Soil washing using various nonionic surfactants and their recovery by selective adsorption with activated carbon

The performance of activated carbon in soil washing and subsequent selective adsorption for surfactant recovery from the washed solution was investigated. Sandy loam soil contaminated with phenanthrene at 200 mg kg(-1) was washed with four different nonionic surfactants: Tween 40, Tween 80, Brij 30 and Brij 35. The efficiency of soil washing was highest when using Brij 30 with the highest solubilizing ability for phenanthrene and low adsorption onto soil. In the selective adsorption step, surfactant recovery was quite effective for all surfactants ranging from 85.0 to 89.0% at 1 g L(-1) of activated carbon (Darco 20-40 mesh). Phenanthrene removal from the solution washed with Brij 30 was only 33.9%, even though it was 54.1-56.4% with other surfactants. The selectivity was larger than 7.02 except for Brij 30 (3.60). The overall performance considering both the washing and surfactant recovery step was effective when using Tween 80 and Brij 35. The results suggest that higher solubilizing ability of surfactants is a requirement for soil washing but causes negative effects on phenanthrene removal in the selective adsorption. Therefore, if a surfactant recovery process by selective adsorption is included in soil remediation by washing, the overall performance including the two steps should be considered for properly choosing the surfactant.

Visceral fat accumulation induced by a high-fat diet causes the atrophy of mesenteric lymph nodes in obese mice

OBJECTIVE

A high intake of fat in the diet plays a crucial role in promoting obesity and obesity-related pathologies, and especially visceral obesity is closely associated with obesity-related complications. Because adipose tissue is anatomically associated with lymph nodes, the secondary lymphoid organ, we hypothesized that fat tissue-derived factors may influence the cellularity of lymphoid tissue embedded in fat.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Mesenteric and inguinal lymph nodes were isolated from obese mice fed a high-fat diet and control mice fed a regular diet. T-cell population, activation state, and the extent of apoptosis were determined by flow cytometric analysis or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTS

The weight of mesenteric lymph nodes and the total number of lymphoid cells in the obese mice significantly decreased compared with those in the control mice; however, no change was observed in the weight of inguinal lymph nodes. The numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes of obese mice significantly decreased compared with those of the control. Enhanced T-cell activation and apoptosis were observed in the mesenteric lymph node cells of the obese mice. The treatment of lymph node cells with free fatty acids, oxidative stress, and chylomicrons, which are obesity-related factors, resulted in lymph node T-cell activation and apoptosis.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that visceral fat accumulation with a high-fat diet can cause the atrophy of mesenteric lymph nodes by enhancing activation-induced lymphoid cell apoptosis. Dietary fat-induced visceral obesity may be crucial for obesity-related immune dysfunction.

Involvement of Hofbauer cells and maternal T cells in villitis of unknown aetiology

AIMS

The nature of villitis of unknown aetiology (VUE) is intriguing in terms of its aetiology, origin of inflammatory cells and immunophenotype of T cells involved. The aim was to determine the origin of macrophages and the immunophenotype of T lymphocytes in VUE associated with various complications of pregnancy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Placentas with VUE (n = 45) were studied by chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH) for Y chromosome (DYZ1) and immunohistochemistry for CD14, CD68, Ki67 (n = 10; all from male neonates) and a panel of T-cell antigens (CD3, CD4 and CD8) (n = 35). All of the placentas from male neonates showed CISH+ signals from Y chromosomes in the majority of macrophages, but not in lymphocytes, indicating that the macrophages were of fetal origin. Many macrophages of the affected chorionic villi were Ki67+, suggesting that they are hyperplastic Hofbauer cells. Among the lymphocytes, CD8+ T cells outnumbered CD4+ T cells in all placentas with different obstetrical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

We define primary components of VUE as maternal CD8+ T cells and hyperplastic Hofbauer cells. We propose that VUE is a unique inflammatory reaction where the leucocytes from two hosts are key partners, analogous to either allograft rejection or graft-versus-host disease.

MLL-AF9 and FLT3 cooperation in acute myelogenous leukemia: development of a model for rapid therapeutic assessment

Human leukemias harboring chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL, HRX, ALL-1) gene possess high-level expression, and frequent activating mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3. We used a murine bone marrow transplant model to assess cooperation between MLL translocation and FLT3 activation. We demonstrate that MLL-AF9 expression induces acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in approximately 70 days, whereas the combination of MLL-AF9 and FLT3-ITD does so in less than 30 days. Secondary transplantation of splenic cells from diseased mice established that leukemia stem cells are present at a very high frequency of approximately 1:100 in both diseases. Importantly, prospectively isolated granulocyte macrophage progenitors (GMPs) coinfected with MLL-AF9 and FLT3-ITD give rise to a similar AML, with shorter latency than from GMP transduced with MLL-AF9 alone. Cooperation between MLL-AF9 and FLT3-ITD was further verified by real-time assessment of leukemogenesis using noninvasive bioluminescence imaging. We used this model to demonstrate that MLL-AF9/FLT3-ITD-induced leukemias are sensitive to FLT3 inhibition in a 2-3 week in vivo assay. These data show that activated FLT3 cooperates with MLL-AF9 to accelerate onset of an AML from whole bone marrow as well as a committed hematopoietic progenitor, and provide a new genetically defined model system that should prove useful for rapid assessment of potential therapeutics in vivo.

Distribution of CD14+ and CD68+ Macrophages in the Placental Bed and Basal Plate of Women With Preeclampsia and Preterm Labor

OBJECTIVE

Macrophages play a key role in implantation, placentation and parturition. Yet, whether or not the number of macrophages at the fetomaternal interface (basal plate of the placenta and placental bed) is altered in women with preeclampsia is the subject of controversy. The purpose of this study was to compare the immunoreactivity and distribution patterns of CD14 and CD68 positive macrophages in both the basal plate and placental bed from preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnancies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Paraffin embedded sections of placental tissues and placental bed biopsies were obtained from patients with early onset preeclampsia (n=10) and from those with preterm labor/delivery (n=10) without preeclampsia matched for gestational age. Double immunohistochemistry using antibodies to CD14 and CD68 was performed, and the density of double or single positive cells in the basal plate and placental bed was evaluated. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis.

RESULTS

1) A unique subset of CD14-/CD68+ cells was identified. The cells in question were present at a higher level in the decidua than in the myometrial segment of the placental bed (p<0.01); 2) The density and proportion of CD14+/CD68+ cells (double positive cells) were significantly higher in the myometrial segment than in the basal plate (p=0.0003); and 3) There were no significant differences in the density and patterns of immunopositive macrophages in the basal plate, the decidua, and the myometrium between women with preeclampsia and those with preterm labor/delivery (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The macrophages at the fetomaternal interface can be dichotomized by CD14 and CD68 immunoreactivity. A gradient of CD14+/CD68+ macrophages was demonstrated between the superficial myometrium and the basal plate regardless of the etiology of preterm birth (preeclampsia or spontaneous preterm labor). The biological function of single positive (CD14-/CD68+) and double positive (CD14+/CD68+) macrophages at the fetomaternal interface remains to be established. The overall findings also suggest that the discrepancies in the literature are due to the varying markers used to detect macrophages and in the anatomical plane of the fetomaternal junction analyzed.

Surfactant protein-A mRNA expression by human fetal membranes is increased in histological chorioamnionitis but not in spontaneous labour at term

Surfactant protein-A (SP-A) is produced by the fetal lung, participates in innate immunity, and has been proposed to play a role in the initiation of parturition in mice. Amniotic fluid SP-A concentration increases as a function of gestational age, and SP-A protein has been demonstrated in human chorioamniotic membranes. This study was conducted to determine whether parturition at term, gestational age and chorioamnionitis in preterm delivery (PTD) are associated with changes in the expression of SP-A in the chorioamniotic membranes. Chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from women at term and women with PTD (n=58). SP-A mRNA and protein expression was detected in amniotic epithelial cells, chorionic trophoblasts and macrophages by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated predominant expression of SP-A1 mRNA, whose expression was 17.4-fold higher in patients with PTD with chorioamnionitis (n=15) than in those without (n=13) (p=0.018). While no difference was observed in SP-A1 mRNA expression in the chorioamniotic membranes of women at term not in labour (n=16) and those in labour (n=14) (p=0.87), the expression in term membranes was higher than that of membranes from women with PTD without chorioamnionitis (p=0.003). Analysis of JAR choriocarcinoma cells demonstrated SP-A1 mRNA expression that was up-regulated following lipopolysaccharide treatment. Furthermore, monocytic cell lines (THP-1 and U937) and peripheral blood monocytes (CD14+/CD115+) obtained from pregnant women also expressed SP-A1 mRNA and protein, suggesting the presence of autocrine/paracrine activation in vivo. Interestingly, a mid-trimester amniotic fluid sample obtained from a case of tracheal atresia contained SP-A (3.13 microg/ml), indicating the presence of SP-A of extrapulmonary origin. These findings suggest not only that SP-A expression is a part of the innate immune response deployed during chorioamniotic inflammation, but also that chorioamniotic membranes are a source of SP-A in the amniotic fluid with advancing gestation.

Dermatitis as a component of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome is associated with activation of Toll-like receptors in epidermal keratinocytes

Aims

Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) elicits a fetal inflammatory response such as funisitis and chorionic vasculitis. However, little is known about the changes of fetal skin during MIAC. Toll-like receptors recognize microbial products and initiate an immune response. The aims of this study were to examine histopathological features of fetal skin exposed to MIAC and to assess the changes in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 expression.

Methods and results

Skin samples were obtained from fetal autopsies (n = 12). The cases were classified according to the presence (n = 8) or absence (n = 4) of acute chorioamnionitis and analysed by immunohistochemistry using a panel of antibodies. Leucocytic infiltrates into the superficial dermis were observed in cases with chorioamnionitis; the majority of inflammatory cells were neutrophils, lymphocytes and histiocytes. TLR-2 immunoreactivity in the skin was stronger in fetuses with chorioamnionitis than in those without this condition. However, immunoreactivity of TLR-4 in the fetal skin was constitutively expressed, regardless of the presence or absence of chorioamnionitis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time that fetal dermatitis can be detected and is part of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). We propose that this ‘FIRS-associated fetal dermatitis’ is a fetal counterpart of chorioamnionitis.

Structure-antimicrobial activity relationship for silanols, a new class of disinfectants, compared with alcohols and phenols

Triorganosilanols (R(CH(3))(2)SiOH) were recently reported to exhibit unexpectedly strong disinfectant properties. The antimicrobial activities of silanols were significantly higher than their analogous alcohols. A study of the structural dependence of their antimicrobial activity was conducted against four bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. Silanols, alcohols with structures analogous to the silanols (R(CH(3))(2)COH) and substituted phenols were evaluated as a single class of materials. The minimum lethal concentrations (MLCs), defined as the concentration required for a 7-log reduction in viable bacteria after 1h exposure, were used to measure antimicrobial activity. Octanol-water partition coefficients (logP) and hydrogen bond acidities (deltanu), measured as the shift in frequency of the OH stretching band between free OH and hydrogen-bonded OH to diethyl ether oxygen by infrared spectroscopy, were utilised as dispersive and polar structural parameters, respectively. The correlation established by multiple regression analysis between antimicrobial activities and structural properties of silanols, alcohols and phenols against the four bacteria treated as a single family produced the following equation, log(1/MLC)=0.679 logP+0.0036deltanu-1.909 (n=282, r=0.96, s=0.22). This equation and the significantly high correlation coefficient supported the hypothesis that the lipophilic properties and the H-bond acidities are primary factors for the antimicrobial action of silanols, alcohols and phenols. The high antimicrobial activity of silanols is explained by their greater H-bond acidity and their enhanced lipophilicity.

Incomplete discoid glenoid labrum combined with a ganglion cyst of the spinoglenoid notch

In a 41-year-old man, right-sided infraspinatus muscle weakness was associated with compression of the suprascapular nerve caused by a spinoglenoid ganglion cyst. The lesion was confirmed using electromyography and MRI. In addition, arthroscopy showed an incomplete discoid labrum. The free inner edge of the labrum was removed as in a meniscectomy of a discoid meniscus in the knee joint. Arthroscopic decompression of the cyst was performed through a juxtaglenoid capsulotomy which was left open. Neurological function recovered completely.

Primary peritoneal carcinoma: experience with cytoreductive surgery and combination chemotherapy

The objective of this study was to review the clinical outcome and prognosis of patients with primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) treated with cytoreductive surgery and combination chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 27 patients with histologically confirmed PPC, treated between March 1990 and February 2004 at Asan Medical Center, South Korea. The review included demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and outcomes. The mean age of the 27 patients was 57.5 +/- 7.2 years, and the rate of optimal cytoreduction was 70.4%. Seven patients had stage IIIB, 17 had stage IIIC, and 3 had stage IV; all patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. There were 4 patients with progressive disease, 5 partial responders, and 15 complete responders; the remaining 3 patients were nonevaluable. At the time of the review, 10 patients were alive without evidence of disease, 3 were alive with disease, and 14 had died from disease. The median overall survival time was 41 months, and the overall 5-year survival rate was 18.1%. Patients who had optimal cytoreduction had a longer median survival (42 months) than those who had suboptimal cytoreduction (10 months; P < 0.05). Combination chemotherapy after optimal cytoreductive surgery may be effective in the treatment of patients with PPC.

Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: 35 cases in a single Korean Institute

BACKGROUND

Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is an uncommon neoplasm. The overall prognosis is favorable. The prognostic factors that are related to survival have not been well defined and are discussed in the literature amidst controversy.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients diagnosed with adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and survival times were reviewed and analyzed for prognostic significance.

RESULTS

Of the 35 cases, there were 30 cases representing stage I tumors, one case at stage II, four cases at stage III, and no cases at stage IV. The mean overall survival time of all patients was 140.3 months. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 92.0% and 85.8% respectively. The FIGO stage was the only independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small number of patients, the study showed that the less advanced stage is the only favorable prognostic factor of significance.

Malignant mixed mullerian tumors of the ovary: experience with cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based combination chemotherapy

This study reviews the clinical outcome and prognosis of patients with malignant mixed müllerian tumors (MMMTs) of the ovary treated with optimal cytoreductive surgery, leaving no residual disease, and platinum-based chemotherapy. Ten patients diagnosed with MMMT of the ovary after complete surgical staging from February 1993 to February 2004 at Asan Medical Center in Korea were studied retrospectively. All ten patients were treated with optimal cytoreductive surgery, leaving no gross residual disease. Seven patients received ifosfamide/cisplatin chemotherapy, and the remaining three patients received other platinum-based combination chemotherapy. Demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and survival time were reviewed. Of the ten patients, two were scored at FIGO stage IIC, seven were at stage IIIC, and one was at stage IV. The median survival time of all ten patients was 46 months. The overall survival rate was 60.0% at 1 year, 40.0% at 2 years, and 20.0% at 5 years. Platinum-based combination chemotherapy after optimal cytoreductive surgery may be effective in the treatment of ovarian MMMT.

Development of the cancer patient financial aid system and analysis of user satisfaction

A financial aid program for low income cancer patients in Korea was initiated in 2005, which required a web-based system. Therefore, the Cancer Patient Financial Aid System (CPFAS) was developed. To improve the CPFAS, we evaluated the nationwide satisfaction of public health center users.

The effects of the overexpression of recombinant uncoupling protein 2 on proliferation, migration and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Increased oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) is an important regulator of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We hypothesised that UCP-2 functions as an inhibitor of the atherosclerotic process in VSMCs.

METHODS

Overexpression of human UCP-2 was performed in primary cultured human VSMCs (HVSMCs) via adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Its effects on ROS production, AP-1 activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene expression, and cellular proliferation and migration were measured in response to high glucose and angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations, two major factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD(P)H oxidase activity were also measured.

RESULTS

High glucose and Ang II caused transient mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarisation. They also significantly stimulated ROS production, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, AP-1 activity, PAI-1 mRNA expression, and proliferation and migration of HVSMCs. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the UCP-2 gene reversed all of these effects.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The present study demonstrates that UCP-2 can modify atherosclerotic processes in HVSMCs in response to high glucose and Ang II. Our data suggest that agents increasing UCP-2 expression in vascular cells may help prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

The prevalence and clinical significance of amniotic fluid 'sludge' in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of amniotic fluid (AF) 'sludge' observed during transvaginal ultrasound examination of the cervix in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes, and in those with uncomplicated pregnancies.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with preterm labor and intact membranes (n = 84) and those with uncomplicated term pregnancies (n = 298). The outcome variables included the occurrence of documented microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), histological chorioamnionitis, examination-to-delivery interval, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a composite neonatal morbidity, perinatal death, and delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and < 35 weeks and < 32 weeks. Statistical analysis included Chi-square test, stepwise logistic regression analysis and survival analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AF 'sludge' was 1% (3/298) in patients with uncomplicated term pregnancies and 22.6% (19/84) in those with preterm labor and intact membranes. Among patients with preterm labor and intact membranes: (1) cervical length < or = 15 mm was present in 58.3% (49/84) of the patients; (2) the prevalence of MIAC and histological chorioamnionitis was 12.1% (7/58) and 32.9% (25/76), respectively; (3) the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and < 32 weeks and < 35 weeks of gestation was 13.6% (8/59), 28.8% (17/59), 39.5% (17/43) and 50.8% (30/59), respectively; (4) patients with AF 'sludge' had a higher frequency of positive AF cultures [33.3% (6/18) vs. 2.5% (1/40), P = 0.003] and histological chorioamnionitis [77.8% (14/18) vs. 19% (11/58), P < 0.001] than those without AF 'sludge'; (5) a higher proportion of neonates born to patients with AF 'sludge' was admitted to the NICU [64.3% (9/14) vs. 12.9% (8/62), P < 0.01], had a composite neonatal morbidity [36.8% (7/19) vs. 13.8% (9/65), P = 0.04] and died in the perinatal period [36.8% (7/19) vs. 4.6% (3/65), P = 0.001] than those born to women without 'sludge'; (6) a higher proportion of patients with AF 'sludge' had spontaneous delivery within 48 h [42.9% (6/14) vs. 4.4% (2/45), P = 0.001], within 7 days [71.4% (10/14) vs. 15.6% (7/45), P < 0.001], < 32 weeks [75% (9/12) vs. 25.8% (8/31), P = 0.005] and < 35 weeks [92.9% (13/14) vs. 37.8% (17/45), P < 0.001] than those without AF 'sludge'; and (7) patients with AF 'sludge' had a shorter examination-to-delivery interval than those without AF 'sludge' [AF 'sludge' median, 1 (IQR, 1-5) days vs. no AF 'sludge' median, 33 (IQR, 18-58) days; P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

The presence of AF 'sludge' in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes is a risk factor for MIAC, histological chorioamnionitis and impending preterm delivery.

Developing technologies for rainwater utilization in urbanized area

Rainwater utilization has potential to recover the hydrological cycle, to buffer extreme run-off situations in the watercourses, and to reduce the costs for water supply in urban areas. However, relatively few works have been done for developing technologies to improve the water quality during rainwater utilization in large cities where the contamination of rainwater is anticipated. Therefore, this study focused on developing technologies for rainwater utilization subsystems including catchment, storage, treatment, infiltration, and use for buildings in urban areas. The rainwater samples collected from roof and roof garden were compared with wet deposition to analyze and identify the major components that may cause problems in rainwater utilization. Based on these results, novel techniques utilizing TiO2, sunlight, and bauxsol to minimize the contamination level by particles, microorganisms, and nutrients were developed for rainwater subsystems and applied to explore their suitability.

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.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells in the human umbilical cord

Mesenchymal progenitor or stem cells (MPCs) isolated from fetal blood, liver, and bone marrow are a population of multipotential cells that can proliferate and differentiate into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, tendon, fat, and stroma. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize MPCs in the human umbilical cord. The suspensions of endothelial and subendothelial cells in cord vein were collected and cultured in M199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Of 50 umbilical cord samples, 3 had numerous fibroblastoid cells morphologically distinguishable from endothelial cells. Fibroblastic cells displayed lack of expression of vWF, Flk-1, and PECAM-1, indicating the endothelial cell-specific marker. To investigate the differentiation potentials, the cells were cultured in adipogenic or osteogenic medium for 2 weeks. Fibroblast-like cells treated with adipogenic supplementation showed Oil red O-positive staining and expressed adipsin, FABP4, LPL, and PPARgamma2 genes by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium accumulation were detected. RT-PCR studies determined that Cx43, osteopontin, and Runx2 genes were expressed in the osteogenic cultures. Among three cell lines cultured continuously for passage 10, two had normal karyotypes; however, one retained a karyotype of mos 46,XY[19]/47,XY,+mar[3]. These observations suggest that MPCs are present in human umbilical cord and possess several typical traits of MPCs.

Neonates born to pre-eclamptic mothers have a higher percentage of natural killer cells (CD3-/CD56+16+) in umbilical cord blood than those without pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Maternal endothelial dysfunction and intravascular inflammation have been implicated in the mechanisms of disease responsible for the clinical syndrome of pre-eclampsia. Recently, the activation of the innate limb of the immune response (neutrophils and monocytes) in the fetal circulation has been reported in neonates born to mothers with pre-eclampsia. Natural killer (NK) cells are identified morphologically as a subpopulation of lymphocytes, but functionally as one component of the innate immune system. NK cells participate in the control of viral or bacterial infection, regulation of hematopoiesis, production of cytokines and cytotoxicity of neoplastic cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that the innate system is required for mounting an adequate adaptive response. NK cells, originally defined as effector cells of the innate immune system, may also play a role as regulatory cells for the adaptive immune system. This study was designed to determine the proportion of the NK cell subset of lymphocytes in umbilical cord blood of neonates born to mothers with and without pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including neonates of mothers with (n = 48) and those without pre-eclampsia (control group) (n = 72) was conducted. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed in the presence of hypertension and proteinuria. The control group consisted of neonates (premature and term) with no evidence of acute inflammation within the extraplacental membranes (chorioamnionitis). Umbilical cord blood was collected at the time of delivery, and assayed using monoclonal antibodies for selective cluster differentiation (CD) antigens in order to determine the proportion of NK cells as a percentage of total lymphocytes. The immunophenotypic characteristic was determined using flow cytometry, and NK cells were identified by positivity of CD16 and CD56 without CD3 (CD3-/CD56+16+). Log transformation of the percentage of NK cells was performed. Parametric statistics were used for analysis. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to examine the contribution of potentially confounding factors on the proportion of NK cells. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Neonates born to mothers with pre-eclampsia had a significantly higher percentage of NK cells (CD3-/CD56+16+) than those in the control group (pre-eclampsia, mean +/- SD 17 +/- 9% vs. control, mean +/- SD 12 +/- 7.5%; p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis suggested that umbilical cord blood pH of < 7.2, labor with vaginal delivery and maternal pre-eclampsia were associated with an increased percentage of NK cells in umbilical cord blood.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-eclampsia is associated with a higher NK cell (CD3-/CD56+16+) subset of lymphocytes in umbilical cord blood than in the control group. This difference cannot be explained by fetal acidosis or the presence of labor.

Maternal and fetal inflammatory responses in unexplained fetal death

OBJECTIVE

The role of intra-amniotic infection in the etiology of fetal death has been proposed. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and the frequency of maternal and/or fetal inflammation in patients presenting with a fetal death.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in patients with a fetal death. Amniocenteses were performed for clinical indications (karyotype), as well as to assess the microbiological and cytological state of the amniotic cavity. Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and genital mycoplasmas. An amniotic fluid white blood cell count and glucose determinations were also performed. Histological examination of the placenta was conducted to identify a maternal inflammatory response (acute chorioamnionitis) or a fetal inflammatory response (funisitis).

RESULTS

This study included 44 patients with intrauterine fetal death. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 30.1 weeks (range 16.3-40.4 weeks). One patient had documented MIAC (1/44). Acute histological chorioamnionitis was found in 20.9% (9/43), but a fetal inflammatory response was observed in only 2.3% (1/43) of cases. One patient had a positive amniotic fluid culture for Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus).

CONCLUSION

Histological chorioamnionitis was present in 20.9% of cases, but MIAC could be demonstrated with conventional microbiological techniques in only one case. A fetal inflammatory response was nine times less frequent than a maternal inflammatory response (maternal 20.9% vs. fetal 2.3%, p = 0.008) in cases of fetal death.

Characterization and molecular genetic mapping of microsatellite loci in pepper

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats are highly variable DNA sequences that can be used as informative markers for the genetic analysis of plants and animals. For the development of microsatellite markers in Capsicum, microsatellites were isolated from two small-insert genomic libraries and the GenBank database. Using five types of oligonucleotides, (AT)(15), (GA)(15), (GT)(15), (ATT)(10) and (TTG)(10), as probes, positive clones were isolated from the genomic libraries, and sequenced. Out of 130 positive clones, 77 clones showed microsatellite motifs, out of which 40 reliable microsatellite markers were developed. (GA)(n) and (GT)(n) sequences were found to occur most frequently in the pepper genome, followed by (TTG)(n) and (AT)(n). Additional 36 microsatellite primers were also developed from GenBank and other published data. To measure the information content of these markers, the polymorphism information contents (PICs) were calculated. Capsicum microsatellite markers from the genomic libraries have shown a high level of PIC value, 0.76, twice the value for markers from GenBank data. Forty six microsatellite loci were placed on the SNU-RFLP linkage map, which had been derived from the interspecific cross between Capsicum annuum "TF68" and Capsicum chinense "Habanero". The current "SNU2" pepper map with 333 markers in 15 linkage groups contains 46 SSR and 287 RFLP markers covering 1,761.5 cM with an average distance of 5.3 cM between markers.

Development of a pMOSFET sensor with a Gd converter for low energy neutron dosimetry

A pMOSFET having a 10 microm thick Gadolinium (Gd) layer has been invented as a slow neutron sensor. When slow neutrons are incident to the Gd layer, conversion electrons, which generate electron-hole pairs in the SiO2 layer of the pMOSFET, are generated by a neutron capture process. The holes are easily trapped in the oxide and act as positive-charge centres in the oxide. Due to the induced charges, the threshold turn-on voltage of the pMOSFET is changed. The developed sensors were tested at a neutron beam port of the HANARO research reactor and a 60Co irradiation facility to investigate slow neutron response and gamma ray contamination, respectively. The resultant voltage change was proportional to the accumulated neutron dose and it was very sensitive to slow neutrons. Moreover, ionising radiation contamination was negligible. It can also be used in a mixed radiation field by subtracting the voltage change of a pMOSFET without Gd from that of the Gd-pMOSFET.