Characterization of the interaction between astrocytes and encephalitogenic lymphocytes during the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitomyelitis (EAE) in mice

The nature of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) have long been debated. However, limited research was conducted to define the interplay between infiltrating lymphocytes and resident cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Data presented in this report describe a novel role for astrocyte-mediated alterations to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)(35-55) -specific lymphocyte responses, elicited during the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitomyelitis (EAE). In-vitro studies demonstrated that astrocytes inhibited the proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion levels of MOG(35-55) -specific lymphocytes, an effect that could be ameliorated by astrocyte IL-27 neutralization. However, when astrocytes were pretreated with IFN-γ, they could promote the proliferation and secretion levels of MOG(35-55) -specific lymphocytes, coinciding with apparent expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II on astrocytes themselves. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) demonstrated that production of IL-27 in the spinal cord was at its highest during the initial phases. Conversely, production of IFN-γ in the spinal cord was highest during the peak phase. Quantitative analysis of MHC-II expression in the spinal cord showed that there was a positive correlation between MHC-II expression and IFN-γ production. In addition, astrocyte MHC-II expression levels correlated positively with IFN-γ production in the spinal cord. These findings suggested that astrocytes might function as both inhibitors and promoters of EAE. Astrocytes prevented MOG(35-55) -specific lymphocyte function by secreting IL-27 during the initial phases of EAE. Then, in the presence of higher IFN-γ levels in the spinal cord, astrocytes were converted into antigen-presenting cells. This conversion might promote the progression of pathological damage and result in a peak of EAE severity.

Defining relatedness in studies of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms: variability in definitions across studies and impact of different approaches on study conclusions

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of studies evaluating patient-to-patient transmission of organisms is difficult, given the lack of standardized criteria. We used fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (FQREC) as a model to characterize variability in definitions of relatedness across studies and to evaluate the resultant impact on study conclusions.

DESIGN

Narrative review and cohort study.

METHODS

The narrative review compared relatedness criteria across studies of FQREC. Additionally, an existing database was used to compare relatedness of isolates on the basis of molecular criteria alone versus molecular plus clinical criteria with different temporal cutoffs (hospitalization overlap of ≥1 day or allowance for nonoverlap of hospitalization dates of ≤7 days or ≤30 days).

RESULTS

Forty-six articles met narrative review inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies exclusively utilized molecular criteria to define relatedness. Thirty studies included molecular and clinical criteria. Of these, 6 included temporal data (ie, time period of isolate identification), 10 included patient location, and 14 included proximity and temporal criteria. For the database analysis, 353 patients were colonized with FQREC. There were 2 main clusters containing 48 and 17 related isolates within 49 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types. Among the clusters, 18.4% of isolates were related by molecular criteria. Incorporating clinical criteria, fewer isolates were considered related: 5.7% of isolates using 30-day criteria, 3.1% using 7-day criteria, and 1.4% using 1-day overlap.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variability in definitions of relatedness of FQREC. Utilizing molecular criteria alone to define relatedness overestimates transmission compared with definitions including clinical criteria. Standard definitions of relatedness in studies of antimicrobial-resistant organisms are needed.

The effect of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type on clinical outcomes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

OBJECTIVES

The impact of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type on mortality in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the association between SCCmec type and mortality in MRSA bacteremia.

METHODS

A cohort study of patients who were hospitalized with MRSA bacteremia was conducted within a university health system. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the association of SCCmec type with 30-day in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of a total of 184 patients with MRSA bacteremia died, resulting in a mortality rate of 18.5%. Adjusted risk factors for 30-day mortality included APRDRG Risk of Mortality score (odds ratio [OR], 5.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28-12.4; P<0.001), white blood cell count (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.15; P=0.002), and malignancy (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.17-9.02; P=0.02). On multivariable analyses, SCCmec II was not significantly associated with mortality in patients with MRSA bacteremia (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.69-4.92; P=0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality in MRSA bacteremia was independent of SCCmec type. SCCmec type II is most likely a marker for disease severity rather than a direct mediator of mortality. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors associated with poor clinical outcomes in MRSA infections.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal tract colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species in hospitalized patients

We describe the prevalence of and risk factors for colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species (ESBL-EK) in hospitalized patients. The prevalence of colonization with ESBL-EK was 2.6%. Colonization was associated with cirrhosis, longer duration of hospital stay prior to surveillance, and prior exposure to clindamycin or meropenem.

Risk factors for efflux pump overexpression in fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for efflux overexpression, an important mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance, among patients with fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (FQREC) gastrointestinal tract colonization.

METHODS

Three annual fecal surveillance surveys were performed hospital-wide, and all patients colonized with FQREC (levofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration, ≥8 μg/mL) were included in the study. Cases and controls were defined on the basis of overexpression of the AcrAB efflux pump, as measured by the organic solvent tolerance (OST) assay. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for OST positivity among patients with FQREC colonization.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients were colonized with FQREC: 44 (49.4%) and 45 (50.6%) patients had isolates that were OST-positive and OST-negative, respectively. On multivariable analyses, location on the surgical service was significantly associated with recovery of an OST-positive isolate (odds ratio, 7.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.82-29.7; P = .005). Furthermore, patients who had received a first-generation cephalosporin in the 30 days prior to sampling were less likely to have an OST-positive isolate (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, .04-.94; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Among phenotypically identical FQREC isolates, different factors may drive the emergence of different resistance mechanisms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between antimicrobial use and specific resistance mechanisms.

Effect of adding a mycotoxin-sequestering agent on milk aflatoxin M₁ concentration and the performance and immune response of dairy cattle fed an aflatoxin B₁-contaminated diet

This project aimed to examine the effects of adding 2 doses of a montmorillonite-based mycotoxin adsorbent on milk aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) concentrations and the performance and innate immune response of dairy cows fed an aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1))-contaminated diet. Eight lactating cows were used in a duplicated 4×4 Latin square design with 12-d periods. Treatments included the following: (1) control diet (C), (2) aflatoxin diet (T) containing C and 75 µg of AFB(1)/kg, 3) low-clay (LC) diet containing T and Calibrin A (Amlan International, Chicago, IL) added at 0.2% of the diet dry matter (DM), and 4) high-clay diet (HC) containing T and Calibrin A added at 1% of the diet DM. Milk production and DM intake were recorded daily and milk was sampled twice daily on d 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in each period. Blood samples were collected on d 5 and 9 of each period. Dietary treatments did not affect DM intake, milk yield, or feed efficiency. Even though cows were limit fed, feeding T instead of C reduced milk fat yield (0.67 vs. 0.74 kg/d) and milk protein concentration (3.28 vs. 3.36%). Concentrations of AFM(1) in milk of cows fed the T and LC diets were similar (0.57 and 0.64 µg/kg) and greater than those of cows fed the HC diet (0.46 µg/kg). Haptoglobin concentration was greater (22.0 vs. 14.4) and β(2)-integrin expression (220 vs. 131) tended to be greater in cows fed diet T instead of C, but values for cows fed LC, HC, and C did not differ. In comparison to C, feeding T increased the innate immune response and decreased milk fat yield and milk protein concentration, but feeding LC and HC did not affect these measures. Only the HC diet reduced milk AFM(1) concentration.

Autonomic dysfunction in ischemic stroke with carotid stenosis

OBJECTIVES

Impaired autonomic function is common in acute ischemic stroke. Previous limited studies have suggested that atherosclerosis may affect the distensibility of the carotid sinus and then impair the cardiovascular autonomic function. This study sought to investigate cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with ischemic stroke with carotid stenosis.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients with ischemic stroke (58 ones without carotid stenosis and 27 ones with carotid stenosis, average 6 months after stroke onset) and 37 elderly controls were recruited. All performed Ewing's battery autonomic function tests.

RESULTS

From Ewing's battery of autonomic function tests, atypical, definite, or severe autonomic dysfunction was identified in 69.0% patients without carotid stenosis and 88.9% with carotid stenosis, with significant difference between the two groups, and the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in both groups was higher than that in controls (21.6%). Patients with carotid stenosis showed impairment of all parasympathetic tests (all P < 0.05) and one of the sympathetic tests [Mean fall in systolic blood pressure (BP) on standing: P = 0.051], and those without carotid stenosis only showed impairment in two parasympathetic tests (Valsalva ratio: P = 0.014; heart rate response to deep breathing: P < 0.001) in comparison with controls. Patients with carotid stenosis had significantly more impairment than those without carotid stenosis in some autonomic parameters (Valsalva ratio: P < 0.05; mean fall in systolic BP on standing: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular autonomic function is impaired in patients with ischemic stroke, but patients with carotid stenosis show more severely impaired parasympathetic and sympathetic functions.

Reduced vancomycin susceptibility and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type distribution in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

OBJECTIVES

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that genotypic and phenotypic characteristics that have typically distinguished community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and healthcare-associated MRSA strains may be evolving. The objective of this study was to examine the association between reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type in MRSA bloodstream isolates.

METHODS

A cohort study of patients who were hospitalized from 2007 to 2009 with S. aureus bacteraemia was conducted within a university health system. Bivariable analyses were conducted to determine the association between RVS and SCCmec type, as well as other microbiological characteristics including Panton-Valentine leucocidin, accessory gene regulator (agr) dysfunction and vancomycin heteroresistance.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients with MRSA bacteraemia were identified: 116 (61.7%) and 72 (38.3%) patients had infections due to healthcare-associated MRSA and community-associated MRSA, respectively. As defined by a vancomycin Etest MIC > 1.0 mg/L, the prevalence of RVS was 40.4%. Isolates with RVS were significantly more likely to be associated with SCCmec II compared with isolates without RVS (74.7% and 47.3%, respectively, P < 0.001), but not with Panton-Valentine leucocidin (P = 0.10), agr dysfunction (P = 0.19) or healthcare-associated infection (P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrate important microbiological characteristics among MRSA isolates characterized by RVS, including a significant association between SCCmec II and elevated vancomycin MIC. It is clear that the clinical and molecular epidemiology of MRSA is evolving, and further understanding of factors determining virulence will be important for the elucidation of optimal treatment approaches for associated infections.

Relationship between radiological characteristics and combined 1p and 19q deletion in World Health Organization grade III oligodendroglial tumours

OBJECTIVE

The radiological characteristics of World Health Organization grade III oligodendroglial tumours in relation to chromosome 1p and 19q deletions were analysed.

METHODS

56 patients recently diagnosed with anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO, n=49) or anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA, n=7) were studied. Their preoperative magnetic resonance images were examined. Deletions of chromosome 1p and 19q were determined using the fluorescence in situ hybridisation method. Both 1p and 19q chromosomes had deletions (1p19q codeletion) in 39 patients (36 AO and 3 AOA).

RESULTS

Tumors associated with the 1p19q codeletion were predominantly located in the frontal lobe (p=0.044). The magnetic resonance image characteristics of indistinct tumour borders (p=0.005 on T1, p=0.036 on T2) and a heterogeneous intratumoural signal intensity (p=0.033 on T1, p=0.041 on T2) were significantly correlated with the 1p19q codeletion. Analysis of patient survival showed those with the 1p19q-co-deleted tumours survived significantly longer than those lacking the 1p19q codeletion (p=0.042). The presence of a heterogeneous signal intensity in T2-weighted images, a characteristic significantly related to the 1p19q codeletion, indicated a favourable prognosis for patients' survival (HR; 0.125, 95% CI, 0.016 to 0.963, p=0.046) based on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

A relationship between radiological characteristics and molecular signatures in AO/AOAs was shown. It is believed that radiological characteristics have prognostic value as a surrogate marker for molecular characteristics.

Crystallization of high-amylose starch by the addition of plasticizers at low and intermediate concentrations

The antiplasticization effect of plasticizers (that is, polyols and monosaccharides) in starch films was investigated. Pea starch films were plasticized by various polyols and monosaccharides at the levels of 0% to 25% (w/w, plasticizer/starch). After 14 d of storage at 50% relative humidity, the crystallinity of pea starch films increased with increasing concentration of plasticizers from 0% to 20%. Accordingly, moisture content, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and elongation decreased with increasing plasticizer concentration from 0% to 20%, showing the antiplasticization effect. The addition of plasticizers above 20% reduced the crystallinity of starch films, consequently showing the plasticization effect. The results showed that the addition of the plasticizers facilitated the crystallization of the polymer chains through the antiplasticization phenomenon at the concentration range below 15%. Above 20%, plasticizers performed the conventional plasticization effect. Each plasticizer had different critical concentration where the antiplasticization was converted to plasticization.

Metabolic syndrome and quality of life (QOL) using generalised and obesity-specific QOL scales

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessed using generalised and obesity-specific QOL instruments.

METHODS

We recruited 456 outpatients [age: 19-81 years, body mass index (BMI): 16.3-36.7 kg/m2] in the primary care division from 12 general hospitals in Korea. HRQOL was measured using EuroQol comprising the health states descriptive system (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) as a general instrument. The Korean Obesity-related QOL scale (KOQOL) composed of six domains was used as a disease-specific QOL instrument. MS was defined on the basis of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria with Korean-specific waist circumference cutoffs (men: 90 cm, women: 85 cm).

RESULTS

Subjects with MS displayed significantly higher impairment of EQ-5D and KOQOL. Binary logistic regression analysis of MS patients with controls for age, gender, smoking, alcohol, exercise, education, income, marital status and medication history disclosed odds ratio (OR) values of 2.13 (1.33-3.41) for impaired total KOQOL, 2.07 (1.31-3.27) for impaired physical health, 1.63 (1.03-2.60) for impaired work-related health, 2.42 (1.45-4.04) for impaired routine life, 2.08 (1.27-3.40) for impaired sexual life and 2.56 (1.59-4.11) for diet distress. Among the EQ-5D dimensions, only pain/discomfort displayed a significantly increased OR of 1.60 (1.01-2.56) in MS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with MS displayed a significantly impaired HRQOL compared with those without MS. MS and HRQOL were more strongly associated in obesity-specific QOL than in generalised QOL.

Beyond Li Fraumeni Syndrome: clinical characteristics of families with p53 germline mutations

PURPOSE

A clinical testing cohort was used to gain a broader understanding of the spectrum of tumors associated with germline p53 mutations to aid clinicians in identifying high-risk families.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Full sequencing of the coding exons (2 to 11) and associated splice junctions of the p53 gene was performed on 525 consecutive patients whose blood samples were submitted for diagnostic testing. Clinical features of p53 germline carriers in this cohort were characterized, clinical referral schemes based on reported p53-associated family phenotypes were evaluated, and practical mutation prevalence tables were generated.

RESULTS

Mutations were identified in 91 (17%) of 525 patients submitted for testing. All families with a p53 mutation had at least one family member with a sarcoma, breast, brain, or adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Every individual with a choroid plexus tumor (eight of eight) and 14 of 21 individuals with a childhood ACC had a mutation regardless of family history. Based on reported personal and family history, 95% of patients (71 of 75) with a mutation met either classic Li Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) or Chompret criteria. A simplified prevalence table provides a concise summary of individual and family characteristics associated with p53 mutations.

CONCLUSION

This is, to our knowledge, the largest single report of diagnostic testing for germline p53 mutations, yielding practical mutation prevalence tables and suggesting clinical utility of classic LFS and Chompret criteria for identifying a subset of cancer-prone families with p53 germline mutations, with important implications for diagnosis and management.

Coating of peanuts with edible whey protein film containing alpha-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate

Physical properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating solution incorporating ascorbic palmitate (AP) and alpha-tocopherol (tocopherol) were characterized, and the antioxidant activity of dried WPI coatings against lipid oxidation in roasted peanuts were investigated. The AP and tocopherol were mixed into a 10% (w/w) WPI solution containing 6.7% glycerol. Process 1 (P1) blended an AP and tocopherol mixture directly into the WPI solution using a high-speed homogenizer. Process 2 (P2) used ethanol as a solvent for dissolving AP and tocopherol into the WPI solution. The viscosity and turbidity of the WPI coating solution showed the Newtonian fluid behavior, and 0.25% of critical concentration of AP in WPI solution rheology. After peanuts were coated with WPI solutions, color changes of peanuts were measured during 16 wk of storage at 25 degrees C, and the oxidation of peanuts was determined by hexanal analysis using solid-phase micro-extraction samplers and GC-MS. Regardless of the presence of antioxidants in the coating layer, the formation of hexanal from the oxidation of peanut lipids was reduced by WPI coatings, which indicates WPI coatings protected the peanuts from oxygen permeation and oxidation. However, the incorporation of antioxidants in the WPI coating layer did not show a significant difference in hexanal production from that of WPI coating treatment without incorporation of antioxidants.

Sorption isotherm and plasticization effect of moisture and plasticizers in pea starch film

Pea starch films were produced with various plasticizers (glucose, fructose, mannose, sorbitol, and glycerol). Effects of plasticizer content (4.34 to 10.87 mmol/g of dry starch) and storage relative humidity (RH) (11.3% to 75.4%) on moisture content (MC), tensile strength (TS), elongation (E), modulus of elasticity (EM), and water vapor permeability (WVP) were evaluated using response surface methodology. MC was influenced strongly by RH. Glycerol-plasticized films had the highest MC, indicating that water molecules played a more important role in plasticizing starch films. Monosaccharide-plasticized films and polyol-plasticized films had similar TS values. However, monosaccharide-plasticized films had higher E values and lower EM values than polyol-plasticized films, meaning monosaccharides had better efficiency in plasticizing starch films. Recrystallization happened in glucose- and sorbitol-plasticized films when they were stored in high RH. Sorption isotherm studies showed the similar adsorption and desorption profiles for all 3 monosaccharide-plasticized films and a hysteresis. The Flory-Huggius model fitted experimental data best for starch films, while the BET model fitted the data marginally.

Role for the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in mediating light input to the circadian system

Light information reaches the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) through a subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells that utilize glutamate as a neurotransmitter. A variety of evidence suggests that the release of glutamate then activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors within the SCN and triggers a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to phase shifts in the circadian system. In this study, we first sought to explore the role of the NR2B subunit in mediating the effects of light on the circadian system of hamsters and mice. We found that localized microinjection of the NR2B subunit antagonist ifenprodil into the SCN region reduces the magnitude of light-induced phase shifts of the circadian rhythm in wheel-running activity. Next, we found that the NR2B message and levels of phospho-NR2B vary with time of day in SCN tissue using semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Functionally, we found that blocking the NR2B subunit with ifenprodil significantly reduced the magnitude of NMDA currents recorded in SCN neurons. Ifenprodil also significantly reduced the magnitude of NMDA-induced Ca2+ changes in SCN cells. Together, these results demonstrate that the NR2B subunit is an important component of NMDA receptor-mediated responses within SCN neurons and that this subunit contributes to light-induced phase shifts of the mammalian circadian system.

Visceral adipose tissue as a predictor for metabolic risk factors in the Korean population

AIMS

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We have investigated the appropriate VAT cut-off values for predicting metabolic risk factors in the Korean population.

METHODS

We assessed 276 men and 540 women aged 17-69 years who were undergoing regular health examinations. Anthropometry, metabolic risk factors and VAT area determined by computed tomography were measured. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to define VAT cut-off points for metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Based on the first quintile of VAT, the odds ratios for having metabolic risk factors increased significantly with each VAT quintile in both men and women. Using ROC analysis, the appropriate VAT cut-offs for metabolic risk factors were 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women. Regression lines indicated that, in men, a VAT of 100 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 88.1 cm and a body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 kg/m(2); in women, a VAT of 70 cm(2) corresponded to a waist circumference of 84.0 cm and a BMI of 25.1 kg/m(2).

CONCLUSION

VAT cut-offs of 100 cm(2) in men and 70 cm(2) in women are useful for defining visceral obesity in Korean subjects. These VAT cut-offs were validated by the ethnic-specific cut-offs for waist circumference and BMI for Korean individuals.

Extrusion of pea starch containing lysozyme and determination of antimicrobial activity

Pea starch, which has inherently good gel strength, was used as the source material for manufacturing a biodegradable and bioactive packaging material. Extrudates containing 99% pea starch and 1% lysozyme were produced under various extrusion conditions (high and low shear screw configurations, 30% to 40% moisture contents, 70 to 150 degrees C die temperatures). The physical and mechanical properties of the extrudates were determined through various expansion indices, piece and cell wall solid density, compression, and 3-point bending tests. The expansion of extrudates increased with an increase in die temperature, whereas increasing moisture content had the opposite effect. Extrudate densities decreased as extrusion temperature increased, whereas lower moisture content in the extrudate dough decreased extrudate densities. The elastic modulus and fracture strengths were highly correlated in a power-law fashion to relative density, showing that the mechanical properties of extrudates were dependent on solid density and foam structure. Up to 48% of the initial lysozyme activity was recovered from the extruded pea starch matrix. The lysozyme released from extrudates showed an inhibition zone against Brochotrix thermosphacta B2. Extruded pea starch matrix containing lysozyme has potential application as an edible and biodegradable packaging material with antimicrobial activity.

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)

Green tea is a popular worldwide beverage, and its potential beneficial effects such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties are believed to be mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of polyphenols. Recently, it was reported that EGCG might be useful in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia by selectively inhibiting 5alpha-reductase activity. However, no report has been issued to date on the effect of EGCG on human hair growth. This study was undertaken to measure the effect of EGCG on hair growth in vitro and to investigate its effect on human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vivo and in vitro. EGCG promoted hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo culture and the proliferation of cultured DPCs. The growth stimulation of DPCs by EGCG in vitro may be mediated through the upregulations of phosphorylated Erk and Akt and by an increase in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Similar results were also obtained in in vivo dermal papillae of human scalps. Thus, we suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth through these dual proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs.

Suitability of pea starch and calcium alginate as antimicrobial coatings on chicken skin

The effect of incorporating trisodium phosphate (TSP) in pea starch (PS) and acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) in calcium alginate upon the antimicrobial activity of TSP and ASC was studied against a 3-strain cocktail of Salmonella inoculated on chicken skin. The influence of polymer coating concentration on skin pH, coating-skin adhesion, and coating absorption upon antimicrobial performance were investigated. Aqueous solutions of 0.5 to 4.8% (wt/vol) PS were prepared with 10% (wt/vol) TSP (PS + TSP coating), and alginate + ASC coatings contained 1% (wt/vol) calcium chloride in 1,200 ppm of ASC mixed with an aqueous solution of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% (wt/vol) sodium alginate. Coating drops (10 microL) were placed on chicken skin thighs, and the angle formed by the tangent of the liquid surface at the skin interface (contact angle) was measured using a digital camera to assess coating-skin adhesion. Excised skins were mounted in a ring holder, and 5 mL of the coatings was applied to the skin. Weight changes in the skins that were related to coating absorptiveness were recorded. The TSP dissolved in 3.5% PS and ASC in 1% alginate reduced Salmonella by 1.6 log cfu/g and 1.4 log cfu/g, respectively, within 24 h. These reductions were significantly greater than those caused by TSP or ASC alone in water for up to 120 h. In coatings, TSP and ASC caused significant elevation or reduction of skin surface pH for up to 120 h, respectively. The TSP destabilized PS with 88% of the coating having dripped from the skin 1 h later. Coatings with 0.5% PS were absorbed quickly by the skin and had high skin adhesion, whereas those with >3.5% PS had low skin adhesion and slow absorption. Alginate coatings with or without ASC were stable, and about 50% of the coating weight was retained at 120 h. The latter coatings appeared to have low absorptiveness because the skin gained approximately 1.0% of its weight within 60 min following application. These findings indicate that effects of the agents in coatings on skin pH, the extent of coating adhesion, and absorption may contribute to overall antimicrobial behaviors.

Prevalence and trends of metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 1998-2001

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major international health problem. Limited information is available about the prevalence of MetS in Asia, especially in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence and trends of MetS in a Korean population. In addition, we investigated the risk factors associated with MetS.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 7445 participants aged >/=20 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHNS) 1998 and 5964 participants from the KNHNS 2001 were included in this analysis. The KNHNS is a cross-sectional health survey of a nationally representative sample of the Korean population. The prevalence of MetS was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and the Asia-Pacific criteria for obesity based on waist circumference (APC-WC).

RESULTS

Using the ATP III criteria, the age-adjusted prevalence of MetS among Korean adults was 15.7% (13.7% male, 17.8% female) in 1998 and 14.4% (13.0% male, 16.2% female) in 2001. Using the APC-WC criteria, the prevalence was 21.6% (19.4% male, 23.9% female) in 1998 and 21.4% (20.1% male, 23.4% female) in 2001. Of the five MetS components, increasing trends were found between 1998 and 2001 in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and central obesity for both men and women. Age, sex, body mass index and a family history of diabetes were associated with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

These results from a representative sample show that MetS is common in Korean adults. A systemic public health programme is required to prevent future increases in diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

7-Ketocholesterol enhances 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in PC12 cells

The present study investigated the promoting effect of oxysterol 7-ketocholesterol against the cytotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) in differentiated PC12 cells. 7-Ketocholesterol significantly enhanced the MPP(+)-induced nuclear damage, decrease in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH. N-Acetylcysteine, ascorbate, trolox, carboxy-PTIO and Mn-TBAP reduced the cytotoxic effect of MPP(+) in the presence of 7-ketocholesterol. The results indicate that 7-ketocholesterol shows a synergistic effect against the cytotoxic effect of MPP(+). 7-Ketocholesterol may enhance the MPP(+)-induced viability loss in PC12 cells by promoting the mitochondrial membrane permeability change, release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3, which is associated with the increased formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH. The findings suggest that 7-ketocholesterol as a promoting agent for the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition may enhance the toxic neuronal cell injury.

Prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in Korea: Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2001

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and their association with risk factors in the Korean population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2001 was a nationally representative survey with a stratified multistage sampling design. Data from a comprehensive questionnaire, a physical examination, and blood tests were obtained from 5,844 Korean adults (2,513 men and 3,331 women) aged >20 years.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes in this Korean population was 7.6%, and the age-adjusted prevalences of previously diagnosed diabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes were 4.4 and 3.3%, respectively (fasting plasma glucose > or = 7.0 mmol/l). Overall, these results indicate that 8.1% or 1.4 million Korean men and 7.5% or 1.3 million Korean women have diabetes. The age-adjusted prevalence of IFG was 23.9%, using the new American Diabetes Association criteria (fasting plasma glucose 5.6-6.9 mmol/l). Diabetes prevalence increased with age and peaked in the oldest age-group; however, IFG prevalence did not show the same trend. Diabetes was found to be associated with age, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, education levels, alcohol consumption, exercise, and a family history of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that diabetes and IFG are common in Korea, and about one-half of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed. These results emphasize the need to develop an urgent public program to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer: prognostic significance of low expression of bax

A randomized trial has demonstrated that concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is superior to radiotherapy (RT) alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Our study comprise 35 patients with locally advanced NPC (stage I: 1, II: 12, III: 7, IV: 15) with 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m(2)/day and cisplatin 20 mg/m(2)/day, days 1- 4) followed by concurrent CRT starting on day 22. Concurrent CRT consisted of RT (70 Gy/35 fractions for 7 weeks) with cisplatin 20 mg/m(2)/day for 4 days on weeks 1, 4, 7 of RT. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 33 patients (94%). Four-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all patients were 57% and 65%, respectively. In analysis of prognostic factors, low expression of bax was the most significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in both PFS (p=0.002) and OS (p=0.008). In conclusion, the outcome of patients treated with this combined therapeutical modality appears to be comparable with that of Intergroup 0099 trial with high CR rate. Low expression of bax was significantly associated with poor PFS and OS.