Uncertainty in biogenic isoprene emissions and its impacts on tropospheric chemistry in East Asia

In this study, the accuracy of biogenic isoprene emission fluxes over East Asia during two summer months (July and August) was examined by comparing two tropospheric HCHO columns (ΩHCHO) obtained from the SCIAMACHY sensor and the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ v4.7.1) model simulations, using three available biogenic isoprene emission inventories over East Asia: i) GEIA, ii) MEGAN and iii) MOHYCAN. From this comparative analysis, the tropospheric HCHO columns from the CMAQ model simulations, using the MEGAN and MOHYCAN emission inventories (Ω(CMAQ, MEGAN) and Ω(CMAQ, MOHYCAN)), were found to agree well with the tropospheric HCHO columns from the SCIAMACHY observations (Ω(SCIA)). Secondly, the propagation of such uncertainties in the biogenic isoprene emission fluxes to the levels of atmospheric oxidants (e.g., OH and HO2) and other atmospheric gaseous/particulate species over East Asia during the two summer months was also investigated. As the biogenic isoprene emission fluxes decreased from the GEIA to the MEGAN emission inventories, the levels of OH radicals increased by factors of 1.39 and 1.75 over Central East China (CEC) and South China, respectively. Such increases in the OH radical mixing ratios subsequently influence the partitioning of HO(y) species. For example, the HO2/OH ratios from the CMAQ model simulations with GEIA isoprene emissions were 2.7 times larger than those from the CMAQ model simulations based on MEGAN isoprene emissions. The large HO2/OH ratios from the CMAQ model simulations with the GEIA biogenic emission were possibly due to the overestimation of GEIA biogenic isoprene emissions over East Asia. It was also shown that such large changes in HO(x) radicals created large differences on other tropospheric compounds (e.g., NO(y) chemistry) over East Asia during the summer months.

Mitochondrial modulation decreases the bortezomib-resistance in multiple myeloma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy that causes most patients to eventually relapse and die from their disease. The 20S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has emerged as an effective drug for MM treatment; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance to bortezomib has already been observed in MM patients. We evaluated the involvement of mitochondria in resistance to bortezomib-induced cell death in two different MM cell lines (bortezomib-resistant KMS20 cells and bortezomib-sensitive KMS28BM cells). Indices of mitochondrial function, including membrane potential, oxygen consumption rate and adenosine-5'-triphosphate and mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentrations, were positively correlated with drug resistance of KMS cell lines. Mitochondrial genes including CYPD, SOD2 and MCU were differentially expressed in KMS cells. Thus, changes in the expression of these genes lead to changes in mitochondrial activity and in bortezomib susceptibility or resistance, and their combined effect contributes to differential sensitivity or resistance of MM cells to bortezomib. In support of this finding, coadministration of bortezomib and 2-methoxyestradiol, a SOD inhibitor, rendered KMS20 cells sensitive to apoptosis. Our results provide new insight into therapeutic modalities for MM patients. Studying mitochondrial activity and specific mitochondrial gene expression in fresh MM specimens might help predict resistance to proapoptotic chemotherapies and inform clinical decision-making.

Evolutionary Dynamics of a Highly Pathogenic Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus: Analyses of Envelope Protein-Coding Genes

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has long been an economically devastating swine viral disease. The recent emergence of a highly pathogenic type 2 PRRSV with high mobility and mortality in China, spreading in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand has placed neighbouring countries at risk. This study applied a codon-based extension of the Bayesian relaxed clock model and the fixed effects maximum-likelihood method to investigate and compare the evolutionary dynamics of type 2 PRRSV for all of known structural envelope protein-coding genes. By comparing the highly pathogenic type 2 PRRSV clade against the typical type 2 PRRSV clade, this study demonstrated that the highly pathogenic clade evolved at high rates in all of the known structural genes but did not display rapid evolutionary dynamics compared with typical type 2 PRRSV. In contrast, the ORF3, ORF5 and ORF6 genes of the highly pathogenic clade evolved in a qualitatively different manner from the genes of the typical clade. At the population level, several codons of the sequence elements that were involved in viral neutralization, as well as codons that were associated with in vitro attenuation/over-attenuation, were predicted to be selected differentially between the typical clade and the highly pathogenic clade. The results of this study suggest that the multigenic factors of the envelope protein-coding genes contribute to diversifying the biological properties (virulence, antigenicity, etc.) of the highly pathogenic clade compared with the typical clade of type 2 PRRSV.

Clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of viridans streptococcal bacteremia in children with febrile neutropenia

PURPOSE

This retrospective study was performed in order to investigate the clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of viridans streptococcal bacteremia (VSB) in febrile neutropenic children in the context of the increase in incidence and antibiotic resistance of VSB.

METHODS

We conducted this study among neutropenic children with underlying hematology/oncology diseases who were diagnosed with VSB at a single institution from April 2009 to June 2012. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the children as well as antibiotic susceptibility of the causative viridans streptococci were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven episodes of VSB were diagnosed in 50 children. Severe complications occurred in four children (7.0%), and a death of one child (1.8%) was attributable to VSB. Acute myeloid leukemia was the most common underlying disease (70.2% of all cases), and 71.9% of all cases received chemotherapy including high-dose cytarabine. VSB occurred at a median of 13 days (range 8-21 days) after the beginning of chemotherapy, and fever lasted for a median of 4 days (range 1-21 days). The C-reactive protein level significantly increased within a week after the occurrence of VSB (p < 0.001) and the maximum C-reactive protein level showed a positive correlation with fever duration (r = 0.362, p = 0.007). Second blood cultures were done before the use of glycopeptides in 33 children, and negative results were observed in 30 children (90.9%). Susceptibilities to cefotaxime, cefepime, and vancomycin were 58.9, 69.1, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe complications of VSB in neutropenic febrile children were rare. We suggest glycopeptide use according to the results of blood culture and antibiotic susceptibility tests based on the susceptibility to cefepime and the microbiologic response to empirical antibiotic treatment not including glycopeptides in this study.

Comparative study of hyaluronic acid fillers by in vitro and in vivo testing

BACKGROUND

Numerous hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers seem to have similar characteristics, although manufacturers insist that monophasic and biphasic HA fillers are different in many ways. Little information regarding this is available in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To determine characteristics of monophasic fillers vs. biphasic fillers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We tested three different (two biphasic and one monophasic) HA fillers both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro assay, cell toxicity, resistance to enzyme degradation, syringeability and morphology of particles were tested. In vivo, the efficacy and safety were investigated in the dorsal skin of hairless mice.

RESULTS

There was no cell toxicity in any of the three HA fillers. Resistance to enzymatic degradation and syringeability were better in the two biphasic HA fillers than in the monophasic filler. In particle morphology test, gel type monophasic HA filler was also found as a particle type, although there was a slight difference. Volume assessment in animal skin was superior with the monophasic than with the two biphasic HA fillers.

CONCLUSION

Biphasic HA fillers have some advantages in hyaluronidase resistance, syringeability and lower risk for overcorrection, while monophasic HA fillers may be more suitable for volume augmentation due to swelling capacity.

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of porcine circovirus type 2 among pig farms in Vietnam

This study demonstrated the prevalence of Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) among pig farms in Vietnam. Analyses of the genome, capsid protein and phylogeny classified all 30 Vietnamese PCV2 strains as the PCV2b genotype, belonging to the clusters of 1A, 1B, 1C and recombinant forms. Each viral genome was 1767 nucleotides long and shared 96.0-100% nucleotide sequence identity. The amino acid substitutions in the capsid protein of the Vietnamese PCV2 strains were in immunodominant regions, and the majority of strains (24/30) contained a lysine extension at the C-terminus. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis revealed epidemic links of the PCV2 recombinant cluster within and among countries, which supports a circulating recombinant form of PCV2. Further analysis by the Jameson-Wolf antigenic index indicated antigenic alterations at important sites in the capsid protein (sites 131-133) among the recombinant cluster and the other clusters of PCV2b.

Guidance for diagnosis and treatment of DIC from harmonization of the recommendations from three guidelines

Three guidelines have recently been published for the diagnosis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in adults. This communication seeks to harmonize the recommendations in these guidelines using a modified GRADE system. The scoring system for diagnosis of DIC using global coagulation tests is known to correlate with key clinical observations and outcomes (Moderate quality). The cornerstone of DIC treatment is the treatment of the underlying condition (Moderate quality). In general, transfusion of platelets or plasma (components) in patients with DIC should be reserved for patients who are bleeding (Low quality). Therapeutic doses of heparin should be considered in cases of DIC where clinical features of thrombosis predominate. Heparin is not recommended in those patients with a high risk of bleeding, (Moderate quality). However, prophylactic doses of unfractionated heparin or low molecular we ight heparin is recommended in critically ill and non-bleeding patients with DIC for prevention of venous thromboembolism (Moderate to High quality). Although further prospective evidence from randomized controlled trials is required, administration of antithrombin or recombinant thrombomodulin may be considered in certain patients with DIC. In general, patients with DIC should not be treated with antifibrinolytic agents (Low quality). However those who present with severe bleeding, that is characterized by a markedly hyperfibrinolytic state such as leukemia (Low quality) and trauma (Moderate quality), may be treated with antifibrinolytic agents. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

A Bayesian phylogeographical analysis of type 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Understanding viral transmission is an important factor for the effective prevention one of the most devastating swine diseases, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Focusing on molecular epidemiology of type 1 PRRSV, this study analysed a large ORF5 dataset collected worldwide from 1991 to 2012 using a coalescent-based Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach. The results suggested that the virus diversified into unique subpopulations in Russia & Belarus and Italy approximately 100 years ago. Previously unreported consecutive diffusions of the virus were identified, which showed that some countries, such as Spain and Germany, acted as distribution sources to some extent. This study also provided statistical evidence for the existence of an ORF5-based phylogeographical structure of type 1 PRRSV, in which the virus tended to cluster by geographical locations more tightly than expected by chance. In contrast to this tight geographical structure, the evolution of the ORF5 gene, based on mapping of non-synonymous/synonymous substitutions, was best described by a non-homogeneous process that could be implicated as a mechanism for viral immune evasion.

Abstract P4-02-07: Early Optical Tomography Changes Predict Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Background: Pathologic complete response (pCR) or a low Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) score following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) predicts a superior survival in breast cancer (BC) patients. An early predictive marker of tumor response during NACT would provide a way to optimize treatment for non-responders; however, no ideal technology currently exists. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a novel, fast, safe, and low-cost technique that uses near infrared light to provide 3D data on tissue vascularity without the use of radiation, making it a promising technology for assessing early tumor response to NACT. We hypothesized that a 2-week change in DOT parameters would predict response to NACT as measured by the RCB score.

Methods: Women with stage II-IIIc invasive BC scheduled to undergo NACT with 12 cycles of a weekly taxane followed by 4 cycles of doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide (AC) were enrolled. Treatment with additional biologic therapies was allowed. DOT measurements were made before starting NACT, 2 weeks into treatment, and before surgery. Concentrations of oxyhemoglobin [HbO2], deoxyhemoglobin [Hb], total hemoglobin [HbT], and tissue scattering (SC) were measured by DOT. Final pathology specimens were scored for the RCB index (continuous measure), RCB class (0, 1, 2, 3), and a dichotomized RCB score (RCB class 0 or 1: responders to NACT; RCB class 2 or 3: non-responders). Correlation analysis, ANOVA testing, and two sample t-tests were used to evaluate the relationship between the two-week changes in DOT parameters and the RCB score.

Results: Since July 2011, we have recruited 11 pts, of whom 7 have undergone surgery. Complete data is available for 6 pts. Two of 7 pts had a pCR (RCB 0), 1 had RCB 1, 3 had RCB 2, and 1 had RCB 3. The Pearson correlation between the 2-week change in [Hb] and the continuous RCB index was 0.94 (p = 0.0047), and that between the 2-week change in SC and the RCB index was 0.93 (p = 0.0073). At 2 weeks, the [Hb] decreased by 6.7% for pts whose pathology demonstrated an RCB 0 (pCR), 1.8% for RCB 1, 0.6% for RCB 2, and increased 0.7% for RCB 3. ANOVA and Tukey testing demonstrated a significant difference in the [Hb] change for pts with RCB 0 compared to pts with RCB 1, 2, or 3 (p &lt;0.05). At 2 weeks, SC decreased by 26.5% for pts with RCB 0, 19.3% for RCB 1, 3.7% for RCB 2, and increased by 25.1% for RCB 3. There was a significant difference in the SC change for pts with RCB 0 compared to pts with RCB 3 (p &lt;0.05). Responders (RCB 0/1) had a 5% decrease in [Hb] at 2 weeks compared to non-responders (RCB 2/3) who had a decrease in 0.18% in [Hb] (p = 0.0045), and responders had a 24% decrease in SC compared to non-responders who had an increase in 6% (p = 0.044).

Conclusions: DOT change is an early predictor of response to NACT as measured by the RCB score. We found a significant linear association between the RCB index and the 2-week change in [Hb] and SC. Significantly different changes in DOT parameters were associated with the other RCB classifications. Additional recruitment is ongoing and differences by tumor subtype will be evaluated.

*These two authors contributed equally to this study

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-07.

Efficacy of intravenously administered ibandronate in postmenopausal Korean women with insufficient response to orally administered bisphosphonates

We investigated rates of insufficient and over-responsiveness to orally administered bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women, and tested the efficacy of intravenous ibandronate in patients with insufficient response to orally administered bisphosphonates. Postmenopausal women were treated with either alendronate (70 mg/week; n = 88) or risedronate (35 mg/week; n = 84) for 1 year, and their response to orally administered bisphosphonates was assessed using serum C-telopeptide (CTX) levels. Insufficient responders were changed to once-quarterly intravenous ibandronate 3 mg injection (n = 13) or maintained on orally administered bisphosphonates (n = 19), according to patients' preference, for an additional 1 year. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between two orally administered bisphosphonate groups except the bone mineral density values at the lumbar spine. Insufficient rate was higher in the risedronate group (19.0 %) than in the alendronate group (8.0 %), using the premenopausal serum CTX median as a cut-off (P = 0.043). The over-response rate among the alendronate group (59.1 %) was significantly higher than that in the risedronate group (38.1 %), based on a serum CTX cut-off value of 0.100 ng/ml (P = 0.006). Intravenous ibandronate suppressed serum CTX levels to a significantly greater degree at 7 days after the second dosing (0.191 ± 0.110 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and 3 months after the fourth dosing (0.274 ± 0.159 ng/mL; P = 0.004) among insufficient responders, compared with post-oral/pre-intravenous levels (0.450 ± 0.134 ng/mL). Rates of insufficient and over-responsiveness to orally administered bisphosphonates were considerable, and a change to intravenous bisphosphonates may be considered in patients showing an insufficient response to orally administered bisphosphonates.

Suppression of edge localized modes in high-confinement KSTAR plasmas by nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations

Edge localized modes (ELMs) in high-confinement mode plasmas were completely suppressed in KSTAR by applying n=1 nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations. Initially, the ELMs were intensified with a reduction of frequency, but completely suppressed later. The electron density had an initial 10% decrease followed by a gradual increase as ELMs were suppressed. Interesting phenomena such as a saturated evolution of edge T(e) and broadband changes of magnetic fluctuations were observed, suggesting the change of edge transport by the applied magnetic perturbations.

PET/CT and MRI of intra-osseous haemangioma of the tibia

Intra-osseous haemangioma is a rare, benign neoplasm that usually involves the vertebrae and craniofacial bones. Furthermore, its occurrence in the long bones is extremely rare. We report the findings of fluorine-18-fludeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and MRI in a patient with intra-osseous haemangioma in the proximal tibia, who was initially misdiagnosed as having a malignancy based on (18)F-FDG PET/CT. (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed a well-marginated osteolytic lesion with abnormal FDG uptake. The mass demonstrated low signal intensity on T(1) weighted MRI. On T(2) weighted images, the lesion appeared as a cluster of high signal intensity lobules and showed strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T(1) weighted images. Surgical curettage was performed and histopathological examination of the excised tissue confirmed a cavernous haemangioma.

Prevalence and risk factors of early-stage age-related macular degeneration in patients examined at a health promotion center in Korea

We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Koreans 50 yr of age or older who were examined at a single health promotion center. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 10,449 subjects who visited the center over a 6-month period. Fundus photography was performed on all subjects, and systematic risk factor analysis was conducted using a structured questionnaire. All patients (n = 322) were initially diagnosed with drusen or early AMD using fundoscopy; the control group (n = 10,127) were those yielding normal fundoscopy findings. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of early AMD was 3.08%. Advanced age, male gender, smoking status, hyperlipidemia, working outdoors, and residence in rural areas were all significantly associated with an increased risk for development of early AMD. Higher-level ingestion of fruit or herbal medication and an increased amount of exercise were associated with a lower risk of early AMD development. In our Korean cohort, consisting principally of relatively healthy, middle-class urban adults, the prevalence of early AMD was 3.08% that is similar to that reported in earlier epidemiological studies. Several modifiable risk factors such as smoking and hyperlipidemia are associated with the prevalence of early AMD in our cohort.

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: a recurrent case after cyst wall excision

Although atherosclerosis remains the most common cause of lower limb ischemia, cystic adventitial disease (CAD) must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient without risk factors for atherosclerosis. The disease typically produces lower limb claudication and usually affects young and middle-aged men. The treatment consists of interposition grafting in cases with an occluded artery, but the treatment of stenotic lesions without arterial occlusion is controversial whether evacuation with cyst wall excision or interposition grafting. We report a case of CAD of the popliteal artery in a 70-year-old man with recurrence two years after cyst wall excision. This case suggests that complete cyst wall excision and regular follow-up are crucial in the management of stenotic lesion with CAD.

A wireless handheld probe with spectrally constrained evolution strategies for diffuse optical imaging of tissue

We present a low-cost, portable, wireless diffuse optical imaging device. The handheld device is fast, portable, and can be applied to a wide range of both static and dynamic imaging applications including breast cancer, functional brain imaging, and peripheral artery disease. The continuous-wave probe has four near-infrared wavelengths and uses digital detection techniques to perform measurements at 2.3 Hz. Using a multispectral evolution algorithm for chromophore reconstruction, we can measure absolute oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration as well as scattering in tissue. Performance of the device is demonstrated using a series of liquid phantoms comprised of Intralipid(®), ink, and dye.

Photodynamic therapy: new treatment for refractory lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a relatively uncommon skin condition, first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953. LIS presents mainly on the face, in particular on the cheeks and earlobe, but also on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limbs of middle-aged adults. LIS is often resistant to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the process of applying a topical prodrug, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL), followed by irradiation with visible or ultraviolet light. The prodrug is converted by target tissue to photoactive porphyrins, which lead to local tissue destruction when activated by light. We describe a 48-year-old woman with refractory LIS, who was treated with MAL-PDT.

P2-10-09: Detecting Breast Cancer with Dynamic Diffuse Optical Tomographic Imaging

Background: Over the last decade diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has emerged as a novel medical imaging modality. Near-infrared light is used to non-invasively probe biological tissue, and three-dimensional (3D) maps of blood-dependent parameters can be obtained. Several studies are underway to show the clinical utility of DOT for imaging brain disease, joint disease, and breast cancer. Here we present the largest clinical study to date that uses hemodynamic effects caused by a simple breath hold to identify breast tumors using DOT.

Methods: We have designed and built a DOT breast imaging system that can acquire full 3D data sets within a fraction of a second. The system affords the ability to study fast hemodynamic effects in both breasts simultaneously. Using non-compressive imaging heads we measured the oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels in the breasts of 15 patients whose mammogram showed a mass &gt;1 cm (4 benign, 11 malignant) and 3 healthy controls. Data was acquired over the course of a 30-second breath hold and 30 seconds thereafter. In addition, a baseline measurement of 30 seconds prior to the breath hold was obtained. A multi-wavelength image reconstruction algorithm was used to create 3D maps of hemoglobin-dependent parameters (Δ[HbO2] and Δ[Hb]) in the breast every 0.58 seconds, over the course of the 90-second experiment. An image analysis algorithm identified regions of peak percentage change in [Hb] and [HbO2] in the breast and then computed the average hemoglobin levels in those regions.

Results: We observed an increase in the hemoglobin levels in all breasts during the breath hold. Upon resuming breathing, these hemoglobin levels returned to baseline. Tumor bearing breasts showed a statistically significant slower return to baseline than healthy breasts. In particular, we found that tumors can be detected by a substantially larger Δ[Hb] value as compared to normal tissue in images acquired 15 seconds following the end of the breath hold. In 10 of 11 patients the malignant tumor was identified using this technique, suggesting sensitivity over 90%. No regions of increased Δ[Hb] were seen in the healthy breasts, or in the breasts with benign masses. The peak percentage change in [Hb] at the 15 second post-breath hold time point was 10.0 ± 6.0% (n=11) in the malignant tumors compared to 1.4 ± 0.5% (n=3) (p=0.001) in healthy patients and 4.8 ± 1.9% in benign masses (n=4)(p=0.03).

Discussion: A breath hold impedes venous return to the heart, which causes pooling of blood in the breast. This is observed as an increase in [Hb] and [HbO2] using DOT. Tumor vasculature is known to be more disorganized, tortuous, and leakier than normal vasculature. Therefore, once the breath hold is released and blood is allowed to drain from the breast, blood accumulated in the tumor during the breath hold will drain more slowly than blood in healthy tissue. This study has shown that DOT allows us to visualize these hemodynamic effects and use them to detect tumors with a simple breath hold and compression-free imaging head. Future studies need to explore the detection limits and general clinical utility of this technique for screening, differentiating malignant from benign masses, and treatment monitoring.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-09.

The association between serum osteocalcin levels and metabolic syndrome in Koreans

The association between serum osteocalcin levels and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Korean individuals was investigated. Serum osteocalcin levels are significantly lower in subjects with MS than in those without the disease, regardless of glucose metabolism.

INTRODUCTION

Osteocalcin was recently shown to affect energy metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the possible association between serum osteocalcin concentrations and MS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted. Serum osteocalcin, type 1 collagen C-telopeptide (CTX) and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were determined in 567 subjects. MS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria.

RESULTS

Serum osteocalcin concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with MS than those without MS in postmenopausal women (18.923 ± 7.685 vs 22.513 ± 7.344 ng/ml, P<0.001) and marginally lower in subjects with MS than those without MS in men (14.550 ± 5.090 vs 16.125 ± 4.749 ng/ml, P=0.086) after adjustment for age and BMI. Further controlling with CTX or ALP did not affect this association in postmenopausal women; however, controlling with osteocalcin abolished the association between CTX and MS. Significant differences in serum osteocalcin levels by MS status were noted in subjects with normal glucose tolerance as well as those with abnormal glucose tolerance (P=0.032 and P<0.001, respectively). Compared with subjects with the highest quartile of osteocalcin, those in the lower quartile groups (Q1-Q3) had significantly increased risks of MS (ORs=5.18, CIs=1.15-23.42) in men. In postmenopausal women, the ORs for MS were significantly higher in the lowest quartile than in the highest quartile (ORs=5.25, CIs=2.42-11.36).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that osteocalcin is associated with MS, independently of glucose metabolism.

Genomic sequence of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) KLV-2010-01 originating from the first Korean outbreak in cultured Litopenaeus vannamei

Due to the need to track and monitor genetic diversity, the genome of the infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) strain KLV-2010-01 in cultured Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp that originated from the first Korean outbreak in 2010 was sequenced and analyzed. The genome, with a length of 3914 nucleotides, was sequenced from the Korean IHHNV. The genome encoded three large and overlapping open reading frames: ORF1 (NS-1) of 2001 bp, ORF2 (NS-2) of 1092 bp and ORF3 (capsid protein) of 990 bp. The overall organization, size and predicted amino acid sequence of the three ORFs in Korean IHHNV were highly similar to those of members of the infectious IHHNV group, and the most closely related strains were IHHNVs described from Ecuador and Hawaii. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Korean IHHNV was clustered with lineage III in the infectious IHHNV group and was most similar to IHHNV isolates from Ecuador, China and Taiwan.

AKR1B10 is associated with smoking and smoking-related non-small-cell lung cancer

This prospective study explored the relationship between expression of AKR1B10 mRNA and various clinical parameters in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in terms of its validation as a marker for NSCLC. Tumour tissue samples were collected from 229 patients with NSCLC. Tissue samples from adjacent non-malignant lung tissue (> 5 cm from the tumour) of 89 of these patients and samples from 20 patients with benign lung disease were used as controls. Quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction showed significantly higher levels of AKR1B10 mRNA expression in NSCLC tumour tissue than in adjacent non-malignant lung tissue and benign lung tissue. Statistically significant factors for AKR1B10 mRNA over-expression were found to be male gender, smoking, squamous cell carcinoma and moderate or poor cell differentiation. It is concluded that AKR1B10 seems to have potential as a prognostic marker for NSCLC and warrants further investigation.

Effect of garlic on high fat induced obesity

The present study was performed to examine the effects of garlic on obesity and blood lipid profiles in high-fat induced obesity mice model, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effect. C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks to induce obesity. Mice were then randomly divided into four groups with 10 mice per group, and fed experimental diet for 4 weeks; STD group, HFD group, HFD containing 2% or 4% garlic group (HFD + G2 or HFD + G4, respectively). Administration of garlic significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight, epididymal fat accumulation, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. Consequently, the atherogenic indexes were reduced by 83% and 91%, respectively, in 2% and 4% garlic supplemented group. Liver steatosis induced by HFD was ameliorated by garlic supplementation. Furthermore, garlic affected the down regulation of expression patterns of epididymal adipose tissue genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), adipose specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). These results suggest that garlic may have a potential benefit in preventing obesity.

Gene expression signatures associated with the in vitro resistance to two tyrosine kinase inhibitors, nilotinib and imatinib

The use of selective inhibitors targeting Bcr-Abl kinase is now established as a standard protocol in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia; however, the acquisition of drug resistance is a major obstacle limiting the treatment efficacy. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of drug resistance, we established K562 cell line models resistant to nilotinib and imatinib. Microarray-based transcriptome profiling of resistant cells revealed that nilotinib- and imatinib-resistant cells showed the upregulation of kinase-encoding genes (AURKC, FYN, SYK, BTK and YES1). Among them, the upregulation of AURKC and FYN was observed both in nilotinib- and imatinib-resistant cells irrespective of exposure doses, while SYK, BTK and YES1 showed dose-dependent upregulation of expression. Upregulation of EGF and JAG1 oncogenes as well as genes encoding ATP-dependent drug efflux pump proteins such as ABCB1 was also observed in the resistant cells, which may confer alternative survival benefits. Functional gene set analysis revealed that molecular categories of ‘ATPase activity', ‘cell adhesion' or ‘tyrosine kinase activity' were commonly activated in the resistant clones. Taken together, the transcriptome analysis of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)-resistant clones provides the insights into the mechanism of drug resistance, which can facilitate the development of an effective screening method as well as therapeutic intervention to deal with TKI resistance.

Comparison of the effect-site concentrations of remifentanil for Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA) versus laryngeal mask airway SoftSealTM insertion during target-controlled infusion of propofol

This study was designed to determine the optimal dose of remifentanil required for the successful insertion of Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA) and to compare it to that required for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in patients receiving a propofol infusion at a standard effect-site concentration. Fifty-eight patients scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to either the SLIPA (n = 29) or LMA (n = 29) group. All patients were premedicated with midazolam 0.05 mg x kg(-1) and glycopyrrolate 0.004 mg x kg(-1) intramuscularly. After the administration of lignocaine 1 mg x kg(-1) intravenously, a propofol infusion was started at an effect-site concentration of 3.5 microg x ml(-1) with a remifentanil infusion without a neuromuscular blocking agent. The remifentanil dose was determined by the modified up-and-down method starting in each group at 4 ng x ml(-1). Six minutes after induction, the airway device was inserted. Airway device insertion was classified as 'success' or 'failure' based on patient response. From the isotonic regression analysis and bootstrap distribution, the EC50 of remifentanil for SLIPA and LMA were 0.93 ng x ml(-1) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 to 1.50 ng x ml(-1) and 1.36 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.19 to 2.06 ng x ml(-1)) respectively, and the EC95 for SLIPA and LMA insertions were 1.90 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.39 to 1.95) and 2.43 ng x ml(-1) (95% CI 1.80 to 2.46 ng x ml(-1)) respectively. Using the 83% CIs from the bootstrap distribution, EC50 for SLIPA was significantly less than that of LMA (0.83 to 1.23 vs 1.26 to 2.00, respectively) (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the insertion of SLIPA needs about a 32% lower depth of anaesthesia than LMA insertion.