POZ/BTB and AT-hook-containing zinc finger protein 1 (PATZ1) inhibits endothelial cell senescence through a p53 dependent pathway

Vascular cell senescence, induced by the DNA damage response or inflammatory stress, contributes to age-associated vascular disease. Using complementary DNA microarray technology, we found that the level of POZ/BTB and AT-hook-containing zinc finger protein 1 (PATZ1) is downregulated during endothelial cell (EC) senescence. PATZ1 may have an important role as a transcriptional repressor in chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation; however, the role of PATZ1 in EC senescence and vascular aging remains unidentified. Knockdown of PATZ1 in young cells accelerated premature EC senescence, which was confirmed by growth arrest, increased p53 protein level and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, and repression of EC tube formation. In contrast, overexpression of PATZ1 in senescent cells reversed senescent phenotypes. Cellular senescence induced by PATZ1 knockdown in young cells was rescued by knockdown of p53, but not by knockdown of p16(INK4a). PATZ1 knockdown increased ROS levels, and pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine abolished EC senescence induced by PATZ1 knockdown. Notably, PATZ1 immunoreactivity was lower in ECs of atherosclerotic tissues than those of normal arteries in LDLR(-/-) mice, and immunoreactivity also decreased in ECs of old human arteries. These results suggest that PATZ1 may have an important role in the regulation of EC senescence through an ROS-mediated p53-dependent pathway and contribute to vascular diseases associated with aging.

The evaluation of soybean meals from 3 major soybean-producing countries on productive performance and feeding value of pig diets

This study was conducted to evaluate 1) the effects of soybean meal (SBM) from 3 major SBM-producing countries (United States, Brazil, and India) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs and 2) the feeding value of the evaluated SBM as a feedstuff for growing-finishing pigs. Soybean meal representative of each country was purchased on the open market. A total of 144 barrows with the average BW of 23.77 (SD = 1.52 kg) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 12 replicate pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. The US SBM used in this trial had greater CP and total AA contents, greater KOH protein solubility, and less crude fiber than SBM from either Brazil or India. Diets were formulated to be isolysinic and isocaloric. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM were heavier (P < 0.05) than pigs fed diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM at 12 and 18 wk. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F throughout the overall period when compared with pigs fed SBM produced in Brazil or India. The DM and N digestibility were greater for US SBM (P < 0.05) than Brazilian and India SBM at 6, 12, and 18 wk. Pigs were slaughtered at the end of 18 wk, and no differences were observed on meat quality (backfat thickness, LM area, pH, meat color, water holding capacity, and drip loss) among the treatments, except lean percentages were less and backfat thickness was greater in pigs fed Brazilian and Indian SBM than US SBM. The cost per kilogram of BW gain of the experimental diet containing US SBM was less than that of diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM, but it would depend on the relative prices of each SBM. Based on the results of the current experiment, the productivity and feeding value of US SBM seems to be greater than the SBM produced in Brazil and India.

Effect of dietary fermented garlic by Weissella koreensis powder on growth performance, blood characteristics, and immune response of growing pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of fermented garlic by Weissella koreensis powder (WKG) on pig growth performance and immune responses after an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In Exp. 1, 120 growing barrows (23.5 ± 0.5 kg of BW and 56 d of age) were used in a 35-d experiment to determine the optimal amounts of WKG. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments with 6 replicate pens and 4 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments included 1) NC (negative control; basal diet without antibiotics), 2) PC (positive control; basal diet + 1 g of tylosin/kg), 3) WKG1 (basal diet + 1 g of WKG/kg), 4) WKG2 (basal diet + 2 g of WKG/kg), and 5) basal diet + 4 g of WKG/kg. At the end of the feeding period, 12 pigs each were selected from the NC and WKG2 treatment groups, and 6 pigs were injected with LPS (50 μg/kg of BW) and the other 6 pigs with an equivalent amount of sterile saline, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Blood samples and rectal temperature data were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after challenge. The ADG of pigs fed WKG- and antibiotic-supplemented diets was greater (P<0.05) than NC from d 14 to 35 and the overall phase, but no dosage-dependent effects were observed. At the end of the experiment, the fecal E. coli count was linearly reduced by the increasing amounts of WKG at d 35 (P=0.01). Challenge with LPS increased white blood cell counts at 6 and 8 h (P<0.01) and depressed lymphocyte concentration at 4, 8, and 12 h (P<0.01). During challenge, LPS injection increased rectal temperature at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h postchallenge (P<0.05), and WKG2 alleviated (P<0.05) the increase in the temperature at 2 h postchallenge. The LPS injection increased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and IGF-1 concentrations at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h (P<0.01), whereas an alleviating effect of WKG was observed at 4, 6, and 8 h after LPS challenge (P<0.05). At 2, 4, and 6 h postchallenge, concentration of cluster of differentiation-antigen-4-positive cells and cluster of differentiation-antigen-8-positive cells (CD4(+) and CD8(+), respectively) increased in the LPS treatments (P<0.05), and the WKG2 boosted this effect (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of WKG2 in growing pigs can improve ADG and have a beneficial effect on the immune response during an inflammatory challenge.

Pregnenolone sulfate enhances spontaneous glutamate release by inducing presynaptic Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release

Pregnenolone sulfate (PS) acts as an excitatory neuromodulator and has a variety of neuropharmacological actions, such as memory enhancement and convulsant effects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PS on glutamatergic spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in acutely isolated dentate gyrus (DG) hilar neurons by use of a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique. PS significantly increased sEPSC frequency in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting the current amplitude, suggesting that PS acts presynaptically to increase the probability of spontaneous glutamate release. However, known molecular targets of PS, such as α7 nicotinic ACh, NMDA, σ1 receptors and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, were not responsible for the PS-induced increase in sEPSC frequency. In contrast, the PS-induced increase in sEPSC frequency was completely occluded in a Ca(2+)-free external solution, and was significantly reduced by either the depletion of presynaptic Ca(2+) stores or the blockade of ryanodine receptors, suggesting that PS elicits Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) within glutamatergic nerve terminals. In addition, the PS-induced increase in sEPSC frequency was completely occluded by transient receptor potential (TRP) channel blockers. These data suggest that PS increases spontaneous glutamate release onto acutely isolated hilar neurons via presynaptic CICR, which was triggered by the influx of Ca(2+) through presynaptic TRP channels. The PS-induced modulation of excitatory transmission onto hilar neurons could have a broad impact on the excitability of hilar neurons and affect the pathophysiological functions mediated by the hippocampus.

Effects of electric voltage and sodium chloride level on electrolysis of swine wastewater

The effects of electric voltage and NaCl concentration on the removal of pollutants in swine wastewater were investigated to determine the optimum operation conditions for a designed electrolysis process. An up-flow electrolytic reactor was fabricated from Plexiglas, and one titanium anode coated with iridium oxide (IrO(2)) and two stainless steel cathodes were installed in it. The anode surface area was 80 cm(2)/L and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 6h. The results indicated that the pollutant removal was highly proportional to the electric voltage and removal could be enhanced by adding NaCl. The removal efficiencies of NH(4)-N, soluble nitrogen (NH(4)-N plus NO(x)-N), soluble total organic carbon (STOC), and color were proportional to the NaCl level up to 0.05% NaCl level, beyond which no further enhancement in removal was observed. However, such a tendency was not observed in the case of PO(4)-P removal. The obtained results indicate that 7 V and 0.05% (8.56 mM) NaCl level would be the optimum conditions for the designed electrolysis process. Under these conditions, the average removal efficiencies of NH(4)-N, soluble nitrogen, PO(4)-P, STOC, and color were 99%, 94%, 59%, 64%, and 93%, respectively.

Kelvin probe force microscopy for conducting nanobits of NiO thin films

We demonstrated the writing and reading of conducting nanobits on a NiO thin film deposited on Pt/TiO(2)/SiO(2)/Si substrates for a resistive random access memory (RRAM) application using conducting atomic force microscopy (CAFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM). A Pt/NiO/Pt RRAM capacitor showed a typical unipolar switching behavior with bistable resistances. Conducting nanobits with diameters of 22 nm written with a bias of 3.0 V on the NiO thin film were observed with CAFM. The conducting nanobits observed by KFM exhibited negative potentials relative to the insulating regions when there was no bias at the Pt bottom electrode because image charges were induced by charges formed at the end of the KFM tip by the reference AC bias. Enhancement of the KFM signals for conducting nanobits was achieved using specific biases at the Pt bottom electrode, which provided clear KFM images for conducting nanobits.

Atypical radiological features of a leiomyosarcoma that arose from the ovarian vein and mimicked a vascular tumour

Leiomyosarcomas of the ovarian vein are extremely rare tumours. Most tumours are hypervascular and typically have a large avascular centre of necrosis. We experienced a case of a retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma that arose from the ovarian vein with marked vascular proliferation and dilatation within the tumour. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma with an atypical vascular structure in the clinical literature.

Characteristics of DOC concentration with storm density flows in a stratified dam reservoir

Among natural organic matter (NOM) defined as the complex matrix of organic materials abundant in natural waters, a gradual accumulation of recalcitrant organic matter (ROM) has been observed in impounded water bodies such as a lake or dam reservoir in spite of extensive efforts made to curtail organic pollutant loadings generated in their catchment areas. This paper aims to identify the effect of diffuse pollution resulting from allochthonous organic matters on the temporal and spatial characteristics of organic matters in a stratified dam reservoir, Daecheong Dam, using both intensive observation and CE-QUAL-W2 model simulation. With the limitation of observation data in terms of organic matters of inflow waters from boundary tributaries and impounded water in the reservoir, organic matter was represented by organic carbon including labile particular organic carbon (LPOC), refractory organic carbon (RPOC), labile dissolved organic carbon (LDOC), and refractory organic carbon (RDOC). Both autochthonous and allochthonous origins of organic carbon were considered in the modeling of eutrophication of the reservoir water using CE-QUAL-W2. The result of simulation during the period from 2001 to 2005 was observed to be a gradual accumulation of particular organic carbon (POC). It is clear that the model calculation results enable the explanation of the internal and external movement of constituents in the reservoir. In particular turbidity and NOM were well related in the upper region of the reservoir according to flow distance, gradually changing to dissolved form of organic matter, DOC affected organic matter concentration of reservoir water quality compared to turbidity.

A national survey on the practice and outcomes of mechanical ventilation in Korean intensive care units

A study was undertaken to describe the practice and outcomes of mechanical ventilation throughout Korea. This prospective cohort study was conducted over a three-month period enrolling patients (n = 519) who received mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours in 21 university hospital intensive care units throughout Korea. The most common indication for mechanical ventilation was acute respiratory failure. The most common cause of acute-on-chronic respiratory failure was tuberculous lung disease. The most common initial mode for ventilation was volume-controlled ventilation. The mean tidal volume of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients was 7.6 ml/kg of the predicted body weight and the mean positive end-expiratory pressure was 9.4 cmH20. The weaning success rate at 28 days was 50.3%. Pressure support and the T-piece were most commonly used as initial and final weaning modes respectively. Preventive measures against deep vein thrombosis during mechanical ventilation were performed more frequently in intensive care units with full-time critical care physicians than those without such physicians. Multivariate analysis showed that the APACHE II score, indication for mechanical ventilation, respiratory rate at 72 hours, enteral feeding and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis were prognostic factors for survival. In Korean intensive care units, tuberculous lung disease remains an important cause for mechanical ventilation. The practice of mechanical ventilation in Korean intensive care units in general appeared to comply with the current international recommendations with regard to lung protection and weaning. However, intensive care units lacking critical care physicians seemed to be adopting fewer ancillary measures, such as deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.

Preparation of biopolymer-coated magnetite nanoparticles for magnetic resonance image contrast agent

The magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using the sonochemical method with oleic acid as surfactant. The average size of the magnetite particles can be controlled by the ratio R = [H2O]/[surfactant] in the range of 2 to 9 nm. The size of the magnetite nanoparticles prepared by this method shows the narrow distribution. To prepare biopolymer(beta-glucan)-coated magnetite nanoparticles, beta-glucan solution was added to the magnetic colloid suspensions under the ultrasonication at room temperature. The beta-glucan coated magnetite colloidal suspensions of various concentrations did not agglomerate for 15 days, indicating their good stability. The beta-glucan-coated magnetite colloidal suspensions exhibited the enhancement of MRI contrasts in vitro.

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction predicts acute ischaemic stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 7-year follow-up study

AIMS

We investigated whether cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is associated with acute ischaemic stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2000, cardiovascular autonomic function tests were conducted in patients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 1458). Patients were followed up between 2006 and 2007. Standard tests for CAN measured heart rate variability parameters [expiration-to-inspiration (E/I) ratio, responses to the Valsalva manoeuvre and standing]. Using the American Diabetes Association criteria, the CAN scores were determined from the results of each test as follows: 0 = normal, 1 = abnormal (total maximum score 3). We assessed the development of acute ischaemic stroke events.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAN at baseline was 55.7% (E/I 17.1%, Valsalva 39.4%, posture 27.3%) (n = 1126). During follow-up, 131 patients (11.6%) developed acute ischaemic stroke. The vascular events were more frequent in older patients (P < 0.001) and in those with diabetes of longer duration (P = 0.022), hypertension (P < 0.001) or diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.03) than in patients without vascular events. Patients with ischaemic stroke had higher creatinine levels (P = 0.045) and higher urine albumin excretion (P = 0.025) than those of patients without stroke. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the CAN score was associated with the development of acute ischaemic stroke (total score 0 vs. 3, adjusted hazard ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-5.5, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction was significantly associated with the development of ischaemic stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

MAST3: a novel IBD risk factor that modulates TLR4 signaling

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder caused by multiple factors in a genetically susceptible host. Significant advances in the study of genetic susceptibility have highlighted the importance of the innate immune system in this disease. We previously completed a genome-wide linkage study and found a significant locus (IBD6) on chromosome 19p. We were interested in identifying the causal variant in IBD6. We performed a two-stage association mapping study. In stage 1, 1530 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from the HapMap database and genotyped in 761 patients with IBD. Among the SNPs that passed the threshold for replication, 26 were successfully genotyped in 754 additional patients (stage 2). One intronic variant, rs273506, located in the microtubule-associated serine/threonine-protein kinase gene-3 (MAST3), was found to be associated in both stages (pooled P=1.8 x 10(-4)). We identified four MAST3 coding variants, including a non-synonymous SNP rs8108738, correlated to rs273506 and associated with IBD. To test whether MAST3 was expressed in cells of interest, we performed expression assays, which showed abundant expression of MAST3 in antigen-presenting cells and in lymphocytes. The knockdown of MAST3 specifically decreased Toll-like receptor-4-dependent NF-kappaB activity. Our findings are additional proofs of the pivotal role played by modulators of NF-kappaB activity in IBD pathogenesis.

A facility for characterizing the steady-state and dynamic thermal performance of microelectromechanical system thermal switches

A facility to characterize microelectromechanical system (MEMS) thermal switches by measuring two pertinent figures of merit is described. The two figures of merit measured are the ratio of thermal resistance of the switch in the off and on states, Roff/Ron, and the time required to switch from the off to the on state, tauswitch. The facility consists of two pieces of equipment. A guard-heated calorimeter is used to measure heat transfer across the thermal switch under steady-state conditions. Measuring heat transfer across a thermal switch in both the off and on states then gives the thermal resistance ratio Roff/Ron. A thin-film radial heat-flux sensor is used to measure heat transfer across the thermal switch under dynamic conditions. Measuring heat transfer across a thermal switch as the switch changes from the off to the on state gives the thermal switching time tauswitch. The test facilities enable the control of the applied force on the thermal switch when the thermal switch is on, the thickness of the gas gap when the thermal switch is off, and the gas species and pressure in the thermal switch gas gap. The thermal performance of two MEMS thermal switches employing two different thermal contact materials, a polished silicon surface and an array of liquid-metal microdroplets, is characterized and compared.

Distal lenticulostriate artery aneurysm in deep intracerebral haemorrhage

Aneurysms of the distal lenticulostriate artery (LSA) are rare. Only 16 cases have been reported in the literature. Early detection and treatment of these aneurysms is also difficult because of their deep location, small size and angioarchitecture. We report two additional patients with aneurysms, arising from the distal LSA, who presented with deep intracerebral haemorrhage. The conclusions drawn from our experience and a comprehensive review of the literature include the following. (1) A distal LSA aneurysm should be considered in young (mean 38.5 years) and non-hypertensive (80%) patients with deep intracerebral haemorrhage. (2) These aneurysms are frequently very small (<5 mm). Therefore, they cannot be detected on initial angiograms in some cases. (3) These aneurysms have higher rates of associated vascular lesions. Deep intracerebral haemorrhage, even in those over the age of 50 years, can still be due to underlying, treatable structural abnormalities, and should not be dismissed as being a result of hypertension. In addition, a more comprehensive diagnostic approach seems to be warranted in younger patients and those without known hypertension.

Crossover clinical trial to determine the effect of manual acupuncture at Siguan points (bilateral LI4 and LR3) on intestinal motility in healthy subjects

This study examined whether manual acupuncture at the Siguan points (bilateral points LI4 and LR3) affects intestinal motility in healthy human subjects. Twenty healthy male subjects were randomly assigned either to real acupuncture (RA) at Siguan points or sham acupuncture (SA) groups in a crossover manner. All subjects underwent two experimental sessions; the RA group in the first session was treated with SA in the second session after a 2-week washout period, and vice versa. Each subject took 20 radio-markers and was treated with acupuncture 0, 12, 24, and 36 hours after radio-marker intake. Radiographs were taken at 6, 12.5, 24.5, and 48 hours, and the effect of acupuncture on intestinal motility was evaluated based on the distribution of the radio-markers in the ileum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid/ rectum, and outside the body. Defecating habit was monitored during the trial, and complete blood counts were checked before and after the two acupuncture sessions. The RA and SA results showed extremely similar distributions of the radio-markers in these five regions of the alimentary canal and outside the body in radiographs taken at four different times, verifying that there was no effect of manual acupuncture at the Siguan points on intestinal motility, at least in healthy human subjects.

The role of the Toll receptor pathway in susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases

The intestinal flora has long been thought to play a role either in initiating or in exacerbating the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Host defenses, such as those mediated by the Toll-like receptors (TLR), are critical to the host/pathogen interaction and have been implicated in IBD pathophysiology. To explore the association of genetic variation in TLR pathways with susceptibility to IBD, we performed a replication study and pooled analyses of the putative IBD risk alleles in NFKB1 and TLR4, and we performed a haplotype-based screen for association to IBD in the TLR genes and a selection of their adaptor and signaling molecules. Our genotyping of 1539 cases of IBD and pooled analysis of 4805 cases of IBD validates the published association of a TLR4 allele with risk of IBD (odds ratio (OR): 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.48; P=0.00017) and Crohn's disease (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.16-1.54; P=0.000035) but not ulcerative colitis. We also describe novel suggestive evidence that TIRAP (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.30; P=0.007) has a modest effect on risk of IBD. Our analysis, therefore, offers additional evidence that the TLR4 pathway - in this case, TLR4 and its signaling molecule TIRAP - plays a role in susceptibility to IBD.

Immunoproteomic analysis of capsulate and non-capsulate strains of Lactococcus garvieae

A comparative immunoproteomic study was carried out to investigate the immunogenicity of capsulate (KG9408) and non-capsulate (NSS9310) strains of Lactococcus garvieae. Immunoblot assays, following two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) for L. garvieae strains, revealed a significant difference between anti-capsulate and anti-non-capsulate rabbit sera with respect to the number and antigenicity of antigenic spots. Anti-capsulate and anti-non-capsulate rabbit sera reacted with an average of 72 and 127 antigenic spots, respectively. The strong reaction of anti-non-capsulate sera with elongation factor (EF)-G and -Tu, and GMP synthase, of the L. garvieae strains identifies these as specific major antigens. This study clearly demonstrates the differences in 2-DE immunoblot profiles between the capsulate and non-capsulate strains of L. garvieae. These differences may be the reason for variations in immunogenicity between capsulate and non-capsulate strains. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, arginine deaminase and ornithine carbamoyltransferase were identified from the 2-DE immunoblot profiles of both strains. Therefore, these common antigens are potential markers for the development of vaccines against L. garvieae, irrespective of strain. Immunoproteomics, a powerful tool for studying antigens at the proteomic level, allowed a comparative investigation of the immunogenicity of capsulate and non-capsulate strains of L. garvieae for vaccine development.

Growth-inhibiting activity of active component isolated from Terminalia chebula fruits against intestinal bacteria

The growth-inhibitory activity of materials derived from the fruit of Terminalia chebula was evaluated against six intestinal bacteria by means of an impregnated paper disk agar diffusion method. The butanol fraction of T. chebula extract had profound growth-inhibitory activity at a concentration of 5 mg per disk. The biologically active component isolated from the T. chebula fruits was identified with a variety of spectroscopic analyses as ethanedioic acid. The growth responses varied in accordance with the bacterial strain, chemical, and dosage tested. In a test with concentrations of 2 and 1 mg per disk, ethanedioic acid had strong and moderate inhibitory activity against Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli, respectively, with no associated adverse effects on the growth of the four tested lactic acid-producing bacteria. Ellagic acid derived from T. chebula fruits exerted a potent inhibitory effect against C. perfringens and E. coli, but little or no inhibition was observed with treatments of behenic acid, P-caryophyllene, eugenol, isoquercitrin, oleic acid, ca-phellandrene, 3-sitosterol, stearic acid, a-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, terpinolene, or triacontanoic acid. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological properties of T. chebula fruits.

Immunohistochemical Localization of Glutamate in the Gerbil Main Olfactory Bulb Using an Antiserum Directed against Glutamate

Information on the localization and the roles of glutamate in the nervous system is becoming valuable because the axon terminals of the olfactory sensory neurons and the synapses of the mitral and tufted output cells appear to be glutamatergic. In this study, we have analysed the distribution of glutamate immunoreactivity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) of the Mongolian gerbil using an antiserum directed against glutamate. Glutamate immunoreactivity in the MOB was present in the olfactory nerve layer (Onl), glomerular layer (GL), external plexiform layer (EPL) and mitral cell layer (ML), but not in the granule cell layer (GCL). Glutamate immunoreactivity detected in the Onl was thought to be terminal ramifications of glomeruli. Some neurons in the periglomerular region showed glutamate immunoreactivity. In the EPL, glutamate immunoreactivity was found in some neuronal somata (tufted cells) and processes. In addition, mitral cells in the ML were labelled by the glutamate antibody. The pattern of glutamate immunoreactivity in the mitral cells was similar to that in the tufted cells. In brief, glutamate in the gerbil MOB is the neurotransmitter used by primary afferents and output neurons.

Electrical Relaxation of Bismuth Germanate Silicate Glasses

The frequency-dependent electrical data of the bismuth germanate silicate (BGSO) glasses have been discussed in the framework of the electric modulus representation and the power-law conductivity. The activation energies of the mean electric relaxation time and the direct current (dc) conductivity obtained by the complex modulus analysis show that the BGSO glasses satisfy the Barton, Nakajima, and Namikawa (BNN) relation. The proper relation between the exponent of the power-law conductivity and the stretched exponential of the modulus representation is shown. The temperature- and frequency-dependent characteristics of non-Debye behavior are discussed. The scaling properties of both the modulus M*(omega) and the alternating current (ac) conductivity sigma(omega) are examined.

The association between CD99 and LMP-1 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

AIM

To characterize the roles of LMP-1 and CD99 in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis, we undertook this pilot study of LMP-1 and CD99 expressions in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

40 NPC tissue samples were grouped according to the WHO classification. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using monoclonal antibodies against EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) and CD99 protein. In addition, CD99 expression was evaluated in 10 samples of non-neoplastic nasopharyngeal epithelium.

RESULTS

LMP-1 was detected in 12 of the 40 (30.0%) cases and its expression was found to be confined to epithelial tumor cells. WHO type I NPC samples were completely negative for LMP-1, whereas WHO type III NPC samples showed highest expression. Interestingly, CD99 was expressed in all of the non-neoplastic nasopharyngeal epithelium samples along the cytoplasmic border. CD99 expression was noted in NPC tumor cells (5 of the 40 cases, 12.5%) and in surrounding lymphoid stroma (23 of the 40 cases, 57.5%), but was not expressed in WHO type I NPC. In the 12 LMP-1 positive cases, 9 cases (75.0%) were CD99 negative, and 3 cases (25.5%) were CD99 positive. There was a statistical significance between LMP-1 and CD99 expression in lymphoid stroma.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the LMP-1 induced down-regulation of the CD99 pathway is important in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis, and that the expression of CD99 in lymphoid stroma may regulate immune response to NPC.