Uptake and toxicity of cerium dioxide nanoparticles with different aspect ratio

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) have been extensively applied in research for future energy development due to two common oxidation states on their surface. Considering that shape (aspect ratio) is a key determinant of NPs-induced toxicity, we compared the toxicity of hexagonal (H)- and rod-shaped (R)-CeONPs in mice. At 24 h after pharyngeal aspiration, both types of CeONPs recruited surrounding immune cells (monocytes and neutrophils) into the lung, and R-CeONPs induced a more severe pulmonary inflammatory response compared with H-CeONPs. To identify an indicator to predict pulmonary inflammatory responses at the cellular level, we also investigated their responses in alveolar macrophage cells. At 24 h after treatment, both types of CeONPs were mainly located within the vacuoles (partially, in the lysosome) in the cytoplasm. Mitochondrial damage, intracellular calcium accumulation, and increased NO production were observed in cells exposed to both types of CeONPs, ultimately resulting in a decrease in cell viability. More interestingly, both types of CeONPs formed multinucleated giant cells. Meanwhile, contrary to when suspended in deionized water, R-CeONPs were strongly aggregated with a negative charge in cell culture media, whereas H-CeONPs were relatively well-dispersed with a positive charge. R-CeONPs-induced lysosomal extension was also recovered by premix with negatively charged DNA, and even NPs suspended in cell culture media without cells were detected under the FACS system, suggesting interference by protein corona. Therefore, we suggest that shape (aspect ratio) is an important factor determining inhaled NPs-induced pathology and that the effect of the surface charge and protein corona should be carefully considered in interpreting results derived from in vitro tests. Furthermore, we propose that the relationship between the formation of multinucleated giant cells and the inflammatory response of inhaled CeONPs should be further studied.

Prediction of endogenous thrombolytic activity in patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Endogenous thrombolytic activity (ETA) has been suggested as an essential factor related to the acute coronary syndrome. However, there have been little data regarding clinical characteristics of ETA in East Asians.

Method

As an interim study of the entire cohort (n=2,000), we analyzed a total of 278 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to coronary artery disease (CAD). Informed consent was obtained from all research subjects. Blood samples of patients were brought before the procedure. The Global Thrombosis Test (GTT, Thromboquest, UK), a novel test for examining ETA, was used. Lysis time (LT), which means the time interval between blood flow occlusion and restart, was used as an indicator for ETA. Clinical, laboratory and angiographic characteristics were obtained. LT=3000 seconds was used as a cut-off value to divide patients into two groups. P value<0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

LT of Korean CAD patients showed bimodal distribution. Median value was 1695 [IQR: 1099, 5932] and it was higher than previous data from Europeans (Figure 1). Patients with impaired ETA (LT>3000) were older and more diabetic. They showed higher creatinine, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer, c-reactive protein, and proBNP values. Moreover, they had lower hemoglobin and platelet levels. Intracoronary thrombus was more frequently observed in LT>3000 group. In the multivariable regression analysis, hemoglobin (per g/dL, odds ratio 0.766, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.632–0.928) and fibrinogen level(per 10mg/L, odds ratio 1.054, 95% CI 1.015–1.095) could significantly predict impaired ETA.

Conclusion

East Asian patients showed a right-shifted distribution of ETA compared to that of Europeans. Patients with impaired ETA had different clinical, laboratory and angiographic characteristics from those with intact ETA. Hemoglobin and fibrinogen level were significantly associated with impaired ETA. Further studies are warranted to confirm causal relationship among these factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Research Foundation, Republic of Korea

Absolute contrast estimation for soft X-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy using a variational droplet model

X-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy using a two-pulse mode at the Linac Coherent Light Source has great potential for the study of quantum fluctuations in materials as it allows for exploration of low-energy physics. However, the complexity of the data analysis and interpretation still prevent recovering real-time results during an experiment, and can even complicate post-analysis processes. This is particularly true for high-spatial resolution applications using CCDs with small pixels, which can decrease the photon mapping accuracy resulting from the large electron cloud generation at the detector. Droplet algorithms endeavor to restore accurate photon maps, but the results can be altered by their hyper-parameters. We present numerical modeling tools through extensive simulations that mimic previous x-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy experiments. By modification of a fast droplet algorithm, our results demonstrate how to optimize the precise parameters that lift the intrinsic counting degeneracy impeding accuracy in extracting the speckle contrast. These results allow for an absolute determination of the summed contrast from multi-pulse x-ray speckle diffraction, the modus operandi by which the correlation time for spontaneous fluctuations can be measured.

Three-dimensional myocardial strain for the prediction of clinical events in patients with successfully reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Two-dimensional (2D) myocardial strain analysis can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction and has comparable predictive power as conventional echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF). Three-dimensional (3D) myocardial strain analysis is also expected to have similar clinical usefulness and overcome several inherent limitations of 2D strain analysis. However, no large-scale studies have been reported to date.

Purpose

We aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of 3D strain analysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are most likely to benefit from 3D strain analysis.

Methods

 Patients who underwent successful revascularization for STEMI from June 2011 to April 2017 were retrospectively recruited. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters, 3D global area strain (GAS), 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS), as well as 2D GLS were obtained.

 To evaluate the clinical outcomes, we constructed a composite outcome consisting of all-cause death or re-hospitalisation due to acute decompensation of heart failure.

Results

From June 2011 to April 2017, 632 patients were retrospectively recruited in our hospital. Of these patients, 545 patients (86.2%) had a reliable 3D strain analysis. The clinical course of each patient was followed up for a maximum of 96 months (median 49.5 months). During follow-up periods, 55 (10.1%) among 545 patients experienced the composite outcome of all-cause death or re-hospitalisation due to acute decompensation of heart failure. Patients with adverse events were older, had more underlying diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, previous history of stroke, or chronic kidney disease. (all, p < 0.05) LV EF was significantly lower, while 2D GLS, 3D GLS, and 3D GAS were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes. (all, p < 0.001) The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of LV EF, 2D GLS, 3D GLS, and 3D GAS were 0.70, 0.71, 0.67, and 0.65, respectively. (all, p < 0.05) Kaplan-Meier analysis of composite outcomes based on the best cut-off values of each parameter demonstrated similar results. (Figure 1) In the Cox proportional hazard model, the hazard ratios of LV EF, 2D GLS, and 3D GLS were 3.0, 5.5, and 2.0, respectively. (all, p < 0.05) The maximum likelihood-ratio test was performed to evaluate the additional prognostic value of 2D GLS or 3D GLS over the basic prognostic model consisting of baseline clinical characteristics and LV EF, and the likelihood ratio was 15.9 for 2D GLS (p < 0.001) and 1.49 for 3D GLS (p = 0.22).

Conclusion(s)

 3D strain could be reliably measured in the majority of the patients and had a significant prognostic value. However, the predictive power of the 3D strain was lower than that of the 2D strain. The clinical implications of 3D strain indices should be investigated further.

Abstract Figure.

In cellulo crystallization of Trypanosoma brucei IMP dehydrogenase enables the identification of genuine co-factors

Sleeping sickness is a fatal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei (Tb). Inosine-5’-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) has been proposed as a potential drug target, since it maintains the balance between guanylate deoxynucleotide and ribonucleotide levels that is pivotal for the parasite. Here we report the structure of TbIMPDH at room temperature utilizing free-electron laser radiation on crystals grown in living insect cells. The 2.80 Å resolution structure reveals the presence of ATP and GMP at the canonical sites of the Bateman domains, the latter in a so far unknown coordination mode. Consistent with previously reported IMPDH complexes harboring guanosine nucleotides at the second canonical site, TbIMPDH forms a compact oligomer structure, supporting a nucleotide-controlled conformational switch that allosterically modulates the catalytic activity. The oligomeric TbIMPDH structure we present here reveals the potential of in cellulo crystallization to identify genuine allosteric co-factors from a natural reservoir of specific compounds.

Trypanosoma brucei inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is an enzyme in the guanine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway and of interest as a drug target. Here the authors present the 2.8 Å room temperature structure of TbIMPDH determined by utilizing X-ray free-electron laser radiation and crystals that were grown in insect cells and find that ATP and GMP are bound at the canonical sites of the Bateman domains.

1272Physical activity and mortality with and without cardiovascular disease

Background/Introduction

Physical activity has been shown to reduce mortality in a dose-response fashion. Current guidelines recommend 500 to 1,000 MET-min per week of regular physical activity. However, evidence is limited regarding the specific dose-response relationship in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

Our aim was to compare the impact of physical activity on mortality in primary versus secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Methods

We analyzed 441,798 individuals with complete information on physical activity levels between 2009 and 2015 were extracted from a population-based cohort (National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening cohort). Physical activity measured by self-report questionnaires. A rating of 2.9, 4.0, and 7.0 METs were assigned for light-intensity, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activities, respectively. Physical activity-related energy expenditure (MET-min/week) was calculated by summing the product of frequency, intensity, and duration. The level of physical activity was classified into 0, 0 to 499, 500 to 999, 1,000 to 1,499, and ≥1,500 MET-min/week. Study participants were stratified by the presence of cardiovascular disease, defined as prior myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, prior stroke, and/or chronic heart failure. The main study outcome was all-cause mortality. The median follow-up duration was 5.9 years.

Results

Individuals with cardiovascular disease had lower physical activity levels and a higher risk of mortality than those without cardiovascular disease. There was an inverse relationship between the physical activity level and the mortality risk in both groups. The benefit in the secondary prevention group was shown to be greater than that in the primary prevention group: every 500 MET-min/week increase in physical activity resulted in a 14% and 7% risk reduction in mortality in the secondary and primary prevention groups, respectively (interaction P<0.001). In addition, while individuals without cardiovascular disease benefited the most between 0 and 500 MET-min/week of physical activity, the benefit in those with cardiovascular disease continued above 500 to 1,000 MET-min/week. The adjusted mortality risk of individuals with cardiovascular disease who performed a high level of physical activity (≥1,000 MET-min/week) was shown to be comparable to or lower than that of their counterparts without cardiovascular disease.

Adjusted risk of mortality

Conclusion

Individuals with cardiovascular disease may benefit from physical activity to a greater extent than do healthy subjects without cardiovascular disease. Clinicians should encourage patients with cardiovascular disease to maintain a physically active lifestyle as much as possible.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field induces neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs through regulation of (Zn)-metallothionein-3

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELFEMF) can stimulate neural differentiation in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (hBM-MSCs), and this provides an opportunity for research on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metallothionein-3 (MT3), an isoform of the metal-binding proteins, metallothioneins, involved in maintaining intracellular zinc (Zn) homeostasis and the deregulation of zinc homeostasis, has separately been implicated in AD. Here, we investigated the effect of ELFEMF-induced neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs on Zn-MT3 homeostatic interaction. Exposure to ELFEMF induced neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs, which was characterized by decreased proliferation and enhanced neural-like morphology. We observed expression of neuronal markers such as β-tubulin3, pleiotrophin, and neurofilament-M at the mRNA level and MAP2 at the protein level. ELFEMF-induced neural differentiation correlated with decreased expression of metal-response element-transcription factor 1 and MT3, as well as decreased intracellular Zn concentration. In addition, upregulation of dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 was observed, but there was no change in γ-enolase expression. These data indicate a possible regulatory mechanism for MT3 during neural differentiation. Our findings provide considerable insight into molecular mechanisms involved in neural differentiation, which is useful for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:364-373, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Data systems for the Linac coherent light source

The data systems for X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) experiments at the Linac coherent light source (LCLS) are described. These systems are designed to acquire and to reliably transport shot-by-shot data at a peak throughput of 5 GB/s to the offline data storage where experimental data and the relevant metadata are archived and made available for user analysis. The analysis and monitoring implementation (AMI) and Photon Science ANAlysis (psana) software packages are described. Psana is open source and freely available.

Electronic damage in S atoms in a native protein crystal induced by an intense X-ray free-electron laser pulse

Current hard X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources can deliver doses to biological macromolecules well exceeding 1 GGy, in timescales of a few tens of femtoseconds. During the pulse, photoionization can reach the point of saturation in which certain atomic species in the sample lose most of their electrons. This electronic radiation damage causes the atomic scattering factors to change, affecting, in particular, the heavy atoms, due to their higher photoabsorption cross sections. Here, it is shown that experimental serial femtosecond crystallography data collected with an extremely bright XFEL source exhibit a reduction of the effective scattering power of the sulfur atoms in a native protein. Quantitative methods are developed to retrieve information on the effective ionization of the damaged atomic species from experimental data, and the implications of utilizing new phasing methods which can take advantage of this localized radiation damage are discussed.

Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans in children: CT features that predict responsiveness to pulse methylprednisolone

OBJECTIVE

Intravenous pulse methylprednisolone therapy (IPMT) is an important treatment option for post-infectious obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), although it must be used carefully and only in selected patients because of its drawbacks. This study evaluated whether CT and clinical features of children with post-infectious OB can predict their responsiveness to IPMT.

METHODS

We searched the medical records for patients (less than 18 years of age) who were diagnosed with post-infectious OB between January 2000 and December 2011. 17 children who received IPMT were included in this study. All underwent chest CT before and after IPMT. The radiological features seen on pre-treatment CT were recorded. The air-trapping area percentages on pre- and post-treatment CT images were determined. The nine patients who exhibited decreased air trapping on post-treatment CT scans relative to pre-treatment scans were classed as responders. The patient ages and time from initial pneumonia to IPMT were recorded.

RESULTS

All responders and only four non-responders had thickened bronchial walls before treatment (p = 0.029). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis or the extent of air trapping, although the responders had a significantly shorter median interval between initial pneumonia and IPMT (4 vs 50 months; p = 0.005) and were significantly younger (median, 2.0 vs 7.5 years; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Immediate IPMT may improve the degree of air trapping in children with post-infectious OB if they show a thickened bronchial wall on CT.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Children with post-infectious OB may respond favourably to IPMT when pre-treatment CT indicates bronchial-wall thickening.

Spatial propagation of protein polymerization

We consider the spatial dependence of filamentous protein self-assembly. Through studying the cases where the spreading of aggregated material is dominated either by diffusion or by growth, we derive analytical results for the spatial evolution of filamentous protein aggregation, which we validate against Monte Carlo simulations. Moreover, we compare the predictions of our theory with experimental measurements of two systems for which we identify the propagation as either growth or diffusion controlled. Our results connect the macroscopic observables that characterize the spatial propagation of protein self-assembly with the underlying microscopic processes and provide physical limits on spatial propagation and prionlike behavior associated with protein aggregation.

Anti-diabetic effect of Wen-pi-tang-Hab-Wu-ling-san extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

Wen-pi-tang-Hab-Wu-ling-san (WHW) is an oriental herbal prescription formulated using 14 herbs and has been used to cure chronic renal failure in Korean oriental medicine. In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic effect of WHW in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. WHW extract (100 mg/kg) was orally dosed once a day for four weeks. The results were compared with standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (3 mg/kg, p.o).

Results:

Significant decrease in body weight and insulin levels and increase in blood glucose, triglycerides, urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were detected in STZ-induced diabetic rats with disruption and disappearance of pancreatic and kidney cells and decrease in insulin producing beta cells. However, these diabetic changes were significantly inhibited by treatment with WHW extract. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the extract produced a significant decrease in glycemia 60 minutes after the glucose pulse.

Conclusions:

Based on these results, we suggest that WHW extract has favorable effects in protecting the STZ-induced hyperglycemia, renal damage, and beta-cell damage in rats.

The effects of outdoor air supply rate on work performance during 8-h work period

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ventilation rate on work performance and perceived air quality through short-term laboratory experiments. The experiment was designed to simulate office work, and a laboratory space was modified using new finish materials to become a typical office space. High levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the exposure chamber, most probably originating from the new finishing materials that were present. Twenty-four subjects were divided into six groups that were randomly exposed to the three ventilation rates, 5, 10, and 20 l/s per person. The subjects performed work tasks three separate times for each ventilation rate over an 8-h exposure period. The work performance of the subjects logarithmically improved with increased ventilation rates, which was similar to the previous research findings. Statistical significance was found for addition task, text-typing task, and memorization task. Increased work performance in this experiment was slightly lower than the results of previous short-term laboratory experiments, yet remained higher than results of previous long-term field experiments. However, it was difficult to directly compare the results of this experiment with those of previous experiments, because of the higher concentration of VOC present in the office rooms and the learning effect associated with the repeated tasks.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results of this experiment show that ventilation had positive impacts on perceived air quality and work performance for the subjects tested. Work performance logarithmically increased by approximately 2.5-5% as ventilation rates were increased from 5 to 20 l/s per person. The positive effect of ventilation rate on work performance was shown to be limited at the low ventilation rate. The positive effects on work performance were at lower ventilation rates. The learning effect in repeated work performance tasks could increase the uncertainty of the work performance analysis in 8-h exposure period.

Comparison of saline wastewater treatment performance of SBR with repeated starvation under aerobic and non-aerobic conditions

This study investigated the effects of repeated starvation and feeding on the performance of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) used for treating saline wastewater. The effects of aerobic and non-aerobic conditions on the sludge during starvation were evaluated to recover the performance of the SBR in terms of floc size and pollutant removal after resuming wastewater feeding. The floc size, fractal dimension, sludge volume index (SVI), specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), and pollutant removal efficiency were monitored. Experiment results revealed that the floc size and fractal dimensions decreased during starvation under both aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and increased after re-feeding wastewater. However, the difference in floc physical characteristics and performance depended on the starvation condition and was pronounced as starvation and re-feeding were repeated. The floc size and fractal dimensions decreased from 152.7 to 72.2 and 1.98 to 1.79 at the end of the fourth starvation period, resulting in deterioration of the sludge settleability and effluent quality. On the other hand, the floc size and fractal dimensions decreased from 158.7 to 135.7 and 1.95 to 1.81 at the end of the fourth starvation period but remained relatively constant after sludge adaptation. Some correlations were observed between the parameters monitored in this study. The results showed that maintaining the sludge under non-aerobic conditions was an effective strategy for reducing the effects of repeated starvation.

Hexane fraction of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus extract inhibits the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells via the NF-kappaB pathway

Excessive production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE2), and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) from activated microglia contributes to uncontrolled inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. It seems possible that treatment with anti-inflammatory agents, including plants used in Oriental medicine, might delay the progression of neurodegeneration through the inhibition of microglial activation. The present study is focused on the inhibitory effect of the rhizome hexane fraction extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger hexan extract; GHE) on the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, PGE(2), and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells, a mouse microglial cell line. GHE significantly inhibited the excessive production of NO, PGE(2), TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, GHE attenuated the mRNA expressions and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines. The molecular mechanisms that underlie GHE-mediated attenuation are related to the inhibition of the phosphorylation of three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Our results indicate that GHE exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of inflammatory mediator genes through the MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory properties of GHE may make it useful as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases.

Wen-Pi-Tang-Hab-Wu-Ling-San extract inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages

AIM OF THE STUDY

Wen-Pi-Tang is a traditional herbal prescription that has been used traditionally for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including chronic renal failure, renal injury, renal tubular cell damage and diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological activity of modified Wen-Pi-Tang, Wen-Pi-Tang-Hab-Wu-Ling-San (WHW) extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and NO in supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and iNOS, protein expression of iNOS, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B in the extract were assayed.

RESULTS

We found that WHW extract had potent anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and primary peritoneal macrophages. WHW extract strongly inhibited the excessive production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO), TNF-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and these cytokines resulted from the reduced expressions of mRNAs of iNOS and these cytokines, respectively. WHW extract attenuated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), as well as the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that WHW extract may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of MAPK and the NF-kappaB-dependent pathway involved in inflammation.

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.

Effects of Bambusae concretio Salicea (Chunchukhwang) on amyloid beta-induced cell toxicity and antioxidative enzymes in cultured rat neuronal astrocytes

Bambusae concretio Salicea (BCS; plant family name: Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold et Zuccarinii) is a medicinal plant used in Korea for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. Previously, it was shown that BCS is an effective protectant against oxidative glutamate toxicity in the murine neuroblastoma cells and human neuroblastoma cells. Treatment with BCS increased the secretion of the non-amyloidogenic amyloid precursor protein fragment, and decreased the secretion of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides from neuronal cells [Jeong, J.C., Seo, Y.J., Kim, H.M., Lee, Y.C., Kim, C.H., 2003. Inhibitory effects of Bombusae concretio Salicea on neuronal secretion of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptides, a neuro-degenerative peptide. Neurochemical Research 28, 1785-1792.]. To further examine the pharmacological activity of BCS, we studied the protective effect of the water extracts on Abeta25-35 peptide-induced neuronal death by microscopic observation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and action on antioxidative enzymes using cultured astrocyte cells. Ten microM Abeta25-35-induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of BCS in a dose-dependent manner, and concentrations of 1-10 microg/ml had a significant effect compared to exposure to Abeta25-35 only. When antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were assayed after Abeta25-35 treatment, the enzymes were decreased in a similar fashion. However, those activities were enhanced by BCS treatment and this may have resulted from the potentiation of antioxidative ability by BCS. The ability of BCS to reduce cellular cytotoxicity induced by 10 microM Abeta25-35 suggests that BCS may be a protective agent for free radical generating compounds such as Abeta25-35, and that Abeta25-35 is not only a potent lipid peroxide inducer, but also causes changes in antioxidative enzymes. From the results, it was concluded that BCS has a protective effect on Abeta-induced neuronal death in cultured astrocyte cells through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protection of antioxidative enzymes.

Effects of on the proliferation of human bone cells and the immunomodulatory activity

Drynariae Rhizoma (DR), a traditional Korea medicine, which is known for its effect to strengthen myoskeletal systems, frequently appears as the main ingredient in prescriptions for bone injuries. However, it is unclear how it pharmacologically contributes to the reformation of bone. In this study, the effect of DR on bone cells was investigated in vitro for the first time. The human osteoprecursor cells (OPC-1) were incubated in the medium with different concentrations of DR and the cell proliferation was studied. When the concentration of DR was < or = 120 microg ml(-1), the proliferation of OPC-1 was enhanced. However, the proliferation of OPC-1 was inhibited by DR with the concentrations of > 250 microg ml(-1). Under most treatments, the cells presented very pale expression for cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) protein; slightly intensified band showed at the highest DR concentration, 120 microg ml(-1) during the course of culture. On the other hand, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of DR on cellular and humoral immunity. When different doses of ethanolic and water extracts of DR was administered to mice, it was dose-dependently potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by both sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and oxazolone. It significantly enhanced the production of circulating antibody titre in mice in response to SRBC. But, DR did not any effect on macrophage phagocytosis. Prolonged administration of DR significantly ameliorated the total white blood cell count and also restored the immunosuppressive effects induced by cyclophosphamide. The present investigation reveals that DR possesses immunomodulatory activity. From the results, it was concluded that DR directly stimulated the proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, protein secretion and particularly type I collagen synthesis of OPC-1 at dose-dependent manner, and stimulated both the cellular and the humoral immunity.

Stimulative effects of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Pharmacological factors are needed to prevent bone loss that occurs with increasing age. The chemical compounds that act on bone metabolism in herbal medicines, however, are poorly understood. Effects of traditional Korean medicine, Drynariae Rhizoma [Drynaria fortunei (kunze) J. Sm] extract (DR), on the osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation were investigated. The effect of DR, a natural phyto herb, on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. DR dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 50-150 microg/ml). DR increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (50-150 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eleminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which were induced by DR. DR at concentrations ranged from 30-100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that DR directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and DR is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.

The fouling characterization and control in the high concentration PAC membrane bioreactor HCPAC-MBR

This study focuses on the experimental investigation to identify the effect of PAC at high concentrations on the fouling of membranes. A pilot-scale experimental apparatus was installed at a water treatment plant located downstream of Nakdong river basin, Korea. Effluent of rapid sand filter was used as influent of the system, which consists of PAC bio-reactor, submerged membrane module (hollow fiber with pore size 0.1 m) and air supply facility. PAC was dosed at 40 g/L initially and it was not replaced during the operation period. Suction type filtration was carried out at intervals of 12 min. suction and 3 min. idling. At the initial flux 0.36 m/d, the system could be operated stably for around 90 days at target trans-membrane pressure (TMP) of 40 kPa. Among total resistance of membrane filtration, cake and gel layer resistance, Rc+Rg, was the dominant fraction (more than 90% of the total) to increase the filtration pressure, which means that the filtration resistance could be controlled by the PAC cake layer and then irreversible membrane fouling could be prevented. Three minutes air backwashing every 3 days could extend the operation period to 127 days. Organics were analyzed in terms of molecular weight structure. The influent of the system consists of 15.0% and 74.4% of hydrophobic and hydrophilic natural organic matter (NOM), respectively. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic (electrostatic) interaction was the main factor on fouling of the membrane in the reactor. Hydrophobic fraction decreased slightly in the effluent, which means hydrophobic NOM removal in the reactor by adsorption. Organics accumulated in the membrane were extracted for analysis after a certain period of operation. The fraction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic organics was 41.4% and 38.9%, respectively. On the basis of the experimental results, the hydrophobic organics were the major materials causing the fouling of the membrane, which should be changed to other types of material.

Drynariae Rhizoma promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells through regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2, alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen and collagenase-1

In a previous study (Jeong et al., 2003, Inhibition of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on bone resorption mediated by processing of cathepsin K in cultured mouse osteoclasts. International Immunopharmacology 3, 1685-1697), treatment of osteoclasts-containing long bone cells with Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) extract prevented the intracellular maturation of cathepsin K and thus, it was considered that DR is a pro-drug of a potent bone resorption inhibitor. To further clarify the role of DR in ossification, we investigated the effects of DR on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cell lines in vitro. In this study, the bone effect of DR is studied. We assessed the effects of DR on osteoblastic differentiation in nontransformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) and rat bone marrow cells. DR enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This stimulatory effect of the DR was observed at relatively low doses (significant at 50-150 microg/ml and maximal at 150 microg/ml). Northern blot analysis showed that the DR (100 microg/ml) increased in bone morphogenetic protein-2 as well as ALP mRNA concentrations in MC3T3-E1 cells. DR (60 microg/ml) slightly increased in type I collagen mRNA abundance throughout the culture period, whereas it markedly inhibited the gene expression of collagenase-1 between days 15 and 20 of culture. These results indicate that DR has anabolic effects on bone through the promotion of osteoblastic differentiation, suggesting that it could be used for the treatment of common metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in neuro-Behçet's disease

OBJECTIVE

Neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) is one of the most serious complications of Behcet's disease (BD). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) has been proved to be useful in detecting neuro-metabolic abnormalities in various diseases affecting the brain. In this study, we attempted to characterize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in Korean patients with NBD and then examined the usefulness of 1HMRS in evaluating the MRI-negative brain area of NBD patients.

METHODS

We performed brain MRI in 18 BD patients with neurologic symptoms and signs. Seven NBD patients without thalamic lesions and 8 healthy controls underwent brain 1H MRS, in which an 8 ml voxel was placed in the left thalamus and the N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio was measured.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 18 BD patients were diagnosed as having NBD and 12 NBD patients (86%) had brain lesions on MRI. Most lesions were of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and located in the midbrain, pons, basal ganglia, and white matter. On 1H MRS, the thalamic area without gross abnormalities on MRI showed a significantly lower NAA/Cr ratio in NBD patients compared to healthy controls (1.07 +/- 0.08 versus 1.54 +/- 0.27, P < 0.01). In 2 NBD patients, the NAA/Cr ratios, monitored serially, were normalized along with clinical improvement 6 months after treatment with prednisolone and immune suppressive agents.

CONCLUSION

MRI is a very sensitive diagnostic method for NBD, and 1H MRS may be useful for the early detection and follow-up of MRI-negative NBD.

Inhibitory Activity ofDrynariae rhizomaExtracts on Cathepsin Having Bone Resorption Activity

Effects of traditional Korean (Hanbang) medicine, Drynariae rhizoma (DR), on the protease activity of bone loss-initiation in rats and mice were investigated. Ethanol extracts-DR (EE-DR) and water extracts-DR (WE-DR) were identified as potent inhibitor of cathepsins K and L. The original WE-DR inhibits cathepsins K and L with IC50 values of 3.7 microg/ml and 4.5 microg/ml, respectively. EE-DR was more potent than that of WE-DR, because the inhibitions of cathepsin K and L increased to 0.5 microg/ml and 0.8 microg/ml, respectively. The EE-DR was proved to be the most potent. EE-DR was found to be a potent inhibitor of cathepsins K with a Ki value of 5.0 microg/ml for cathepsin K. The activity was increased by 10-fold when the assay is performed in the presence of glutathione at pH 7.0, which favors the formation of a GSH thiolate anion. Thus, it is suggested that this increase in potency is probably due to an enhanced chemical reactivity of the extract mixtures toward the thiolate of the active site of the enzyme. WE-DR exhibited time-dependet inhibition which allowed us to determine the association and dissociation rate constants with cathepsin K. Finally, EE-DR inhibits bone resorption in an in vitro assay involving mouse osteoclasts and bovine bone with an IC50 value of 70 microg/ml. WE-DR represents a new herbal formulation inhibiting cathepsin K and L activity and proteolysis of bone collagen. These results strongly suggest that DR is effective for preventing the development of bone loss induced by cathepsin K. This result also suggested that the DR is effective for bone resorptive action in bone cells.

Inhibitory effects of Bombusae concretio Salicea on neuronal secretion of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptides, a neurodegenerative peptide

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the age-related deposition of beta-amyloid (A beta) 40/42 peptide aggregates in vulnerable brain regions. Multiple levels of evidence implicate a central role for A beta in the pathophysiology of AD. A beta is generated by the regulated cleavage of a = 700 amino acid A beta precursor protein (betaAPP). Full-length betaAPP can undergo proteolytic cleavage either within the A beta domain to generate secreted sbetaAPP alpha or at the N-terminal and C-terminal domain(s) of A beta to generate amyloidogenic A beta peptides. Several epidemiological studies have reported that estrogen replacement therapy protects against the development of AD in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant neuroprotective mechanism of Bombusae concretio Salicea (BC). BC was effective protectants against oxidative glutamate toxicity in the murine neuroblastoma cells (N2a) and human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-MC). BC exhibited similar protective properties against oxidative glutamate toxicity and H2O2 toxicity. BC exhibited an antioxidant activity at approximately 20 microg/ml. BC of 5 microg/ml was ineffective in preventing the oxidative modification of LDL. The half-maximal effective concentration for BC was 16 microg/ml. These results suggested that BC supplementation in elderly men may be protective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We report here that treatment with BC increases the secretion of the nonamyloidogenic APP fragment, sbetaAPP alpha and decreases the secretion of A beta peptides from N2a cells and rat primary cerebrocortical neurons. These results raise the possibility that BC supplementation in elderly men may be protective in the treatment of AD.

Organic and detergent degradation in combined O3/UF for domestic laundry wastewater reclamation

This paper focuses on the evaluation of organic and detergent degradation in a combined Ozone/UF system for domestic laundry wastewater reclamation. Formation of by-product was investigated by GC/MS for the reclaimed water. Ozone was injected into the raw wastewater in a 10 L contact tank and the wastewater was circulated through the membrane module for inner pressurized cross-flow filtration. The concentrate was returned back to the contact tank. The membrane used in this experiment was hollow fiber polysulfone UF membrane with MWCO 10,000. It has an effective filtration area of 0.06 m2. The experiment was carried out with intermittent ozone injection, 5 min injection and 10 min idling. Ozone was dosed at the concentration of 1.5 mg/L. The flux of the UF could be maintained at 0.24 m/d under filtration pressure 40-45 kPa and water temperature, 20-22 degrees C. The organic removal efficiency by the system was 90% in terms of COD. Ozone was considerably effective to degrade organics in the wastewater. Molecular weight of organics in the raw waste was mostly greater than 10,000 (72% of 950 mgCOD/L). However 86% of effluent COD (94-100 mg/L) was composed of organics smaller than MWCO 500 by ozone injection. No harmful by-products by ozone contact were detected from the analysis of treated water using GC/MS. It was identified that residual organics in the treated water were 1,1'-Oxybisbenzene, Octadecanoic acid, Squalene and Benzenmethanol, etc., which were additives contained originally in the detergent. Consequently the reclaimed water quality could be estimated safe enough to recycle for the rinsing cycle in a washing machine.

Sonographic windsock sign of a duodenal web

We report a neonate with a duodenal web demonstrating the windsock appearance on US. In neonates, duodenal web is rare and its windsock appearance is also rarely seen. The windsock sign of duodenal web has been a well-known finding on upper gastrointestinal series. The corresponding windsock appearance may be demonstrated on US. Duodenal web can, therefore, be accurately diagnosed by identifying the sonographic windsock sign even in neonates.

Changes in voltage-gated calcium channel alpha(1) gene expression in rat dorsal root ganglia following peripheral nerve injury

Although an increase in the excitability and ectopic spontaneous discharge (ESD) of primary sensory neurons can lead to abnormal burst activity, which is associated with neuropathic pain, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. To investigate the relationship between these electrical abnormalities in injured neurons and voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) gene expression, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to monitor the expression of the VGCC alpha(1) gene in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following chronic constriction injury (CCI) and axotomy of the rat sciatic nerve. Electrophoresis of the RT-PCR products showed the presence of multiple types of VGCC alpha(1) transcripts with various levels of basal expression in lumbar 4, 5, and 6 DRGs. CCI decreased alpha(1C), alpha(1D), alpha(1H), and alpha(1I) mRNA expression at 7 days in the ipsilateral DRG, to approximately 34-50% of the contralateral side. The same transcripts were repressed 7 days after sciatic axotomy and their reduction levels proved similar to those of CCI. Considering that changes of the intracellular calcium concentration modify the maintenance of ESD in injured DRG, these results suggest that the downregulation of alpha(1C), alpha(1D), alpha(1H) and alpha(1I) subunit gene expression in the rat DRG following peripheral nerve injury may contribute to the production of ESD associated with damaged nerves.

Various applications of titanium mesh screen implant to orbital wall fractures

As the number of high velocity injuries increases, orbital wall fractures that involve other facial bone fractures, especially those showing multiple crushed fractures have become increasingly common. However, owing to its complex anatomic structure, our inability to visualize details and relatively thin orbital wall, corrective restorations and fixations are very difficult. Recently several reports have claimed good results using titanium implants to repair orbital fracture. Over a period of 36 months, Titanium mesh screen 1.0 (SYNTHES) were applied to the repair of orbital fracture in various ways, taking 39 examples of orbital wall fracture patients requiring operating treatment. A titanium mesh screen 1.0 was used either as an onlay implant after it was shaped to fit the anatomical shape of the fracture portion, or as cover implant to fix bony pieces after repairing a severely crushed fracture on the orbital rim or maxillary wall segments. 1.3-mm micro-screws were used to fix the titanium mesh screen when needed. The titanium mesh screen 1.0 was rigid, yet malleable enough to get the desired shape. It could be folded and screwed easily, and was also easy for follow-up with fewer artifacts on the CT findings. Therefore, we could restore and fix much easier and faster even crushed tiny bony pieces without loss and achieve more accurate three-dimensional anatomical reconstruction of orbital wall fracture.

Regio- and stereocontrol elements in Rh(II)-catalyzed intramolecular C-H insertion of alpha-diazo-alpha-(phenylsulfonyl)acetamides

[reaction: see text]. Intramolecular C-H insertion reaction of alpha-diazo-alpha-(phenylsulfonyl)acetamides proceeded with high regio- and stereoselectivities to afford highly functionalized gamma-lactams predominantly or exclusively. The high regioselectivity was attributed to the use of the phenylsulfonyl moiety, which altered electron density at the carbenoid center and exerted a steric effect during the insertion reaction. Also described herein are three control elements to determine regioselectivity, which are amide conformational, stereoelectronic, and substituent effects.

Using edge enhancement to identify subtle findings on soft-copy neonatal chest radiographs

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether edge enhancement could improve the visibility of subtle findings on soft copies of neonatal chest radiographs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two radiologists reviewed 82 soft-copy neonatal chest radiographs before and after the application of edge enhancement on our picture archiving and communication system (PACS). The visibility of a pneumothorax (n = 22), central venous catheter (n = 32), umbilical arterial catheter (n = 36), endotracheal tube (n = 40), and normal anatomic structures (the minor fissure, anterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe, and aortic arch, n = 57) was evaluated. Six of 22 soft-copy images depicting a pneumothorax were excluded from the evaluation of image quality either because of the large size of the pneumothorax itself (n = 7) or because of the lack of confirmatory evidence that would have been provided by an additional lateral decubitus (n = 6) or cross-table lateral radiograph (n = 3). Image quality was evaluated by visual grading analysis.

RESULTS

The visibility of a pneumothorax (p < 0.01), vascular catheters (p < 0.001), the minor fissure (p < 0.001), and the anterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe (p < 0.001) improved significantly after applying edge enhancement to soft copies of neonatal chest radiographs, whereas the visibility of the aortic arch did not improve. Evaluations of the improvements in the visibility of the endotracheal tube were inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Application of edge enhancement to soft copies of neonatal chest radiographs helps radiologists to identify small pneumothoraces, vascular catheters, and delicate normal structures, thereby improving the detection of subtle chest findings in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Salviae radix extract prevents cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in rabbits

The present study was carried out to determine if salviae radix extract (SRE) exerts a beneficial effect against cisplatin-induced renal failure in rabbits. Rabbits were pretreated with SRE orally for 7 days, followed by cisplatin injection (5 mg/kg i.p.). Cisplatin injection caused a reduction in GFR, which was accompanied by an increase in serum creatinine levels. The fractional Na+ excretion was increased by cisplatin injection. PAH uptake by renal cortical slices was inhibited by the administration of cisplatin. Such changes were prevented by SRE pretreatment. Cisplatin injection increased lipid peroxidation, which was prevented by SRE pretreatment. The protective effect of SRE was supported by morphological studies. Cisplatin injection reduced renal blood flow that was not affected by SRE pretreatment. Cisplatin treatment in vitro in renal cortical slices increased LDH release and lipid peroxidation, which were prevented by 0.05% SRE. These results indicate that lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. SRE exerts a protective effect against renal cell injury induced by cisplatin, and its effect may be attributed to its antioxidant action. However, the underlying mechanism by which SRE has antioxidant action remains to be defined.

Catalytic wet air oxidation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) aqueous solution using multi-component heterogeneous catalysts

This study investigated the decomposition of high strength p-nitrophenol (PNP) of 2,000 mg/l (3,400 mg of COD/1,250 mg of TOC) by catalytic wet air oxidation. Multi-component heterogeneous catalysts were used as catalysts for this purpose. The study results using a batch reactor showed that catalyst "D" (Mn-Ce-Zr 22.4 g plus CuSO4 1.0 g; Mn-Ce-Zr-Cu [CuSO4]) was more effective (56-74%) than catalyst "A" (Mn-Ce-Zr 22.4 g) under the given conditions (O2 partial pressure of 1.0 MPa; temperature of 170-190 degrees C; 30 min of reaction time). The best result was obtained when 2 g of Mn-Ce-Zr-Cu [CuSO4] was used per 1L of PNP aqueous solution. COD and TOC removal efficiencies were 18% and 23% without catalysts during 20 min of reaction at 190 degrees C. They were improved to 79% and 71% with 2 g/L of Mn-Ce-Zr-Cu [CuSO4] under the same conditions. The ratio of BOD5/COD was measured to evaluate biodegradability. It was 0.05 without catalyst and increased to 0.33 with 2 g/L of Mn-Ce-Zr-Cu [CuSO4] for 20 min of reaction.

Bombycis corpus extract prevents amyloid-beta-induced cytotoxicity and protects superoxide dismutase activity in cultured rat astrocytes

Bombycis corpus(BC) or Bombyx Batryticatus, a batryticated silkworm and white-stiff silkworm, is a drug consisting of the dried larva of silkworm, Mobyz mori L., dead and stiffened due to the infection of Beauveria (Bals.) Vuill. In the present study, we have examined the protective effect of the water extracts against Amyloid- beta(A beta) 25-35 peptide-induced cytotoxicity by microscopic observation and LDH assay, and its action on antioxidative enzymes using cultured astrocyte cells. A beta 25-35-induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of BC in a dose-dependent manner, and concentrations of 10(-6)to 10(-7)g ml(-1)showed a significant effect compared to exposure of A beta 25-35 alone. When antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) were assayed after A beta 25-35 treatment, most enzyme activities were decreased in a similar fashion. BC treatment of A beta 25-35-treated astrocytes did not affect the enzyme activities of catalase, GSH-Px and GST. However, only SOD activity was enhanced by BC treatment and this may result from the potentiation of the antioxidative ability of BC. The protective effect of BC against cytotoxicity induced by Abeta 25-35 strongly indicates that BC could be a protective agent for free radical generating compounds, and that Abeta 25-35 is not only a potent lipid peroxide inducer, but can also cause changes in antioxidative enzymes. From the results, it was concluded that BC has a protective effect against Abeta -induced cytotoxicity in cultured astrocyte cells through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protection of antioxidative enzymes.

Intussusception in children: US-guided pneumatic reduction--initial experience

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasonography (US)-guided pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 49 consecutive patients (aged 2 months to 7 years; 36 boys, 13 girls) who underwent 52 reductions of intussusception during 9 months. Intussusception was diagnosed in all patients with the known US criteria, and all patients underwent a US-guided pneumatic reduction attempt wholly within the US examination room. A pressure of 60 mm Hg was maintained for 30 seconds, with US guidance. The procedure was considered to be successful when US showed the disappearance of the intussusceptum and the edematous terminal ileum with an abrupt transition into the normal proximal ileum. When the intussusception was not reduced, the procedure was repeated, with pressure increased to 120 mm Hg.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of US-guided pneumatic reduction was 92% (48 of 52 reductions), with no immediate recurrence. Of the two patients who had intussusceptions that were irreducible, one had residual ileoileal intussusception at surgery, and the other had an ileal polyp as a lead point. Perforation occurred in two (4%) of 52 cases; one patient underwent right hemicolectomy due to bowel necrosis and had a pinpoint perforation in the normal proximal transverse colon, and the other underwent manual reduction of ileoileocolic intussusception, with microperforation in the proximal transverse colon.

CONCLUSION

US-guided pneumatic reduction seems to be a feasible and effective method for the treatment of intussusception in children because of its radiation-sparing effect and high success rate.

Congenital lacrimal system obstruction: treatment with balloon dilation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of balloon dilation for the treatment of congenital lacrimal system obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation was attempted in 20 eyes of 16 patients with an age range of 12-78 months (mean, 33 mo) for congenital lacrimal system obstruction. Fifteen eyes had complete obstruction at the valve of Hasner, three eyes had completely obstruction at the junction between the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, and two eyes had partial obstruction at the nasolacrimal duct. Under general anesthesia, a ball-tipped guide wire was introduced through the superior punctum into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity and pulled out through the naris with use of a hook. A deflated 3-mm-diameter balloon catheter was then advanced in a retrograde direction and the balloon was dilated. Every patient underwent an ophthalmic evaluation before the procedure and was scheduled to be followed with office examination at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

There were no major complications. "Technical success" was defined as free passage of contrast medium through the entire lacrimal system to the nasal cavity. The procedure failed in one eye. After balloon dilation, all 19 eyes in which technical success was achieved showed improvement of epiphora. During the follow-up period of 2-33 months (mean, 16 mo), all eyes maintained improvement of epiphora and needed no further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Balloon dilation is a safe and effective therapeutic technique for the treatment of congenital lacrimal system obstruction.

Requirements of multiple domains of SLI-1, a Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of c-Cbl, and an inhibitory tyrosine in LET-23 in regulating vulval differentiation

SLI-1, a Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of the proto-oncogene product c-Cbl, is a negative regulator of LET-23-mediated vulval differentiation. Lack of SLI-1 activity can compensate for decreased function of the LET-23 epidermal growth factor receptor, the SEM-5 adaptor, but not the LET-60 RAS, suggesting that SLI-1 acts before RAS activation. SLI-1 and c-Cbl comprise an N-terminal region (termed SLI-1:N/Cbl-N, containing a four-helix bundle, an EF hand calcium-binding domain, and a divergent SH2 domain) followed by a RING finger domain and a proline-rich C-terminus. In a transgenic functional assay, the proline-rich C-terminal domain is not essential for sli-1(+) function. A protein lacking the SH2 and RING finger domains has no activity, but a chimeric protein with the SH2 and RING finger domains of SLI-1 replaced by the equivalent domains of c-Cbl has activity. The RING finger domain of c-Cbl has been shown recently to enhance ubiquitination of active RTKs by acting as an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. We find that the RING finger domain of SLI-1 is partially dispensable. Further, we identify an inhibitory tyrosine of LET-23 requiring sli-1(+) for its effects: removal of this tyrosine closely mimics the loss of sli-1 but not of another negative regulator, ark-1. Thus, we suggest that this inhibitory tyrosine mediates its effects through SLI-1, which in turn inhibits signaling upstream of LET-60 RAS in a manner not wholly dependent on the ubiquitin-ligase domain.

Fetus-in-fetu in the scrotal sac of a newborn infant: imaging, surgical and pathological findings

We report a case of fetus-in-fetu located in the scrotal sac of a newborn male infant. Plain radiography (including specimen radiography), ultrasonography and MRI clearly demonstrated vertebral column, ribs, skull, pelvic bones, femurs and a portion of tibiae and humeri. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination.

The prevalence of congenital inverted nipple

To investigate the prevalence and type of congenital inverted nipple, and realizing that the condition is a disease for which treatment is necessary, 1,625 unmarried women aged between 19 and 26 were physically examined and responded to questions about inverted nipple. Fifty-three of 1,625 subjects (3.26%) presented with this malformation, and it was found in 3.05% of the 3,250 nipples examined. In 46 of the 53 (86.79%), the condition was bilateral, and in 7 (13.21%), it was unilateral. In such cases, inversion was found on the right side in two subjects and on the left side in five. Of the total number of congenital inverted nipples, 96.23% were umbilicated and 3.77% were invaginated. Nine of the 53 subjects with inverted nipple considered that the condition should be corrected. Prior to counseling and possible surgery, the medical practitioner must carefully consider all available information, and the data contained in this report may thus be useful.

Gastrointestinal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein syndrome: CT findings

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the CT features of gastrointestinal involvement in seven patients with Henoch-Schönlein syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of Henoch-Schönlein syndrome is low, it should be considered when CT scans show multifocal areas of bowel-wall thickening, mesenteric edema, vascular engorgement, and nonspecific lymphadenopathy. It should be considered especially in young patients with acute gastrointestinal symptoms.

Topographically specific effects of ELF-1 on retinal axon guidance in vitro and retinal axon mapping in vivo

Topographic maps, which maintain the spatial order of neurons in the order of their axonal connections, are found throughout the nervous system. In the visual retinotectal projection, ELF-1, a ligand in the tectum, and its receptors in the retina show complementary gradients in expression and binding, indicating they may be positional labels for map development. Here we show that ELF-1 acts as a repellent axon guidance factor in vitro. In vivo, when the tectal ELF-1 pattern is modified by retroviral overexpression, retinal axons avoid ectopic ELF-1 patches and map to abnormally anterior positions. All these effects were seen on axons from temporal but not nasal retina, indicating that ELF-1 could determine nasal versus temporal retinotectal specificity, and providing a direct demonstration of a cell recognition molecule with topographically specific effects on neural map development.

Similarity of sli-1, a regulator of vulval development in C. elegans, to the mammalian proto-oncogene c-cbl

Vulval induction during Caenorhabditis elegans development is mediated by LET-23, a homolog of the mammalian epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. The sli-1 gene is a negative regulator of LET-23 and is shown here to encode a protein similar to c-Cbl, a mammalian proto-oncoprotein. SLI-1 and c-Cbl share approximately 55 percent amino acid identity over a stretch of 390 residues, which includes a C3HC4 zinc-binding motif known as the RING finger, and multiple consensus binding sites for Src homology 3 (SH3) domains. SLI-1 and c-Cbl may define a new class of proteins that modify receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical identification of pepsinogen isozymes in the hamster lungs: induction by polychlorinated biphenyls

Pepsinogens are acid protease enzymes of pepsin usually found in gastric mucosa. In the present study, we demonstrated the presence of pepsinogen isozymes in male Syrian golden hamster lung tissues by a combined immunohistochemical and biochemical approach. Immunohistochemically, using rat pepsinogen 1 antibody, pepsinogen positive cells were observed mainly in the epithelia of the terminal bronchioles. They demonstrated morphological features of Clara cells. The pepsinogen isozyme pattern of lung tissue determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was similar to that of stomach mucosa. Treatment of hamsters with polychlorinated biphenyls at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight ip caused a 2.8-fold increase in pepsinogen content (p less than 0.01) as well as increase in numbers of pepsinogen positive cells in the lung.