Rapid and comprehensive indicator for evaluation of performance of treatment processes and of river waters

Naturally occurring UV active compounds, commonly present in almost all source waters, can be rapidly monitored by their ultraviolet absorbance at 260 nm (E260). Herein, the extent of correlation between the E260 and the removal efficiency of the hazardous contaminants, endocrine disrupters and dioxins, were investigated using various treatment and river source waters. The detection of various types of hazardous contaminants using sophisticated analytical methods, such as high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC)/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/inductively coupled plasma (ICP)/mass spectrometry (MS), as well as various short-term bioassays, can require hours or even days for results to be obtained. The removal of the E260 correlated well with those of individual contaminants, such as endocrine disruptor chemicals and dioxins, with the various treatment processes employed. In the plots of the endocrine disrupters against the DOC/E260, a correlation was found with the endocrine activity of the Korean/Japanese river waters employed in this study.

Global analysis of the human gastric epithelial transcriptome altered by Helicobacter pylori eradication in vivo

OBJECTIVE

The transcriptional profile of gastric epithelial cell lines cocultured with Helicobacter pylori and the global gene expression of whole gastric mucosa has been described previously. We aimed to overcome limitations of previous studies by determining the effects of H pylori eradication on the transcriptome of purified human gastric epithelium using each patient as their own control.

DESIGN

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to extract mRNA from paraffin-embedded antral epithelium from 10 patients with peptic ulcer disease, before and after H pylori eradication. mRNA was reverse transcribed and applied on to Affymetrix cDNA microarray chips customised for formalin-fixed tissue. Differentially expressed genes were identified and a subset validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

A total of 13 817 transcripts decreased and 9680 increased after H pylori eradication. Applying cut-off criteria (p<0.02, fold-change threshold 2.5) reduced the sample to 98 differentially expressed genes. Genes detected included those previously implicated in H pylori pathophysiology such as interleukin 8, chemokine ligand 3, beta defensin and somatostatin, as well as novel genes such as GDDR (TFIZ1), chemokine receptors 7 and 8, and gastrokine.

CONCLUSIONS

LCM of archival specimens has enabled the identification of gastric epithelial genes whose expression is considerably altered after H pylori eradication. This study has confirmed the presence of genes previously implicated in the pathogenesis of H pylori, as well as highlighted novel candidates for further investigation.

Fatty acids, inhibitors for the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max dimer, suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of differentiated HL-60 human leukemia cell

c-Myc is instrumental in the progression of Burkitt's lymphoma including HL-60 human leukemia cells. We tested fatty acids for their inhibitory effect on the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max dimeric proteins of human origin, prepared as recombinant proteins encompassing DNA binding (basic) and dimerization (HLHZip) domain, and found that those suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells. The analyzed IC50 values of myristic acid, stearic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid by EMSA were 97(+/-3), 2.2(+/-1.2), 55(+/-5), 32(+/-2), 62(+/-12), 22(+/-2)microM for DNA binding of recombinant c-Myc/Max, respectively. According to the results shown by XTT assay, their influence on proliferation was quite different from the rank order of IC50. Whereas the degree of influence of the unsaturated fatty acids on the proliferation of DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells was similar, the influence of saturated fatty acids, stearic acid in particular, was very weak at same concentrations. In addition, we confirmed that these fatty acids have no influence on the expression of c-Myc in DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells. Our experiments demonstrated that the inhibitors for the DNA binding of c-Myc/Max contribute to the downregulation of Myc-dependent proliferation and to the inducement of apoptosis, and serve as an exploration of potent new inhibitors.

Molecular profiling of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma identifies the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway as a therapeutic target in poor prognosis tumors

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive neoplastic proliferation derived from cells lining serosal membranes. The biological and clinical characteristics of epithelial type malignant mesothelioma are distinct from those of biphasic and sarcomatous type tumors. The goal of our study was to examine the molecular basis for this distinction. Microarray analysis confirmed that the molecular signatures of epithelial and biphasic histologic subtypes were distinct. Among the differentially expressed functional gene categories was the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which was upregulated in biphasic tumors. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated that 211H cells derived from biphasic tumors were synergistically sensitive to sequential combination regimens containing the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and oxaliplatin. The mechanism of this synergistic response, which was not detected in cells of epithelial tumor origin, was apoptosis. Together, our results identify the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway as a biomarker of poor prognosis biphasic peritoneal mesothelioma tumors and suggest that proteasome inhibitors could increase the effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy in this subset of patients.

Gene expression signatures associated with the resistance to imatinib

Imatinib (imatinib mesylate, STI-571, Gleevec) is a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been used as a highly effective chemoagent for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, the initial response to imatinib is often followed by the recurrence of a resistant form of the disease, which is major obstacle to many therapeutic modalities. The aim of this study was to identify the gene expression signatures that confer resistance to imatinib. A series of four resistant K562 sublines was established with different imatinib dosage (200, 400, 600 and 800 nM) and analyzed using microarray technology. The transcripts of the genes showing universal or dose-dependent expression changes across the resistant sublines were identified. The gene sets associated with the imatinib-resistance were also identified using gene set enrichment analysis. In the resistant K562 sublines, the transcription- and apoptosis-related expression signatures were upregulated, whereas those related to the protein and energy metabolism were downregulated. Several genes identified in this study such as IGF1 and RAB11A have the potential to become surrogate markers useful in a clinical evaluation of imatinib-resistant patients without BCR-ABL mutation. The expression signatures identified in this study provide insights into the mechanism of imatinib-resistance and are expected to facilitate the development of an effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

Phase II study of docetaxel and irinotecan combination chemotherapy in metastatic gastric carcinoma

The current treatment for metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) consists of cisplatin and/or fluorouracil (5-FU) based combination chemotherapy, but cisplatin-based regimens are associated with considerable toxicity. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a noncisplatin-, non-5-FU-containing regimen, docetaxel/irinotecan in MGC. Chemo-naive patients with MGC received docetaxel (30 mg m(-2)) and irinotecan (70 mg m(-2)) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. The 48 eligible patients (median age 56 years) received a median of four cycles of docetaxel/irinotecan (range 1-18). Of the 46 patients in whom efficacy could be evaluated, 21 showed a partial response (response rate=45.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.3-60.1%). At a median follow-up of 15.0 months, the median time to progression was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.8-5.2 months) and overall survival was 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.8-10.6 months). Grade 3/4 neutropenia developed in 57.4% of patients, and febrile neutropenia/neutropenic infection in 19.1%. Nonhaematological toxicities were moderate; grade 3/4 diarrhoea occurred in 19.1% of patients, however, was manageable by a dose reduction. There was one possible treatment-related death. In conclusion, weekly docetaxel/irinotecan is a promising outpatient regimen in MGC, with appropriate dose modification.

Spironolactone ameliorates renal injury and connective tissue growth factor expression in type II diabetic rats

Administration of spironolactone provides a beneficial effect in various animal models of renal injury. In this study, we investigated whether spironolactone prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy through reduction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) synthesis in type II diabetic rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of aldosterone and spironolactone on CTGF and collagen production in cultured cells. Renal functional and morphologic changes were examined in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats with or without spironolactone treatment (20 mg/kg/day) for 8 months, as well as in non-diabetic age-matched Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats. Spironolactone treatment did not induce any significant differences in body weight, kidney/body weight ratio, serum creatinine concentration, blood glucose levels, or systolic blood pressure. However, urinary protein and albumin excretion were significantly decreased in the spironolactone treatment group, which was associated with amelioration of glomerulosclerosis. In addition, renal CTGF, collagen synthesis demonstrated marked decreases in the spironolactone treatment group. In cultured MC and PTC, aldosterone induced significant increases in CTGF gene expression and protein synthesis associated with increased collagen synthesis, which was abolished by prior treatment with spironolactone. However, aldosterone treatment did not induce transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 overproduction, and inhibition of TGF-beta1 by neutralization of TGF-beta1 protein did not significantly prevent aldosterone-induced CTGF production. These results suggest that the antifibrotic effects of spironolactone may be mediated by CTGF through a TGF-beta1-independent pathway in this animal model of diabetic nephropathy.

Prevalence of anti-beta(2) glycoprotein-I antibody in patients with primary or secondary immune thrombocytopenia

We determined the prevalence of antibodies to beta(2) glycoprotein-I (beta(2) GPI) in sera of 57 patients with primary or secondary immune thrombocytopenia positive for platelet antibody (PAIgG) and in 16 healthy control subjects. Both isotypes (IgG and IgM) of anti-beta(2) GPI were detected by means of semiquantitative ELISA and platelet antibodies were measured by means of flow cytometry using FITC-labeled anti-human IgG. Six (10.5%) of 57 patients with immune thrombocytopenia had anti-beta(2) GPI, whereas none of the 16 healthy subjects had anti-beta(2) GPI. Four were positive for IgM anti-beta(2) GPI, one for IgG anti-beta(2) GPI, and one was positive both for IgM and IgG anti-beta(2) GPI. There was no significant association between the presence of anti-beta(2) GPI and the severity of thrombocytopenia. Our findings suggest that some patients with immune thrombocytopenia have anti-beta(2) GPI in addition to the increased PAIgG; however, the results do not support a major role for anti-beta(2) GPI in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia.

Mycoside G, a Specific Glycolipid in Mycobacterium marinum (Balnei)

Navalkar, R. G. (University of Wisconsin, Madison), E. Wiegeshaus, E. Kondo, H. K. Kim, and D. W. Smith. Mycoside G, a specific glycolipid in Mycobacterium marinum (Balnei). J. Bacteriol. 90:262-265. 1965.-A new specific glycolipid in extracts prepared from strains designated Mycobacterium marinum and M. balnei has been demonstrated by use of the techniques of column chromatography and infrared spectroscopy. Since there is now agreement among many workers that M. marinum and M. balnei are identical, the demonstration of the same specific glycolipid in both species is not surprising. This substance, which we have designated mycoside G, is chemically similar to mycosides A and B, and apparently differs only in the sugar moiety. In addition, the lipids extracted from these cultures contain phthiocerol dimycocerosate, a wax component found also in M. tuberculosis and M. bovis.

Identification of phenylpropanoids in methyl jasmonate treated Brassica rapa leaves using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Metabolic analysis showed a clear increase in phenylpropanoid levels in Brassica rapa leaves after treatment with methyl jasmonate. A fraction of phenylpropanoids was prepared by Diaion HP-20 and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography after MeOH-water extraction. Even with these purification steps, isolation of each phenylpropanoid for structure elucidation is not easy due to the low levels in the plants (ca. 0.004%). A mixture was analyzed without further purification using HPLC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Based on the NMR results including (1)H NMR, J-resolved, correlated spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) spectra, both (1)H and (13)C resonances of the compounds were obtained. Using these NMR data, five phenylpropanoids conjugated with malate were identified: 5-hydroxyferuloyl-, caffeoyl-, coumaroyl-, feruloyl-, and sinapoyl malate. Of the compounds, 5-hydroxyferuloyl malate is a new phenylpropanoid. In addition to the five constitutive phenylpropanoids bearing trans-configuration, their cis forms, which are believed to be artifacts formed in the course of extraction steps, were also identified in the fraction.

New cold-adapted lipase from Photobacterium lipolyticum sp. nov. that is closely related to filamentous fungal lipases

A Photobacterium strain, M37, showing lipolytic activity, was previously isolated from an intertidal flat of the Yellow Sea in Korea and identified as Photobacterium lipolyticum sp. nov. In the present study, the corresponding gene was cloned using the shotgun method. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence (1,023 bp) corresponded to a protein of 340 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 38,026. No sequence similarity was found with any known bacterial lipases/esterases; instead, the most similar enzymes were several filamentous fungal lipases. Although the similarity was very low (less than 16%), there were many conserved regions over the entire sequence and N-terminal oxyanion hole (RG) region, a signature sequence of filamentous fungal lipases. The novel protein M37 was produced in both a soluble and insoluble form when the Escherichia coli cells harboring the gene were cultured at 18 degrees C. The soluble protein exhibited lipase activity in a pH-stat assay using an olive oil emulsion. The M37 lipase also displayed a maximum activity at 25 degrees C and maintained its activity at a low temperature range (5-25 degrees C) with an activation energy (E(a)) of 2.07 kcal/mol. Accordingly, these results indicate that the M37 lipase from P. lipolyticum sp. nov. is a new cold-adapted enzyme.

Monte Carlo simulation of the photon beam characteristics from medical linear accelerators

The MCNPX code has been employed on a personal computer to calculate the dosimetric characteristics of the photon beams from the 6 MV Siemens MX2 and the 10 MV Varian Clinac 2100C linear accelerators. A model of the treatment head includes the major geometric structure within the beam path. The model was used to calculate the energy spectra of the photon beam, percentage depth dose and the dose profiles. The accuracy of the calculated results is examined by comparing them with the measured dose distributions for the two machines. The computed and measured depth dose curves agree to within 2% for all the depths beyond the build-up region for both treatment machines. The calculations agree to within 2% of the measured profiles within the 100-50% dose level. It has been found that the MCNPX code is an effective tool for simulating the clinical photon beam.

Effects of addition sequence and rapid mixing conditions on use of dual coagulants

The performance of dual coagulants in clay suspension was investigated in this study using aluminium chloride and the cationic polymer as coagulants. According to the study results, the performance of dual coagulants was affected by dosage of aluminium chloride. Beneficial effect by use of dual coagulants were only noted when aluminium chloride was underdosed. The addition sequence of coagulants was important for the performance of dual coagulants. Simultaneous addition resulted in the best performance, while addition of the polymer first resulted in the worst performance. Addition of aluminium chloride first resulted in the similar performance as single use of aluminium chloride. Although sulphate ion improved the floc characteristics, similar results were obtained. The effectiveness of rapid mixing depended on dosage of aluminium chloride. Extending rapid mixing (6 min) was beneficial when aluminium chloride was underdosed so that coagulation occurred at the combination region. However, such benefit was not observed at the optimum condition, which belonged to the sweep coagulation region. Different floc formation caused the difference. Extended rapid mixing would be beneficial when collision between clay particles and Al(III) was necessary. However, such benefit would disappear at the optimum condition because rapid mixing could break up the floc already formed.

Prevention of uncuffed hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia using an antibiotic lock technique: A prospective, randomized clinical trial

As a result of the high rate of infection, the NKF-K/DOQI guidelines recommended that an uncuffed catheter (UC) should not be used for longer than three weeks. However, the findings of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study recognized that 48% of new hemodialysis patients in the US and 75% in Europe used UC for temporary access during arteriovenous fistula or graft maturation. The antibiotic lock technique (ALT) has been recommended to prevent catheter-related bacteremia (CRB). Here, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy of catheter-restricted filling using an antibiotic lock solution in preventing CRB. A total of 120 new hemodialysis patients requiring a temporary catheter while waiting for placement and maturation of an arteriovenous fistula or graft were enrolled in this study. Patients with a UC were randomly assigned to receive either an antibiotic-heparin lock solution (antibiotic group: cefazolin 10 mg/ml, gentamicin 5 mg/ml, heparin 1000 U/ml) or a heparin lock solution (no-antibiotic group: heparin 1000 U/ml) as a catheter lock solution during the interdialytic period. The end point of the trial was CRB. CRB developed in seven (11.7%) patients in the no-antibiotic group (Staphylococcus aureus, two; Staphylococcus epidermidis, five) whereas only one patient in the antibiotic group had S. aureus bacteremia. CRB rates per 1000 catheter-days were 0.44 in the antibiotic group versus 3.12 in the no-antibiotic group (P=0.031). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that mean CRB-free catheter survival of 59 days (95% CI, 58-61 days) in the antibiotic group was greater than that in the no-antibiotic group (55 days; 95% CI, 50-59 days). The results suggest that ALT may be a beneficial means of reducing the CRB rate in hemodialysis patients with UC.

Fermented mushroom milk-supplemented dietary fibre prevents the onset of obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rats

AIM

Fermented milk product containing edible mushroom water extracts (mushroom yogurt; MY) has been reported to have glycaemic control and triglyceride-lowering effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Here, we investigated how MY-supplemented dietary fibre (10 and 20%, v/w) influences the onset of obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats.

METHODS

The OLETF rats were fed a powdered chow diet supplemented with MY at the levels of 10 (v/w) and 20% for 6 weeks from 10 weeks of age, but the OLETF control rats were not supplemented. Their weight, fat distribution and lipid profile have been determined.

RESULTS

The body weights in MY-fed rats were reduced compared with the control rats. The perirenal fat was decreased in both MY groups, but the visceral and epididymal fats reduced only in the MY 20% group. The concentrations of serum triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid in MY-fed rats were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the levels of other serum lipid profiles [total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol] were comparable among all rats.

CONCLUSION

Anti-obesity and triglyceride lowering by MY-supplemented dietary fibre in OLETF rats might have resulted from the synergistic effect of components in the fermented mushroom-milk product.

Ethnopharmacology and systems biology: a perfect holistic match

Traditional medical doctors often apply a holistic approach in prescribing medicines to the patient. Each individual patient gets his own optimalized medicine, usually a mixture of different ingredients. The present day paradigm of drug development of <single target, single compound>, is based on a super reductionist approach which involves mostly tests of compounds at the molecular level in, e.g., receptor binding assays. This approach is not the best for studies on traditional medicines. A more holistic approach using systems biology seems much more suited to proof efficacy and to obtain information that might lead to understanding the mode of action. Synergy, prodrugs, novel targets, all these might be detected by a systems biology approach whereas the reductioinist approach only will recognize activity on already known targets, and will not detect synergism and prodrugs. Metabolomics will be a major tool in recognizing compounds connected with activity in the traditional medicines, and will also be very useful in recognizing the effect on the test organism, which can be the patient in case of clinical trials with well established traditional medicines.

Coptis japonica root extract induces apoptosis through caspase3 activation in SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells

Apoptosis-modulating approaches offer an attractive opportunity for therapeutic use for many tumors. We investigated the effects of the roots of Coptis japonica var. dissecta (Ranunculaceae) on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-668. The cytotoxicity of Coptis japonica at 100 microg/ml (methanol extract) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was 13.89 +/- 1.91% of control value. Considering the features by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, it was confirmed that the death of SNU-668 cells was due to apoptosis. In the apoptosis-regulating genes, BCL2 expression was diminished out, whereas BAX and CASP3 expressions were increased, compared with control. Furthermore, the activity of caspase3 was significantly increased by Coptis japonica treatment. These results suggest that Coptis japonica could induce apoptotic anticancer effect through caspase3 activation on SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells.

Characteristics of population with normal serum creatinine impaired renal function and: The validation of a MDRD formula in a healthy general population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provides the most accurate estimation of renal function. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with impaired renal function having a normal serum creatinine level. We also validated whether the new Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula can be applied in a healthy general population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total 393 participants who had serum creatinine concentration below 132.6 micromol/L without underlying diseases were randomly selected on an address basis in Ansan City. According to the level of GFR, they were divided into 3 groups and we analyzed their clinical characteristics. In 75 subjects, who were randomly selected 25 cases in each group based on GFR estimated by Cockcroft-Gault (C-G) formula, true GFR was measured using the 99mTc-DTPA renal clearance method.

RESULTS

A total 393 (male: 106, female: 287) participants were as follows: GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2; 4% (n = 25); 60 < or = GFR < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2; 26.2% (n = 103); GFR > or = 90 ml/min/1.73 m2; 67.4% (n = 265). In the group of decreased GFR, the mean age was older (67.4+/-10.7 vs. 48.7+/-12.8 vs. 39.4+/-8.2 years, p < 0.001), the gender was male (90.33+/-28.77 vs. 110.55+/-31.64, p < 0.001), and amount of proteinuria more increased (0.61 (0.56) vs. 0.33 (0.34) vs. 0.38 (0.33) gm/day, p = 0.007). The accuracy and precision of each formula were assessed by the difference in GFR measured by the 99mTc-DTPA renal clearance method--estimated GFR by each formula (deltaGFR), and the coefficient of determination (r2) of different predictive equations. The results were as follows: deltaGFR = -14.78+/-46.03, r2 = 0.79 (24-hour urinary creatinine clearance), deltaGFR=-16.79+/-57.32, r2 = 0.66 (100/serum creatinine), deltaGFR = 9.54+/-39.18, r2 = 0.87 (C-G formula), deltaGFR = -12.30+/-54.31, r2 = 0.66 (AASK formula), deltaGFR = 8.70+/-37.62, r2 = 0.79 (MDRD formula). Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that age, serum creatinine, total cholesterol and 24-hour urinary protein excretion were independently related to GFR and associated with a significant increase in the risk of decrement of GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results, a more accurate assessment of renal function should be required in a population characterized by older age, male gender and more proteinuria. The MDRD study formula and Cockcroft-Gault formula have greater accuracy and precision with true GFR, and this equation can be applied in subjects with healthy general population.

Celluloid strip-finished versus polished composite surface: difference in surface discoloration in microhybrid composites

The aim of this study was to compare the surface discoloration of polished and celluloid strip-finished composite surfaces in microhybrid type composites and to determine whether or not the discoloration of a celluloid strip-finished composite surface is reduced if oxygen inhibition on the surface can be prevented. The composite surfaces were celluloid-strip finished (group 1), polished (group 2), or celluloid-strip finished under nitrogen gas purging (group 3). Z100, Spectrum, and Aelitefil were used as the test materials. After each surface treatment, the samples were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 24 h and placed in a disclosing solution (0.2% Erythrosin, pH 7.0) for 7 days in the dark. A computer controlled spectrophotometer was used to determine the CIELAB co-ordinates (L*, a*, b*). For each composite, the degree of discoloration among the groups was compared with a one-way ANOVA test. A Dunnett's t-test was then performed to compare the colour change in group 1 with that of group 2 or group 3. In all materials, there were no statistical differences in the surface discoloration between group 1 and group 2. In the Aelitefil and Spectrum test materials, the samples in group 3 showed a lower level of discoloration than the those in group 1. In Z100, there was no statistical difference. In microhybrid composites, there was no difference in surface discoloration between celluloid strip-finished and the polished surface. Nitrogen gas purging during the polymerization process on the celluloid strip-finished composite surface might be useful for reducing the discoloration celluloid strip-finished surface in microhybrid composites.

Mutational analysis of forkhead transcriptional factor 2 (FOXL2) in Korean patients with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome

We screened for mutations in the forkhead transcription factor gene, FOXL2, in Korean patients with sporadic or familial blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) by polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing. Five of nine BPES families and three of seven sporadic cases were detected to have FOXL2 mutations. We identified four types of FOXL2 mutations, two of which are novel. A new 14 bp deletion (939-952del14) causing a frameshift from G235W and the extension of the predicted protein to 527 amino acids was detected in a BPES family patient. In addition, a novel 845C > A transversion, resulting in a nonsense mutation (S203X), was found in a sporadic case of BPES. The previously reported in-frame 30 bp duplication (909-938dup30) was the most common mutation and was found in eight patients of four BPES families and one sporadic case. A known 17 bp duplication (1080-1096dup17) was observed in a sporadic BPES case. We were unable to find a causal mutation in four BPES families and four sporadic cases. These results suggest that in a fraction of BPES patients, the genetic defect might be associated with a mutation in the non-coding region of the FOXL2 gene or in other genes.

Effects of Paeonia lactiflora root extracts on the secretions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and -3 in human nasal fibroblasts

In the field of Oriental medicine, the root of Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniae Radix) has been prescribed usually to treat the common cold, and it was thought to alleviate upper respiratory infection or nasal inflammation. Monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCP)-1 and MCP-3 are known as the most potent chemokines to mediate allergic inflammation. The object of the study was to investigate the effect of Paeoniae Radix on the release of the chemokines such as MCP-1 and MCP-3. To detect the secretion of MCPs, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for human nasal mucosal fibroblasts after stimulation with several cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). The secretion of MCP-1 was increased after stimulation with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta treatment. Co-treatment of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, or IL-1beta and IFN-gamma increased the secretion of MCP-1 and MCP-3. Paeoniae Radix was tested with inflammatory cytokines, and the results showed that the Paeoniae Radix significantly decreased the secretion of MCP-1 and MCP-3. In our study, Paeoniae Radix may play an important role in nasal inflammation with a modulation of MCP-1 and MCP-3.

Social support exchange and quality of life among the Korean elderly

This study examined the impact of providing and receiving support on the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly. Trained interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews with 714 rural community residents aged 60 and over in Korea. Subjects were asked a series of structured questions including age, sex, living arrangement, physical functions, and the frequency of providing and receiving support in their network (spouse, children, and friends). The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale was used to measure degree of QOL. Results indicated that respondents had family-centered support networks. We found a significant correlation between support and physical functions and, less strongly, between support and age. When physical function was controlled, ANOVAs (Analyses of Variance) showed that providing support to their children and friends was more strongly related to QOL score than receiving support from the in both males and females. Overall, the elderly who exchanged support frequently, both providing and receiving support, showed the highest QOL in most situations. Researchers and policy makers should explore the potential benefits of providing support as well as receiving support.

Naringin supplementation lowers plasma lipids and enhances erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in hypercholesterolemic subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Preliminary studies have shown that naringin has a potent lipid-lowering effect and antioxidant capacity in high-cholesterol diet fed animals. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of naringin on hypercholesterolemic subjects.

METHODS

A hypercholesterolemic group (n=30) and healthy control group (n=30) were established based on the plasma cholesterol levels in the subjects, then all subjects received naringin (400mg/capsule/day) with regular meals for a period of 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In the hypercholesterolemic subjects, naringin supplementation was found to lower the plasma total cholesterol by 14% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations by 17%, while the plasma triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations remained unaffected. The apolipoprotein B levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects were significantly lowered after naringin treatment, yet no change was observed in the apolipoprotein A-1 levels. The erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the hypercholesterolemic group were significantly increased, whereas the glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma TBARS levels were not different from the baseline measurements. Meanwhile, naringin supplementation had no affect on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and TBARS levels or antioxidant enzyme activities in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, these data suggest that naringin may play an important role in lowering plasma cholesterol and regulating the antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Elevated levels of circulating platelet microparticles, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES in patients with gastric cancer: possible role of a metastasis predictor

The activation of coagulation, angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines are considered to be related with tumour growth and metastasis. We investigated the plasma levels of platelet microparticles (PMP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-6, and the chemokine RANTES in patients with gastric cancer (n=109) and in healthy controls (n=29). The plasma levels of PMP, IL-6 and RANTES were significantly higher in the patients than in the healthy controls, and plasma levels of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were significantly higher in patients with stage IV disease than those in patients with stage I or stage II/III. In terms of predicting distant metastasis, the sensitivities of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were 93.3%, 56.7%, 70.0% and 81.8%, respectively, and the corresponding specificities were 91.1%, 64.6%, 79.7% and 50.0%. Among these parameters, PMP had the highest diagnostic accuracy. Significant correlations were found between PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES. This study demonstrates that the plasma levels of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were markedly increased in patients with stage IV disease, and that these increased plasma levels of IL-6, RANTES, and especially PMP, might be useful for identifying metastatic gastric patients.

Development of Gerontological Nursing Curriculum Model

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop gerontological curriculum model which reflects the need of Korean society.

METHOD

Three round Delphi survey method was applied to find consensus of gerontological nursing competencies (knowledge, attitudes and skills) for graduates of nursing schools from the panel of gerontological nursing practice experts. Important concepts in gerontological nursing were delineated from literature review and discussions of gerontological nursing educators. Based on these results the gerontological nursing curriculum model was developed and course structure outlined by the researchers as a group.

RESULT

As the result of delphi survey, 32 items of knowledge, 29 items of attitude, and 21 items of skill were identified. The curriculum model constructed around a cube with three plane- functional capacity levels, settings, and nursing practice. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills for gerontological theory and practicum course were suggested. Competency items were assigned to theory and/or practice.

CONCLUSION

A curriculum model for gerontological nursing has been developed by a group of gerontological nursing educators. The curriculum model should be further tested and developed with detailed theory and practicum course outline and textbooks.