Optimizing electrical activation of porcine oocytes by adjusting pre- and post-activation mannitol exposure times

Modifying electrical activation conditions have been used to improve in vitro embryo production and development in pigs. However, there is insufficient information about correlations of porcine embryo development with oocyte pre- and post-activation conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the developmental rates of porcine oocytes subjected to different mannitol exposure times, either pre- or post-electrical activation, and to elucidate the reason for the optimal mannitol exposure time. Mannitol exposure times around activation were adjusted as 0, 1, 2 or 3 min. Blastocyst development were checked on day 7. Exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 or 2 min before electrical activation produced significantly higher blastocyst rates than exposure for 0 or 3 min. There was no significant difference in blastocyst rates when activated oocytes were exposed to mannitol for 0, 1, 2 or 3 min after electrical activation. While exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation showed significantly higher blastocyst development than 0 min pre- and 0 min post-activation. It also showed higher maintenance of normal oocyte morphology than exposure for 0 min pre- and 0 min post-activation. In conclusion, exposure of oocytes to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation seems to be optimal for producing higher in vitro blastocyst development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. The higher blastocyst development is correlated with higher maintenance of normal morphology in oocytes exposed to mannitol for 1 min pre- and 3 min post-activation.

Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 is a biomarker of poor prognosis in gastric cancer

Background:

In a previous study, we reported that serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 (serpinA1) is upregulated in Snail-overexpressing gastric cancer. Although serpinA1 has been studied in several types of cancer, little is known about its roles and mechanisms of action. In this study, we examined the role of serpinA1 in the migration and invasion of gastric cancers and determined its underlying mechanism.

Methods:

Expression levels were assessed by western blot analyses and real-time PCR. Snail binding to serpinA1 promoter was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The roles of serpinA1 were studied using cell invasion and migration assays. In addition, the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of serpinA1 expression were validated in 400 gastric cancer patients using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results:

Overexpression of Snail resulted in upregulation of serpinA1 in gastric cancer cell lines, AGS and MKN45, whereas knockdown of Snail inhibited serpinA1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that overexpression of Snail increased Snail recruitment to the serpinA1 promoter. Overexpression of serpinA1 increased the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, whereas knockdown of serpinA1 decreased invasion and migration. Moreover, serpinA1 increased mRNA levels and release of metalloproteinase-8 in gastric cancer cells. Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 was observed in the cytoplasm of tumour cells and the stroma by immunohistochemistry. Enhanced serpinA1 expression was significantly associated with increased tumour size, advanced T stage, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastases, and shorter overall survival.

Conclusions:

Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 induces the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells and its expression is associated with the progression of gastric cancer. These results may provide a potential target to prevent invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer.

Efficacy and safety of micafungin for the prophylaxis of invasive fungal infection during neutropenia in children and adolescents undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic SCT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of micafungin for the prevention of invasive fungal infection (IFI) during the neutropenic phase of allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT) in children and adolescents. This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study. Micafungin was administered i.v. at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (max 50 mg) from the beginning of conditioning until neutrophil engraftment. Treatment success was defined as the absence of proven, probable, possible or suspected IFI through to 4 weeks after therapy. From April 2010 to December 2011, 155 patients were enrolled from 11 institutions in Korea, and 147 patients were analyzed. Of the 147 patients, 121 (82.3%) completed the protocol without premature interruption. Of the 132 patients in whom micafungin efficacy could be evaluated, treatment success was achieved in 119 patients (90.2%). There was no proven fungal infection in any patient. The number of patients with probable, possible and suspected IFI was two, two and nine, respectively. Thirty-five patients (23.8%) experienced 109 adverse events (AEs) possibly related to micafungin. No patients experienced grade IV AEs. Two patients (1.4%) discontinued micafungin administration due to adverse effects. None of the deaths were related to the study drug.

A 3D scaffold for ultra-sensitive reduced graphene oxide gas sensors

An ultra-sensitive gas sensor based on a reduced graphene oxide nanofiber mat was successfully fabricated using a combination of an electrospinning method and graphene oxide wrapping through an electrostatic self-assembly, followed by a low-temperature chemical reduction. The sensor showed excellent sensitivity to NO2 gas.

A cohort study of MFN2 mutations and phenotypic spectrums in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2A patients

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2A (CMT2A) is the most common axonal form of peripheral neuropathy caused by a defect in the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene, which encodes an outer mitochondrial membrane GTPase. MFN2 mutations result in a large range of phenotypes. This study analyzed the prevalence of MFN2 mutation in Korean families with their assorted phenotypes (607 CMT families and 160 CMT2 families). Direct sequencing of the MFN2 coding exons or whole-exome sequencing has been applied to identify causative mutations. A total of 21 mutations were found in 36 CMT2 families. Comparative genotype-phenotype correlations impacting severity, onset age, and specific symptoms were assessed. Most mutations were seen in the GTPase domain (∼86%). A deletion mutation found in the transmembrane helices is reported for the first time, as well as five novel mutations at other domains. MFN2 mutations made up 5.9% of total CMT families, whereas 22.9% in CMT2 families, of which 27.8% occurred de novo. Interestingly, patient phenotypes ranged from mild to severe even for the same mutation, suggesting other factors influenced phenotype and penetrance. This CMT2A cohort study will be useful for molecular diagnosis and treatment of axonal neuropathy.

Effects of in ovo injection with selenium on immune and antioxidant responses during experimental necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of Se on modulating the immune system and antioxidant responses in broiler chickens with experimental necrotic enteritis. Broiler eggs were injected at 18 d of embryo age with either 100 μL of PBS alone or sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in PBS, providing 0 (SS0), 10 (SS10), or 20 (SS20) μg of Se/egg. At 14 d posthatch, PBS-treated and uninfected chickens were kept as the control group, whereas the remaining chickens were orally infected with 1.0 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria maxima (SS0, SS10, SS20). At 18 d posthatch, E. maxima-infected chickens were orally infected with 1.0 × 10(9) cfu of Clostridium perfringens. Infected control SS0 group showed significantly decreased BW compared with the uninfected control. However, SS20 group showed significantly increased BW compared with the infected control SS0 group, whereas the BW were similar among uninfected control and infected SS10 and SS20 groups. The SS10 group showed significantly lower intestinal lesions compared with the SS0 group, and oocyst production was decreased in both SS10 and SS20 groups. Serum malondialdehyde level and catalase activity were also decreased in both SS10 and SS20 groups, whereas the superoxide dismutase level was significantly lower in the SS10 group compared with the SS0 group. The SS20 group showed significantly higher levels of transcripts for IL-1β and IL-6 in intestine, and SS10 and SS20 groups had higher levels of transcripts for IL-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and decreased glutathione peroxidase 7 mRNA levels compared with the SS0 group. The SS10 and SS20 groups also showed increased serum antibody levels to C. perfringens α-toxin and NetB toxin compared with the SS0 group. These collective results suggest that the injection of Se into the amniotic cavity of developing eggs may be beneficial for enhancing immune and antioxidant responses in the hatched chickens exposed to the necrotic enteritis-causing pathogens.

Clinical significance of an increased cochlear 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity on an MR imaging examination in patients with acoustic neuroma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The increased cochlear signal on FLAIR images in patients with acoustic neuroma is explained by an increased concentration of protein in the perilymphatic space. However, there is still debate whether there is a correlation between the increased cochlear FLAIR signal and the degree of hearing disturbance in patients with acoustic neuroma. Our aim was to investigate the clinical significance of an increased cochlear 3D FLAIR signal in patients with acoustic neuroma according to acoustic neuroma extent in a large patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 102 patients with acoustic neuroma, who were divided into 2 groups based on tumor location; 22 tumors were confined to the internal auditory canal and 80 extended to the cerebellopontine angle cistern. Pure tone audiometry results and hearing symptoms were obtained from medical records. The relative signal intensity of the entire cochlea to the corresponding brain stem was calculated by placing regions of interest on 3D FLAIR images. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the cochlear relative signal intensity between the internal auditory canal acoustic neuroma and the cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma. The correlation between the cochlear relative signal intensity and the presence of hearing symptoms or the pure tone audiometry results was investigated.

RESULTS

The internal auditory canal acoustic neuroma cochlea had a significantly lower relative signal intensity than the cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma cochlea (0.42±0.15 versus 0.60±0.17, P<.001). The relative signal intensity correlated with the audiometric findings in patients with internal auditory canal acoustic neuroma (r=0.471, P=.027) but not in patients with cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma (P=.427). Neither internal auditory canal acoustic neuroma nor cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma showed significant relative signal intensity differences, regardless of the presence of hearing symptoms (P>.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The cochlear signal on FLAIR images may be an additional parameter to use when monitoring the degree of functional impairment during follow-up of patients with small acoustic neuromas confined to the internal auditory canals.

Nanoscale biomemory composed of recombinant azurin on a nanogap electrode

We fabricate a nanoscale biomemory device composed of recombinant azurin on nanogap electrodes. For this, size-controllable nanogap electrodes are fabricated by photolithography, electron beam lithography, and surface catalyzed chemical deposition. Moreover, we investigate the effect of gap distance to optimize the size of electrodes for a biomemory device and explore the mechanism of electron transfer from immobilized protein to a nanogap counter-electrode. As the distance of the nanogap electrode is decreased in the nanoscale, the absolute current intensity decreases according to the distance decrement between the electrodes due to direct electron transfer, in contrast with the diffusion phenomenon of a micro-electrode. The biomemory function is achieved on the optimized nanogap electrode. These results demonstrate that the fabricated nanodevice composed of a nanogap electrode and biomaterials provides various advantages such as quantitative control of signals and exclusion of environmental effects such as noise. The proposed bioelectronics device, which could be mass-produced easily, could be applied to construct a nanoscale bioelectronics system composed of a single biomolecule.

Temperature evolution of itinerant ferromagnetism in SrRuO3 probed by optical spectroscopy

The temperature (T) dependence of the optical conductivity spectra σ(ω) of a single crystal SrRuO(3) thin film is studied over a T range from 5 to 450 K. We observed significant T dependence of the spectral weights of the charge transfer and interband d-d transitions across the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (T(c) ∼ 150 K). Such T dependence was attributed to the increase in the Ru spin moment, which is consistent with the results of density functional theory calculations. T scans of σ(Ω,T) at fixed frequencies Ω reveal a clear T(2) dependence below T(c), demonstrating that the Stoner mechanism is involved in the evolution of the electronic structure. In addition, σ(Ω,T) continues to evolve at temperatures above T(c), indicating that the local spin moment persists in the paramagnetic state. This suggests that SrRuO(3) is an intriguing oxide system with itinerant ferromagnetism.

Differentiating xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis from wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer: added value of diffusion-weighted MRI

AIM

To evaluate the benefit of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis from the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. Fourteen patients with xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and 19 patients with the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer were included. Qualitative (visual diffusion restriction compared to liver parenchyma) and quantitative [apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)] analyses were performed. Conventional MRI findings including dynamic enhancement pattern between the two groups were also analysed. Two observers independently reviewed conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and subsequently reviewed combined conventional MRI and DWI images. Pairwise comparison of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to compare diagnostic performances.

RESULTS

In conventional MRI findings, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis showed significant continuity of enhancing mucosal line [79% (11/14) versus 26% (5/19), p = 0.003] and intramural T2-high signal intensity [64% (9/14) versus 21% (4/19), p = 0.012] compared to the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer. The enhancement pattern of gallbladder cancer compared to liver parenchyma showed earlier onset than that of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (p = 0.001). Diffusion restriction was more frequently seen in the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer (68%, 13/19) than in xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (7%, 1/14; p < 0.001). The mean ADC value of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was higher than that of the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer with statistical significance (1.637 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s versus 1.076 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, p = 0.005). Diagnostic performance [area under ROC curve (Az)] of both observers improved significantly after additional review of DWI; Az improved from 0.737 to 0.930 (p = 0.027) for observer 1 and from 0.675 to 0.938 (p = 0.008) for observer 2.

CONCLUSION

Addition of DWI to conventional MRI improves discrimination between xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and the wall-thickening type of gallbladder cancer.

Change in cytokines in patients with warts after contact immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester

BACKGROUND

A wart is a skin lesion caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Contact immunotherapy is one of the many therapeutic options that have been used to treat warts; however, the effectiveness of contact immunotherapy differs from patient to patient, and the cause of this variation in clinical response is unclear.

AIM

To assess cytokine changes in patients after contact immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE).

METHODS

In total, 21 patients with warts and 9 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of CD3+ T cells expressing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were measured by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood at baseline in both patients and controls, and after SADBE treatment in patients.

RESULTS

Lower expression of IL-4 and higher expression of IL-12 in CD3+ T cells were found in patients compared with controls. The percentage of CD3+/IL-4+ T cells significantly increased after contact immunotherapy in all responders, but was significantly higher in those with an excellent response, who also had a significantly higher percentage of CD3+/IL-10+ T cells. The patients with an excellent response also had a significant decrease in the percentage of CD3+/IL-12+ T cells, and the percentage of CD3+/IL-4+ T cells normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Response to contact immunotherapy can vary depending on the types of cytokine changes produced by treatment. An excessive shift to a Th2 pattern and increased IL-10 production after contact immunotherapy may hinder clearance of HPV.

Enhanced payload of lipid nanocarriers using supersaturated solution prepared by solvent-mediated method

With the aim to effectively enhance the payload for nanocarriers, supersaturated deltamethrin (SSD) solution was prepared using the solvent-mediated method to produce lipid nanocarriers by a combination method of homogenization and sonication. In this study, deltamethrin was used as an active ingredient, corn oil was used as a lipid medium, soybean lecithin and Tween-80 were used as surfactants. At 25°C, the solubility of deltamethrin in SSD solution prepared by solvent-mediated method was 3.4 times and 1.5 times higher than that in saturated deltamethrin (SD) solution and that in SSD solution prepared by thermal-mediated method, respectively. Therefore, compared to the use of SD solution for the production of nanocarriers, the use of SSD solution significantly enhanced the payload, while keeping the encapsulation efficiency high. Particularly, nanocarriers produced from SSD solution prepared by solvent-mediated method had the higher payload of 2.1 times and 4.4 times compared with preparations using SSD solution prepared by thermal-mediated method and SD solution, respectively.

Ginsenoside-Rp1 inhibits platelet activation and thrombus formation via impaired glycoprotein VI signalling pathway, tyrosine phosphorylation and MAPK activation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ginsenosides are the main constituents for the pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng. Such effects of ginsenosides including cardioprotective and anti-platelet activities have shown stability and bioavailability limitations. However, information on the anti-platelet activity of ginsenoside-Rp1 (G-Rp1), a stable derivative of ginsenoside-Rg3, is scarce. We examined the ability of G-Rp1 to modulate agonist-induced platelet activation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

G-Rp1 in vitro and ex vivo effects on agonist-induced platelet-aggregation, granule-secretion, [Ca(2+) ](i) mobilization, integrin-α(IIb) β(3) activation were examined. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and MAPK expressions and levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signalling pathway components were also studied. G-Rp1 effects on arteriovenous shunt thrombus formation in rats or tail bleeding time and ex vivo coagulation time in mice were determined. KEY RESULT: G-Rp1 markedly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin or ADP. While G-Rp1 elevated cAMP levels, it dose-dependently suppressed collagen-induced ATP-release, thromboxane secretion, p-selectin expression, [Ca(2+) ](i) mobilization and α(IIb) β(3) activation and attenuated p38(MAPK) and ERK2 activation. Furthermore, G-Rp1 inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple components (Fyn, Lyn, Syk, LAT, PI3K and PLCγ2) of the GPVI signalling pathway. G-Rp1 inhibited in vivo thrombus formation and ex vivo platelet aggregation and ATP secretion without affecting tail bleeding time and coagulation time, respectively.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

G-Rp1 inhibits collagen-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation through modulation of early GPVI signalling events, and this effect involves VASP stimulation, and ERK2 and p38(-MAPK) inhibition. These data suggest that G-Rp1 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases involving aberrant platelet activation.

Surgical strategies for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify management strategies for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PNETs) by analysis of surgical outcomes at a single institution.

METHODS

Archived records of patients with NF-PNETs who underwent surgery between 1994 and 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 125 patients, the median tumour size was 2·5 (range 0·15-20·5) cm. Of the 51 NF-PNETs with a diameter of no more than 2 cm, 12 (24 per cent) were diagnosed as carcinoma. Overall 20 patients (16·0 per cent) had metastases to the lymph nodes. The minimum size of the tumour with lymph node metastasis was 1·2 cm. Having a NF-PNET of 2 cm or larger significantly increased the probability of a poorly differentiated carcinoma (P = 0·006), and having a NF-PNET of at least 2·5 cm significantly increased the probability of lymph node metastasis (P = 0·048). The 5-year cumulative survival rate after curative resection was 89·7 per cent. During a median follow-up of 31·5 months, there were 27 recurrences (23·1 per cent) and 13 disease-specific deaths (11·1 per cent) among the 117 patients who had an R0 resection. All patients who underwent repeat operations were alive without additional recurrence after a mean(s.d.) follow-up of 27·1(18·0) months.

CONCLUSION

Curative surgery should be performed for control of primary NF-PNETs. Lymph node dissection for NF-PNETs of 2·5 cm or larger and at least node sampling for tumours with a diameter of 1 cm or more are recommended. Debulking surgery should be considered for advanced tumours.

Association of CXCL1 promoter polymorphism with ischaemic stroke in Korean population

This is a pilot study analysing association of chemokine gene polymorphisms (CXCL1, rs3117604; CXCL2, rs3806792; CCL2, rs2857656 and rs3760396; CCL5, rs2107538) in Korean patients with ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 120) and age-matched controls (n = 267). The CXCL1 gene and particularly T allele of rs3117604 was associated with IS.

Clinical significance of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) have impaired immunity and thus are predisposed to infections. Few studies have attempted to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in LC patients. Therefore, this study prospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 642 episodes of SAB from August 1, 2008 to September 31, 2010. Of 642 patients with SAB, 109 (17.0 %) were classified as LC patients whereas the remaining 533 (83.0 %) were classified as non-LC patients. The 30-day mortality rate of LC patients was significantly higher than that of patients with other diseases (32 % vs. 22 %, respectively; P = 0.047). The 30-day mortality rates of patients with MSSA bacteremia and MRSA bacteremia were not significantly different among LC patients (35.1 % with MSSA vs. 26.9 % with MRSA; P = 0.41). A univariate analysis of the 30-day mortality rate of LC patients with SAB for survivors and non-survivors showed that rapidly fatal or ultimately fatal according to the criteria of McCabe and Jackson (OR 5.0; 95 % CI 1.60-15.65), septic shock at initial presentation (OR 3.5; 95 % CI 1.18-10.39) and Child-Pugh class C (OR 2.8; 95 % CI 1.20-6.59) were associated with increased mortality. In contrast, the removal of the eradicable focus was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.14; 95 % CI 0.04-0.52). Disease severity and liver dysfunction may be useful for predicting the prognosis of SAB in LC patients.

Nanogap-based electrical PNA chips for the detection of genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450 2C19

PNA chips for the detection of the genetic polymorphism of Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), a well-known enzyme related to the metabolism of therapeutic drugs, were electrically-interfaced with interdigitated nanogap electrodes (INEs). The average gap distance and effective length of the INEs were about approximately 70 nm and approximately 140/m, respectively. Those INEs having the aspect ratio of about 2000, were prepared by the combination of the photolithography (for the formation of initial electrodes) and the surface-catalyzed chemical deposition (for the gap narrowing), without the e-beam lithography. The PNA probes for the detection of CYP2C19 were immobilized in the gap region of INEs via Schiff base formation. The I-V characteristics clearly showed a sharp increase in the conductance between the nanogap electrodes upon the PNA-DNA hybridization, followed by the adsoprtion of functionalized Au nanoparticles. Four different target DNAs for the diagnosis of CYP2C19 polymorphism were successfully detected and discriminated with the INE-based PNA chips.