InAsxSb1−xalloy nanocrystals for use in the near infrared

InAs(x)Sb(1-x) alloy nanocrystals for the near-infrared, which have quite a monodisperse crystalline structure of 2.5-3.0 nm and are of a zinc blend structure, are developed.

Duration curve analysis for the assessment of pathogen loading from diffuse sources

Pathogen level of surface waters has received great attention for protecting public health. In this study, total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli concentrations were monitored as the pathogen indicator organisms at six monitoring stations in the Geum River, Korea. Rainfall runoff from two agricultural-forestry watersheds was analyzed for their microbial aspect as well. Total coliform concentration of the Geum River showed high correlation with the flow rate. To estimate total coliform loading on the Geum River in probability scale, the duration curve method was applied. In addition, a standard duration curve reflecting the water quality criteria was constructed to determine water quality compliance. Under the assumption of linearity between flow rate and total coliform concentration of the Geum River, total coliform duration curve revealed that total coliform concentrations exceed the desired criteria mainly due to pollutants from diffuse sources.

Long-term follow-up results of no initial therapy for ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The majority of lymphomas in the ocular adnexa are low-grade B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma). Although radiotherapy is the most frequently applied management, cataract and dry eye are problematic complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1973 and 2003, the clinical features of 36 patients with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma with no symptoms who were managed with no initial therapy after biopsy or surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 63 years (range 22-84) and all patients had stage I disease, consisting of 31 unilateral cases and five bilateral cases. With a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 25 (69%) did not require treatment. The median time until the initiation of treatment in the remaining 11 patients (31%) was 4.8 years. Six patients (17%) died, and among them only two (6%) died due to progressive lymphoma. Seventeen patients (47%) progressed, but histologic transformation was recognized in only one (3%). The estimated overall survival rates of the 36 patients after 5, 10 and 15 years were 94%, 94% and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma, no initial therapy might be an acceptable approach, because 70% of patients remained untreated at a median of 8.6 years, and their survival was comparable to that of reports on immediate therapy.

Biphasic changes of epithelial sodium channel abundance and trafficking in common bile duct ligation-induced liver cirrhosis

We hypothesize that dysregulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) may be responsible for the increased sodium retention in liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis was induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL). We examined the abundance of ENaC subunits and type 2 isoform of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD2) in the kidney by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry at 6 or 8 weeks after operation. At 6 weeks, cirrhotic rats had developed ascites and displayed a positive sodium balance. The urinary sodium excretion and fractional excretion of sodium were decreased, while plasma aldosterone was unchanged. The abundance of ENaC subunits was not changed in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM). In contrast, immunoperoxidase microscopy revealed an increased apical targeting of alpha-, beta- and gammaENaC in late distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule and collecting duct. Moreover, 11betaHSD2 abundance was decreased in the cortex/OSOM and inner stripe of the outer medulla. At 8 weeks, urinary sodium excretion and fractional excretion of sodium were not changed, while the plasma aldosterone level was decreased. The expression of ENaC subunits was decreased in the cortex/OSOM. Immunoperoxidase microscopy confirmed decreased expression of ENaC subunits, whereas subcellular localization was not changed. These results suggest that increased apical targeting of ENaC subunits and diminished abundance of 11betaHSD2 may contribute to promote sodium retention in the sodium-retaining stage of liver cirrhosis (at 6 weeks). The subsequent decreased expression and reduced targeting of ENaC subunits may play a role in promoting sodium excretion in the later stage of liver cirrhosis (at 8 weeks).

Cardiovascular events in patients with coronary plaque rupture and nonsignificant stenosis

The long-term outcome of patients who present with an identified plaque rupture in a nonflow-limiting lesion is not well known. We retrospectively studied 17 consecutive patients in whom intravascular ultrasound identified plaque rupture in nonflow-limiting lesions (minimum lumen area >4.0 mm2) that were not treated with coronary intervention. After a mean follow-up of 43 +/- 25 months, events related to those lesions were 1 death (6%) of undetermined cause (6%) that occurred after 69 months, no myocardial infarction, and 2 revascularizations (12%) that occurred at 3 and 67 months. Overall, the cumulative rate of cardiac events was 18%.

Increased expression of MIP-3alpha/CCL20 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with ulcerative colitis and its down-regulation by sulfasalazine and glucocorticoid treatment

CCL20 expression is known to increase in the mucosal tissues of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Moreover, the discovery of Nod2 as the IBD1 susceptibility gene has underscored the significance of blood mononuclear cells in IBD pathogenesis.

METHODS

This study addresses whether CCL20 expression is similarly altered in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), a major type of IBD in Korea.

RESULTS

Expression of CCL20 was significantly up-regulated in the PBMCs of patients with UC compared with those of normal healthy controls. Interestingly, untreated UC groups expressed higher levels of CCL20 mRNA than either treated UC or normal control groups, suggesting that CCL20 could be modulated by anti-inflammatory drugs. Accordingly, a strong association between CCL20 levels and disease activity index was observed. Supporting these findings, results from a 3-month follow-up study revealed that the UC groups treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid and glucocorticoid exhibited dramatic decreases of CCL20 mRNA in PBMCs, accompanied by ameliorated disease states. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha- or interleukin-1beta-induced CCL20 secretion was greatly diminished by 5-aminosalicylic acid and/or glucocorticoid treatment of human intestinal epithelial HT-29 cells. Of note, CCR6 cell populations were significantly reduced in the blood of severe patients with UC compared with normal controls, whereas no significant changes in CCR6 cell populations were observed in the blood of patients with mild UC or acute colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings suggest that CCL20 expression in blood mononuclear cells is associated with altered immune and inflammatory responses in patients with UC.

Primary colon lymphoma in Korea: a KASID (Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases) Study

Although almost all primary colorectal lymphomas are of B-cell lineage in Western countries, primary colorectal T-cell lymphomas are not uncommon in the East. The aim of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of primary colorectal lymphomas, with special emphasis on the differences between T-cell and B-cell lymphomas. Ninety-five cases of primary colorectal lymphomas that satisfied Dawson's criteria were identified from the clinical databases of 13 university hospitals in Korea. The mean age at the time of presentation was 51.1 years and the male:female ratio was 64:31. The clinical information, including endoscopic and histological characteristics, was retrospectively analyzed. Of the primary colorectal lymphomas, 78 cases (82.1%) were of B-lineage and 17 cases (17.9%) were of T-cell lineage. Patients with T-cell lymphomas presented at a younger age than patients with B-cell lymphomas (42.8 vs 52.9 years, respectively; P = 0.016). The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (87.1%) for B-cell lymphomas, whereas hematochezia or night fever was more common for T-cell lymphomas (52.9% and 35.3%, respectively). The most common endoscopic type was fungating mass (54.0%) for B-cell lymphomas and ulcerative/ulcero-infiltrative lesions (80.0%) for T-cell lymphomas. Intussusception was more common in B-cell lymphomas than in T-cell lymphomas (30.8% vs 5.9%, respectively; P = 0.035), but perforation was more common in T-cell lymphomas than in B-cell lymphomas (23.5% vs 3.8%, respectively; P = 0.005). The prognosis was significantly worse for T-cell lymphomas than for B-cell lymphomas (P = 0.002). Primary colorectal T-cell lymphomas are characterized by multifocal ulcerative lesions in relatively young patients, a high rate of hematochezia, fever, or perforation, and a poor prognosis even for cases of localized disease.

Hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase mediates counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia in rats

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Appropriate counter-regulatory hormonal responses are essential for recovery from hypoglycaemia. Although the hypothalamus is known to be involved in these responses, the molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a cellular energy sensor, being activated during energy depletion. As AMPK is expressed in the hypothalamus, an important site of neuroendocrine regulation, the present study was undertaken to determine whether hypothalamic AMPK mediates counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypoglycaemia was induced by i.p. injection of regular insulin (6 U/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation and activities were determined 1 h after i.p. insulin injection. To investigate the role of hypothalamic AMPK activation in mediating counter-regulatory responses, an AMPK inhibitor, compound C, was pre-administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or dominant-negative (DN)-AMPK was overexpressed in the hypothalamus before induction of hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia increased hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation and alpha2-AMPK activities in rats. The change was significant in the arcuate nucleus/ventromedial hypothalamus (ARC/VMH) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN). Prior i.c.v. administration of compound C attenuated hypoglycaemia-induced increases in plasma concentrations of corticosterone, glucagon and catecholamines, resulting in severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia. ARC/VMH DN-AMPK overexpression impaired early counter-regulation, as evidenced by reduced glucagon and catecholamine responses. In contrast, PVN DN-AMPK overexpression attenuated late counter-regulation and corticosterone responses.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Systemic hypoglycaemia causes hypothalamic AMPK activation, which is important for counter-regulatory hormonal responses. Our data indicate that hypothalamic AMPK acts as a fuel gauge, sensing the whole-body energy state and regulating not only energy homeostasis but also neuroendocrine functions.

Engineering InAs(x)P(1-x)/InP/ZnSe III-V alloyed core/shell quantum dots for the near-infrared

Quantum dots with a core/shell/shell structure consisting of an alloyed core of InAs(x)P(1-x), an intermediate shell of InP, and an outer shell of ZnSe were developed. The InAs(x)P(1-x) alloyed core has a graded internal composition with increasing arsenic content from the center to the edge of the dots. This compositional gradient results from two apparent effects: (1) the faster reaction kinetics of the phosphorus precursor compared to the arsenic precursor, and (2) a post-growth arsenic-phosphorus exchange reaction that increases the arsenic content. The cores have a zinc blend structure for all compositions and show tunable emission in the near-infrared (NIR) region. A first shell of InP leads to a red-shift and an increase in quantum yield. The final shell of ZnSe serves to stabilize the dots for applications in aqueous environments, including NIR biomedical fluorescence imaging. These NIR-emitting core/shell/shell InAs(x)P(1-x)/InP/ZnSe were successfully used in a sentinel lymph node mapping experiment.

Water-soluble lipopolymer as a gene carrier to corpus cavernosum

Adenovirus or naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) has been used to deliver the therapeutic gene into corpus cavernosum. However, the potential risks of viral vector and inefficiency of naked pDNA have limited their clinical application. In this study, water-soluble lipopolymer (WSLP) was evaluated as a gene carrier to corpus cavernosum. The WSLP/pDNA complex was transfected to smooth muscle cells in vitro. WSLP had high transfection efficiency, which was comparable to poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). In addition, WSLP had much less cytotoxicity than PEI, suggesting that WSLP is a safer carrier than PEI. To evaluate the transfection efficiency to corpus cavernosum, the WSLP/pDNA complex was injected into the rat corpus cavernosum. As a result, the WSLP/pDNA complex showed higher transfection efficiency than naked pDNA. In addition, the gene expression was dependent upon the dose of the complex. The results suggest that WSLP may be useful for gene therapy of erectile dysfunction.

Effects of replacing pharmacological levels of dietary zinc oxide with lower dietary levels of various organic zinc sources for weanling pigs1,2

Two 28-d randomized complete block design experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of concentrations and sources of Zn on growth performance of nursery pigs. Seven stations participated in Exp. 1, which evaluated the efficacy of replacing 2,500 ppm of Zn from ZnO with 125, 250, or 500 ppm of Zn from Zn methionine. A control diet with 125 ppm of supplemental Zn was included at all stations. A total of 615 pigs were used in 26 replicates. Average weaning age was 20.6 d and the average initial BW was 6.3 kg. There were no differences in any growth response among the three supplemental Zn methionine levels fed in Exp. 1. Zinc supplementation from Zn methionine improved ADG compared with the control during all phases (P < 0.05), due primarily to an increase in ADFI. Pigs fed 2,500 ppm of Zn from ZnO gained faster (P < 0.01) than those fed the control diet during all phases, and faster (P < 0.05) than those fed supplemental Zn from Zn methionine for the 28-d experiment. Differences in gain were again due mainly to differences in feed intake. A second experiment compared five sources of supplemental organic Zn (500 ppm of Zn) with 500 and 2,000 ppm supplemental Zn from ZnO and a control (140 ppm total Zn). Six stations used a total of 624 pigs, with an average weaning age of 20.4 d and averaging 6.2 kg BW in 15 replicates. Pigs fed 2,000 ppm of Zn from ZnO gained faster (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the control or any of the 500 ppm of Zn treatments (ZnO or organic Zn). Pigs fed the 2,000 ppm of Zn from ZnO also consumed more feed than those receiving 500 ppm of Zn from ZnO or from any of the organic Zn sources (P < 0.05). Organic sources of Zn did not improve gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency beyond that achieved with the control diet. Supplemental Zn at a concentration of 500 ppm, whether in the form of the oxide or in an organic form, was not as efficacious for improved ADG as 2,000 to 2,500 ppm of Zn from ZnO.

ESHAP plus G-CSF as an effective peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization regimen in pretreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: comparison with high-dose cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF

The ESHAP (etoposide, methylprednisolone, high-dose cytarabine, and cisplatin) regimen has been shown to be effective as an active salvage therapy for lymphoma. Mobilizing stem cells following ESHAP should decrease time to transplantation by making separate mobilizing chemotherapy (MC) unnecessary, while controlling a patient's lymphoma. We therefore assessed the mobilization potential of ESHAP plus G-CSF in 26 patients (ESHAP group) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and compared these results with those of 24 patients with NHL who received high-dose (4 g/m2l) cyclophosphamide (HDCY) as MC (HDCY group). The age, sex, and radiotherapy to the axial skeleton were well matched between groups, but the number of patients with poor mobilization predictors was higher in the ESHAP group. Significantly higher numbers of CD34+ cells (x 10(6)/kg) (17.1+/-18.8 vs 5.8+/-5.0, P=0.03) and apheresis day 1 CD34+ cells (x 10(6)/kg) (5.5+/-6.6 vs 1.7+/-2.0, P=0.014) were collected from the ESHAP group than from the HDCY group, and the number of patients who achieved an optimal CD34+ cell target of 5 x 10(6)/kg was higher in the ESHAP group (81 vs 50%, P=0.022). Log-rank test revealed that time to target peripheral blood progenitor cell collection (> or =5 x 10(6)/kg) was shorter in the ESHAP group (P=0.007). These results indicate that ESHAP plus G-CSF is an excellent mobilization regimen in patients with relapsed and poor-risk aggressive NHL.

Optimization of submerged culture condition for the production of mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharides by Agrocybe cylindracea

The optimization of submerged culture conditions and nutritional requirements was studied for the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Agrocybe cylindracea ASI-9002 using the statistically based experimental design in a shake flask culture. Both maximum mycelial biomass and EPS were observed at 25 degrees C. The optimal initial pH for the production of mycelial biomass and EPS were found to be pH 4.0 and pH 6.0, respectively. Subsequently, optimum concentration of each medium component was determined using the orthogonal matrix method. The optimal combination of the media constituents for mycelial growth was as follows: maltose 80 g/l, Martone A-1 6 g/l, MgSO4 x 7H2O 1.4 g/l, and CaCl2 1.1 g/l; for EPS production: maltose 60 g/l, Martone A-1 6 g/l, MgSO4 x 7H2O 0.9 g/l, and CaCl2 1.1 g/l. Under the optimal culture condition, the maximum EPS concentration achieved in a 5-l stirred-tank bioreactor indicated 3.0 g/l, which is about three times higher than that at the basal medium.

Sentinel lymph node mapping of the pleural space

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Although the sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept has traditionally been applied to solid organs, we hypothesized that the pleural space might drain into a specific SLN group. The identification of such a nodal group could assist in the staging and treatment of pleural-based diseases, such as mesothelioma, or other lung cancers with visceral pleural invasion. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pleural space has an SLN group.

DESIGN

Sixteen rats underwent right or left pleural space injection of a novel lymph tracer, quantum dots (QDs), which have a hydrodynamic diameter of 15 nm and fluoresce in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. Nodal uptake of the entire thorax was imaged with a custom system that simultaneously acquired color video, NIR fluorescence of the QDs, and a merged picture of the two in real-time. Six pigs underwent right or left pleural space injection of QDs and similar imaging.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

In the rat, the QDs drained solely to the highest superior mediastinal lymph node group, corresponding to lymph node station 1, according the regional lymph node classification for lung of the American Joint Committee on Cancer. In one rat, the injection of QDs in the left pleural space resulted in migration to the contralateral station 1 lymph node group. The injection of QDs in the right or left pleural space of the pig resulted in migration solely to the ipsilateral highest superior mediastinal lymph node group.

CONCLUSIONS

NIR fluorescence imaging in two species demonstrated that the highest superior mediastinal lymph nodes of station 1 are the SLNs of the pleural space. This study also provides intraoperative feasibility and proof of the concept for identifying lymph nodes communicating with the pleural space on a patient-specific basis, in real-time, and with high sensitivity.

Post-marketing surveillance study of the safety and efficacy of sildenafil prescribed in primary care to erectile dysfunction patients

In order to investigate the safety and efficacy of sildenafil prescribed in primary care, a post-marketing surveillance study was undertaken. A total of 651 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) were enrolled from 31 family physicians in Korea from December 1999 to July 2002. Patients were regularly followed up to ascertain the safety and efficacy of sildenafil. Of the 651 patients enrolled, 572 (87.9%) returned for safety evaluation and efficacy assessment. In all, 458 (80.1%) of 572 patients reported improved erectile function with sildenafil. Hypertension, diabetes and low-dose sildenafil were associated with poor efficacy. A total of 71 adverse events were reported among 56 patients (8.6%), with the most frequent being hot flushes (5.6%), followed by headache (2.6%), palpitation (1.0%), anxiety (0.5%) and elevated ALT (0.5%). Only six patients (1.0%) discontinued sildenafil as a direct result of adverse events. These results suggest that sildenafil prescribed by primary care physicians was well tolerated and improved erectile function in patients with ED.

Incidence and Clinical Correlates of Ruptured Plaques in Saphenous Vein Grafts

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess the incidence, clinical correlates, and angiographic appearance of ruptured atherosclerotic plaques detected in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs).

BACKGROUND

Ruptured atherosclerotic plaques in native coronary arteries but not in SVGs have been well described with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

METHODS

We reviewed 791 pre-intervention IVUS SVG studies and identified 95 ruptured plaques in 76 SVGs in 73 patients. Standard clinical, angiographic, and IVUS measurements were collected and/or measured. Ruptured plaques were compared with nonruptured plaques in 276 randomly selected patients.

RESULTS

The IVUS-detected ruptured plaques had angiographically complex morphology (95%) with ulceration (79%), intimal flap (71%), and sometimes aneurysm formation (14%). Compared with control SVG lesions, ruptured plaques occurred more often in patients with acute coronary syndromes, in older SVGs (12.3 +/- 5.0 years vs. 8.6 +/- 5.2 years, p < 0.001), and in patients with hypercholesterolemia (92% vs. 81%, p = 0.021) and hypertension (78% vs. 63%, p = 0.015). Multiple ruptured plaques were identified in 22 patients in 19 grafts, more often in diabetic patients (55% vs. 29%, p = 0.054). A tear in the fibrous cap could be identified in 59% of plaques; in 70% it occurred at the shoulder of the plaque and in 30% at the center of the plaque. The IVUS features of ruptured plaques included positive remodeling in 71%, which was more common than in control plaques (40%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ruptured atherosclerotic plaques occur in old SVGs with an incidence of 9.7%. These lesions have a complex angiographic appearance and positive remodeling characteristics. This is similar to ruptured plaques in native arteries.

Intraoperative identification of esophageal sentinel lymph nodes with near-infrared fluorescence imaging

OBJECTIVE

In esophageal cancer, selective removal of involved lymph nodes could improve survival and limit complications from extended lymphadenectomy. Mapping with vital blue dyes or technetium Tc-99m often fails to identify intrathoracic sentinel lymph nodes. Our purpose was to develop an intraoperative method for identifying sentinel lymph nodes of the esophagus with high-sensitivity near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

METHODS

Six Yorkshire pigs underwent thoracotomy and received submucosal, esophageal injection of quantum dots, a novel near-infrared fluorescent lymph tracer designed for retention in sentinel lymph nodes. Six additional pigs underwent thoracotomy and received submucosal esophageal injection of CW800 conjugated to human serum albumin, another novel lymph tracer designed for uptake into distant lymph nodes. Finally, 6 pigs received submucosal injection of the fluorophore-conjugated albumin with an endoscopic needle through an esophagascope. These lymph tracers fluoresce in the near-infrared, permitting visualization of migration to sentinel lymph nodes with a custom intraoperative imaging system.

RESULTS

Injection of the near-infrared fluorescent lymph tracers into the esophagus revealed communicating lymph nodes within 5 minutes of injection. In all 6 pigs that received quantum dot injection, only a single sentinel lymph node was identified. Among pigs that received fluorophore-conjugated albumin injection, in 5 of 12 a single sentinel lymph node was revealed, but in 7 of 12 two sentinel lymph nodes were identified. There was no dominant pattern in the appearance of the sentinel lymph nodes either cranial or caudal to the injection site.

CONCLUSION

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging of sentinel lymph nodes is a novel and reliable intraoperative technique with the power to assist with identification and resection of esophageal sentinel lymph nodes.

Initial validation of a novel rat model of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction with generalized atherosclerosis

Although rats have been widely used in evaluating various causes of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED), the atherosclerotic rat model has seldom been tried probably due to its inherent tolerance to a cholesterol diet. To enhance endothelial sensitivity to cholesterol diet, we tested the effects of transient interruption of nitric oxide synthase on atherogenesis induced by cholesterol diet in a rat model. Rats with atherosclerosis (AS group) received 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks. During the initial 2 weeks, they drank water that contained N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (3 mg/ml). After 6 weeks, we carried out histologic and hemodynamic evaluation to confirm pelvic atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction, respectively, and the results were compared with those of cholesterol only (Chol) group and normal control (C) group. Compared to the C or Chol group, the mean intima/media (I/M) of the internal pudendal artery, which contributes approximately 70% of the total resistance of the penile vasculature, was markedly increased by the treatment (1.82+/-0.25 vs 0.77+/-0.13, P<0.05). Correspondingly, significantly diminished erectile function was observed. Combined treatment for 2 weeks elicited early atherosclerotic changes in proximal arteries and erectile impairment and further 4 weeks of cholesterol diet spread overt atherosclerosis to the periphery. The Chol group showed no arterial pathology, although they showed mild VED. A correlation study showed that atherosclerosis of the distal artery was better correlated with erectile dysfunction than the proximal artery. Based on these results, our study demonstrates that combination treatment of cholesterol diet with L-NAME would be used as a rapid, effective protocol of developing atherosclerotic rat model of VED.

p66Shc expression in proliferating thyroid cells is regulated by thyrotropin receptor signaling

It is almost unanimously accepted that thyrocyte proliferation is synergistically activated by TSH and insulin/IGF-I. Moreover, it was recently suggested that p66Shc, which is an adaptor molecule of the IGF-I receptor, might play a critical role in this synergistic effect. In this study, we undertook to confirm the role and the mechanism underlying the regulation of p66Shc expression via TSH receptor in thyrocytes. We have found that p66Shc expression is elevated in proliferating human thyroid tissues, including adenomatous goiter, adenoma, Graves' disease, and thyroid cancer, but not in normal thyroid. Among growth factors, TSH increased p66Shc expression both in vivo and in vitro; however, IGF-I, epidermal growth factor, or insulin did not. TSH and Graves' Ig increased the p66Shc expression via the TSH receptor-G(s)-cAMP pathway. However, interestingly, IGF-I or epidermal growth factor increased the tyrosine phosphorylations of p66Shc, and this was enhanced by TSH pretreatment. A similar synergism was observed during the DNA synthesis. When we measured the p66Shc levels induced by individual Igs from 130 patients with Graves' disease, TSH receptor stimulating activity and goiter size showed a weak correlation. We conclude that the expression of p66Shc is regulated by signaling through the TSH receptor in proliferating thyroid cells and that p66Shc appears to be an important mediator of the synergistic effect between TSH and IGF-I with respect to thyrocyte proliferation. Moreover, we suggest that TSH potentiates the regulatory effect of IGF-I on thyrocyte growth, at least in part, by increasing the expression of p66Shc.

Morphology and kinetics studies on cephalosporin C production by Cephalosporium acremonium M25 in a 30-l bioreactor using a mixture of inocula

AIMS

In this study, the relationship between morphology and cephalosporin C (CPC) production in a 30-l bioreactor culture of Cephalosporium acremonium M25 using a 3:7 seed mixture was investigated. In addition, the kinetic model was established and applied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CPC production was performed in a 30-l bioreactor using a 3:7 seed mixture. It was recognized that a 3:7 seed mixture was able to reduce lag phase and enhance CPC production. The maximum CPC production and cell mass were 1.96 and 81.5 g l-1 respectively. Through a morphology study by observation using image analysis, it was concluded that changes of morphological features predicted the progressive production of CPC and that a morphology study could be useful in monitoring the CPC fermentation by C. acremonium M25. In the kinetics study, a kinetic model of CPC fermentation was developed and applied. The proposed model could adequately describe the fermentation of C. acremonium M25 in a 30-l bioreactor.

CONCLUSIONS

CPC productivity was improved by using a 3:7 seed mixture in a 30-1 bioreactor. The changes in morphological features showed a very similar tendency with CPC production. A kinetic model of CPC fermentation was successfully established.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of the present study suggest that the use of a 3:7 seed mixture inocula has considerable possibilities for improving CPC productivity if applied to industrial scale fermentations. Through morphology and kinetics study, the kinetic model to describe the morphological differentiation and CPC production by C. acremonium M25 was established.

Lymphocyte subsets and mood states in panic disorder patients

This study was conducted to examine lymphocyte subset counts and mood states in panic disorder patients. Twenty patients with panic disorder and 20 age- and gender-matched normal healthy subjects were recruited for the study. We used the Spielberger State (STAIS) & Trait (STAIT) Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAMA) to measure mood states in all subjects. Lymphocyte subsets counts were made by flow cytometry. Panic patients showed significantly higher scores for anxiety and depression than normal subjects. Panic patients showed no differences in terms of the numbers of immune cells, as compared with normal healthy subjects, other than a lower proportion of T suppressor cells and a higher T helper cell/T suppressor cell ratio. HAMA and STAIS scores were common factors that could predict T cell numbers and proportions, T helper cell numbers, and natural killer cell proportions in panic disorder patients. We suggest that anxiety levels are related to the T-cell population in panic disorder patients and that quantitative immune differences may reflect altered immunity in this disorder.

Phosphine Oxide Polymer for Water-Soluble Nanoparticles

A phosphine oxide polymer was developed using bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane and poly(ethylene glycol). This polymer system was used to transfer various nanoparticles from organic solvents to water, retaining their physical properties and reactivities.

Effect of core-needle biopsy vs fine-needle aspiration on pathologic measurement of tumor size in breast cancer

HYPOTHESIS

Core-needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) play an important role in the initial diagnosis of breast cancer. However, CNB might alter the size of the tumor, which might subsequently change its pathologic stage and thus affect the decision about adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS

Between January 2000 and May 2002, we studied 291 patients with invasive carcinoma lesion in a retrospective analysis. One hundred ninety-nine patients underwent ultrasonography-guided CNB. Ninety-two patients had FNA before surgical manipulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The clinically measured tumor size using ultrasonography was compared with the pathologic tumor size in both the CNB and FNA groups. The difference in each group was determined and analyzed using a t test. The mean +/- SD preoperative ultrasonographically measured size in the CNB group was 2.09 +/- 1.06 cm and in the FNA group, 2.16 +/- 0.92 cm (no significant difference). The pathologic measurement of the lesion on surgical specimens revealed that the mean pathologic tumor size was 2.09 +/- 0.90 cm in the CNB group and 2.36 +/- 0.92 cm in the FNA group. The changes in size from preoperative measurements by ultrasonography to pathologic measurements on surgical specimens were greater in the CNB group (0.003 +/- 0.65 cm) than in the FNA group (0.20 +/- 0.39 cm; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the reduction in tumor size might be small with patients who undergo CNB, it must be considered when deciding adjuvant treatment, especially for tumor sizes on the "borderline" in establishing the indication for and the type of adjuvant treatment.