Silencing of the GnRH type 1 receptor blocks the antiproliferative effect of the GnRH agonist, leuprolide, on the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line DU145

This study investigated the mechanism of action of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, leuprolide, on proliferation of the hormone-refractory prostate cancer cell line DU145, transfected with short hairpin RNA (shRNA), to reduce expression of the GNRHR1 gene (which encodes the GnRH type 1 receptor). DU145 cell proliferation in the presence of leuprolide (10(-9) and 10(-7) M) or control medium was measured before and after GnRHR1 knockdown. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to measure the degree of GNRHR1 silencing. DU145 cells treated with leuprolide (10(-9) and 10(-7) M) showed significant growth inhibition compared with control-treated DU145 cells. Transfection with GNRHR1 -shRNA significantly decreased GNRHR1 expression at 48 h. DU145 cells transfected with silencing GNRHR1 -shRNA showed normal growth patterns; however, there was no significant inhibition of proliferation of DU145 cells transfected with GNRHR1 -shRNA compared with cells transfected with control-shRNA in response to leuprolide. These data demonstrated that the antiproliferative effect of leuprolide was mediated by the GnRHR1.

Occurrence and removal of antibiotics, hormones and several other pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants of the largest industrial city of Korea

Occurrence and removal efficiencies of 20 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) including antibiotics, hormones, and several other miscellaneous pharmaceuticals (analgesics, antiepileptics, antilipidemics, antihypertensives, antiseptics, and stimulants) were investigated in five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of Ulsan, the largest industrial city of Korea. The compounds were extracted from wastewater samples by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that acetaminophen, atenolol and lincomycin were the main individual pollutants usually found in concentrations over 10 μg/L in the sewage influent. In the WWTPs, the concentrations of analgesic acetaminophen, stimulant caffeine, hormones estriol and estradiol decreased by over 99%. On the contrary, the antibiotic sulfamethazine, the antihypertensive metoprolol, and the antiepileptic carbamazepine exhibited removal efficiencies below 30%. Particularly, removal of antibiotics was observed to vary between -11.2 and 69%. In the primary treatment (physico-chemical processes), the removal of pharmaceuticals was insignificant (up to 28%) and removal of majority of the pharmaceuticals occurred during the secondary treatment (biological processes). The compounds lincomycin, carbamazepine, atenolol, metoprolol, and triclosan showed better removal in WWTPs employing modified activated sludge process with co-existence of anoxic-oxic condition. Further investigation into the design and operational aspects of the biological processes is warranted for the efficient removal of PPCPs, particularly antibiotics, to secure healthy water resource in the receiving downstream, thereby ensuring a sustainable water cycle management.

Enhanced methane recovery by food waste leachate injection into a landfill in Korea

The current food waste leachate (FWL) disposal practice in Korea warrants urgent attention and necessary action to develop an innovative and sustainable disposal strategy, which is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. In this study, methane production by FWL injection into a municipal solid waste landfill with landfill gas (LFG) recovery facility was evaluated for a period of more than 4 months. With the target of recovering LFG with methane content ~50%, optimum LFG extraction rate was decided by a trial and error approach during the field investigation in five different phases. The results showed that, upon FWL injection, LFG extraction rate of ~20 m(3)/h was reasonable to recover LFG with methane content ~58%. Considering the estimated methane production potential of 31.7 m(3) CH(4) per ton of FWL, methane recovery from the landfill was enhanced by 14%. The scientific findings of this short-term investigation indicates that FWL can be injected into the existing sanitary landfills to tackle the present issue and such landfills with efficient liner and gas collection facility can be utilized as absolute and sustainable environmental infrastructures.

Comparison of transnasal small-caliber vs. peroral conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy for evaluating varices in unsedated cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of transnasal small-caliber esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TNSC-EGD) compared with peroral conventional EGD (POC-EGD) for evaluating varices in unsedated patients with liver cirrhosis. The success rate, safety, endoscopist satisfaction, and patient tolerability of TNSC-EGD were also addressed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred patients with liver cirrhosis participated in this randomized crossover trial, and 84 subjects completed both procedures. Of the 84 patients, 28 had marked bleeding diathesis (platelet count ≤ 50000/mm (3) and/or prothrombin time ≥ 1.7 INR). Endoscopists and patients answered questionnaires using a 100-mm visual analog scale about, respectively, their satisfaction and their tolerance of the procedure.

RESULTS

The success rate of TNSC-EGD was comparable to that of POC-EGD (96% vs. 99%). Nasal mucosal hemorrhages induced by TNSC-EGD occurred in 5 patients (6%), but were easily controlled. Compared to the POC-EGD reference test, diagnostic accuracies of TNSC-EGD for detecting esophageal varices, gastric varices, and red color signs were 98%, 98%, and 96%, respectively. Concordance rates on grading esophageal varices and gastric varices were excellent at 93% (κ  =  0.85) and 96% (κ  = 0.87). Endoscopist satisfaction was not significantly different between TNSC-EGD and POC-EGD, whereas patient tolerance of TNSC-EGD was significantly greater than that of POC-EGD (79.0 ± 14.4 vs. 69.5 ± 16.1; P  = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TNSC-EGD without sedation was found to be feasible, safe, and accurate for evaluating esophageal varices, gastric varices, and red color signs in patients with cirrhosis - even in those with marked bleeding diathesis. Furthermore, it was significantly better tolerated by patients, without altering endoscopist satisfaction. Our findings indicate that TNSC-EGD without sedation might be viewed as a potential alternative to POC-EGD for evaluation of varices.

Androgen receptor expression is significantly associated with better outcomes in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to evaluate the implications of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated immunohistochemical AR expression from the tissue microarrays of 931 patients between 1999 and 2005, and analyzed demographics and outcomes using uni-/multivariate analyses. Tumors with ≥10% nuclear-stained cells were considered positive for AR.

RESULTS

AR was expressed in 58.1% of patients. AR was significantly related to older age at diagnosis, smaller size, well-differentiated tumors, higher positivity of hormone receptors, non-triple-negative breast cancers (non-TNBCs), and lower proliferative index. In estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors, AR was distinctively associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) overexpression. With a mean follow-up of 72.7 months, AR was positively related to survival in ER-positive but not in ER-negative tumors. In Cox's models, AR was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival in ER-positive cancers. Interestingly, molecular apocrine tumors (ER negative and AR positive) with HER2 positive status showed trends of poorer outcome, but AR had no impact on survival in patients with TNBC.

CONCLUSIONS

AR is significantly associated with favorable features in breast cancers and related to better outcomes in ER-positive not in ER-negative tumors. These results suggest that AR could be an additional marker for endocrine responsiveness in ER-positive cancers and a candidate for therapeutic targeting of ER-negative tumors.

High-energy x-ray backlighter spectrum measurements using calibrated image plates

The x-ray spectrum between 18 and 88 keV generated by a petawatt laser driven x-ray backlighter target was measured using a 12-channel differential filter pair spectrometer. The spectrometer consists of a series of filter pairs on a Ta mask coupled with an x-ray sensitive image plate. A calibration of Fuji™ MS and SR image plates was conducted using a tungsten anode x-ray source and the resulting calibration applied to the design of the Ross pair spectrometer. Additionally, the fade rate and resolution of the image plate system were measured for quantitative radiographic applications. The conversion efficiency of laser energy into silver Kα x rays from a petawatt laser target was measured using the differential filter pair spectrometer and compared to measurements using a single photon counting charge coupled device.

Abstract P3-10-03: The Implication of Androgen Receptor Expression in Breast Cancers

Purpose: To evaluate the implication of androgen receptor (AR) expression in patients with breast cancer.

Methods: Immunohistochemically AR expression was investigated in 931 invasive breast cancers prepared in tissue microarray blocks that were collected in between November 1999 and August 2005. The clinicopathological features, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox's models. Tumors with ≥10% nuclear-stained cells were considered to be positive for AR, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression and 3+ with immunohistochemical staing or FISH + were considered positive for HER2 expression.

Results: The positive expression of AR, ER, PR, and HER2 was 58.1%, 72.2%, 61.4%, and 24.7% of all patients, respectively. AR expression was significantly associated with an older age at diagnosis (p=0.007), smaller tumor size (P<0.001), well differentiation (P<0.001), higher hormone receptors expression (P<0.001), non-triple-negative breast cancers (non-TNBC) (P<0.001), and lower proliferation index (P<0.001). In ER-negative cancers, AR expression was associated with well differentiation, lower Ki-67 index, and distinctively HER2 overexpression. With median follow-up duration of 72.7 months, AR was significantly associated with better DFS (p=0.023) and OS (p=0.048) and the association was same in ER-positive cancers but was disappeared in ER-negative cancers. In Cox's models, AR expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio, 0.654; p=0.049), but it did not reach a statistical significance for OS (hazard ratio, 0.647; p=0.119) even in ER-positive tumors. Interestingly, tumors with molecular apocrine features (ER-negative, AR-positive, and HER2-positive) showed a trend of poorer outcome with AR expression, but there was no impact of AR expression on the survival in 156 patients with TNBC.

Conclusions: AR expression is significantly associated with favorable clinicopathological features and better outcomes in ER-positive cancers but tumors with molecular apocrine features showed a trend of poorer outcome with AR expression. These results suggest that AR expression could be an additional marker for endocrine responsiveness in ER-positive tumors and a target molecule for the molecular apocrine tumors.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-03.

Abstract P3-10-11: Clinical Significance of Progesterone Receptor and HER2 Status in Estrogen Receptor-Positive, Operable Breast Cancer with Adjuvant Tamoxifen: Consistent Prognostic Impact of HER2 Status Over Time

Purpose: To evaluate prognostic factors in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, operable breast cancer, focusing on the progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 over time.

Patients and Methods: A total of 819 patients with ER-positive, operable breast cancer were enrolled. All received adjuvant tamoxifen. Prognostic value of the PR status and HER2 status was evaluated using Cox regression before and after 5 years post-surgery.

Results: PR and HER2 status were inversely correlated (P = .014). PR-negativity was a time-dependent poor prognostic factor for recurrence before 5 years post-surgery (P = .049), but not after 5 years post-surgery (P = .566).

However, HER2 overexpression and younger age (35 years or less) were consistent prognostic factors for recurrence over all time periods, whereas N stage and histologic grade, which are known prognostic factors, were no longer informative after 5 years post-surgery, except for N3 disease. Conclusion: In ER-positive, operable breast cancer, the prognostic impact of PR status along with N stage and histologic grade were strong for the first 5 years post-surgery, but disappeared thereafter. However, HER2 overexpression was a consistent poor prognostic factor, suggesting that an alternative adjuvant strategy, possibly involving incorporation of prolonged HER2-targeted therapy should be evaluated for HER2-overexpressing tumors.

Figure available in online version.

Construction of an optimal witness for unknown two-qubit entanglement

Whether entanglement in a state can be detected, distilled, and quantified without full state reconstruction is a fundamental open problem. We demonstrate a new scheme encompassing these three tasks for arbitrary two-qubit entanglement, by constructing the optimal entanglement witness for polarization-entangled mixed-state photon pairs without full state reconstruction. With better efficiency than quantum state tomography, the entanglement is maximally distilled by newly developed tunable polarization filters and quantified by the expectation value of the witness, which equals the concurrence. This scheme is extendible to multiqubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger entanglement.

Polymorphisms in the Matrilin-1 gene and risk of mandibular prognathism in Koreans

Previous linkage analysis of an Asian population proposed possible candidate genes for mandibular prognathism, such as Matrilin-1 (cartilage matrix protein). To investigate the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Matrilin-1 and mandibular prognathism, we investigated three sequence variants (-158 T>C, 7987 G>A, 8572 C>T) in 164 mandibular prognathism patients and 132 control individuals with a normal occlusion. The results showed that the 8572 TT genotypes in Matrilin-1 showed increased risk of mandibular prognathism (OR = 9.28, 95% Cl = 1.19~197.57, P < 0.05), whereas the 7987 AA genotype showed a protective effect for mandibular prognathism (OR = 0.16, 95% Cl = 0.05~0.47, P < 0.05). Genotyping results showed that the Matrilin-1 polymorphism haplotype TGC (ht4; 158T, 7987G, and 8572C alleles) had a pronounced risk effect for mandibular prognathism compared with controls (OR = 5.16, 95% Cl = 2.03~13.93, P < 0.01). The results suggest that polymorphisms in Matrilin-1 could be used as a marker for genetic susceptibility to mandibular prognathism.

Combined pharmacogenetic effect of ADCY9 and ADRB2 gene polymorphisms on the bronchodilator response to inhaled combination therapy

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Inhaled combination therapy composing of long-acting β2-agonist and corticosteroid has been widely applied in the management of asthma, but observed treatment responses vary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacogenetic effect of the adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9) gene polymorphism on combination therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-six mild to moderate Korean asthmatics were enrolled in this clinical trial. After the 2-week 'run-in' period, patients received budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol (long-acting β2-agonist) during the following 12-week active treatment period. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1) ) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) levels were measured at all visits as primary outcome. ADCY9 (Ile772Met, 150127 C/T, 150130 C/T, 150397 C/T, 150479 C/T, TTTA (5/4) ) and β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2, Arg16Gly) gene polymorphisms were genotyped.

RESULTS

Significant associations were observed between the ADCY9 single nucleotide polymorphisms and percent changes in FEV(1) (Ile772Met T/C, P = 0·030) and MMEF (150397 C/T, P = 0·016) after 8 weeks of combination therapy. Haplotype associations were also observed with respect to percent changes in FEV(1) after 8 weeks of therapy (Ht3[TTCC], P = 0·017). Additive therapeutic effect was observed in those with the ADCY9 Ile772Met and ADRB2 Arg16Gly gene polymorphisms in terms of percent change in FEV(1) after 8 and 12 weeks of therapy (P = 0·002 and P = 0·027 respectively).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ADCY9 gene polymorphisms may alone, and in combination with ADRB2 gene polymorphisms, contribute to individual response to combination therapy in mild to moderate asthmatics.

Methane production from food waste leachate in laboratory-scale simulated landfill

Due to the prohibition of food waste landfilling in Korea from 2005 and the subsequent ban on the marine disposal of organic sludge, including leachate generated from food waste recycling facilities from 2012, it is urgent to develop an innovative and sustainable disposal strategy that is eco-friendly, yet economically beneficial. In this study, methane production from food waste leachate (FWL) in landfill sites with landfill gas recovery facilities was evaluated in simulated landfill reactors (lysimeters) for a period of 90 d with four different inoculum-substrate ratios (ISRs) on volatile solid (VS) basis. Simultaneous biochemical methane potential batch experiments were also conducted at the same ISRs for 30 d to compare CH(4) yield obtained from lysimeter studies. Under the experimental conditions, a maximum CH(4) yield of 0.272 and 0.294 L/g VS was obtained in the batch and lysimeter studies, respectively, at ISR of 1:1. The biodegradability of FWL in batch and lysimeter experiments at ISR of 1:1 was 64% and 69%, respectively. The calculated data using the modified Gompertz equation for the cumulative CH(4) production showed good agreement with the experimental result obtained from lysimeter study. Based on the results obtained from this study, field-scale pilot test is required to re-evaluate the existing sanitary landfills with efficient leachate collection and gas recovery facilities as engineered bioreactors to treat non-hazardous liquid organic wastes for energy recovery with optimum utilization of facilities.

Histologic chorioamnionitis is more common after spontaneous labor than after induced labor at term

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation of the chorioamniotic membranes (histologic chorioamnionitis) is a risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome. Labor has many common features with inflammatory processes; therefore, an important question is whether the frequency of histologic chorioamnionitis in spontaneous labor at term is higher than that of women in labor after induction. This study was conducted to address this question.

STUDY DESIGN

The frequency of histologic chorioamnionitis was compared between patients who delivered after the spontaneous onset of labor versus those who delivered after induction of labor at term in singleton gestations (> or = 37 weeks). Patients in whom uterotonic agents were used during the latent phase of labor were excluded.

RESULTS

(1) The overall frequency of histologic chorioamnionitis was 20.2% (107/531); (2) histologic chorioamnionitis was significantly more frequent in women who delivered after the spontaneous onset of labor than in those who underwent induction of labor (24.3% [81/333] versus 13.1% [26/198], p < 0.005). This difference remained significant after adjusting for parity, gestational age at delivery, total duration of labor, the interval from rupture of membranes to delivery and the mode of delivery.

CONCLUSION

Histologic chorioamnionitis is more common in women who delivered after the spontaneous onset of labor than in those who underwent induction of labor at term.

Sorption of triclosan onto activated carbon, kaolinite and montmorillonite: effects of pH, ionic strength, and humic acid

Sorption of triclosan on three sorbents, viz., activated carbon, kaolinite and montmorillonite was studied as a function of pH, ionic strength and humic acid (HA) concentration through controlled batch experiments. Triclosan sorption was found to be higher in the acidic pH range, as varying pH showed significant influence on the surface charge of the sorbents and degree of ionization of the sorbate. Sorption capacity of the sorbents increased with an increase in the ionic strength of solution. At low pH (pH 3), the overall increase in triclosan sorption was 1.2, approximately 4 and 3.5 times, respectively for activated carbon, kaolinite and montmorillonite when ionic strength was increased from 1x10(-3) to 5x10(-1) M. Triclosan sorption onto activated carbon decreased from 31.4 to 10.6 mg g(-1) by increasing the HA concentration to 200 mg C L(-1). However, during sorption onto kaolinite and montmorillonite, the effect of HA was very complex probably due to (i) hydrophobicity (log K(ow)=4.76) of triclosan; and (ii) complexation of HA with triclosan. Though triclosan sorption onto activated carbon is higher, the potential of kaolinite and montmorillonite in controlling the transport of triclosan in subsurface environment can still be appreciable.

The clementine mission to the moon: scientific overview

In the course of 71 days in lunar orbit, from 19 February to 3 May 1994, the Clementine spacecraft acquired just under two million digital images of the moon at visible and infrared wavelengths. These data are enabling the global mapping of the rock types of the lunar crust and the first detailed investigation of the geology of the lunar polar regions and the lunar far side. In addition, laser-ranging measurements provided the first view of the global topographic figure of the moon. The topography of many ancient impact basins has been measured, and a global map of the thickness of the lunar crust has been derived from the topography and gravity.

Proton radiography of a shock-compressed target

In this paper we report on the radiography of a shock-compressed target using laser produced proton beams. A low-density carbon foam target was shock compressed by long pulse high-energy laser beams. The shock front was transversally probed with a proton beam produced in the interaction of a high intensity laser beam with a gold foil. We show that from radiography data, the density profile in the shocked target can be deduced using Monte Carlo simulations. By changing the delay between long and short pulse beams, we could probe different plasma conditions and structures, demonstrating that the details of the steep density gradient can be resolved. This technique is validated as a diagnostic for the investigation of warm dense plasmas, allowing an in situ characterization of high-density contrasted plasmas.

G protein beta3 subunit, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms in Koreans with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

The association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on Rome III criteria and G protein beta3 subunit (GNB3), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene polymorphisms is uncertain.

METHODS

Case and control subjects were recruited from Korean visitors to the Health Promotion Center and Digestive Disease Center for gastrointestinal endoscopy. G protein beta3 subunit, IL-10, and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-based method. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was used to assess gene-gene interactions.

KEY RESULTS

Genotype and allele frequencies of GNB3 showed marginal significance between the healthy controls and IBS patients (chi(2) = 5.92, P = 0.052; chi(2) = 3.76, P = 0.053). G protein beta3 subunit T allele was more strongly correlated with IBS with constipation (12 of constipation-dominant type and 31 of mixed type) than with 51 diarrhea-dominant type and 88 normal subjects (chi(2) = 13.91, P = 0.008). Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis revealed that there were no significant interactions of GNB3, IL-10, and TNF-alpha gene variants with susceptibility to IBS (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The results suggest that GNB3 825T allele might be associated with IBS with constipation in Koreans.

The effects of intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with gemcitabine and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in superficial bladder cancer: a preliminary study

This prospective study investigated the long-term effects of intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with gemcitabine (GEM) and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG; n = 36) versus BCG alone (n = 51) for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. For the chemoimmunotherapy (GEM + BCG) group, GEM (1000 mg) was instilled immediately after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and again (2000 mg) 1 week later. From 2 to 7 weeks after TURBT, BCG was instilled into the bladder of all patients once weekly. The recurrence-free period of the GEM + BCG group (24.13 months) was significantly longer than that of the BCG monotherapy group (19.81 months). The overall recurrence rate was similar between the groups, although at 6 and 9 months post-TURBT, GEM + BCG produced a significantly lower rate of recurrence compared with BCG alone. This study suggests that intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with GEM + BCG is effective in reducing early tumour recurrence and in prolonging the recurrence-free period of superficial bladder cancer.

Experimental demonstration of X-ray drive enhancement with rugby-shaped hohlraums

Rugby-shaped hohlraums have been suggested as a way to enhance x-ray drive in the indirect drive approach to inertial confinement fusion. This Letter presents an experimental comparison of rugby-shaped and cylinder hohlraums used for D2 and D3He-filled capsules implosions on the Omega laser facility, demonstrating an increase of x-ray flux by 18% in rugby-shaped hohlraums. The highest yields to date for deuterium gas implosions in indirect drive on Omega (1.5x10{10} neutrons) were obtained, allowing for the first time the measurement of a DD burn history. Proton spectra measurements provide additional validation of the higher drive in rugby-shaped hohlraums.

Expression of androgen receptors in primary breast cancer

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinicopathological significance of androgen receptor (AR) expression in primary breast cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated AR using immunohistochemistry from 413 whole sections from January 2008 to March 2009 and analyzed the relationship between AR and clinicopathological parameters. Tumors with >/=10% nuclear-stained cells were considered to be positive for AR. The differences among variables were calculated by chi-square test.

RESULTS

The expression rate of AR was 72.9% higher than those of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors. AR expression was significant in patients with no elevated preoperative serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels, smaller tumor size, lower histologic grade and hormone receptor-positive and non-triple-negative breast cancer. However, AR expression was observed in 35% of triple-negative cancers. Metaplastic, medullary and mucinous types of carcinomas showed less AR expression. In the ER-negative subgroup, AR was significantly correlated with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER-2) overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

AR is expressed in a significant number of breast cancers and is associated with lower tumor burden and favorable differentiation. There are many issues to be further investigated such as whether AR is an independent prognostic factor, whether it is a therapeutic target for the triple-negative breast cancers and whether it is associated with HER-2 signaling in ER-negative tumors.

Oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol by persulfate activated with heat, Fe2+, and zero-valent iron

The oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by persulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) activated with heat, Fe(2+), and zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) was investigated via batch experiments. It was hypothesized that elevated temperature and the addition of Fe(2+) or Fe(0) into a persulfate-water system could enhance the oxidation of PVA by activated persulfate. Increasing the temperature from 20 to 60 degrees C or 80 degrees C accelerated the oxidation rate of PVA, which achieved complete oxidation in 30 and 10 min, respectively. At 20 degrees C, the addition of Fe(2+) or Fe(0) to the persulfate-water system significantly enhanced the oxidation of PVA. The optimal persulfate-to-Fe(2+) or Fe(0) molar ratio was found to be 1:1. Complete oxidation of PVA was obtained by Fe(0)-activated persulfate in 2h. Synergistic activation of persulfate by heat and Fe(2+) or Fe(0) was also shown to enhance the oxidation of PVA in the persulfate-water system. By using GC-MS analysis, an oxidation product of PVA was identified as vinyl acetic acid (C(4)H(6)O(2)), which is readily biodegradable. Our results suggest that the oxidative treatment of PVA by activated persulfate is a viable option for the pretreatment of PVA-laden wastewater to enhance its biodegradability.

A case of small cell lung cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy followed by photodynamic therapy

Here, we present the case of a 51-year-old man with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The patient was diagnosed as having LS-SCLC with an endobronchial mass in the left main bronchus. Following concurrent chemoradiotherapy, a mass remaining in the left lingular division was treated with PDT. Clinical and histological data indicate that the patient has remained in complete response for 2 years without further treatment. This patient represents a rare case of complete response in LS-SCLC treated with PDT.

Association of TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms with aspirin-induced urticaria

OBJECTIVE

Although the pathogenesis of aspirin-induced urticaria (AIU) is not fully understood, mast cell activation has been noted in patients with AIU. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, is released by human skin mast cells and other inflammatory cells in patients with urticaria. To investigate the role of TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms in the development of AIU, we performed an association study of TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms with AIU phenotype.

METHODS

Two hundred thirty-nine patients with AIU consisting of 120 patients with aspirin intolerant chronic urticaria (AICU) and 119 with aspirin-intolerant acute urticaria (AIAU), and 524 normal controls were enrolled. AIU was confirmed by oral aspirin challenge test. Five SNPs in the TNF-alpha gene (-1031T>C, -863C>A, -857C>T, -308G>A, -238G>A) were genotyped by a single-base extension method. Haplotype analyses were done.

RESULTS

The genotype frequencies of TNF-1031T>C and TNF-863C>A were significantly higher in the AIU patients than in the normal controls in both co-dominant (P = 0.014, P = 0.007) and dominant (P = 0.007, P = 0.004) models. The frequency of TNF-ht2[CACGG] containing a genotype in the AIU group was significantly higher in the normal controls with both co-dominant (P = 0.004, Pc = 0.02) and dominant models (P = 0.002, Pc = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the two promoter polymorphisms of TNF-alpha at -1031T>C and -863C>A may contribute to the development of AIU.

Reduced expression of angiopoietin-1 in Hantaan virus-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cell increases their permeability

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV) is characterized by vascular hemorrhage and acute renal failure. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is a glycoprotein that maintains vessel integrity and reduces endothelial permeability. We found that in HTNV-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) the levels of Ang-1 mRNA and protein were reduced on days 2 and 3 post-infection (p.i.), when endothelial permeability was increased. The HTNV-stimulated permeability was reduced by treatment of HUVECs with Ang-1. The plasma Ang-1 level was lower in HFRS patients than in healthy persons. Paired plasma samples of HFRS patients revealed markedly lower Ang-1 levels during the acute phase of HFRS as compared to the convalescent phase. These findings suggested that HTNV reduced the Ang-1 expression in endothelial cells that might play an important role in the increase of vascular permeability in HFRS.

Metabolic syndrome and quality of life (QOL) using generalised and obesity-specific QOL scales

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessed using generalised and obesity-specific QOL instruments.

METHODS

We recruited 456 outpatients [age: 19-81 years, body mass index (BMI): 16.3-36.7 kg/m2] in the primary care division from 12 general hospitals in Korea. HRQOL was measured using EuroQol comprising the health states descriptive system (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) as a general instrument. The Korean Obesity-related QOL scale (KOQOL) composed of six domains was used as a disease-specific QOL instrument. MS was defined on the basis of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria with Korean-specific waist circumference cutoffs (men: 90 cm, women: 85 cm).

RESULTS

Subjects with MS displayed significantly higher impairment of EQ-5D and KOQOL. Binary logistic regression analysis of MS patients with controls for age, gender, smoking, alcohol, exercise, education, income, marital status and medication history disclosed odds ratio (OR) values of 2.13 (1.33-3.41) for impaired total KOQOL, 2.07 (1.31-3.27) for impaired physical health, 1.63 (1.03-2.60) for impaired work-related health, 2.42 (1.45-4.04) for impaired routine life, 2.08 (1.27-3.40) for impaired sexual life and 2.56 (1.59-4.11) for diet distress. Among the EQ-5D dimensions, only pain/discomfort displayed a significantly increased OR of 1.60 (1.01-2.56) in MS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with MS displayed a significantly impaired HRQOL compared with those without MS. MS and HRQOL were more strongly associated in obesity-specific QOL than in generalised QOL.

A unified model of ammonium oxidation rate at various initial ammonium strength and active ammonium oxidizer concentrations

This paper attempts to provide insight into the biological ammonium oxidation process applied to high-strength ammonium wastewater treatment. The ammonium oxidation process has been investigated at various ammonium and biomass concentrations. Using the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) method, a proportion of both active ammonium oxidizers (AAO) and nitrite oxidizers to the total suspended solids were separately estimated, and then tested to normalize the ammonium oxidation rate at various ammonium strengths and AAO concentrations. High-ammonium strength showed no significant inhibition to ammonium oxidation due to high-AAO concentration. It was demonstrated that the key factor deciding the specific ammonium oxidation rate was the ratio of ammonium concentration to the active nitrifiers (AN) concentration, but not the sole-variable such as initial ammonium concentration and AN concentration. Contois model was screened to suitably fit the ammonium oxidation kinetics under the high-ammonium loading condition, resulting in a half-saturation constant of 0.028 mg N mg(-1) AAO and a maximum specific ammonium oxidation rate of 3.56 g N g(-1)AAO d(-1).

Methane production potential of leachate generated from Korean food waste recycling facilities: a lab-scale study

This paper examines the applicability of food waste leachate (FWL) in bioreactor landfills or anaerobic digesters to produce methane as a sustainable solution to the persisting leachate management problem in Korea. Taking into account the climatic conditions in Korea and FWL characteristics, the effect of key parameters, viz., temperature, alkalinity and salinity on methane yield was investigated. The monthly average moisture content and the ratio of volatile solids to total solids of the FWL were found to be 84% and 91%, respectively. The biochemical methane potential experiment under standard digestion conditions showed the methane yield of FWL to be 358 and 478 ml/g VS after 10 and 28 days of digestion, respectively, with an average methane content of 70%. Elemental analysis showed the chemical composition of FWL to be C(13.02)H(23.01)O(5.93)N(1). The highest methane yield of 403 ml/g VS was obtained at 35 degrees C due to the adaptation of seed microorganisms to mesophilic atmosphere, while methane yields at 25, 45 and 55 degrees C were 370, 351 and 275 ml/g VS, respectively, at the end of 20 days. Addition of alkalinity had a favorable effect on the methane yield. Dilution of FWL with salinity of 2g/l NaCl resulted in 561 ml CH(4)/g VS at the end of 30 days. Considering its high biodegradability (82.6%) and methane production potential, anaerobic digestion of FWL in bioreactor landfills or anaerobic digesters with a preferred control of alkalinity and salinity can be considered as a sustainable solution to the present emergent problem.

Calibration and characterization of single photon counting cameras for short-pulse laser experiments

The x-ray photon counting efficiency of various charged-coupled device (CCD) based cameras was studied as a function of photon energy and exposure. A pair of Spectral Instruments model 800 CCD cameras fitted with 16 microm thick back-illuminated CCDs were calibrated at low x-ray energy using two well established histogram methods. In addition, two new thick substrate CCDs were evaluated for use at high energy. One was a commercially available Princeton Instruments PI-LCX1300 deep depletion CCD camera, while the other used a custom designed 650 microm thick partially depleted CCD fitted to a Spectral Instruments model 800 camera body. It is shown that at high x-ray energy, a pixel-summing algorithm is necessary to reconstruct the x-ray spectra in the thicker substrate CCDs. This paper will describe the different algorithms used to extract spectra and the absolute detection efficiencies using these algorithms. These detectors and algorithms will be very useful in detecting high-energy x-ray photons from high-intensity short-pulse laser interactions.

Development of backlighting sources for a Compton radiography diagnostic of inertial confinement fusion targets (invited)

We present scaled demonstrations of backlighter sources, emitting bremsstrahlung x rays with photon energies above 75 keV, that we will use to record x-ray Compton radiographic snapshots of cold dense DT fuel in inertial confinement fusion implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In experiments performed at the Titan laser facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, we measured the source size and the bremsstrahlung spectrum as a function of laser intensity and pulse length from solid targets irradiated at 2x10(17)-5x10(18) W/cm(2) using 2-40 ps pulses. Using Au planar foils we achieved source sizes down to 5.5 microm and conversion efficiencies of about 1x10(-13) J/J into x-ray photons with energies in the 75-100 keV spectral range. We can now use these results to design NIF backlighter targets and shielding and to predict Compton radiography performance as a function of the NIF implosion yield and associated background.

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of polyvinyl alcohol from aqueous solution on powdered activated carbon

In this study, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was used to remove polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) from the aqueous PVA solution. The adsorption kinetics has been studied pertaining to various initial PVA concentration and PAC dosage. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the second-order kinetics with good correlation. Boyd plot confirmed that external mass transfer was the rate-limiting step in the sorption process. The adsorption isotherm obtained resembled with H-type of isotherm, which indicated a high affinity of the solute for the sorption sites. The Freundlich model appeared to fit the isotherm data better than the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters such as Delta H degrees , Delta S degrees and Delta G degrees were evaluated from the slope and intercept of linear plot of log Kc against (1/T) x 1000. The change in entropy (DeltaS degrees ) and heat of adsorption (Delta H degrees ) of PAC was estimated as 1.45 kJ mol(-1)K(-1) and 365 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The free energy of the adsorption at all temperatures was negative indicating a spontaneous process. The maximum PVA removal of 92% was obtained at a pH of 6.3 and contact time of 30 min for an adsorbent dose of 5 g/L.

Synthesis of silica-coated ferromagnetic fine powder by heterocoagulation

In this paper, the synthesis of core-shell particles (i.e. temperature-sensitive ferrite (TSF) covered with silica) has been investigated. At first, TSF (mean diameter of 10 nm) was prepared by the coprecipitation method in an alkaline solution. Then, silica coating on the TSF surface was carried out by the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The core-shell particles were formed by a surface precipitation procedure using TSF nanoparticles as a core material. The particles of silica were formed and these particles were then absorbed on the TSF nanoparticles. The coating procedure was described and explained by calculating the potential energies of interaction between the TSF and SiO(2) nanoparticles, according to the Derjarguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeck (DLVO) theory. The coating process was found to be influenced by the pH and concentration of the TEOS precursor. The thickness of the silica layer on TSF cores was observed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the optimum thickness of the SiO(2) layer on TSF core particles was obtained at pH 7.5, while the TEOS concentration was kept at 9 mM.

An analysis of synergistic and antagonistic behavior during BTEX removal in batch system using response surface methodology

The removal of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) as quaternary mixtures were studied in batch systems using a well-defined mixed microbial culture. The synergistic and antagonistic effects of total BTEX removal (BTEXT-RE) due to the presence of mixed substrate was evaluated through experiments designed by response surface methodology (RSM). The low and high concentrations of individual BTEX were 15 and 75 mg l(-1), respectively. The results showed that, increasing the concentration of xylene increased the cumulative BTEX removal (BTEXT-RE), however the reverse occurred when benzene concentrations were increased from low to high levels. A mixed response of increasing and decreasing trend in the BTEXT-RE value was observed when either of toluene or ethylbenzene concentration was increased. When the concentrations of individual BTEX compounds were 30 mg l(-1), the BTEXT-RE was about 58%. Complete BTEXT-RE was achieved at optimal BTEX concentrations of 48.1, 45.6, 49.3 and 56.6 mg l(-1). The RSM approach was found efficient in explaining the main, squared and interaction effects among individual BTEX concentrations on the BTEXT-RE in a more statistically meaningful way.

Association of abdominal fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk factors among obese Korean adolescents

The association between abdominal fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk factors using direct measures of abdominal fat in adolescents has not been extensively researched. This study was designed to investigate the association between visceral and subcutaneous fat and cardiometabolic risk factors, in obese Korean adolescents. The study enrolled 175 adolescents (72 boys, 103 girls), from ages nine to 19 years, who were referred to the Obesity Clinic of Asan Medical Center. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured for each study participant. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas were calculated by computed tomography. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score were measured. Systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, fasting insulin and the HOMA score were significantly correlated with BMI, WC, VAT and SAT. In addition, VAT was significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels. On multiple regression analysis, VAT was independently correlated with blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting insulin and the HOMA score, while SAT was independently correlated with systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin and the HOMA score. This study determined that cardiovascular risk factors are closely associated with VAT, while insulin resistance is closely associated with both VAT and SAT among obese Korean adolescents.

Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults

We studied the prevalence and trend of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults aged at least 20 years using Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey data from 1998 and 2001. The prevalence of body mass index (BMI) > or = 25 kg m(-2) among Korean adults in 2001 was 32.9% in men and 27.4% in women, and the number of Korean men with BMI > or = 25 kg m(-2) has increased markedly since 1998. A significant positive association between obesity and socioeconomic status was found in Korean men, whereas a significant negative association was identified in Korean women. The prevalence rates of waist circumference (WC) > or = 90 cm in men and WC > or = 85 cm in women were 23.4% and 23.1% in 2001 respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults was 15-30% according to various criteria of metabolic syndrome. Future studies are needed to determine the changes in prevalence of obesity and contributing factors for obesity in Koreans.

Ammonium and potassium removal for anaerobically digested wastewater using natural clinoptilolite followed by membrane pretreatment

On the basis of the wastewater characteristic of anaerobically digested wastewater, this work studied the individual and simultaneous adsorption of ammonium and potassium ions by the natural clinoptilolite. Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, and Toth model were employed to fit the experimental isotherm data and the fitting performances of different models were compared. Both the individual and simultaneous adsorption kinetics of ammonium and potassium were studied at various pHs and temperatures. The individual adsorption of ammonium was very fast and potassium uptake was even faster than that of ammonium. The adsorption approached equilibrium within 1h in most cases. Five models, including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Vermeulen's model, squared driving force model and Elovich equation were used to fit the individual and simultaneous adsorption kinetics of ammonium and potassium. The validities of the fittings for the ammonium and potassium adsorption kinetics were also evaluated.

Genetic structure of pig breeds from Korea and China using microsatellite loci analysis

To understand molecular genetic characteristics of Korean pigs, the genetic relationships of nine pig breeds including two Korean pigs (Korean native pig and Korean wild pig), three Chinese pigs (Min pig, Xiang pig, and Wuzhishan pig), and four European breeds (Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire) were characterized from a 16-microsatellite loci analysis. The mean heterozygosity within breeds ranged from 0.494 to 0.703. Across multiple loci, significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in most pig breeds, except for two Chinese pigs (Min pig and Wuzhishan pig). This deviation was in the direction of heterozygote deficit. Across population loci, 36 of 144 significantly deviated (P < 0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The mean FST, a measure of genetic divergence among subpopulations, of all loci indicated that 26.1% of total variation could be attributed to the breed difference. Relationship trees based on the Nei's DA genetic distance and scatter diagram from principal component analysis consistently displayed pronounced genetic differentiation among the Korean wild pig, Xiang pig, and Wuzhishan pig. Individual assignment test using a Bayesian method showed 100% success in assigning Korean and Chinese individual pigs into their correct breeds of origin and 100% exclusion success from all alternative reference populations at P < 0.001. These findings indicate that the Korean native pig has been experiencing progressive interbreeding with Western pig breeds after originating from a North China pig breed with a black coat color. Considering the close genetic relationship of Korean pigs to the Western breeds such as Berkshire and Landrace, our findings can be used as valuable genetic information for the preservation and further genetic improvement of the Korean native pig.

Visceral adipose tissue as a predictor for metabolic risk factors in the Korean population

AIMS

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We have investigated the appropriate VAT cut-off values for predicting metabolic risk factors in the Korean population.

METHODS

We assessed 276 men and 540 women aged 17-69 years who were undergoing regular health examinations. Anthropometry, metabolic risk factors and VAT area determined by computed tomography were measured. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to define VAT cut-off points for metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Based on the first quintile of VAT, the odds ratios for having metabolic risk factors increased significantly with each VAT quintile in both men and women. Using ROC analysis, the appropriate VAT cut-offs for metabolic risk factors were 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women. Regression lines indicated that, in men, a VAT of 100 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 88.1 cm and a body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 kg/m(2); in women, a VAT of 70 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 84.0 cm and a BMI of 25.1 kg/m(2).

CONCLUSION

VAT cut-offs of 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women are useful for defining visceral obesity in Korean subjects. These VAT cut-offs were validated by the ethnic-specific cut-offs for waist circumference and BMI for Korean individuals.

Effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels

OBJECTIVE

Visfatin, a novel adipokine, was revealed to be associated with obesity and to have insulin-mimetic effect. Eotaxin, which is an important chemokine in asthma, was recently reported to be associated with obesity in mice and humans. We evaluated the effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in association with cardiovascular risk factors.

DESIGN

Forty-eight non-diabetic Korean women were evaluated before and after a 12 week exercise program including aerobic exercise (45 min/session, 300 Kcal/day) and muscle strength training (20 min/session, 100 Kcal/day) five times per week.

RESULTS

Plasma visfatin concentrations were elevated in obese subjects (body mass index, BMI> or =25 kg/m2) when compared with non-obese subjects (16.4 +/- 13.4 ng/ml vs 7.7 +/- 5.2 ng/ml, P = 0.006), and eotaxin concentrations were elevated in subjects with central obesity (waist circumference, WC> or =80 cm) when compared with those without central obesity (73.6 +/- 17.8 pg/ml vs 64.2 +/- 4.2 pg/ml, P = 0.005). In multiple regression analyses, visfatin levels were associated with BMI (R2 = 0.255) and eotaxin levels were associated with WC and body weight (R2 = 0.307). After the exercise program, body weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance of participants were decreased. Furthermore, plasma visfatin levels were significantly decreased from 13.6 +/- 12.0 to 7.7 +/- 7.9 ng/ml (P = 0.026) and eotaxin levels were reduced from 72.0 +/- 16.7 to 66.9 +/- 14.2 pg/ml (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training with weight loss induced a significant reduction of plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in non-diabetic Korean women.

Magnetic resonance force microscopy combined with surface topography

A new method of surface microscopy is proposed, which combines three-dimensional electron spin resonance imaging by magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) and topographic imaging of the sample surface by scanning force microscopy (SFM). In order to demonstrate its potential for the identification of microscale objects, the individual and combined images are used to provide the locations, shapes and spin density distributions of target phantom objects. We report spatial resolution in MRFM of 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.0 microm(3). This could be improved to the theoretical limit of 0.08 x 0.08 x 0.04 microm(3) through reduction of the thermal noise by cooling to cryogenic temperatures approximately 0.5K. We believe that this type of microscopy will become a very useful tool for the investigation of anomalies induced in surfaces by materials buried below the surface.

Mechanism of removal of arsenic by bead cellulose loaded with iron oxyhydroxide (beta-FeOOH): EXAFS study

Bead cellulose loaded with iron oxyhydroxide (BCF) with 47 mass% Fe content was prepared and was successfully applied to the elimination of arsenic from aqueous solutions. A clearer understanding of the arsenic removal mechanism will provide accurate prediction of the arsenic adsorptive properties of the new adsorbent. To study the mechanism of the adsorption process, we measured the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of arsenite and arsenate sorbed onto the adsorbent with different surface coverages. Both arsenite and arsenate were strongly and specifically adsorbed by akaganéite adsorptive centers on BCF by an inner-sphere mechanism. There was no change in oxidation state following interaction between the arsenic species and the BCF surface. The dominant complex of arsenic species adsorbed on akaganéite was bidentate binuclear corner-sharing ((2)C) between As(V) tetrahedra (or As(III) pyramids) and adjacent edge-sharing FeO(6) octahedra. On the basis of the results from EXAFS spectra, the adsorptive characteristics of arsenic, such as the effects of pH and competing anions, were satisfactorily interpreted.

BCL6 gene mutations in transitional cell carcinomas

The B-cell lymphoma-6 (BCL6) gene was initially identified at a translocation site observed frequently in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. In the present study, BCL6 mutations at the 5' non-coding region in 47 cases of transitional call carcinoma (TCC) were analysed using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism. The results were compared with data obtained previously by immunohistochemical staining for the BCL6 protein. Overall, BCL6 mutations were observed in 44.7% of cases. Mutation of the 5' non-coding region was not correlated with histological grade of the tumour; however, the better the histological grade, the greater the mutation rate of the E1.12 fragment. The BCL6 mutation occurred independently of over-expression of the protein. The BCL6 gene mutation and the protein expression were detectable in a large proportion of TCCs. BCL6 protein over-expression as well as BCL6 gene mutation of the E1.12 fragment may play an important role in the morphological differentiation of TCC.

Prevalence and trends of metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 1998-2001

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major international health problem. Limited information is available about the prevalence of MetS in Asia, especially in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence and trends of MetS in a Korean population. In addition, we investigated the risk factors associated with MetS.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 7445 participants aged >/=20 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHNS) 1998 and 5964 participants from the KNHNS 2001 were included in this analysis. The KNHNS is a cross-sectional health survey of a nationally representative sample of the Korean population. The prevalence of MetS was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and the Asia-Pacific criteria for obesity based on waist circumference (APC-WC).

RESULTS

Using the ATP III criteria, the age-adjusted prevalence of MetS among Korean adults was 15.7% (13.7% male, 17.8% female) in 1998 and 14.4% (13.0% male, 16.2% female) in 2001. Using the APC-WC criteria, the prevalence was 21.6% (19.4% male, 23.9% female) in 1998 and 21.4% (20.1% male, 23.4% female) in 2001. Of the five MetS components, increasing trends were found between 1998 and 2001 in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and central obesity for both men and women. Age, sex, body mass index and a family history of diabetes were associated with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

These results from a representative sample show that MetS is common in Korean adults. A systemic public health programme is required to prevent future increases in diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

Lack of management of cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients

Effective management of diabetic patients includes comprehensive control for not only blood sugar, but also other cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed whether haemoglobin A1c (A1C) concentrations, blood pressure, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and microalbuminuria were regularly measured in 281 patients with type 2 diabetes who received care for over 1 year in the Department of Family Medicine located in an urban area of Korea. Subsequently, in patients with A1C > 7%; blood pressure >130/80 mmHg; LDL cholesterol levels >100 mg/dl; or microalbuminuria, we evaluated the status of management for those cardiovascular risk factors. Physicians were most likely to measure A1C levels (98.6%), but less likely to measure microalbuminuria (56.2%), LDL cholesterol (73.7%), or blood pressure (74.4%). Patients whose A1C levels were above the goal (78.2%) were likely to receive optimal therapy. In contrast, only 21.1% of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure and 5.3% of patients with LDL cholesterol levels above the target range received optimal management. Of the 36 patients with microalbuminuria or overt proteinuria, 66.7% took angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Measurement of parameters indicating cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients was not optimal, particularly regular measurements for microalbuminuria and for controlling LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure. These findings indicate a need for greater education of comprehensive cardiovascular management in type 2 diabetic patients and their physicians.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with isolated untreated systolic hypertension in Korea: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2001

Although isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, more than any other hypertension subtype, the prevalence and risk factors associated with ISH in the Korean population are not known. The 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey was a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey conducted in 2001. The prevalence of ISH by age and body mass index (BMI) was examined in 6601 Korean adults over 20 years of age. After adjusting for age, 4.32+/-0.32% of Korean adults had ISH, 5.28+/-0.37% had isolated diastolic hypertension and 5.82+/-0.36% had systolic/diastolic hypertension. The overall prevalence of ISH was found to increase directly with advancing age and increasing BMI. Although the ISH was found to be more common in men overall (4.81+/-0.50% in men, 4.12+/-0.37% in women), it was more common in women over 70 years of age. Independent variables associated with risk for ISH included advanced age, BMI, triglyceride (TG) levels, monthly income and alcohol intake. However, gender, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, residential area, education level and smoking were found not to be significantly associated with ISH risk. The findings of the present study demonstrate that the prevalence of untreated ISH in Korea was lower than in Western countries. Age, BMI, TG levels, monthly income and alcohol intake were associated with ISH.

In vitro skin penetration and pharmacodynamic evaluation of prostaglandin E1 ethyl ester, a vasoactive prodrug of prostaglandin E1, formulated into alcoholic hydrogels

Alcoholic hydrogels containing prostaglandin E1 ethyl ester (PGE1-EE), a prodrug of PGE1 as a therapeutic agent for erectile dysfunction, were formulated. The prodrug was stable against chemical hydrolysis in aqueous solution (pH 7.4), devoid of esterase activities, but was hydrolyzed to the parent drug in rat skin homogenates within 240 min. In the rat skin penetration study for 24 h, the steady-state flux values (microg/cm2/h) of PGE1-EE and PGE, from alcoholic hydrogels having 20% ethanol content were 7.6 and 1.8, respectively. PGE1-EE was superior to PGE, from a skin penetration point of view due to its increased lipophilicity. The fastest skin penetration rate was obtained for PGE1-EE in 20% alcoholic hydrogel together with limonene or cineole. These formulations increased the flux of PGE1-EE up to about 4-fold compared to control hydrogel in the absence of penetration enhancers. In the pharmacodynamic study using a cat, alcoholic hydrogel with limonene or cineole showed a significant effect in terms of increasing intracavernosal pressure compared to control hydrogel. Therefore, the transdermal alcoholic hydrogel formulation of PGE1-EE with limonene or cineole can be a promising transdermal delivery system to overcome inconvenience associated with frequent intracavernosal injections for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.