Effect of botulinum toxin type A injection into human masseter muscle on stimulated parotid saliva flow rate

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection into the masseter muscles is used to treat masseteric hypertrophy. No serious side effects of BTX-A have been reported, but patients sometimes complain of xerostomia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of injecting BTX-A into the masseter for the treatment of masseteric hypertrophy on the flow of saliva from the parotid gland. 34 volunteers enrolled in this study. A total of 25 units of BTX-A was injected into each side bilaterally at two points at the center of the lower third of the masseter muscle. Saliva was collected from the parotid gland over a period of 10 min to determine the flow rate for 18 weeks after injection. The flow rate was calculated by dividing the amount in milliliters by the collection time in minutes. There were no significant changes in the stimulated parotid saliva flow at 4, 8, 12 or 18 weeks compared with the baseline. Within this limited study, it can be concluded that BTX-A injection into the masseter does not cause any significant decrease in the production of saliva from the parotid gland.

Design of a versatile chemical assembly method for patterning colloidal nanoparticles

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) domains in phase-separated polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymer thin films were chemically modified for controlled placement of solution synthesized Au nanoparticles having a mean diameter of 24 nm. Colloidal Au nanoparticles functionalized with thioctic acid were immobilized on amine functionalized PMMA domains on the PS-b-PMMA template using 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride linking chemistry and N-hydroxy sulfosuccinimide stabilizer. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated immobilization of Au nanoparticles commensurate with PMMA domains. Nanoparticles form into clusters of single particles, dimers, and linear chains as directed by the PMMA domain size and shape. Capillary forces influence the spacing between Au nanoparticles on PMMA domains. Inter-particle spacings below 3 nm were achieved and these assemblies of closely spaced nanoparticle clusters are expected to exhibit strong localized electromagnetic fields. Thus, these processes and material systems provide an experimental platform for studying resonantly enhanced excitations of surface plasmons as a function of material and geometric structure as well as utilization in catalytic applications.

Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Peptic ulcers occur more commonly in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the most important etiology in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers. We investigated the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy in patients with chronic liver disease and peptic ulcer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty-three patients with LC or chronic hepatitis (CH) with a peptic ulcer and proven H. pylori infection were included. The combination of PPI, amoxicillin (1.0 g), and clarithromycin (500 mg), each given twice daily, was administered for 1 or 2 weeks. The eradication of H. pylori was determined by the rapid urease test, histology, or the 13C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after completing the treatment.

RESULTS

The eradication rate of H. pylori was similar between the LC and CH groups; 82.6% and 88.1%, respectively. In addition, there were no significant differences in eradication rates between the patients with Child-Pugh class A and Child-Pugh class B/C disease. The side effects in each group were generally mild. Only the serum ALT levels showed a significant correlation with the success of H. pylori eradication in both the LC and CH groups.

CONCLUSION

The PPI-based triple therapy achieves high eradication rates for H. pylori infection, in patients with chronic liver disease, without significant side effects.

Multiple cutaneous metastases from hilar cholangiocarcinoma

The most common metastatic sites of cholangiocarcinoma are the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, peritoneum, liver and lungs, and cutaneous metastases of cholangiocarcinoma are rare. Although cutaneous metastases of internal malignancies most commonly present clinically as nontender nodules appearing in a particular area of body, other presentations can occur. Cutaneous metastases of cholangiocarcinoma can appear as a solitary tumour at the therapeutic drainage site. We report a 60-year-old man with unusual cutaneous metastases from hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which presented as multiple indurated plaques and papules on the anterior chest.

Dissipation behavior of lufenuron, benzoylphenylurea insecticide, in/on Chinese cabbage applied by foliar spraying under greenhouse conditions

Chinese cabbage has long been consumed as a staple food by the Koreans in various forms of fresh, salted, or fermented as kimchi. To fulfill the off-season demand for this crop, it has become a common practice to be cultivated under greenhouse conditions. Since pesticide residues in/on leafy vegetables have strongly concerned with food safety in the Korean society, the changes of lufenuron residues, in/on Chinese cabbage applied by foliar spraying under greenhouse conditions was investigated. Lufenuron 5% emulsifiable concentrate (EC) was sprayed with diluted solution of recommended and double doses to the crop. The shoots of the cabbage were harvested immediately after spraying, and sequentially the harvests were conveyed to analyze the residual amounts. The deposited level of the analyte in/on Chinese cabbage under greenhouse conditions seemed to be difficult to produce the crop with 0.2 ppm of maximum residue limit (MRL) of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).

Development and validation of reverberation-chamber type whole-body exposure system for mobile-phone frequency

We developed whole-body exposure systems for in-vivo study at cellular (848.5 MHz) and Personal Communication System (PCS, 1,762.5 MHz) frequency, utilizing reverberation chamber. The field uniformities in the test area of the designed chambers were verified by simulation and measurement. In the whole-body exposure environment, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) distributions inside of mice were calculated using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation. Key results are presented in this article.

Effect of kimchi powder level and drying methods on quality characteristics of breakfast sausage

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the addition of kimchi powder on the quality characteristics of meat batter and breakfast sausage. Breakfast sausages were supplemented with freeze dried kimchi powder (FKP) or hot air dried kimchi powder (HKP) at levels of 1% (FKP-1 and HKP-1) or 2% (FKP-2 and HKP-2). The emulsion stability, cooking yield, and apparent viscosity in meat batters improved with increments of kimchi powder (p<0.05). Increased levels of kimchi powder in breakfast sausage decreased the L(∗) value, pH, and springiness, and increased the a(∗) value, b(∗) value, hardness, chewiness, and gumminess (p<0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that a higher overall acceptability was attained when the kimchi powder was added to breakfast sausage at a level of 2%.

Lactobacillus casei prevents the development of dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis in Toll-like receptor 4 mutant mice

Probiotics, defined as live or attenuated bacteria or bacterial products, confer a significant health benefit to the host. Recently, they have been shown to be useful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease and infectious colitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of probiotics on the development of experimental colitis using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) mutant (lps-/lps-) mice. TLR-4(lps-/lps-) and wild-type (WT) mice were given 2.5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in drinking water to induce colitis with or without Lactobacillus casei pretreatment. Clinical and histological activity of DSS-colitis was attenuated markedly both in TLR-4(lps-/lps-) and WT mice pretreated with L. casei. Interestingly, histological activity was less severe in TLR-4(lps-/lps-) mice than in WT mice. The levels of myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin (IL)-12p40 were attenuated in pretreated TLR-4(lps-/lps-) mice after DSS administration. By contrast, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and IL-10 mRNA and protein expressions were increased markedly in pretreated TLR-4(lps-/lps-) mice. The current results suggest that L. casei has a preventive effect in the development of acute DSS-induced colitis and its action depends largely upon TLR-4 status. L. casei modulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines and down-regulates neutrophilic infiltration in the case of incomplete TLR-4 complex signalling.

Limits on interactions between weakly interacting massive particles and nucleons obtained with CsI(Tl) crystal detectors

The Korea Invisible Mass Search (KIMS) experiment presents new limits on the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon cross section using data from an exposure of 3409 kg.d taken with low-background CsI(Tl) crystals at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The most stringent limit on the spin-dependent interaction for a pure proton case is obtained. The DAMA signal region for both spin-independent and spin-dependent interactions for the WIMP masses greater than 20 GeV/c2 is excluded by the single experiment with crystal scintillators.

Influence of OATP1B1 genotype on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in Koreans

This study was carried out to determine whether polymorphisms of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) have an effect on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in Koreans. Among 200 subjects genotyped for OATP1B1 c.388A>G, and c.521T>C, 30 subjects were selected for the rosuvastatin pharmacokinetic study. The area under the concentration-time curve for 0 to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) of rosuvastatin for group 1 (*1a/*1a, *1a/*1b, *1b/*1b), group 2 (*1a/*15, *1b/*15), and group 3 (*15/*15) were 111+/-49.3, 126+/-45.2, and 191+/-31.0 ng h/ml, respectively, with significant differences among the three groups (P=0.0429) and between *15/*15 and the other groups (P=0.0181). The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) also showed a significant difference between *15/*15 and the other groups (P=0.0181). There were no significant differences in rosuvastatin-lactone pharmacokinetics among the three groups. The pharmacokinetic exposure of rosuvastatin was higher in the OATP1B1*15/*15 subjects than the others, suggesting a potential association between the OATP1B1 genetic polymorphisms and altered rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in Korean populations.

Use of X-ray Tomography to Map Crystalline and Amorphous Phases in Frozen Biomaterials

The outcome of both cryopreservation and cryosurgical freezing applications is influenced by the concentration and type of the cryoprotective agent (CPA) or the cryodestructive agent (i.e., the chemical adjuvants referred to here as CDA) added prior to freezing. It also depends on the amount and type of crystalline, amorphous and/or eutectic phases formed during freezing which can differentially affect viability. This work describes the use of X-ray computer tomography (CT) for non-invasive, indirect determination of the phase, solute concentration and temperature within biomaterials (CPA, CDA loaded solutions and tissues) by X-ray attenuation before and after freezing. Specifically, this work focuses on establishing the feasibility of CT (100-420 kV acceleration voltage) to accurately measure the concentration of glycerol or salt as model CPA and CDAs in unfrozen solutions and tissues at 20 degrees C, or the phase in frozen solutions and tissue systems at -78.5 and -196 degrees C. The solutions are composed of water with physiological concentrations of NaCl (0.88% wt/wt) and DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium) with added glycerol (0-8 M). The tissue system is chosen as 3 mm thick porcine liver slices as well as 2 cm diameter cores which were either imaged fresh (3-4 h cold ischemia) or after loading with DMEM based glycerol solutions (0-8 M) for times ranging from hours to 7 days at 4 degrees C. The X-ray attenuation is reported in Hounsfield units (HU), a clinical measurement which normalizes X-ray attenuation values by the difference between those of water and air. NaCl solutions from 0 to 23.3% wt/wt (i.e. water to eutectic concentration) were found to linearly correspond to HU in a range from 0 to 155. At -196 degrees C the variation was from -80 to 95 HU while at -78.5 degrees C all readings were roughly 10 HU lower. At 20 degrees C NaCl and DMEM solutions with 0-8 M glycerol loading show a linear variation from 0 to 145 HU. After freezing to -78.5 degrees C the variation of the NaCl and DMEM solutions is more than twice as large between -90 and +190 HU and was distinctly non-linear above 6 M. After freezing to -196 degrees C the variation of the NaCl and DMEM solutions increased even further to -80 to +225 HU and was distinctly non-linear above 4 M, which after modeling the phase change and crystallization process is shown to correlate with an amorphous phase. In all tissue systems the HU readings were similar to solutions but higher by roughly 30 HU, as well as showing some deviations at 0 M after storage, probably due to tissue swelling. The standard deviations in all measurements were roughly 5 HU or below in all samples. In addition, two practical examples for CT use were demonstrated including: (1) glycerol loading and freezing of tissue cores and, (2) a mock cryosurgical procedure. In the loading experiment CT was able to measure the permeation of the glycerol into the sample at 20 degrees C, as well as the evolution of distinct amorphous vs. crystalline phases after freezing to -196 degrees C. In the mock cryosurgery example, the iceball edge was clearly visualized, and attempts to determine the temperature within the iceball are discussed. An added benefit of this work is that the density of these frozen samples, an essential property in measurement and modeling of thermal processes, was obtained in comparison to ice.

Characteristics of CADASIL in Korea: A novel cysteine-sparing Notch3 mutation

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the phenotype, genotype, and MRI findings of Korean patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and mutation carriers.

METHODS

The authors studied 40 members of nine unrelated Korean CADASIL families. After genetic analysis of Notch3, clinical and MRI findings were correlated in 27 mutation carriers.

RESULT

Notch3 mutation sites were C174R (one family, n = 3), R133C (one family, n = 3), R587C (one family, n = 1), R544C (two families, n = 5), and R75P (four families, n = 15). The clinical features were typical of CADASIL, but the frequency of migraine in the Korean population appears low. MRI abnormalities were found in 54% of the mutant carriers, the most common being white matter hyperintensities. The prevalence of lacunes and microbleeds increased with patient age. Anterior temporal areas were less often involved in subjects with R75P mutations than in those where mutations occurred in other sites (p = 0.02). Gradient echo imaging identified microbleedings in 33% of mutation carriers (64% of those with abnormal MRI), whereas diffusion-weighted MRI showed abnormal findings in only one patient. Neurologic disability was related to the number of lacunar infarcts and the lesion volume of white matter hyperintensities (p < 0.001) whereas MMSE score was related to the number of lacunar infarcts (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Although Korean cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) mutation carriers show similar clinical and MRI findings, these abnormalities appear less frequently than in other populations. Relatively frequent microbleedings on gradient echo imaging suggest that treatment should be individualized according to MRI findings. The novel mutation of R75P, not involving a cysteine residue, is related to less frequent involvement of the anterior temporal area, thus broadening the spectrum of CADASIL.

Improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation in a long-baseline accelerator experiment

We performed an improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation with the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment, using the full data sample of 9.2 x 10(19) protons on target. No evidence for a nu(e) appearance signal was found, and we set bounds on the nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation parameters. At Deltam(2)=2.8 x 10(-3) eV(2), the best-fit value of the K2Knu(mu) disappearance analysis, we set an upper limit of sin(2)2theta(mue) < 0.13 at a 90% confidence level.

Predictors of hemorrhage in patients with untreated brain arteriovenous malformation

BACKGROUND

Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious possible complication in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Several morphologic factors associated with hemorrhagic AVM presentation have been established, but their relevance for the risk of subsequent AVM hemorrhage remains unclear.

METHODS

The authors analyzed follow-up data on 622 consecutive patients from the prospective Columbia AVM database, limited to the period between initial AVM diagnosis and the start of treatment (i.e., any endovascular, surgical, or radiation therapy). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to analyze the effect of patient age, gender, AVM size, anatomic location, venous drainage pattern, and associated arterial aneurysms on the risk of intracranial hemorrhage at initial presentation and during follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean pretreatment follow-up was 829 days (median: 102 days), during which 39 (6%) patients experienced AVM hemorrhage. Increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08), initial hemorrhagic AVM presentation (HR 5.38, 95% CI 2.64 to 10.96), deep brain location (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.30 to 8.16), and exclusive deep venous drainage (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.67) were independent predictors of subsequent hemorrhage. Annual hemorrhage rates on follow-up ranged from 0.9% for patients without hemorrhagic AVM presentation, deep AVM location, or deep venous drainage to as high as 34.4% for those harboring all three risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhagic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) presentation, increasing age, deep brain location, and exclusive deep venous drainage appear to be independent predictors for AVM hemorrhage during natural history follow-up. The risk of spontaneous hemorrhage may be low in AVMs without these risk factors.

Diagnostic yield of advanced colorectal neoplasia at colonoscopy, according to indications: an investigation from the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID)

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The factors that more accurately predict the detection of colorectal cancers and adenomas at colonoscopy are different. We conducted a prospective multicenter study to evaluate which indications were most closely associated with advanced colorectal neoplasm (CRN), including colorectal cancer, in a group of patients undergoing colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 17 468 patients were enrolled in this study between July 2003 and March 2004, from 11 tertiary medical centers in Korea. They were recruited according to 11 itemized colonoscopic indications. The term "advanced adenoma" refers here to tubular adenomas of diameter of 11 mm or more, or to tubulovillous, villous, or severely dysplastic adenomas, irrespective of their size. Cancer was defined as the invasion of malignant cells beyond the muscularis mucosa. Advanced CRN was defined as advanced adenoma or invasive cancer.

RESULTS

Advanced CRN was found in 1227/17 307 patients (1176 advanced adenomas plus 51 carcinomas, 7.1 %). According to univariate and multivariate analysis, the factors associated with advanced CRN included age >60 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.8 - 2.4, P < 0.0001), male gender (OR 2.1, 95 %CI 1.7 - 2.7, P < 0.0001), referral for colonoscopy from primary care physician (OR 3.1, 95 %CI 2.5 - 3.7, P < 0.0001), and several other indications (OR 1.8, 95 %CI 1.5 - 2.3, P < 0.001). The yield of colonoscopy for advanced CRN was lower (2.2 %) than expected in patients with iron-deficiency anemia (OR 0.5, 95 %CI 0.2 - 0.9, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, gender, and referral for colonoscopy from primary care physician constituted important independent predictors of advanced CRN in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Low-pressure detachment nanolithography

A simple, one-step method is developed to fabricate various nanostructures such as nanoholes and nanolines based on the detachment of an organic polymer film in contact with a patterned polyurethane acrylate mould under a low physical pressure (1-2 bar) at ambient conditions. Calculation of the work of adhesion based on contact angle measurements indicates that the adhesion strength at the organic/mould interface is greater than that at the organic/substrate interface, resulting in a successful detachment without any surface modifications. 4,4(')-bis[N-1-napthyl-N-phenyl-amino]biphenyl (NPB) is used as the organic film owing to its low cohesion energy and stability in air. Nanoholes as small as 150 nm and nanolines as small as 50 nm have been fabricated using this approach. These nanostructures are used as a template for selective deposition of silver nanoparticles and a wet/dry etch resist for further pattern transfer.

Two cases of citrullinaemia presenting with stroke

Urea cycle disorders are known to be unusual causes of stroke. We report two infant cases of citrullinaemia that both initially presented with a stroke and suggest that urea cycle disorders should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained stroke during infancy and childhood.

Evaluation of a long-term operation of a submerged nanofiltration membrane bioreactor (NF MBR) for advanced wastewater treatment

Nanofiltration (NF) is considered as one of the most promising separation technologies to obtain a very good-quality permeate in water and wastewater treatment. A submerged NF membrane bioreactor (NF MBR) using polyamide membranes was tested for a long-term operation and the performance of the NF MBR was compared with that of a microfiltration MBR (MF MBR). Total organic carbon (TOC) concentration in the permeate of the NF MBR ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/L, whereas that of the MF MBR showed an average of 5 mg/L. This could be explained by the tightness of the NF membrane. Although the concentration of organic matter in the supernatant of the NF MBR was higher than that in the permeate due to high rejection by the NF membrane, the NF MBR showed excellent treatment efficiency and satisfactory operational stability for a long-term operation.

Search for coherent charged pion production in neutrino-carbon interactions

We report the result from a search for charged-current coherent pion production induced by muon neutrinos with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV. The data are collected with a fully active scintillator detector in the K2K long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. No evidence for coherent pion production is observed, and an upper limit of is set on the cross section ratio of coherent pion production to the total charged-current interaction at 90% confidence level. This is the first experimental limit for coherent charged pion production in the energy region of a few GeV.

Majocchi's granuloma of the vulva caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes

We report a case of Majocchi's granuloma caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes on the vulva in a 23-year-old girl who had used topical steroids for many years. Her dog was a source of the infection.

Clinicopathological features of incidental hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplantation

The incidence of detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a removed recipient liver after a liver transplant is not rare. The clinical features are expected to be different from the preoperatively diagnosed HCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of incidental HCC. This study retrospectively analyzed five cases of incidental HCC among 51 liver transplant cases of HCC operated from September 1996 to February 2002. The proportion of an incidental HCC was 9.8%. The mean age was 46.2 years with a higher prevalence in may (80%, four cases). The alpha-fetoprotein level was normal or mildly elevated. HBsAg was positive in all cases. Imaging studies revealed regenerative or dysplastic nodules, or no specific lesion. The pathological findings demonstrated a mean size of 1.16 cm, multiplicity in three cases (60%), no microvascular invasion, and Edmonson grade I (60%) and II (40%). There was no recurrence of the HCC. However, two patients died due to an intracranial hemorrhage and a graft failure, respectively. In conclusion, incidentally found HCC showed less invasive pathological features and a better prognosis.

Suppressed Cytokine and Immunoglobulin Secretions by Murine Splenic Lymphocytes Infected In Vitro with Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

Mechanisms of host immunosuppression after infection with Toxoplasma gondii are unclear. This study was performed to observe cytokine and immunoglobulin secretions by murine splenic lymphocytes infected in vitro with live, nonreplicating (irradiated) RH tachyzoites on stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For lymphocyte cultivation, 3 groups were prepared: coculture with live nonirradiated tachyzoites separated by a transwell (group T), live irradiated tachyzoites without a transwell (group R), and no tachyzoites (group C). Compared with group T, groups R and C, on stimulation with Con A, revealed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFN-gamma, but not IL-10. The levels of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3, IgA, and IgM were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower in groups R and C than in group T after stimulation with LPS. The results suggest that intracellular infection of murine splenic lymphocytes with T. gondii tachyzoites could impair their capacity to produce cytokine and immunoglobulin secretions.

Evidence for muon neutrino oscillation in an accelerator-based experiment

We present results for nu(mu) oscillation in the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. K2K uses an accelerator-produced nu(mu) beam with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV directed at the Super-Kamiokande detector. We observed the energy-dependent disappearance of nu(mu), which we presume have oscillated to nu(tau). The probability that we would observe these results if there is no neutrino oscillation is 0.0050% (4.0 sigma).

Interaction between conidia, lung macrophages, immunosuppressants, proinflammatory cytokines and transcriptional regulation

The immunosuppressive effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on macrophage killing activity and cytokine production in response to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia is antagonized by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). However, the intersection of signaling pathways and the molecular mechanism of this antagonism remain to be defined. We postulated that DEX inhibition of NF-kappaB was opposed by induction of IkappaB kinases (IKK) by GM-CSF + conidia stimulation, degradation of IkappaB, and release of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). This hypothesis was tested using resident peritoneal macrophages from CD-1 mice and the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. Macrophages were unstimulated or stimulated with A. fumigatus conidia and simultaneously treated with DEX, GM-CSF or DEX + GM-CSF for 2 4 hours. IkappaB degradation in cytoplasmic extracts and translocation of NF-kappaB in nuclear extracts was measured by Western blot analysis. This showed GM-CSF reverses the immunosuppressive effect of DEX by enhancing the degradation of IkappaB and promoting the translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. This would allow the production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages, facilitating resistance to A. fumigatus.

Comparison of treatment efficiency of submerged nanofiltration membrane bioreactors using cellulose triacetate and polyamide membrane

This study evaluates the performance of nanofiltration membrane bioreactor (NF MBR) systems using cellulose triacetate (CA) and polyamide (PA) membranes. The results indicated that both NF membranes could produce high quality permeate in the submerged NF MBR system. In addition, hollow fiber CA membranes exhibited the capability of higher permeate productivity than PA membranes. However, to obtain high quality permeate for a long-term operation, CA membranes should be maintained using an appropriate method, such as chlorine disinfection, in order to control the membrane biodegradation. The results demonstrated that PA membranes were capable of producing higher quality permeate for a long period than CA membranes. In order to enhance the practicability of PA membranes in submerged NF MBR systems, it is required that the membranes should have the lowest possible intrinsic salt rejection.

Search for electron neutrino appearance in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

We present a search for electron neutrino appearance from accelerator-produced muon neutrinos in the K2K long-baseline neutrino experiment. One candidate event is found in the data corresponding to an exposure of 4.8 x 10(19) protons on target. The expected background in the absence of neutrino oscillations is estimated to be 2.4+/-0.6 events and is dominated by misidentification of events from neutral current pi(0) production. We exclude the nu(micro) to nu(e) oscillations at 90% C.L. for the effective mixing angle in the 2-flavor approximation of sin((2)2theta(microe)( approximately 1/2sin((2)2theta(13))>0.15 at Deltam(2)(microe)=2.8 x 10(-3) eV(2), the best-fit value of the nu(micro) disappearance analysis in K2K. The most stringent limit of sin((2)2theta(microe)<0.09 is obtained at Deltam(2)(microe)=6 x 10(-3) eV(2).

Secretory and extracellular production of recombinant proteins using Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is one of the most widely used hosts for the production of recombinant proteins. However, there are often problems in recovering substantial yields of correctly folded proteins. One approach to solve these problems is to have recombinant proteins secreted into the periplasmic space or culture medium. The secretory production of recombinant proteins has several advantages, such as simplicity of purification, avoidance of protease attack and N-terminal Met extension, and a better chance of correct protein folding. In addition to the well-established Sec system, the twin-arginine translocation (TAT) system has recently been employed for the efficient secretion of folded proteins. Various strategies for the extracellular production of recombinant proteins have also been developed. For the secretory production of complex proteins, periplasmic chaperones and protease can be manipulated to improve the yields of secreted proteins. This review discusses recent advances in secretory and extracellular production of recombinant proteins using E. coli.

Detection of fast neuronal signals in the motor cortex from functional near infrared spectroscopy measurements using independent component analysis

Fast changes, in the range of milliseconds, in the optical properties of cerebral tissue are associated with brain activity and can be detected using non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). These changes are assumed to be caused by changes in the light scattering properties of the neuronal tissue. The aim of this study was to develop highly sensitive data analysis algorithms to detect this fast signal, which is small compared with other physiological signals. A frequency-domain tissue oximeter, whose laser diodes were intensity modulated at 110 MHz, was used. The amplitude, mean intensity and phase of the modulated optical signal were measured at a sample rate of 96 Hz. The probe, consisting of four crossed source detector pairs was placed above the motor cortex, contralateral to the hand performing a tapping exercise consisting of alternating rest and tapping periods of 20 s each. An adaptive filter was used to remove the arterial pulsatility from the optical signals. Independent component analysis allowed further separation of a signal component containing the fast signal. In nine out of 14 subjects, a significant fast neuronal signal related to the finger tapping was found in the intensity signals. In the phase signals, indications of the fast signal were found in only two subjects.

Large bowel obstruction caused by sclerosing peritonitis: contrast-enhanced CT findings

Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) is a rare but serious complication of chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). SP is characterized by thickening of the peritoneum that encloses some or all of the small intestine. However, the early clinical features of SP are non-specific and are often not recognized until the patient develops complications. The most common complications of SP appear to be partial or complete small bowel obstruction, small bowel necrosis, and enterocutaneous fistulae, all of which, necessitate surgical intervention and have high mortality rates. Although the CT findings of SP are well recognized, to our knowledge, large bowel obstruction due to SP without peritoneal change have not been reported. We report a case of large bowel obstruction due to peritoneal sclerosis following long-term CAPD.

Primary clear cell sarcoma of bone

Clear cell sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma of young adults with melanocytic differentiation. It occurs predominantly in the soft tissue of extremities, typically involving tendons and aponeuroses. Primary clear cell sarcoma of bone is extremely rare. We report a case of primary clear cell sarcoma of the right first metatarsal in a 48-year-old woman and provide a literature review of the entity.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with papulopustular skin manifestations

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease commonly presents with cervical lymphadenopathy accompanied by fever, myalgia, neutropaenia, and rarely cutaneous eruption. Most cutaneous lesions present as erythematous macules, papules, plaques, nodules, or ulcers on the upper part of the body such as trunk, upper extremities, and face. We present a case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with a papulopustular eruption on the whole body including the lower extremities.

Indications of neutrino oscillation in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

The K2K experiment observes indications of neutrino oscillation: a reduction of nu(mu) flux together with a distortion of the energy spectrum. Fifty-six beam neutrino events are observed in Super-Kamiokande (SK), 250 km from the neutrino production point, with an expectation of 80.1(+6.2)(-5.4). Twenty-nine one ring mu-like events are used to reconstruct the neutrino energy spectrum, which is better matched to the expected spectrum with neutrino oscillation than without. The probability that the observed flux at SK is explained by statistical fluctuation without neutrino oscillation is less than 1%.

A case of Trichosporon cutaneum folliculitis and septicaemia

Trichosporon cutaneum, a saprophytic fungal organism normally found in the soil, has been increasingly recognized as a cause of life-threatening systemic illness in immunosuppressed patients including those with leukaemia. Cutaneous involvement occurs in about 30% of patients with T. cutaneum septicaemia although disseminated folliculitis has not been described to our knowledge. We now describe a case of T. cutaneum follicultis due to fungaemia in a neutropenic patient.

Myxoid plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumour

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumour is a low-grade malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of myofibroblastic origin with the capacity for biphasic differentiation toward a fibroblastic or histiocyte-like morphology. We report a case of this rare tumour presenting as a tender subcutaneous nodule on the scalp of a 58-year-old man. Histopathological examination revealed multinodular biphasic proliferation of fibroblast-like and histiocyte-like cells with a few osteoclast-like giant cells. This case is notable for the rare myxoid changes, which may reflect a different behaviour of this tumour when occurring in older people.

Comparison of two fibrin glues in anastomoses and skin closure

To control intra-operative haemorrhage, fibrin glues are preferred by many surgeons because of their biological advantages and convenience of application. Manufacturers have developed a few kinds of fibrin glues with a little difference in their composition. This study was to compare the effectiveness of two commercially available fibrin glues; Greenplast (Green Cross P. D. Company, Yongin, Korea) and Tisseel (Baxter-Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria). They were applied experimentally to several kinds of surgery in dogs - renal vessel anastomosis, partial splenectomy, intestinal anastomosis and incision skin wound - and evaluated for their haemostatic and adhesive effects. When the two glues were applied in renal vessel anastomosis, the amount of haemorrhage in artery and vein decreased significantly. They also decreased the haemorrhage in partial splenectomy. At 10 min after application of the glues to an incision skin wound, the tensile strengths developed were significantly higher than that of control. The present study indicates that two-component fibrin glues have a haemostatic effect as a mechanical barrier in renal vessel anastomosis and an adhesive effect in the early stage of incision skin wound closure, and the two glues have similar effects with no complications.

CD30-positive T-cell-rich pseudolymphoma induced by gold acupuncture

Cases of pseudolymphoma induced by intradermal gold injection or gold piercing have previously been described. Most of these cases showed the histopathological finding of B-lymphocyte predominant lymphocytoma cutis. We describe a patient with gold acupuncture-induced T-cell-rich pseudolymphoma. Some T cells showed positive staining with CD30. The lesions responded to an intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide.

Two cases of late onset Ota's naevus

Ota's naevus is among the dermal melanocytoses that show a distinct pattern involving skin innervated by the trigeminal nerve. Most cases present at birth or manifest clinically in early childhood. Cases of acquired lesions in adult onset have been reported rarely. We present two cases of late onset Ota's naevus which were confirmed by skin biopsies. Both patients underwent Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment with a dose of 8.0 J/cm2 given four or five times at 6 weekly intervals and showed some improvement.

Coexistence of CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma and mycosis fungoides

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including lymphomatoid papulosis, mycosis fungoides and CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) overlap clinicopathologically and form part of a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders. There have been several case reports of these diseases coexisting. We describe a 59-year-old Korean man who presented with a recurrent, solitary CD30+ ALCL of 25 years' duration as well as patch stage mycosis fungoides of 11 years' duration. Such occurrences may represent different clinical manifestations of the same clonal T-cell abnormality, and provide further insight into the pathogenesis of these related disorders.

Widespread skin-limited adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis: long-term follow-up with good response to interferon alpha

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) most frequently involves bone, but also involves the skin in 40% of cases; in 10% of patients it is limited to the skin. Cutaneous findings of skin-limited LCH are scaly papules, vesicles, nodules, tumours with erosion, ulceration, or crusting and/or purpura. We report a case of widespread adult-onset LCH confined to skin in which topical carmustine, photochemotherapy, systemic steroids, and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine were only partially effective. However, longer remission was achieved by the use of subcutaneous interferon-alpha2b.