Dual enteric and respiratory tropisms of winter dysentery bovine coronavirus in calves

Although winter dysentery (WD), which is caused by the bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhea in many adult cattle in a herd, the pathogenesis of the WD-BCoV is not completely understood. In this study, colostrum-deprived calves were experimentally infected with a Korean WD-BCoV strain and examined for viremia, enteric and nasal virus shedding as well as for viral antigen expression and virus-associated lesions in the small and large intestines and the upper and lower respiratory tract from 1 to 8 days after an oral infection. The WD-BCoV-inoculated calves showed gradual villous atrophy in the small intestine and a gradual increase in the crypt depth of the large intestine. The WD-BCoV-infected animals showed epithelial damage in nasal turbinates, trachea and lungs, and interstitial pneumonia. The WD-BCoV antigen was detected in the epithelium of the small and large intestines, nasal turbinates, trachea and lungs. WD-BCoV RNA was detected in the serum from post-inoculation day 3. These results show that the WD-BCoV has dual tropism and induces pathological changes in both the digestive and respiratory tracts of calves. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of dual enteric and respiratory tropisms of WD-BCoV in calves. Comprehensive studies of the dual tissue pathogenesis of the BCoV might contribute to an increased understanding of similar pneumoenteric CoV infections in humans.

Directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells towards a pancreatic cell fate

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The relative lack of successful pancreatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) may suggest that directed differentiation of hESCs into definitive endoderm and subsequent commitment towards a pancreatic fate are not readily achieved. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sequential exposure of hESCs to epigenetic signals that mimic in vivo pancreatic development can efficiently generate pancreatic endodermal cells, and whether these cells can be further matured and reverse hyperglycaemia upon transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hESCs were sequentially treated with serum, activin and retinoic acid (RA) during embryoid body formation. The patterns of gene expression and protein production associated with embryonic germ layers and pancreatic endoderm were analysed by RT-PCR and immunostaining. The developmental competence and function of hESC-derived PDX1-positive cells were evaluated after in vivo transplantation.

RESULTS

Sequential treatment with serum, activin and RA highly upregulated the expression of the genes encoding forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), SRY-box containing gene 17 (SOX17), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) and homeobox HB9 (HLXB9). The population of pancreatic endodermal cells that produced PDX1 was significantly increased at the expense of ectodermal differentiation, and a subset of the PDX1-positive cells also produced FOXA2, caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2), and nestin (NES). After transplantation, the PDX1-positive cells further differentiated into mature cell types producing insulin and glucagon, resulting in amelioration of hyperglycaemia and weight loss in streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our strategy allows the progressive differentiation of hESCs into pancreatic endoderm capable of generating mature pancreatic cell types that function in vivo. These findings may establish the basis of further investigations for the purification of transplantable islet progenitors derived from hESCs.

Evidence for CP violation in B0-->D+D- decays

We report measurements of the branching fraction and CP violation parameters in B(0)-->D+ D- decays. The results are based on a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain [1.97+/-0.20(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)] x 10(-4) for the branching fraction of B0-->D+D-. The measured values of the CP violation parameters are S=-1.13+/-0.37+/-0.09, A=0.91+/-0.23+/-0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We find evidence of CP violation in B0-->D+D- at the 4.1sigma confidence level. While the value of S is consistent with expectations from other measurements, the value of the parameter A favors large direct CP violation at the 3.2sigma confidence level, in contradiction to standard model expectations.

Evidence for D0-D0 mixing

We observe evidence for D(0)-D(0) mixing by measuring the difference in the apparent lifetime when a D(0) meson decays to the CP eigenstates K(+)K(-) and pi(+)pi(-) and when it decays to the final state K(-)pi(+). We find the relative difference of the lifetimes y(CP) to be [1.31+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.25(syst)]%, 3.2 standard deviations from zero. We also search for a CP asymmetry between D(0) and D(0) decays; no evidence for CP violation is found. These results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

A biocompatibility study of a reinforced acrylic-based hybrid denture composite resin with polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane

Acrylic-based denture materials have several common weak points, such as shrinkage after curing, lack of strength and toxicity. In order to solve these problems, we adapted a hybrid system using acrylic polymer and polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane (POSS). The aim of the study was to investigate the biocompatibility of a reinforced acrylic-based hybrid denture composite resin with POSS. Specimens of a novel polymeric denture base resin, in which POSS was used to partially replace the commonly used base monomer, were fabricated. In order to examine changes in biocompatibility with time, fresh specimens, along with specimens soaked in distilled water for 24 and 72 h were fabricated. Three other types of acrylic denture base resins were used to prepare the resin specimens. Biocompatibility (as measured by a metabolic assay, an agar overlay test, and a mutagenesis assay) of the composites was tested. The metabolic and mutagenesis assays were conducted with pure culture medium as a control. In this study, the reinforced acrylic-based hybrid denture composite resin with POSS showed improved biocompatibility and lower mutagenicity than the control. Statistical examinations showed the cell metabolic activity of the novel polymeric denture base resin in the 72-h immersion case as having almost the same inclination as the control. We hope that these results might aid in the development of a reinforced acrylic-based denture resin.

Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to determine the relationship between these risk factors and stage or other components of POP.

METHODS

244 patients with primary POP and 314 women without POP were included. Age, parity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were investigated.

RESULT

Independent risk factors for POP included age over 70, parity higher than 3, and menopause. Age, parity, menopause, and HRT were significantly associated with stage of POP. Genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB) showed a significant positive and negative correlation with age and parity, respectively. Menopause and HRT were also associated with them.

CONCLUSION

Age, parity and menopause are possible risk factors of POP and associated with the lengths of GH and PB in POP women. Further, these risk factors and HRT are significantly correlated with the severity of the disease.

Search for invisible decay of the Upsilon(1S)

We report results of a search for the invisible decay of the Upsilon(1S) via the Upsilon(3S)-->pi+ pi- Upsilon(1S) transition using a data sample of 2.9 fb-1 at the Upsilon(3S) resonance. The data were collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. No signal is found, and an upper limit for the branching fraction at the 90% confidence level is determined to be B(Upsilon(1S)-->invisible)<2.5 x 10(-3).

Observation of the decay B(0)-->J/psieta

We report the first observation of B(0)-->J/psieta decay. These results are obtained from a data sample that contains 449 x10(6) BB[over] pairs accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We observe a signal with a significance of 8.1 sigma and obtain a branching fraction of (9.5+/-1.7(stat)+/-0.8(syst)) x 10(-6).

Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells have characteristics of multipotent stem cells

OBJECTIVES

To characterize mesenchymal stem cell-like cells isolated from human amniotic fluid for a new source of therapeutic cells.

MATERIALS

Fibroblastoid-type cells obtained from amniotic fluid at the time of birth.

METHODS

The ability of ex vivo expansion was investigated until senescence, and stem cell-like characteristics were analyzed by examining differentiation potential, messenger RNA expression and immunophenotypes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A morphologically homogenous population of fibroblastoid-type (HAFFTs) cells, similar to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BM-MSCs), was obtained at the third passage. The cells became senescent after 27 passages over a period of 8 months while undergoing 66 population doublings. Under appropriate culture conditions, by the 8th passage they differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and neuronal cells, as revealed by oil red O, von Kossa, Alcian blue and anti-NeuN antibody staining, respectively. Immunophenotype analyses at the 17th passage demonstrated the presence of TRA-1-60; SSEA-3 and-4; collagen types I, II, III, IV and XII; fibronectin; alpha-SMA; vimentin; desmin; CK18; CD44; CD54; CD106; FSP; vWF; CD31; and HLA ABC. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of the HAFFTs from passages 6-20 showed consistent expression of Rex-1, SCF, GATA-4, vimentin, CK18, FGF-5 and HLA ABC genes. Oct-4 gene expression was observed up to the 19th passage but not at the 20th passage. HAFFTs showed telomerase activity at the 5th passage with a decreased level by the 21st passage. Interestingly, BMP-4, AFP, nestin and HNF-4alpha genes showed differential gene expression during ex vivo expansion. Taken together, these observations suggest that HAFFTs are pluripotent stem cells that are less differentiated than BM-MSCs, and that their gene expression profiles vary with passage number during ex vivo expansion.

Three dimensional reconstruction of conventional stereo optic disc image

Stereo disc photograph was analyzed and reconstructed as 3 dimensional contour image to evaluate the status of the optic nerve head for the early detection of glaucoma and the evaluation of the efficacy of treatment. Stepwise preprocessing was introduced to detect the edge of the optic nerve head and retinal vessels and reduce noises. Paired images were registered by power cepstrum method and zero-mean normalized cross-correlation. After Gaussian blurring, median filter application and disparity pair searching, depth information in the 3 dimensionally reconstructed image was calculated by the simple triangulation formula. Calculated depth maps were smoothed through cubic B-spline interpolation and retinal vessels were visualized more clearly by adding reference image. Resulted 3 dimensional contour image showed optic cups, retinal vessels and the notching of the neural rim of the optic disc clearly and intuitively, helping physicians in understanding and interpreting the stereo disc photograph.

Measurement of inclusive Ds, D0, and J/psi rates and determination of the Bs(*)Bs(*) production fraction in bb Events at the Upsilon(5S) resonance

The inclusive production of D(s), D(0), and J/psi mesons is studied using a 1.86 fb(-1) data sample collected on the Upsilon(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. The number of bb events in this Upsilon(5S) data sample is determined. We measure the branching fractions B(Upsilon(5S)-->D(s)X)/2=(23.6+/-1.2+/-3.6)%, B(Upsilon(5S)-->D(0)X)/2=(53.8+/-2.0+/-3.4)%, and B(Upsilon(5S)-->J/psiX)/2=(1.030+/-0.080+/-0.067)%. From the D(s) and D(0) inclusive branching fractions the ratio f(s)=(18.0+/-1.3+/-3.2)% of B(s)(*)B(s)(*) to the total bb quark pair production at the Upsilon(5S) energy is obtained in a model-dependent way.

Risk of occupational tuberculosis in National Tuberculosis Programme laboratories in Korea

SETTING

Mycobacteriology laboratories in the National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Korea.

OBJECTIVES

To determine tuberculosis (TB) risk by type of work among laboratory workers compared to non-laboratory workers.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of TB incidence among technicians involved in acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy or culture and/or drug susceptibility testing (DST) compared with that among managerial/clerical workers.

RESULTS

Two cases developed among 77 non-laboratory workers, two among 88 smear microscopy technicians, and 11 among 76 culture/DST technicians during the observation period. Compared to non-laboratory workers, the relative risk of TB was 1.4 (95% CI 0.2-10.0) among microscopy technicians and 7.8 (95% CI 1.7-34.9) among culture/DST technicians. TB developed among 7/15 DST technicians compared to only 2/59 culture/non-DST technicians. Compared to non-laboratory workers, the relative risk for DST technicians was 21.5 (95% CI 4.5-102.5).

CONCLUSION

DST led to the highest relative risk among all types of mycobacteriology work, while performing smear microscopy alone did not pose an elevated risk compared to clerical work.

Observation of time-dependent CP violation in B0 --> eta'K0 decays and improved measurements of CP asymmetries in B0 --> phiK0, KS0KS0KS0 and B0 --> J/psiK0 decays

We present improved measurements of CP-violation parameters in B(0) --> phiK(0), eta(')K(0), KS(0)KS(0)KS(0) decays based on a sample of 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We obtain sin2phi1(eff)=+0.64+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.04(syst) for B(0) --> eta(')K(0), +0.50+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.06(syst) for B(0) --> phiK(0), and +0.30+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.08(syst) for B(0) --> KS(0)KS(0)KS(0) decays. We have observed CP violation in the B(0) --> eta(')K(0) decay with a significance of 5.6 standard deviations. We also perform an improved measurement of CP asymmetries in B(0) --> J/psiK(0) decays and obtain sin2phi1=+0.642+/-0.031(stat)+/-0.017(syst).

The effects of container materials and buffer additives on decreasing the iodide concentration in a disposal vault for spent nuclear fuel

To retard the migration of iodine released from a spent fuel after the break of a container, the reducing effects on the concentration of the iodide by container corrosion products and some buffer additives were examined in a solution with bentonite. Iron and copper, and their corrosion products scarcely reduced the iodide concentration. And kaolinite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, copper ore and galena, known as having a sorption property for iodine, did not noticeably sorb the iodide. However, palm active carbon, silver metal and Ag2O lowered the iodide concentration. Especially, Ag2O put into a disposal container would effectively hinder the migration of iodine to the outside of a disposal vault without a great loss if the pore size of the compacted buffer layer is maintained below 1 mu m.

Study of decay mechanisms in B--->Lambdac+ppi- decays and observation of low-mass structure in the Lambdac+p system

Using a sample of 152 x 10(6) BB pairs accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider, we study the decay mechanism of three-body charmed decay B- --> Lambdac+ ppi-. The intermediate two-body decay B--->Sigmac (2455)0 p is observed for the first time with a branching fraction of (3.7 +/- 0.7 +/- 0.4 +/- 1.0) x 10(-5) and a statistical significance of 8.4sigma. We also observe a low-mass enhancement in the (Lambdac+p) system, which can be parametrized as a Breit-Wigner function with a mass of (3.35(-0.02)(+0.01) +/-0.02) GeV/c2 and a width of (0.07(-0.03)(+0.04) +/-0.04) GeV/c2. We measure its branching fraction to be (3.9(-0.7)(+0.8) +/- 0.4 +/- 1.0) x 10(-5) with a statistical significance of 6.2sigma. The errors are statistical, systematic, and that of the Lambdac+-->pK- pi+ decay branching fraction.

Biological responses of anodized titanium implants under different current voltages

The oxide layer of a titanium surface is very stable, and seems to result in excellent biocompatibility and successful osseointegration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high anodic oxidation voltages on the surface characteristics of titanium implants and the biologic response of rabbit tibiae. Bone tissue responses were evaluated by removal torque tests and histomorphometric analysis. Screw-shaped implants with microthreads were made of commercially pure titanium (Grade II). We prepared anodized implants under 300 V (group I), 400 V (group II), 500 V (group III) and 550 V (group IV). The surface characteristics of specimens were inspected according to three categories: surface morphology, surface roughness and oxide layer thickness. The screw-shaped implants were installed in rabbit tibiae. The removal torque values were measured and histomorphometric analysis was done after 1- and 3-month healing periods. Data indicate that as anodic oxidation voltage increased above 300 V, oxide layer thickness increased rapidly and pore size also increased. The roughness values of the implants increased with voltage up to 500 V, but decreased at 550 V. In the removal torque test, group III showed higher values than groups I and II at a statistically significant level (P < 0.05) after a 1-month healing period. In histomorphometric analysis, groups III and IV, after a 3-month healing period, showed greater bone to implant contact ratios for the total implant surface than did group I (P < 0.05).

Prognostic factors in gastric carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination

OBJECTIVE

The prognosis for gastric carcinoma patients with peritoneal dissemination is very poor. We evaluated the survival benefit of resection and intravenous chemotherapy in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the hospital records of 348 gastric carcinoma patients with peritoneal dissemination seen during the period from 1986 to 2000.

RESULTS

Based on the grade of anaplasia, 76 (21.8%) were differentiated and 272 (78.2%) were undifferentiated. In the univariate analyses, the factors influencing the 5-year survival rate were histologic type, resection, and intravenous chemotherapy. Using Cox's proportional hazard regression model, two factors were independent, statistically significant prognostic parameters: resection (risk ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-2.46; p < 0.05) and intravenous chemotherapy (risk ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.15-2.47; p < 0.01). The 5-year survival rate was higher for patients who had intravenous chemotherapy (3.6%) than for patients who did not (2.4%), and also higher for patients who underwent resection (4.8%) than for patients who did not (0% ; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results highlight the improved survivorship of gastric carcinoma patients with peritoneal dissemination who had resection and received intravenous chemotherapy, compared with those who did not. Although curative resection cannot be performed in this group of patients, we recommend performing resection and subsequent intravenous chemotherapy.

Furin is an endogenous regulator of α-secretase associated APP processing

Constitutive and PKC-regulated alpha-secretase pathways have been reported to produce the secreted form of alpha-secretase-derived APP (sAPPalpha). Here, we examined putative role of furin in the regulation of alpha-secretase activity in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of the prodomain of furin and infection with a furin-specific inhibitor significantly reduced the levels of sAPPalpha regardless of PKC activity, whereas total APP levels remained unchanged. Furin mRNA levels in the brains of AD patients and Tg2576 mice were significantly lower than those in controls, whereas ADAM10 and TACE mRNA levels were much alike between Tg2576 and littermate mice. Moreover, the injection of furin-adenovirus into Tg2576 mouse brains markedly increased alpha-secretase activity and reduced beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) production in infected brain regions. Our results suggest that furin enhances alpha-secretase activity via the cleavage of ADAM10 and TACE, and that attenuated furin activity is connected to the production of Abeta.

Evidence for B-->eta'pi and improved measurements for B-->eta'K

We report evidence for the exclusive two-body charmless hadronic B meson decay B-->eta'pi, and improved measurements of B-->eta'K. The results are obtained from a data sample of 386x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We measure B(B+-->eta'pi+)=[1.76(-0.62)(+0.67)(stat)(-0.14)(+0.15)(syst)]x10(-6) and B(B0-->eta'pi0)=[2.79(-0.96)(+1.02)(stat)(-0.34)(+0.25)(syst)]x10(-6). We also find the ratio of B(B+-->eta'K+)/B(B0-->eta'K0)=1.17+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.03(syst) and measure the direct CP asymmetries for the charged modes.

Evidence for large direct CP violation in B+/- --> rho(770)0K+/- from analysis of three-body charmless B+/- --> K+/-pi+/-pi+/- decays

We report results on a Dalitz analysis of three-body charmless B+/- --> K+/-pi+/-pi+/- decay including searches for direct CP violation. We report the first observation of the decay B+/- --> f2(1270)K+/- with a statistical significance above 6sigma. We also observe first evidence for large direct CP violation in the B+/- --> rho(770)0K+/- channel. The results are obtained with a data sample that contains 386 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Y(4s) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Measurement of forward-backward asymmetry and Wilson coefficients in B --> K*l+l-

We report the first measurement of the forward-backward asymmetry and the ratios of Wilson coefficients and in A9/A7 and A10/A7 in B --> K*l+l-, where l represents an electron or a muon. We find evidence for the forward-backward asymmetry with a significance of 3.4sigma. The results are obtained from a data sample containing 386 x 10(6) BB pairs that were collected on the Y(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Measurement of azimuthal asymmetries in inclusive production of hadron pairs in e(+)e(-) annihilation at Belle

The Collins effect connects transverse quark spin with a measurable azimuthal dependence in the yield of hadronic fragments around the quark's momentum vector. Using two different reconstruction methods, we find evidence of statistically significant azimuthal asymmetries for charged pion pairs in e(+)e(-) annihilation at a center-of-mass energy of 10.52 GeV, which can be attributed to a transverse polarization of the primordial quarks. The measurement was performed using a sample of 79 x 10(6) hadronic events collected with the Belle detector.

Measurement of the branching fraction, polarization, and asymmetry for decays, and determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase

We have measured the branching fraction , longitudinal polarization fraction f(L), and CP asymmetry coefficients A and S for B(0) --> rho(+) rho(-) decays with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+) e(-) collider using 253 Fb(-1) of data. We obtain B = [22.8 +/- 3.8(stat)(+2.3)(-2.6)(syst)] x 10(-6), f(L) = 0.941 (+0.034)(-0.040)(stat) +/- 0.030(syst). A = 0.00 +/- 0.30(stat) +/- 0.09(syst) and S = 0.08 +/- 0.09(syst). These values are used to constrain the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase ; the solution consistent with the standard model is phi(2) = (88 +/- 17) degrees or 59 degrees < phi(2) < 115 degrees at 90% C.L.

Improved constraints on D0-D0 mixing in D0 --> K+ pi- decays from the Belle detector

We report the results of a search for D0-D0 mixing in D0 --> K+ pi- decays based on 400 fb(-1) of data accumulated by the Belle detector at KEKB. Both assuming CP conservation and allowing for CP violation, we fit the decay-time distribution for the mixing parameters x and y, as well as for the parameter R(D), the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays to Cabibbo-favored decays. The 95% confidence level region in the (x'2,y') plane is obtained using a frequentist method. Assuming CP conservation, we find x'2 < 0.72 x 10(-3) and -9.9 x 10(-3) < y' < 6.8 x 10(-3) at the 95% confidence level; these are the most stringent constraints on the mixing parameters to date. The no-mixing point (0,0) has a confidence level of 3.9%. Assuming no mixing, we measure R(D) = (0.377 +/- 0.008 +/- 0.005)%.

Tissue-specific regulation of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase activity in OLETF rats

AIM

The intracellular concentration of malonyl-CoA, a key regulator of fatty acid oxidation, is determined both from its synthesis by acetyl-CoA carboxylase and from its degradation by malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD). The aim of our study was to investigate the activity and mRNA expression of MCD under insulin resistance and after treatment with insulin sensitizers in different tissues.

METHODS

We treated 18-week Otusuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats with pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day) or metformin (300 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks and determined the activity and mRNA expression of MCD in diabetic OLETF and non-diabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats in myocardial and skeletal muscles, and in liver.

RESULTS

The MCD activities of myocardial and skeletal muscles were remarkably reduced in OLETF rats compared with LETO rats (995 +/- 114 vs. 2012 +/- 359, 58 +/- 11 vs. 167 +/- 40 pmol/min/mg protein; p = 0.005 and p = 0.010). Surprisingly, after pioglitazone treatment, not after metformin, the MCD activities of myocardial and skeletal muscles (1906 +/- 320 and 259 +/- 44 pmol/min/mg protein) increased up to the levels in LETO rats. MCD mRNA expression in OLETF rats was also reduced in myocardial and skeletal muscles vs. LETO rats (p = 0.049 and p = 0.008) and was unchanged by pioglitazone or metformin treatment. In the liver, MCD activity and mRNA expression were similar in OLETF and LETO rats.

CONCLUSION

Pioglitazone treatment restored MCD activity to non-diabetic level and improved the restrained fatty acid metabolism in myocardial and skeletal muscles caused by insulin-resistant diabetic status.

Comparative study of the subserosal versus submucosal dye injection method for sentinel node biopsy in gastric cancer

AIMS

To determine the most efficient injection method for a sentinel node (SN) biopsy in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Gastric adenocarcinoma patients without serosal invasion and distant metastasis were prospectively enrolled in this study. Isosulfan blue was injected into the subserosa (SS) of the first set of 71 consecutive patients and an intraoperative endoscopic submucosal (SM) injection of the same dye was injected into the second set of 50 consecutive patients. After the biopsy of blue-stained SNs, a gastrectomy with a D2 lymphadenectomy was performed. All dissected lymph nodes were evaluated for metastasis. The results of the SN biopsies were compared between the SS and SM dye injection methods.

RESULTS

Detection rate (0.92 vs 0.94), mean number of SNs (2.5 vs 2.9) and sensitivity (0.61 vs 0.46) of the SN biopsies were not significantly different between the SS and SM injection methods (P>0.05). The operation time was significantly shorter in the SS than the SM injection method (159.7 vs 172.7 min, P=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Both injection methods were equally efficient in their roles for a SN biopsy in gastric cancer. However, the SS injection method was more preferable due to its easy technique and short operation time.

IFN-γ-induced BACE1 expression is mediated by activation of JAK2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and direct binding of STAT1 to BACE1 promoter in astrocytes

Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is an essential enzyme for the production of beta amyloid. Since we found that injection of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) into young mouse brains increased BACE1 expression in astrocytes, we investigated molecular mechanisms underlying this process by cloning a putative BACE1 promoter. BACE1 promoter activity was differentially regulated by IFN-gamma in a region specific manner and down-regulated by an inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). A dominant negative mutant of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) expression suppressed BACE1 promoter activity, and this was rescued by transfecting wild type STAT1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and promoter activity assays indicated that STAT1 binds directly to the putative STAT1 binding sequence of BACE1 promoter. Because IFN-gamma treatment induced STAT1 phosphorylation, we examined whether the expression of a suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), negative regulator of JAK2, suppresses BACE1 promoter activity. The results show that SOCS1 or SOCS3 expression suppressed BACE1 promoter by blocking phosphorylation of Tyr701 residue in STAT1. Also, because IFN-gamma treatment specifically potentiated extracellular signal regulated MAP kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation, pretreatment of mitogen-activated or extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059, significantly attenuated IFN-gamma-induced BACE1 promoter activity and protein expression through blocking phosphorylation of Ser727 residue in STAT1, suggesting that ERK1/2 is associated with IFN-gamma-induced STAT1 signaling cascade. Taken together, our results suggest that IFN-gamma activates JAK2 and ERK1/2 and then phosphorylated STAT1 binds to the putative STAT1 binding sequences in BACE1 promoter region to modulate BACE1 protein expression in astrocytes.

Measurements of B decays to two kaons

We report measurements of B meson decays to two kaons using 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e+ e- collider. We find evidence for signals in B+ --> K0 K+ and B0 --> K0 K0 with significances of 3.0sigma and 3.5sigma, respectively. (Charge-conjugate modes are included.) The corresponding branching fractions are measured to be [symbol: see text](B+ --> K0 K+) = (1.0 +/- 0.4 +/- 0.1) x 10(-6) and [symbol: see text](B0 --> K0 K0) = (0.8 +/- 0.3 +/- 0.1) x 10(-6). These decay modes are examples of hadronic bd transitions. No signal is observed in the decay B0 --> K+ K-, and we set an upper limit of 3.7 x 10(-7) at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of the wrong-sign decays D0 --> K+ pi- pi0 and D0 --> K+ pi- pi+ pi-, and search for CP violation

Using 281 fb-1 of data from the Belle experiment recorded at or near the (4S) resonance, we have measured the rates of the "wrong-sign" decays D0 --> K+ pi- pi0 and D0 --> K+ pi- pi+ pi- relative to those of the Cabibbo-favored decays D0 --> K- pi+ pi0 and D0 --> K- pi+ pi+ pi-. These wrong-sign decays proceed via a doubly Cabibbo-suppressed amplitude or via D0-D0 mixing; the latter has not yet been observed. We obtain R(WS)(K pi pi0) = [0.229 +/- 0.015(stat)(+0.013)(-0.009)(syst)]% and R(WS)(K3pi) = [0.320 +/- 0.018(stat)(+0.018)(0.013)(syst)]%. The CP asymmetries are measured to be -0.006 +/- 0.053 and -0.018 +/- 0.044 for the K+ pi- pi0 and K+ pi- pi+ pi- final states, respectively.

ERK1/2 is an endogenous negative regulator of the gamma-secretase activity

As an essential protease in the generation of amyloid beta, gamma-secretase is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Although a great deal of progress has been made in identifying the components of gamma-secretase complex, the endogenous regulatory mechanism of gamma-secretase is unknown. Here we show that gamma-secretase is endogenously regulated via extracellular signal regulated MAP kinase (ERK) 1/2-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The inhibition of ERK1/2 activity, either by a treatment with a MEK inhibitor or an ERK knockdown transfection, dramatically increased gamma-secretase activity in several different cell types. JNK or p38 kinase inhibitors had little effect, indicating that the effect is specific to ERK1/2-dependent MAPK pathway. Conversely, increased ERK1/2 activity, by adding purified active ERK1/2 or EGF-induced activation of ERK1/2, significantly reduced gamma-secretase activity, demonstrating down-regulation of gamma-secretase activity by ERK1/2. Whereas gamma-secretase expression was not affected by ERK1/2, its activity was enhanced by phosphatase treatment, indicating that ERK1/2 regulates gamma-secretase activity by altering the pattern of phophorylation. Among the components of isolated gamma-secretase complex, only nicastrin was phosphorylated by ERK1/2, and it precipitated with ERK1/2 in a co-immunoprecipitation assay, which suggests binding between ERK1/2 and nicastrin. Our results show that ERK1/2 is an endogenous regulator of gamma-secretase, which raises the possibility that ERK1/2 down-regulates gamma-secretase activity by directly phosphorylating nicastrin.

Successful vesicoamniotic shunting of posterior urethral valves in the first trimester of pregnancy

Prenatal ultrasonography early in gestation allows diagnosis of posterior urethral valves. We report on a fetus with posterior urethral valves treated using vesicoamniotic shunting at 13 + 5 weeks' gestation. A double-basket catheter was used for shunting. A 2582-g male neonate was delivered at 33 weeks' gestation, and the infant continued to show normal renal function at 3 years of age. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of successful vesicoamniotic shunt placement using a double-basket catheter in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mizoribine-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway in human T-Cell line

Mizoribine (MZR), an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, which depletes cellular guanadine triphosphate, is an immunosuppressive drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism by which MZR exerts cytotoxic effects on human Jurkat T cells. Our study showed that MZR-induced apoptotic death of human Jurkat T cells is dose-dependent and time-dependent, as revealed by chromatin condensation and H2AX phosphorylation. Furthermore, MZR increased the catalytic activity of caspase family cysteine proteases, including caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, in human Jurkat T cells. In conclusion, MZR induces the apoptotic death of human Jurkat T cells via activation of caspase family proteases as well as by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Radiofrequency thermal ablation of hepatic tumors: pitfalls and challenges

Image-guided radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation has been accepted as a promising interventional technique to control unresectable hepatic tumors. One important key to maximize the efficacy of RF ablation is to adhere to the therapeutic guidelines and to avoid preventable pitfalls. There are also several challenges obstructing successful ablation: poor approach path; small sonic window during multiple overlapping ablations; incomplete ablation due to the heat sink effect; subcapsular mass (too exophytic or the mass is adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract); focal residual tumors; too isoechoic or small masses; and mistargeting to adjacent another lesion. Knowledge of these challenges and pitfalls in RF ablation is helpful for a successful ablation.

Comparison of the efficacy of Burch colposuspension, pubovaginal sling, and tension-free vaginal tape for stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cure rate and confirm the clinical efficacy of the 3 most frequently performed surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Between January 2001 and May 2003, 92 women with SUI were randomly assigned to undergo the Burch colposuspension (n=33), pubovaginal sling (n=28), or tension-free vaginal tape (n=31) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Patient characteristics, urodynamic study results, cure rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, and complication rates were compared using the chi2 test.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the cure rates initially, but after 12 months the cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was found to be significantly higher than those of the tension-free vaginal tape or Burch colposuspension procedures.

CONCLUSION

The cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was significantly higher after 1 year, but no difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 other procedures. A randomized prospective study of a larger population should be conducted.

Measurements of the branching fraction and polarization in B+ --> rho+ K*0 decays

We present the results of a study of the charmless vector-vector decay B+ --> rho+ K*0, based on 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. We obtain the branching fraction B(B+ --> rho+ K*0) = [8.9 +/- 1.7(stat) +/- 1.2(syst)] x 10(-6). We also perform a helicity analysis of the rho and K* vector mesons, and obtain the longitudinal polarization fraction f(L)(B+ --> rho+ K*0) = 0.43 +/- 0.11(stat)(-0.02)(+0.05) (syst).

Intracisternal administration of chemokines facilitated formalin-induced behavioral responses in the orofacial area of freely moving rats

The present study investigated the effects of intracisternal administration of MCP-1, Rantes or IL-8 on pain transmission in the orofacial area. We also investigated mechanisms of hyperalgesic responses produced by intracisternal administration of IL-8. An orofacial formalin test was employed to assess the effects of chemokines on nociceptive processing. For each animal, the number of behavioral responses and the time spent grooming, rubbing and/or scratching the facial region proximal to the formalin injection site was recorded for nine successive 5-min intervals. Intracisternal administration of MCP-1, Rantes or IL-8 significantly increased formalin-induced scratching behavioral responses in the orofacial area. Intracisternal pretreatment with indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, did not block IL-8-induced hyperalgesia. Pretreatment with 100 microg propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist and 50 microg atenolol, a selective beta(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonist, inhibited the number of scratches and the duration of scratching produced by 1 ng of IL-8 injected intracisternally. These results indicate that intracisternal administration of chemokines produce a hyperalgesic response with an orofacial inflammatory pain model and that the IL-8-induced hyperalgesia is mediated by central beta(1)-adrenergic receptor.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0 decay

We present a measurement of CP-violation parameters in the B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0 decay based on a sample of 275 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e+e- collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in the decay B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters are obtained from the asymmetry in the distributions of the proper-time interval between the two B decays: S = +1.26 +/- 0.68(stat) +/- 0.20(syst) and [symbol: see text] = +0.54 +/- 0.34(stat) +/- 0.09(syst).

Observation of B+ --> plambdagamma

We report the first observation of the radiative hyperonic B decay B+ --> plambdagamma, using a 140 fb(-1) data sample recorded on upsilom(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+e- collider. The measured branching fraction is [symbol: see text](B+ --> plambdagamma) = (2.16(+0.58)(-0.53) +/- 0.20) x 10(-6). We examine its M(plambda) distribution and observe a peak near threshold. This feature is expected by the short-distance b --> sgamma transition. A search for B+ --> pepsilon0gamma yields no significant signal, and we set a 90% confidence-level upper limit on the branching fraction of [symbol: see textB+ --> pepsilon0gamma <4.6 x 10(-6).

A case report: isolated a heavy chain monoclonal gammopathy in a patient with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin change syndrome

A 45-year-old South-Korean man presented with abdominal distension, progressive paresthesia and motor weakness of both lower extremities. Our case was identified as polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin change (POEMS) syndrome based on diagnostic criteria. Circulating M components of POEMS syndrome consist mainly of IgG or IgA-lambda and rarely IgM-lambda, IgG-kappa or isolated light chains. In this case, the M-band on serum protein electrophoresis and isolated IgA heavy chain on serum immunofixation electrophoresis were demonstrated, but there was no abnormal light chain. We suggest that this case may be associated with a pattern of abnormal secretion of monoclonal protein or a coincidence of a heavy chain disease in POEMS syndrome, even though the latter possibility may be very rare.

Evidence for B0 --> D+ D- and observation of B- --> D0D- and B- -->D0D*- decays

We report evidence for B(0) --> D(0)D(-) and the first observation of the decay modes B(-) --> D(0)D(-) and B(-) --> D(0)D(*-) based on a sample of 152 x 10(6) BB events collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The branching fractions for B(0) --> D(+) D(-), B--->D(0)D(-), and B--> D(0)D(*-) are found to be (1.91 +/- 0.51 +/- 0.30) x10(-4), (4.83 +/- 0.78 +/- 0.58) x 10(-4), and (4.57 +/- 0.71 +/- 0.56) x 10(-4), respectively. Charge asymmetries in the B---> D(0)D(-) and B(-) --> D(0)D(*-) channels are consistent with zero.

Measurement of polarization and triple-product correlations in B-->phiK* decays

We present measurements of decay amplitudes and triple-product correlations in B-->phiK* decays based on 253 fb(-1) of data recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. The decay amplitudes for the three different helicity states are determined from the angular distributions of final-state particles. The longitudinal polarization amplitudes are found to be 0.45 +/- 0.05 +/- 0.02 for B0-->phiK(*0) and 0.52 +/- 0.08 +/- 0.03 for B+ -->phiK(*+) decays. CP- and T-odd CP-violating triple-product asymmetries are measured to be consistent with zero.

Observation of the D1(2420)-->Dpi + pi- decays

We report on the first observation of D0/1(2420)-->D0pi- pi+ and D+/1(2420-->D+ pi- pi+ decays (where the contribution from the dominant known D1-->D*pi decay mode is excluded) in the B- -->D0/1pi-) and (-)B0-->D+/1pi- decays, respectively. The observation is based on 15.2 x 10(7) B(-)B events collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider. We also set 90% confidence level upper limits for the branching fractions of the four following decays: B- -->D0/1pi-, D01-->D(*0)pi- pi+, (-)B0-->D+/1pi-, D+/1-->D(*+) pi- pi+, B- -->D(*0)2(2460)pi-, D(*0)2 -->D(*0) pi- pi+, (-)B0-->D(*+)2(2460)pi-, D(*+)2-->D(*+)pi- pi+.

Observation of B0-->pi0pi0

We report the observation of the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0), using a 253 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(2.3(+0.4+0.2)(-0.5-0.3))x10(-6), with a significance of 5.8 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. We also make a measurement of the direct CP violating asymmetry in this mode.

An abutment screw loosening study of a Diamond Like Carbon-coated CP titanium implant

The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of abutment screw loosening and thus understand the role of frictional and wear factors in abutment screw loosening by using a cyclic loading device to compare Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)-coated and non-coated implants. The properties of DLC films, including hardness, wear resistance, chemical stability, and biocompatibility, are similar to those of real diamond materials. In this study, a 1-mum thick DLC film served to protect and lubricate a layer of commercially-pure titanium affixed to the top of a dental implant (external hexagon-shaped implant). A cyclic loading force was then applied to the top of the prosthetic portion of the implants in order to determine the difference in looseness of the titanium abutment screw between ten DLC-coated implants and ten non-coated implants. The abutment screw loosening tests were performed with 100 N of force at a frequency of 20 Hz. Data indicate that implants with a DLC coating are more resistant to an applied force (P = 0.002) than are those without the coating. We hope these results will be useful for preventing implant abutment screw loosening.

Observation of an isotriplet of excited charmed baryons decaying to lambda+c pi

We report the observation of an isotriplet of excited charmed baryons, decaying into Lambda(+)(c)pi(-), Lambda(+)(c)pi(0), and Lambda(+)(c)pi(+). We measure the mass differences M(Lambda(+)(c)pi)-M(Lambda(+)(c)) and widths to be 515.4(+3.2+2.1)(-3.1-6.0) MeV/c(2), 61(+18+22)(-13-13) MeV for the neutral state; 505.4(+5.8+12.4)(-4.6-2.0) MeV/c(2), 62(+37+52)(-23-38) MeV for the charged state; and 514.5(+3.4+2.8)(-3.1-4.9) MeV/c(2), 75(+18+12)(-13-11) MeV for the doubly charged state, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. These results are obtained from a 281 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector near the Upsilon(4S) resonance, at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider.

Pollutants in rainwater runoff in Korea: their impacts on rainwater utilization

Frequent urban floods and insufficient water supply have led to developing technologies for rainwater utilization in order to buffer extreme runoff situations in the watercourses and to provide an ongoing water supply for non-potable use. However, little information is available on the water qualities and runoff properties of collected rainwater in connection with efficient design and maintenance strategies of rainwater utilization systems. In this work, the characteristics of rainwater were investigated in a full-scale rainwater utilization facility in Korea. Samples of runoff rainwater from various catchment surfaces were analyzed for physico-chemical and microbial determinants including metals, nutrients, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and microorganisms. The pollutant concentrations in rainwater storage tank were also monitored to elucidate the impact of input rainwater quality on stored water property. It is likely that particles and total coliforms are major issues in operating rainwater utilization system. However, further studies will be necessary to address the health effect of rainwater in terms of microbial and ecotoxicological measures.

Observation of B+-->K1(1270)+gamma

We report the observation of the radiative decay B+-->K1(1270)(+) gamma using a data sample of 140 fb(-1) taken at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We find the branching fraction to be B(B+-->K1(1270)(+)gamma)=(4.3+/-0.9(stat.)+/-0.9(syst.))x10(-5) with a significance of 7.3sigma. We find no significant signal for B+-->K1(1400)(+)gamma and set an upper limit B(B+-->K1(1400)(+)gamma)<1.5 x 10(-5) at the 90% confidence level. We also measure inclusive branching fractions for B+-->K+pi+pi-gamma and B0-->K0pi+pi-gamma in the mass range 1 GeV/c(2)<M(K+(0)pi+pi-)<2 GeV/c(2).