin, phenytoin).