Uptake and translocation of cesium-133 in napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) under hydroponic conditions

The present study reports the potential remediation of cesium (Cs) using napiergrass, which produces the largest biomass among the herbaceous plants in hydroponic culture containing stable Cs (Cs-133) at concentrations of 50, 150, 300, 1000, and 3,000 μM using cesium chloride (CsCl), with 0 μM Cs as a control concentration. Plant height was significantly decreased in higher Cs-treated conditions (300, 1000, and 3000 μM Cs) at 7 weeks after treatment (WAT), but tiller numbers tended to increase compared with the control plant. No significant difference was observed in the aboveground dry matter weight in all Cs treatments throughout the study period. Cs content in the roots, leaf blades, and leaf sheaths clearly increased with increasing Cs concentration in the solutions. Cs content in the aboveground parts (leaf blades and leaf sheaths) was consistently higher than in the roots at concentration of 3,000 μM. Total Cs contents in the aboveground parts were 6305 and 26,365 mg kg(-1) at 7WAT in 1000- and 3000-μM Cs treatments, respectively. Mean values of transfer factors (TFs) in the aboveground parts were 50 μM=0.78, 150 μM=1.02, 300 μM=0.86, 1,000 μM=0.68, and 3,000 μM=0.94, respectively at 7WAT. Due to its high Cs content and high TF in the aboveground parts, napiergrass may be a candidate plant with high potential for phytoremediation of Cs from Cs-137-contaminated soil.

Symptomatic residual instability with grade II acromioclavicular injury

PURPOSE

Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic distal clavicle resection in cases presenting with pain and subtle instability after neglected grade II acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation.

METHODS

From February 1998 to May 2006, 17 patients with symptomatic AC instability following chronic grade II AC joint injury were studied. Sixteen patients were male and one female, with a mean age of 48 years. An all-arthroscopic procedure comprising disk removal and distal clavicle resection was performed in all cases. All patients were reviewed clinically, preoperatively and at final follow-up (mean 38 months) using the pain score on a visual analog scale and the Constant score. Strength was measured using an Isobex digital strength analyzer. Patient's personal satisfaction after the procedure was documented as excellent, good or poor. Postoperative AC joint radiographs were routinely obtained in all patients to measure the amount of clavicle resection.

RESULTS

Two patients underwent additional reconstructive surgery for disabling pain and dysfunction even after the arthroscopic resection procedure. The remaining 15 patients were analyzed. The pain scores improved significantly (p = 0.03). The mean pain score was 5.8 (range 5-9) before treatment and 1.6 (range 0-3) at follow-up. The Constant scores had improved significantly at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The median Constant score increased from 46 (range 36-69) preoperatively to 71 (range 48-84) postoperatively. Strength had improved at the last follow-up. Eleven patients were satisfied and six were not satisfied with this procedure at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection statistically improved the pain score, Constant score and strength for grade II AC injury with subtle distal clavicle instability. However, six patients (33.5 %) were not satisfied subjectively. This procedure seemed to be a reasonable initial treatment option with lower morbidity.

Dynamic function of coracoclavicular ligament at different shoulder abduction angles: a study using a 3-dimensional finite element model

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the acromioclavicular (AC) motion and change in length and tension of the coracoclavicular ligament during different positions of shoulder abduction using a 3-dimensional finite element model based on computed tomography images from normal human shoulders.

METHODS

The right shoulders of 10 living subjects were scanned with a high-resolution computed tomography scanner at 0°, 60°, 120°, and 180° of shoulder abduction. Several modeling programs were used to simulate AC motion. Finite element models of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments were constructed based on each footprint. The tension and length changes of each ligament during shoulder abduction were assessed.

RESULTS

The distal clavicle exhibited internal rotation with respect to the medial acromion at 0°, 60°, 120°, and full abduction (3.2° ± 2.9°, 23.2° ± 10.8°, 20.6° ± 3.7°, and 37.1° ± 3.4°, respectively). With horizontal motion, the clavicle translated posteriorly at 60° of abduction (4.4 ± 3.4 mm) and then translated anteriorly at 120° and full abduction (0.4 ± 1.6 mm and 1.9 ± 0.4 mm, respectively). The lengths of the conoid ligament gradually increased at 60° to 180° of shoulder abduction whereas those of the trapezoid ligament remained relatively consistent at 60° to 120° of abduction compared with 0° of abduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The distal clavicle had a wide range of motion during shoulder abduction, which did not support the concept of synchronous motion with the scapula. The conoid and trapezoid ligaments functioned reciprocally during shoulder abduction. With increasing shoulder abduction, the length of the conoid ligament gradually increased; meanwhile, the trapezoid ligament was relatively consistent and then lax at full abduction. In particular, the conoid ligament may act as a key restraint to prevent excessive retraction of the scapula during shoulder abduction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The data in this study have the potential to suggest that conoid and trapezoid ligaments should be reconstructed separately, and rigid AC fixation in patients with AC separation is not recommended based on the findings of this study.

Sphingosine analog AAL-R enhances TLR7-mediated dendritic cell activation via p38 MAPK and type I IFN signaling pathways (180.12)

Sphingosine analogs display immunosuppressive activities and are therapeutically used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated the effects of the sphingosine analog AAL-R (FTY720 derivative) on dendritic cell (DC) response to toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. AAL-R inhibited DC maturation in response to TLR3 or TLR4 activation, representing its previously known immunosuppressive action. In contrast, AAL-R increased TLR7-mediated DC responses by increasing the expression of MHC-I and co-stimulatory molecules and type I interferon (IFN), and by enhancing the capacity of DCs to induce CD8+ T cell proliferation. Importantly, the stimulatory activity of AAL-R was dependent on type I IFN signaling, since type I IFN receptor-deficient DCs failed to respond to AAL-R. Further, AAL-R activated p38 MAPK signaling to increase type I IFN synthesis and TLR7-mediated DC maturation. Thus, our results indicate that AAL-R’s regulatory action is strongly affected by the form of pathogenic molecular patterns and is stimulatory when DCs are treated with a TLR7 agonist. These findings enhance our understanding of sphingosine regulation of host immune responses particularly in pathogenic infections.

Sphingosine analogue AAL-R increases TLR7-mediated dendritic cell responses via p38 and type I IFN signaling pathways

Sphingosine analogues display immunosuppressive activities and thus have therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of the sphingosine analogue AAL-R (FTY720 derivative) on dendritic cell (DC) response upon TLR stimulation. Unlike its known immunosuppressive activity, AAL-R increased TLR7-mediated DC responses by elevating the levels of MHC class I and costimulatory molecules and type I IFN expression and by enhancing the capacity of DCs to induce CD8(+) T cell proliferation. Importantly, the stimulatory activity of AAL-R was dependent on type I IFN signaling, as type I IFN receptor-deficient DCs failed to respond to AAL-R. Also, AAL-R activated p38 MAPK to increase type I IFN synthesis and TLR7-mediated DC maturation. These findings enhance our understanding of sphingosine regulation of the host immune system, in particular upon pathogenic infections.

P3-04-04: Patterns of Distant Metastasis According to the Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer; Results of 529 Breast Cancer Patients

Backgrounds; Distant metastasis from breast cancer arises from various sites. But few studies concerning factors that can predict metastasis patterns in breast cancer has been reported. In this study, we analyzed the effect of breast cancer molecular subtypes on distant metastasis patterns and tried to determine factors that predict metastasis sites.

Patients and methods; From January 1995 to January 2004 at Yeungnam university hospital, patients diagnosed with the primary invasive breast cancer and received treatments were included in this study. Patients with bilateral breast cancer or distant metastasis at diagnosis were excluded. After analyzing estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 status, we classified patients into 5 categories, luminal A, luminal B, HER2−enriched, basal-like, and normal (triple negative nonbasal) breast cancers. Distant metastatic patterns of each category were analyzed.

Results; 529 patients were eligible for tissue microassay analysis and median follow-up period was 7.7 years. In this period, total 82 patients (15.5%) had locoregional relapse or distant metastasis and distant metastasis were identified in 54 patients (10.2%). Each distant metastatic rate was 10.5% (33/313) in luminal A, 8.7% (4/46) in luminal B, 10.2% (6/59) in HER2−enriched, 7.9% (7/89) in basal-like, and 18.2% (4/22) in normal subtype. Most frequent site of distant metastasis in all patients was bone and such result was consistent with Luminal A subtype. Liver metastasis was most frequent in Luminal B subtype, lung metastasis in HER2 enriched and normal subtype and brain metastasis in basal-like subtype.

P3-07-16: The Efficacy of Arm Node Preserving Surgery Using Axillary Reverse Mapping for Preventing Lymphedema in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background

Lymphedema affects over 20% of breast cancer patients undergoing axillary dissection. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique to identify and preserve arm node during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was developed to prevent lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to investigate the location and the metastatic rate of the arm node, and finally to evaluate the short term incidence of lymphedema after arm node preserving surgery.

Patients and Methods

From January 2009 to October 2010, 97 breast cancer patients who underwent ARM were enrolled. 2.5ml blue dye was injected in ipsilateral upper inner arm. After at least 20 minutes after injection, SLNB or ALND was performed in the usual manner and blue stained arm nodes and/or lymphatics were identified. We checked arm circumference at baseline and average of 8.8 months after operation in ALND cases and 13.7 months in SLNB cases. Patients were divided into two groups, arm node preserved group (70 patients in ALND, 10 patients in SLNB) and unpreserved group (13 patients in ALND, 4 patients in SLNB). The difference of arm circumference between preoperative and postoperative was checked in these groups.

Results: The mean number of identified blue stained arm nodes was 1.4±0.6. The arm nodes were found in the inferolateral side of axillary and thoracodorsal vessels in 57 patients (58.76%), the inferomedial side in 37 patients (38.14%), the superolateral side in 2 patients (2.06%), and the superomedial side in 1 patient (1.04%). In the majority of patients (92%), arm nodes were located between the lower level of the axillary vein and just below the second intercostal brachial nerve.

In arm node unpreserved group, 2 patients had metastasis in their arm node. The one had a common pathway between the arm node and the sentinel lymph node. Another did not have a common pathway, but had extranodal extension with N3 metastasis. Among ALND patients, in arm node preserved group, the difference of arm circumference between preoperative and postoperative in ipsilateral and contralateral arm was 0.27cm and 0.07cm, respectively, whereas 0.47cm and −0.03cm in unpreserved group, and one lymphedema was found after 6 months. No difference was found between arm node preserved and unpreserved group amoung SLNB patients (0.21cm and 0.39cm in in preserved group, 0.2cm and 0.02cm in unpreserved group).

Tension changes within the bundles of anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at different knee flexion angles: a study using a 3-dimensional finite element model

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the change in length and tension of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) double bundles at different knee flexion angles by use of a 3-dimensional finite element model.

METHODS

The right knees of 12 living subjects were scanned with a high-resolution computed tomography scanner at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of knee flexion. Several modeling programs were used to simulate double-bundle ACL reconstruction. A finite element model of each bundle with a tension of 20 N was put into each tunnel followed by fixation of the bundles. The tension and length changes of each bundle at different knee flexion angles were assessed.

RESULTS

For the anteromedial bundle, the length decreased gradually between 45° and 90° of knee flexion and then reached a plateau, whereas the length of the posterolateral bundle significantly decreased at 45° and 90° of flexion but then increased at full flexion. The reaction force of the anteromedial graft slightly decreased at 45° and then remained constant between 90° and 135° of knee flexion. The reaction force of the posterolateral bundle at full extension slightly decreased at 45° and 90° of flexion, followed by a rebound increase at 135°.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that both bundles functioned throughout the arc of flexion with consistency in tension, although their lengths decreased. The 2 ACL grafts did not function in a reciprocal manner, unlike previous descriptions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The data obtained for length and tension versus flexion angle have the potential to suggest the appropriate knee position for graft fixation and tensioning to be near extension in clinical situations.

Reconstruction of a patellar tendon with Achilles tendon allograft for severe patellar infera--a case report

Severe patellar infera accompanied by pathologic shortening and fibrosis of the patellar tendon is relatively an uncommmon condition but can cause recalcitrant joint stiffness and limited range of motion after knee surgery or injury. This report presents a case of a 49-year-old male with severe patellar infera and limping due to joint stiffness after three-time knee surgeries. We report a successful outcome along with a finding of the well-healed allograft after the reconstruction of a patellar tendon using Achilles tendon-bone allograft.

Gout and coexisting pseudogout in the knee joint

PURPOSE

We report the unusual case of a 63-year-old man with gout and coexisting pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease) affecting the same joint. In this report, we describe the clinical features of the patient in addition to the characteristics of the crystals extracted from his affected joint, examined using compensated polarized microscopy.

METHODS

Synovial fluid and specimens of the lateral meniscus of the patient's knee joint taken during arthroscopy were analyzed using compensated polarized microscopy to evaluate the presence and type of crystals.

RESULTS

Compensated polarized microscopy revealed both monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals extracted from the knee joint.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the coexistence of gout and pseudogout should be considered in the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthritis. Careful crystal evaluation using compensated polarized microscopy may reveal similar cases with MSU and CPPD crystals in the same joint.

Type I interferon modulates the battle of host immune system against viruses

Type I interferon (IFN), as its name implies, 'interferes' with virus replication by activating numerous genes. Further, virus-induced type I IFN regulates the magnitude and functions of cells directing the host immune system. Importantly, recent exploration into how type I IFN operates following virus infection has advanced our understanding of its role with respect to modulation of host innate and adaptive immune responses. Such activities include the activation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells and the localization, expansion or differentiation of virus-specific T lymphocytes and antibody-producing B lymphocytes. However, type I IFN not only benefits the host but can also induce unnecessary or extremely pathogenic immune responses. This review focuses on such interactions and the manner in which type I IFN induces dynamic changes in the host immune network, particularly adaptive immune responses to viral invasion. Manipulating the type I IFN-mediated host immune response during virus infections could provide new immunotherapeutic interventions to remedy viral diseases and implement more effective and sustainable type I IFN therapy.

Induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α inhibits drug-induced apoptosis in the human leukemic cell line HL-60

BACKGROUND

Leukemic cells originate from hypoxic bone marrow, which protects them from anti-cancer drugs. Although many factors that cause drug resistance in leukemic cells have been studied, the effect of hypoxia on drug-induced apoptosis is still poorly understood.

METHODS

In this study, we examined the effect of hypoxia on anti-leukemic drug resistance in leukemic cell lines treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)), a hypoxia-mimetic agent. Cellular proliferation was evaluated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry analysis and western blots were performed to investigate apoptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

Unlike its previously known apoptotic effect, the expression of HIF-1α increased the survival rate of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells when these cells were exposed to anti-leukemic drugs; these effects were mediated by heat-shock protein HSP70 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax.

CONCLUSION

These findings may provide new insights for understanding the mechanisms underlying hypoxia and for designing new therapeutic strategies for acute myeloid leukemia.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-metabolizing enzymes control influenza virus propagation and viral cytopathogenicity

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)-metabolizing enzymes regulate the level of sphingolipids and have important biological functions. However, the effects of S1P-metabolizing enzymes on host defense against invading viruses remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of S1P-metabolizing enzymes in modulating cellular responses to influenza virus infection. Overexpression of S1P lyase (SPL), which induces the degradation of S1P, interfered with the amplification of infectious influenza virus. Accordingly, SPL-overexpressing cells were much more resistant than control cells to the cytopathic effects caused by influenza virus infection. SPL-mediated inhibition of virus-induced cell death was supported by impairment of the upregulation of the proapoptotic protein Bax, a critical factor for influenza virus cytopathogenicity. Importantly, influenza virus infection of SPL-overexpressing cells induced rapid activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and STAT1 but not of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Akt, or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Blockade of STAT1 expression or inhibition of Janus kinase (JAK) activity elevated the level of influenza virus replication in the cells, indicating that SPL protects cells from influenza virus via the activation of JAK/STAT signaling. In contrast to that of SPL, the overexpression of S1P-producing sphingosine kinase 1 heightened the cells' susceptibility to influenza virus infection, an effect that was reversed by the inhibition of its kinase activity, representing opposed enzymatic activity. These findings indicate that the modulation of S1P-metabolizing enzymes is crucial for controlling the host defense against infection with influenza virus. Thus, S1P-metabolizing enzymes are novel potential targets for the treatment of diseases caused by influenza virus infection.

Hypoxia inhibits the SDF-1-dependent migration of human leukemic cell line HL-60 via blocking of Akt activation

Hypoxia is known to regulate the expression of genes involved in the migration of various cell types. Although many studies have shown that hypoxia increases cell migration, it still remains unclear whether hypoxia could modulate the stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-dependent migration of leukemic cell. Herein, we demonstrated that the SDF-1-dependent migration of HL-60, was reduced under hypoxia with no comparable decrease of CXC-type chemokine receptor CXCR4, a cognate receptor for SDF-1. Furthermore, we showed that migration toward SDF-1 was reduced by inactivation of either serine/threonine kinase Akt or extracellular signal regulated kinase Erk, which was confirmed by selective pathway inhibitor LY294002 and PD98059. In our results, phosphorylation of Erk was increased under hypoxia, but phosphorylation of Akt was attenuated on the contrary. These results led us to conclusion that hypoxia could inhibit the SDF-1-dependent migration of HL-60 via blocking of Akt activation.

High-dose prednisolone and psoralen ultraviolet A combination therapy in 36 patients with vitiligo

It is well known that systemic corticosteroids arrest the progress of vitiligo and lead to repigmentation, but they may produce unacceptable side-effects. The use of high-dose prednisolone therapy to minimize the side-effects of systemic steroids has been reported, but there have been no reports on the effectiveness of such treatment combined with phototherapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with intravenous prednisolone and psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA). In 36 patients with vitiligo, intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days was followed by PUVA twice weekly. After 6 months, vitiligo lesions on the face were reduced in size by 57.5%, on the upper extremities by 34.5%, on the trunk by 30.4% and on the lower extremities by 26.3%. Overall, improvement was seen in 13 patients (36.1%), with >50% repigmentation. Side-effects were mild and transient. We conclude that combination treatment of high-dose prednisolone therapy and PUVA may represent a highly effective therapeutic option for generalized vitiligo.

Stromelysin-3 expression in the differential diagnosis of dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: comparison with factor XIIIa and CD34

BACKGROUND

The distinction between dermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a well-known challenge for dermatopathologists. Immunohistochemical stains have been used to augment routine histological examination to aid in differentiating DF from DFSP. Stromelysin-3 (ST3) is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, MMP-11, which is expressed in the skin during wound healing and in the stroma of basal cell carcinoma. Recent studies demonstrated that DFs expressed ST3, whereas DFSPs were only rarely ST3 positive.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the expression of ST3 in DF and DFSP and to ascertain whether ST3 is superior to factor XIIIa or CD34 in differentiating DF from DFSP, by comparison with factor XIIIa and CD34 expression.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 23 cases of DF and 17 cases of DFSP, using antibodies to ST3, factor XIIIa and CD34.

RESULTS

ST3 was expressed in all cases of DF (23 of 23) but only one case showed weakly positive staining in DFSP (one of 17). The mean +/- SD ST3 immunohistochemistry (IHC) score in DF was 4.52 +/- 0.67. The sensitivity of ST3 was 100% and the specificity was 94%. Factor XIIIa was expressed in all cases of DF (23 of 23) and in five of the 17 DFSPs. The mean +/- SD factor XIIIa IHC score in the DFs was 4.43 +/- 0.73. The sensitivity of factor XIIIa was 100% and the specificity was 71%. CD34 was expressed in four of the 23 DFs and 16 of the 17 DFSPs. The mean +/- SD CD34 IHC score in the DFSPs was 4.41 +/- 1.37. The sensitivity of CD34 was 94% and the specificity was 83%.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical staining with a commercial anti-ST3 antibody can be successfully carried out in routine dermatopathology. We confirmed that ST3 is a positive marker for DF and that ST3 staining might be more reliable than factor XIIIa staining in differential diagnosis of DF and DFSP. As the present study showed that ST3 was not absolutely negative in all cases of DFSP, the combination with CD34 immunostaining could make the distinction more reliable.

Complete ophthalmoplegia after herpes zoster

Motor loss caused by herpes zoster is infrequent, and only a few studies have focused on ocular motor paralysis in ophthalmic herpes zoster. We report a case of complete ophthalmoplegia resulting from ophthalmic herpes zoster. A 69-year-old man presented with complete left-side ptosis with total ophthalmoplegia 7 days after the onset of left ophthalmic herpes zoster. The patient was treated with aciclovir and prednisolone. Five months later, the ptosis had resolved and the extraocular motility had almost returned to normal.

Expression profiling of radiation-induced genes in radiodermatitis of hairless mice

BACKGROUND

Radiation induces many cellular events leading to radiodermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to establish a radiodermatitis model using experimental animals, and to examine the expression profile of radiation-induced genes.

METHODS

Hairless mice were irradiated on the dorsal skin; then total RNAs were isolated and microarray hybridizations were performed.

RESULTS

Irradiation with a total of 40 Gy (10 Gy day-1 for four consecutive days) provokes radiodermatitis in the hairless mouse. After microarray analysis, 130 genes that showed upregulation by radiation were selected and organized into four different clusters, depending on the time-kinetic pattern. Classification of these genes into several functional categories revealed that various biological processes were globally affected by radiation. These include transcription regulation, signal transduction, cell communication, cell death regulation and metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the complexity of the transcriptional profile of the radiation response, providing important clues on which to base further investigations of the molecular events underlying radiodermatitis.

Bilateral discoid medial menisci: Incomplete type in one knee and complete type in opposite knee

A discoid medial meniscus is a relatively rare pathology of the knee joint. And bilateral cases are even more rare. In the review of the literature by the authors, Only 13 cases of bilateral medial discoid menisci have been reported. We present one case of bilateral discoid medial menisci. One knee had an incomplete type verified by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. The other knee showed a complete type of medial discoid meniscus in MRI. Therefore, we suggest that similar pathology in the contralateral knee should be suspected, even if the patient is asymptomatic, if a complete or incomplete discoid medial meniscus is identified.