Subclinical thyroid dysfunction, bone mineral density, and osteoporosis in a middle-aged Korean population

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with the loss of bone density (osteoporosis). However, the connection between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis remains controversial. This study found no apparent association between subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femur.

INTRODUCTION

The present study examined the relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and BMD in healthy middle-aged adults.

METHODS

A total of 25,510 healthy Koreans with normal free thyroxine levels were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2016, and 91% of subjects visited only once. The average age of the 15,761 women was 45, and the average age of the 9749 men was 48. Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and BMD were recorded in all subjects. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

No apparent association was found between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and BMD in the lumbar spine, femur-neck, and proximal femur sites compared with a euthyroid group. Age, body mass index (BMI), and postmenopausal status affected BMD in women, and only BMI affected BMD in men. Subclinical hypothyroidism was independently associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio 0.657, 95% confidence interval 0.464-0.930) in 4710 postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

No apparent association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism defined on single TSH measurement and BMD at the lumbar spine and femur in a large cohort of middle-aged men and women. Subclinical hypothyroidism was independently associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Proton Shell Evolution below ^{132}Sn: First Measurement of Low-Lying β-Emitting Isomers in ^{123,125}Ag

The β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich ^{123,125}Ag isotopes is investigated at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN, and the long-predicted 1/2^{-} β-emitting isomers in ^{123,125}Ag are identified for the first time. With the new experimental results, the systematic trend of energy spacing between the lowest 9/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} levels is extended in Ag isotopes up to N=78, providing a clear signal for the reduction of the Z=40 subshell gap in Ag towards N=82. Shell-model calculations with the state-of-the-art V_{MU} plus M3Y spin-orbit interaction give a satisfactory description of the low-lying states in ^{123,125}Ag. The tensor force is found to play a crucial role in the evolution of the size of the Z=40 subshell gap. The observed inversion of the single-particle levels around ^{123}Ag can be well interpreted in terms of the monopole shift of the π1g_{9/2} orbitals mainly caused by the increasing occupation of ν1h_{11/2} orbitals.

The effect of PPARγ agonist on SGLT2 and glucagon expressions in alpha cells under hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND

Although sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have many beneficial effects for type 2 diabetes, including decreased cardiovascular death, recent reports that they increased glucagon through SGLT2 inhibition raised some concern. Troglitazone, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, was reported to increase SGLT2 in renal proximal tubule cells, but its role on pancreatic alpha cells have not been reported. We investigated the effect of troglitazone on SGLT2 expression in alpha cells and subsequent glucagon regulation in hyperglycemia.

METHODS

An Alpha TC1-6 cell line was cultured in control (5 mM) or hyperglycemia (HG, 15 mM) for 72 h. We applied troglitazone with or without PPARγ antagonist (GW9662 10 μM). To investigate the involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway, we applied troglitazone with or without Wortmanin. We measured sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) and glucagon (GCG) mRNA and protein expression. PPAR gamma, PI3K and Akt protein were also measured.

RESULTS

Exposure of alpha TC cells to HG for 72 h increased glucagon mRNA and protein expression. HG decreased SGLT2 mRNA and protein expression. Troglitazone significantly reversed HG-induced reduction of SGLT2 expression and increase of glucagon secretion. PPARγ antagonist (GW9662 10 μM) decreased the expression of SGLT2 and increased glucagon as HG did. Hyperglycemia increased PI3K and pAkt expression in alpha cells. Wortmanin (PI3K inhibitor, 1 μM) reversed HG-induced SGLT2 decrease and glucagon increase. Troglitazone treatment decreased PI3K and pAkt expression in HG.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PPARγ agonist, troglitazone improved glucose transport SGLT2 dysfunction and subsequent glucagon dysregulation in alpha cell under hyperglycemia. Those effects were through the involvement of PI3K/pAkt signaling pathway. This study may add one more reason for the ideal combination of PPARγ agonist and SGLT2 inhibitor in clinical practice.

Shell Evolution towards ^{78}Ni: Low-Lying States in ^{77}Cu

The level structure of the neutron-rich ^{77}Cu nucleus is investigated through β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of the RIKEN Nishina Center. Ions of ^{77}Ni are produced by in-flight fission, separated and identified in the BigRIPS fragment separator, and implanted in the WAS3ABi silicon detector array, surrounded by Ge cluster detectors of the EURICA array. A large number of excited states in ^{77}Cu are identified for the first time by correlating γ rays with the β decay of ^{77}Ni, and a level scheme is constructed by utilizing their coincidence relationships. The good agreement between large-scale Monte Carlo shell model calculations and experimental results allows for the evaluation of the single-particle structure near ^{78}Ni and suggests a single-particle nature for both the 5/2_{1}^{-} and 3/2_{1}^{-} states in ^{77}Cu, leading to doubly magic ^{78}Ni.

Is a short arm cast appropriate for stable distal radius fractures in patients older than 55 years? A randomized prospective multicentre study

We conducted a prospective randomized, multicentre study to compare short arm and long arm plaster casts for the treatment of stable distal radius fracture in patients older than 55 years. We randomly assigned patients over the age of 55 years who had stable distal radius fracture to either a short arm or long arm plaster cast at the first review 1 week after their injury. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 5, 12 and 24 weeks following their injury. Also, degree of disability caused by each cast immobilization was evaluated at the patient's visit to remove the cast. There were no significant differences in radiological parameters between the groups except for volar tilt. Despite these differences in volar tilt, neither functional status as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, nor visual analogue scale was significantly different between the groups. However, the mean score of disability caused by plaster cast immobilization and the incidence rate of shoulder pain were significantly higher in patients who had a long plaster cast. Our findings suggest that a short arm cast is as effective as a long arm cast for stable distal radius fractures in the elderly. Furthermore, it is more comfortable and introduces less restriction on daily activities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Aminophylline Effect on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice

BACKGROUND

Aminophylline increases the intracellular concentration of cAMP and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aminophylline on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.

METHODS

Thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups. In the sham group (group S, n = 10), only right nephrectomy was performed. In the control group (group C, n = 10), after right nephrectomy, the mice were subjected to 30 minutes of left renal ischemia. In the aminophylline group (group A, n = 10), an intraperitoneal injection of aminophylline (5 mg/kg) was performed before renal ischemia. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the mice were euthanized, and plasma and kidney samples were obtained to analyze the serum creatinine, renal histology, and expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

The serum creatinine concentration in group C was markedly elevated at 24 hours after reperfusion. Aminophylline treatment significantly reduced serum creatinine, compared with group C. Aminophylline also reduced the histological evidence of renal damage. The expression levels of NF-kB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA were significantly increased in group C (P < .001). Group A showed lower expression of NF-kB, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-2, and ICAM-1 mRNA than group C (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Aminophylline treatment improved the renal function and indexes of renal inflammation, which suggests that it provided reno-protection against renal I/R injury.

Russian Caucasians have a higher risk of erosive reflux disease compared with East Asians: A direct endoscopic comparison

BACKGROUND

Erosive reflux disease (ERD) is prevalent in the West, and its incidence is increasing in the East. The differences between the West and East, especially in body composition, have not been investigated thoroughly.

METHODS

Subjects who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and body composition analysis during health screening were analyzed retrospectively. Russian Caucasians who visited Korea were propensity matched with native Koreans. Endoscopy results were analyzed to identify ERD and gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) status. Body composition and laboratory results were compared to identify risk factors for ERD.

KEY RESULTS

32 279 subjects underwent health screening with 1496 Russian Caucasians propensity matched with 1496 Koreans. ERD prevalence was 20.2% for Caucasians and 9.8% for Koreans (P<.001). Caucasians had significantly greater body mass index (BMI) and were more sarcopenic. Significant risk factors for ERD were Caucasian ethnicity (OR 1.629, 95% CI 1.265-2.099, P<.001), male gender (OR 2.374, 95% CI 1.883-2.993, P<.001), greater BMI (OR 1.067, 95% CI 1.041-1.093, P<.001), and abnormal GEFV (OR 2.730, 95% CI 2.194-3.397, P<.001). H. pylori seropositivity (OR 0.614, 95% CI 0.488-0.774, P<.001) and atrophic gastritis (OR 0.547, 95% CI 0.411-0.728, P<.001) were significantly preventive.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Caucasian ethnicity is a significant risk factor for ERD. Greater BMI, male gender and abnormal GEFV are associated with ERD, and H. pylori seropositivity and atrophic gastritis are preventive. Further studies are needed to assess the differences in ERD between Caucasians and East Asians.

UTE-ΔR2 -ΔR2 * combined MR whole-brain angiogram using dual-contrast superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

The ability to visualize whole-brain vasculature is important for quantitative in vivo investigation of vascular malfunctions in cerebral small vessel diseases, including cancer, stroke and neurodegeneration. Transverse relaxation-based ΔR2 and ΔR2 * MR angiography (MRA) provides improved vessel-tissue contrast in animal deep brain with the aid of intravascular contrast agents; however, it is susceptible to orientation dependence, air-tissue interface artifacts and vessel size overestimation. Dual-mode MRA acquisition with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) provides a unique opportunity to systematically compare and synergistically combine both longitudinal (R1 ) and transverse (ΔR2 and ΔR2 *) relaxation-based MRA. Through Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and MRA experiments in normal and tumor-bearing animals with intravascular SPION, we show that ultrashort TE (UTE) MRA acquires well-defined vascularization on the brain surface, minimizing air-tissue artifacts, and combined ΔR2 and ΔR2 * MRA simultaneously improves the sensitivity to intracortical penetrating vessels and reduces vessel size overestimation. Consequently, UTE-ΔR2 -ΔR2 * combined MRA complements the shortcomings of individual angiograms and provides a strategy to synergistically merge longitudinal and transverse relaxation effects to generate more robust in vivo whole-brain micro-MRA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy: experience with 114 consecutive patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer

The study aims to report the operative outcomes of robot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (RATE) with extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy (ML) for intrathoracic esophageal cancer. We analyzed a prospective database of 114 consecutive patients who underwent RATE with lymph node dissection along recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) followed by cervical esophagogastrostomy. The study included 104 men with a mean age of 63.1 ± 0.8 years. Of these, 110 (96.5%) had squamous cell carcinoma, and the location of the tumor was upper esophagus in 7 (6.1%), middle in 62 (54.4%), and lower in 45 (39.5%). Preoperative concurrent chemoradiation was performed in 15 patients (13.2%). All but one patient underwent successful RATE, and R0 resection was achieved in 111 patients (97.4%). Extended ML and total ML were performed in 24 (21.1%) and 90 (78.9%) patients, respectively. Total operation time was 419.6 ± 7.9 minutes, and robot console time was 206.6 ± 5.2 minutes. The mean number of total, mediastinal, and RLN nodes was 43.5 ± 1.4, 24.5 ± 1.0, and 9.7 ± 0.7, respectively. The most common complication was RLN palsy (30, 26.3%), followed by anastomotic leakage (17, 14.9%) and pulmonary complications (11, 9.6%). Median hospital stay was 16 days, and 90-day mortality was observed in three patients (2.5%). On multivariate analysis, preoperative concurrent chemoradiation was a risk factor for pulmonary complications (odds ratio 7.42, 95% confidence interval 1.91-28.8, P = 0.004). RATE with extensive ML could be performed safely with acceptable postoperative outcomes. Long-term survival data should be followed in the future to verify the oncological outcome of the procedure.

Pathway for the Production of Neutron-Rich Isotopes around the N=126 Shell Closure

Absolute cross sections for isotopically identified products formed in multinucleon transfer in the (136)Xe+(198)Pt system at ∼8  MeV/nucleon are reported. The isotopic distributions obtained using a large acceptance spectrometer demonstrated the production of the "hard-to-reach" neutron-rich isotopes for Z<78 around the N=126 shell closure far from stability. The main contribution to the formation of these exotic nuclei is shown to arise in collisions with a small kinetic energy dissipation. The present experimental finding corroborates for the first time recent predictions that multinucleon transfer reactions would be the optimum method to populate and characterize neutron-rich isotopes around N=126 which are crucial for understanding both astrophysically relevant processes and the evolution of "magic" numbers far from stability.

Simultaneous evaluation of vascular morphology, blood volume and transvascular permeability using SPION-based, dual-contrast MRI: imaging optimization and feasibility test

Exploiting ultrashort-T(E) (UTE) MRI, T1-weighted positive contrast can be obtained from superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), which are widely used as a robust T2-weighted, negative contrast agent on conventional MR images. Our study was designed (a) to optimize the dual-contrast MRI method using SPIONs and (b) to validate the feasibility of simultaneously evaluating the vascular morphology, blood volume and transvascular permeability using the dual-contrast effect of SPIONs. All studies were conducted using 3 T MRI. According to numerical simulation, 0.15 mM was the optimal blood SPION concentration for visualizing the positive contrast effect using UTE MRI (T(E) = 0.09 ms), and a flip angle of 40° could provide sufficient SPION-induced enhancement and acceptable measurement noise for UTE MR angiography. A pharmacokinetic study showed that this concentration can be steadily maintained from 30 to 360 min after the injection of 29 mg/kg of SPIONs. An in vivo study using these settings displayed image quality and CNR of SPION-enhanced UTE MR angiography (image quality score 3.5; CNR 146) comparable to those of the conventional, Gd-enhanced method (image quality score 3.8; CNR 148) (p > 0.05). Using dual-contrast MR images obtained from SPION-enhanced UTE and conventional spin- and gradient-echo methods, the transvascular permeability (water exchange index 1.76-1.77), cerebral blood volume (2.58-2.60%) and vessel caliber index (3.06-3.10) could be consistently quantified (coefficient of variation less than 9.6%; Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement 0.886-1.111) and were similar to the literature values. Therefore, using the optimized setting of combined SPION-based MRI techniques, the vascular morphology, blood volume and transvascular permeability can be comprehensively evaluated during a single session of MR examination.

β-Decay Half-Lives of 110 Neutron-Rich Nuclei across the N=82 Shell Gap: Implications for the Mechanism and Universality of the Astrophysical r Process

The β-decay half-lives of 110 neutron-rich isotopes of the elements from _{37}Rb to _{50}Sn were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. The 40 new half-lives follow robust systematics and highlight the persistence of shell effects. The new data have direct implications for r-process calculations and reinforce the notion that the second (A≈130) and the rare-earth-element (A≈160) abundance peaks may result from the freeze-out of an (n,γ)⇄(γ,n) equilibrium. In such an equilibrium, the new half-lives are important factors determining the abundance of rare-earth elements, and allow for a more reliable discussion of the r process universality. It is anticipated that universality may not extend to the elements Sn, Sb, I, and Cs, making the detection of these elements in metal-poor stars of the utmost importance to determine the exact conditions of individual r-process events.

Robust MR assessment of cerebral blood volume and mean vessel size using SPION-enhanced ultrashort echo acquisition

Intravascular superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION)-enhanced MR transverse relaxation rates (∆R2(⁎) and ∆R2) are widely used to investigate in vivo vascular parameters, such as the cerebral blood volume (CBV), microvascular volume (MVV), and mean vessel size index (mVSI, ∆R2(⁎)/∆R2). Although highly efficient, regional comparison of vascular parameters acquired using gradient-echo based ∆R2(⁎) is hampered by its high sensitivity to magnetic field perturbations arising from air-tissue interfaces and large vessels. To minimize such demerits, we took advantage of the dual contrast property of SPION and both theoretically and experimentally verified the direct benefit of replacing gradient-echo based ∆R2(⁎) measurement with ultra-short echo time (UTE)-based ∆R1 contrast to generate the robust CBV and mVSI maps. The UTE acquisition minimized the local measurement errors from susceptibility perturbations and enabled dose-independent CBV measurement using the vessel/tissue ∆R1 ratio, while independent spin-echo acquisition enabled simultaneous ∆R2 measurement and mVSI calculation of the cortex, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb, which are animal brain regions typified by significant susceptibility-associated measurement errors.

Optimizing broadband terahertz modulation with hybrid graphene/metasurface structures

We demonstrate efficient terahertz (THz) modulation by coupling graphene strongly with a broadband THz metasurface device. This THz metasurface, made of periodic gold slit arrays, shows near unity broadband transmission, which arises from coherent radiation of the enhanced local-field in the slits. Utilizing graphene as an active load with tunable conductivity, we can significantly modify the local-field enhancement and strongly modulate the THz wave transmission. This hybrid device also provides a new platform for future nonlinear THz spectroscopy study of graphene.

Amelioration of high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance by blockade of Smad4 in pancreatic beta-cells

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated whether Smad4 signaling is involved in the regulation of beta-cell function using a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model.

METHODS

Beta-cell-specific Smad4-knockout mice (Smad4(-/-)RIP-Cre(+); β-Smad4KO) were generated by mating Smad4 (flox/flox) mice with rat insulin promoter (RIP)-Cre mice. Mice were fed a HFD beginning at 6 weeks of age for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, fasting and fed glucose levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance were measured.

RESULTS

The expression of Smad4 mRNA was significantly decreased in the islets of β-Smad4KO mice. In wild-type mice, Smad4 mRNA was significantly decreased at 18 weeks of age as compared with 8 weeks of age. On a regular chow diet, β-Smad4KO mice showed no differences in body weight, fed and fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance compared with wild-type mice. When fed a HFD, body weight gain was significantly reduced in β-Smad4KO mice as compared with wild-type mice, although the amount of food intake was not different. During the HFD, fed and fasting blood glucose levels, glucose stimulated insulin secretion, disposition index and glucose tolerance were significantly improved in β-Smad4KO mice as compared with wild-type mice. However, insulin tolerance tests showed no differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of Smad4 in beta-cells conferred mild but significant improvements in glucose levels and glucose tolerance in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, regulation of Smad4 expression may be one of the mechanisms regulating physiological expansion of beta-cells during development of type 2 diabetes.

Yrast 6⁺ seniority isomers of (136,138)Sn

Delayed γ-ray cascades, originating from the decay of (6⁺) isomeric states, in the very neutron-rich, semimagic isotopes (136,138)Sn have been observed following the projectile fission of a ²³⁸U beam at RIBF, RIKEN. The wave functions of these isomeric states are proposed to be predominantly a fully aligned pair of f(7/2) neutrons. Shell-model calculations, performed using a realistic effective interaction, reproduce well the energies of the excited states of these nuclei and the measured transition rates, with the exception of the B(E2;6⁺→4⁺) rate of ¹³⁶Sn, which deviates from a simple seniority scheme. Empirically reducing the νf(7/2)(2) orbit matrix elements produces a 4₁⁺ state with almost equal seniority 2 and 4 components, correctly reproducing the experimental B(E2;6⁺→4⁺) rate of ¹³⁶Sn. These data provide a key benchmark for shell-model interactions far from stability.

Monopole-driven shell evolution below the doubly magic nucleus 132Sn explored with the long-lived isomer in 126Pd

A new isomer with a half-life of 23.0(8) ms has been identified at 2406 keV in (126)Pd and is proposed to have a spin and parity of 10(+) with a maximally aligned configuration comprising two neutron holes in the 1h(11/2) orbit. In addition to an internal-decay branch through a hindered electric octupole transition, β decay from the long-lived isomer was observed to populate excited states at high spins in (126)Ag. The smaller energy difference between the 10(+) and 7(-) isomers in (126)Pd than in the heavier N=80 isotones can be interpreted as being ascribed to the monopole shift of the 1h(11/2) neutron orbit. The effects of the monopole interaction on the evolution of single-neutron energies below (132)Sn are discussed in terms of the central and tensor forces.

1p3/2 proton-hole state in 132Sn and the shell structure along N = 82

A low-lying state in 131In82, the one-proton hole nucleus with respect to double magic 132Sn, was observed by its γ decay to the Iπ=1/2- β-emitting isomer. We identify the new state at an excitation energy of Ex=1353  keV, which was populated both in the β decay of 131Cd83 and after β-delayed neutron emission from 132Cd84, as the previously unknown πp3/2 single-hole state with respect to the 132Sn core. Exploiting this crucial new experimental information, shell-model calculations were performed to study the structure of experimentally inaccessible N=82 isotones below 132Sn. The results evidence a surprising absence of proton subshell closures along the chain of N=82 isotones. The consequences of this finding for the evolution of the N=82 shell gap along the r-process path are discussed.

Isomers in 128Pd and 126Pd: evidence for a robust shell closure at the neutron magic number 82 in exotic palladium isotopes

The level structures of the very neutron-rich nuclei 128Pd and 126Pd have been investigated for the first time. In the r-process waiting-point nucleus 128Pd, a new isomer with a half-life of 5.8(8) μs is proposed to have a spin and parity of 8(+) and is associated with a maximally aligned configuration arising from the g(9/2) proton subshell with seniority υ=2. For 126Pd, two new isomers have been identified with half-lives of 0.33(4) and 0.44(3) μs. The yrast 2(+) energy is much higher in 128Pd than in 126Pd, while the level sequence below the 8(+) isomer in 128Pd is similar to that in the N=82 isotone 130Cd. The electric quadrupole transition that depopulates the 8(+) isomer in 128Pd is more hindered than the corresponding transition in 130Cd, as expected in the seniority scheme for a semimagic, spherical nucleus. These experimental findings indicate that the shell closure at the neutron number N=82 is fairly robust in the neutron-rich Pd isotopes.

Immune modulation effect of porcine placenta extracts in weaned the pig

In a previous study, we established a collection of appropriate porcine placental extracts using PBS at 80°C (PE-PBS80) as a food supplement to increase immune activities in a mice model. In this study, piglets were treated with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% PE-PBS80 for 3 wk after weaning. Experiments were performed at 2 separate farms using 2 different pig varieties. Composition of white blood cells, lymphocyte activation, and cytokine concentrations were analyzed to assess the immune modulation effect. In Exp. 1, the number of white blood cells increased significantly in the PE-PBS80 treatment and T- and B-cell activation increased as well (P < 0.01). Interestingly, piglets in all treatments in Exp. 2 were naturally infected by a rotavirus at the third day of the experiment but recovered after d 10. Increased lymphocyte activation was observed in the PE-PBS80 treatment (P < 0.01) regardless of viral infection. Additionally, unlike in Exp. 1, the percentage of granulocytes and concentrations of interferon-γ, IL-1β, and IgG increased in the PE-PBS80 treatment (P < 0.01) and were more active in the 0.3% PE-PBS80 treatment compared with the control and the other treatment. In conclusion, 0.3% PE-PBS80 treatment modulated immune activities in antigen-infected piglets. Therefore, the PE-PBS80 pig placental extract, particularly the 0.3% supplement to the normal diet, could be useful as an alternative feed supplement to modulate immune activity during the early piglet period.

A comparison of intra-operative blood loss and acid-base balance between vasopressor and inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation: a randomised, controlled study

Administration of vasopressors or inotropes during liver transplant surgery is almost universal, as this procedure is often accompanied by massive haemorrhage, acid-base imbalance, and cardiovascular instability. However, the actual agents that should be used and the choice between a vasopressor and an inotrope strategy are not clear from existing published evidence. In this prospective, randomised, controlled and single-blinded study, we compared the effects of a vasopressor strategy on intra-operative blood loss and acid-base status with those of an inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation. Seventy-six adult liver recipients with decompensated cirrhosis were randomly assigned to receive a continuous infusion of either phenylephrine at a dose of 0.3-0.4 μg.kg(-1).min(-1) or dopamine and/or dobutamine at 2-8 μg.kg(-1).min(-1) during surgery. Vascular resistance was higher over time in the phenylephrine group than in the dopamine/dobutamine group. Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the phenylephrine group than in the dopamine/dobutamine group (mean (SD) 4.5 (1.8) l vs 6.1 (3.4) l, respectively, p=0.011). Patients in the phenylephrine group had lower lactate levels in the late pre-anhepatic and the early anhepatic phase and needed less bicarbonate administration than those in the dopamine/dobutamine group (median (IQR [range]) 40 (0-100 [0-160]) mEq vs 70 (40-163 [0-260]) mEq, respectively, p=0.018). Postoperative clinical outcomes and laboratory-measured hepatic and renal function did not differ between the groups. Increased vascular resistance and reduction of portal blood flow by intra-operative phenylephrine infusion is assumed to decrease the amount of intra-operative bleeding and thereby ameliorate the progression of lactic acidosis during liver transplant surgery.

Counting small hypointense spots confounds the quantification of functional islet mass based on islet MRI

Iron-containing fragmented islets or free iron released from dying cells could confound the interpretation of MRI of iron nanoparticle-labeled islets. Exclusion of small hypointense spots could be a useful strategy to avoid such artifact. We investigated whether this strategy could improve the estimation of functioning islet mass after islet transplantation. Using a rat syngeneic intraportal islet transplantation model, we quantitatively assessed the relationships between total area, number of hypointense spots on MRI that belong to each size quartile and glycemic control of the recipients. The total area of hypointense spots on MRI was greater in the recipients that achieved diabetes reversal (p = 0.002), whereas the total number of hypointense spots was not different (p = 0.757). Exclusion of small hypointense spots improved the association between the number of hypointense spots and the blood glucose level of the recipients (p < 0.001). Ex-vivo imaging and histologic study confirmed that some small hypointense spots represent the phagocytosed free iron. Exclusion of small hypointense spots improved the quantification of the functional islet mass based on islet MRI. This would be a useful principle in the development of an algorithm to estimate functioning islet mass based on islet MRI.

Immunohistochemical analysis of pulpal regeneration by nestin expression in replanted teeth

AIM

To investigate dental pulp healing after tooth replantation in rats using nestin as an odontoblastic marker for immunohistochemical analysis.

METHODOLOGY

  Twenty-five maxillary right first molars from 25 female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4 weeks post-natally, were extracted and immediately repositioned in the original socket within 5 s. Five rats each were later killed on days 3, 5 and weeks 1, 2 and 4. The maxillae were removed en bloc and the tissue samples containing the maxillary right first molars were decalcified, sectioned, mounted and stained with anti-nestin antibody to be observed under a light microscope.

RESULTS

  At 3 days after replantation, there was a localized inflammatory reaction, but pulp revascularization and healing had begun in the root area. At 5 days after replantation, odontoblast-like cells were observed. Reparative dentine deposition was observed beneath the pulp-dentine border from 1 week after replantation, and gradually increased until 2 weeks after replantation. The presence of odontoblast-like cells and the formation of reparative dentine continued from the first week throughout the experimental period. At week four, deposition of osteodentine and cementum-like tissues were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulpal mineralization after replantation initially occurred via the deposition of reparative dentine, followed by the deposition of osteodentine and cementum-like tissues in rat teeth.

Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinomas and small cell carcinomas by PCR and immunohistochemistry

Recently, the clonal integration of a new human polyomavirus (Merkel cell polyomavirus or MCPyV) has been reported in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In order to investigate the presence of MCPyV in small cell carcinomas (SCCs) and small round cell tumors (SRCTs), we collected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens including 14 MCCs, 24 SCCs, 7 Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/PNETs) and 5 neuroblastomas. We also collected specimens of other cancers including 12 malignant melanomas, 10 breast, 10 ovarian and 20 gastric cancers. We used 3 primer sets for which the sequences were previously published (LT1, LT3, and VP1) and 3 newly designed primer sets (LT1-1, LT1-1a, and LT3a). Quantitative real-time PCR was also performed with the LTq primer set. Nested PCR using the LT3a primer set detected more cases of MCPyV infection in MCC. In total, 12 of 14 (85.7%) MCC cases were positive for MCPyV by PCR, which was consistent with published data. Some SCC specimens were also positive for MCPyV (37.5%) by PCR. PCR products from MCC and SCC cases showed premature truncation and frameshift mutation. Furthermore, one case of ES/PNET and one gastric carcinoma showed MCPyV DNA. However, MCPyV DNA and transcript were only detected in MCCs with quantitative real-time PCR analysis. In addition, 11 of 13 (84.6%) MCC cases and 6 of 23 (26.1%) SCC cases showed immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibodies against MCPyV large T-antigen. Considering both PCR and IHC results, MCPyV was detected in all MCCs tested. The presence of MCPyV in all MCC cases tested and in some SCC cases suggests that MCPyV may be involved in the malignant transformation.

Importance of Sox2 in maintenance of cell proliferation and multipotency of mesenchymal stem cells in low-density culture

OBJECTIVES

This study has aimed to repopulate 'primitive' cells from late-passage mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of poor multipotentiality and low cell proliferation rate, by simply altering plating density.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of low density culture compared t high density culture on late-passage bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs and pluripotency markers of multipotentiality were investigated. Cell proliferation, gene expression, RNA interference and differentiation potential were assayed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We repopulated 'primitive' cells by replating late-passage MSCs at low density (17 cells/cm(2) ) regardless of donor age. Repopulated MSCs from low-density culture were smaller cells with spindle shaped morphology compared to MSCs from high-density culture. The latter had enhanced colony-forming ability, proliferation rate, and adipogenic and chondrogenic potential. Strong expression of osteogenic-related genes (Cbfa1, Dlx5, alkaline phosphatase and type Ι collagen) in late-passage MSCs was reduced by replating at low density, whereas expression of three pluripotency markers (Sox2, Nanog and Oct-4), Osterix and Msx2 reverted to levels of early-passage MSCs. Knockdown of Sox2 and Msx2 but not Nanog, using RNA interference, showed significant decrease in colony-forming ability. Specifically, knockdown of Sox2 significantly inhibited multipotentiality and cell proliferation. Our data suggest that plating density should be considered to be a critical factor for enrichment of 'primitive' cells from heterogeneous BM and that replicative senescence and multipotentiality of MSCs during in vitro expansion may be predominantly regulated through Sox2.

Comparison of an Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine or Remifentanil on Perioperative Haemodynamics, Hypnosis and Sedation, and Postoperative Pain Control

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on haemodynamic stability, sedation and postoperative pain control in the postanaesthetic care unit (PACU). Fifty consecutive patients scheduled for total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly assigned to receive infusions of either dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) i.v. over 10 min followed by 0.2-0.7 μg/kg per h continuous i.v. infusion or remifentanil (0.8-1.2 μg/kg) i.v. over 1 min followed by 0.05-0.1 μg/kg i.v. per min, starting at the end of surgery to the time in the PACU. Modified observer's assessment of alertness scores were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group at 0, 5 and 10 min after arrival in the PACU. Blood pressure and heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower than that recorded in the remifentanil group in the PACU. Dexmedetomidine, at the doses used in this study, had a significant advantage over remifentanil in terms of postoperative haemodynamic stability.

Viral agents associated with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea

BACKGROUND

The present study was carried out to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of viral gastroenteritis and determine the phylogenetic composition of norovirus strains detected in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 10,603 stool samples were collected from 2004 to 2008 and tested by RT-PCR or ELISA. In 4,170 (39.3%) samples at least one viral pathogen was present. Rotavirus (RoV) (1,864, 17.5%) was found to be the causative agent followed by norovirus (NoV) (1,845, 17.4%), human adenovirus (HAdV) (266, 2.5%), human astrovirus (HAstV) (194, 1.8%), and sapovirus (SV) (1, 0.009%). Five GI genotypes (GI-1, GI-3, GI-4, GI-8, and GI-9) and eight GII genotypes (GII-2, GII-3, GII-4, GII-6, GII-7, GII-12, GII-16, and GII-17) of NoV were identified in acute gastroenteritis patients in 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic characteristics of norovirus and the epidemiologic patterns of a viral pathogen from acute gastroenteritis patients may give potentially effective data for epidemiological studies in Seoul, Korea.

Role of autophagy in β-cell function and mass

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by decreased insulin secretion and action. Decreased insulin secretion results from a reduction in pancreatic β-cell mass and/or function. Apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses including JNK activation have been suggested as mechanisms for the changes of pancreatic β-cells in T2D; however, the underlying causes were not clearly elucidated. Autophagy is an intracellular process that plays crucial roles in cellular homeostasis through degradation and recycling of organelles. We have reported increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of β-cells with resultant reduction in the β-cell mass in β-cell-specific autophagy-deficient mice. Morphological analysis of β-cells revealed accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, swollen mitochondria and distended ER. Insulin secretory function ex vivo was also impaired. As a result, β-cell-specific autophagy-deficient mice showed hypoinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia. These results suggested that autophagy is necessary to maintain the structure, mass and function of pancreatic β-cells. In addition, as autophagy may play a protective role against ER stress and rejuvenates organelle function, impaired autophagy may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, which have been implicated as potential causes of insulin resistance. Therefore, in addition to β-cell homeostasis, dysregulated autophagy may possibly be involved in diverse aspects of the pathogenesis of diabetes.

The impact of insulin sensitisers on lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes

SETTING

It has been reported that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with poor pulmonary function, which could be explained by insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether insulin sensitisers (ISs) have beneficial effects on lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and DM.

DESIGN

This retrospective study included patients with both COPD and DM who attended Seoul National University Hospital for treatment between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2007. They were treated with inhalers for COPD and oral hypoglycaemia agents, including ISs or insulin, for DM. The primary outcome was a change in lung function in spirometric examinations.

RESULTS

Among 61 patients enrolled, 32 were in the no IS group, while 29 were in the IS group. On multivariable regression analysis, the IS group showed a significantly greater change in forced vital capacity (FVC) than the no IS group (adjusted beta-coefficient 131.9, 95%CI 8.5-255.4, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with an IS was independently associated with improvements in FVC in patients with both COPD and DM, compared with treatment without IS.

Comparison of Stress Hormone Response, Interleukin-6 and Anaesthetic Characteristics of Two Anaesthetic Techniques: Volatile Induction and Maintenance of Anaesthesia using Sevoflurane versus Total Intravenous Anaesthesia using Propofol and Remifentanil

This prospective randomized study compared the effects of two types of anaesthesia on peri-operative anaesthetic profiles from induction to recovery and on immunological and neurohormonal responses to anaesthesia and surgical stress. Forty patients were assigned to undergo either volatile induction and maintenance of anaesthesia (VIMA) with sevoflurane or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, glucose and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured at baseline, induction, incision and extubation. TIVA produced a significantly lower intubation score, shorter time to intubation and faster waking time than VIMA, but recovery profiles did not differ. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol and glucose levels were significantly lower with TIVA than VIMA, but there was no difference in IL-6 levels between the two groups. TIVA with propofol and remifentanil may be preferable to VIMA with sevoflurane alone because it leads to smoother, more rapid induction, more rapid awakening and lower stress responses to surgical stimuli.

Left-sided gallbladder: a complicated percutaneous cholecystostomy and subsequent hepatic embolisation

A 68-year-old male patient with chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure was diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis. A percutaneous cholecystostomy using a transperitoneal approach was performed after two failed attempts with a right-sided transhepatic approach. Subsequent hepatic embolisation was performed for the treatment of haemoperitoneum due to hepatic injury after the percutaneous cholecystostomy. The presence of a left-sided gallbladder was confirmed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 1 week. Prior identification of this anomaly would have prevented hepatic injury through the use of a cautious procedure against mobility or careful selection of the approach routes. In conclusion, the transperitoneal approach can be easier or more preferable to perform for a percutaneous cholecystostomy of a left-sided gallbladder.

Design of liquid container handles in accordance with user preferences

In this study, a prototype liquid container combined with auxiliary handles was designed to increase the safety of manual handling and to protect users of these containers from hand contamination. A Likert summated rating method as well as a pairwise ranking test was applied to evaluate the user preferences for handles provided for the container under the conditions of different shapes and positions. The results show that the participants preferred perpendicular orientation of the handle on the top of the liquid container while carrying the containers and the crosswise position of the handle at the side of the container while pouring the liquid. In order to satisfy both conditions, the container needs to be designed with handles in perpendicular as well as crosswise positions for selective application. A prototype liquid container with provided auxiliary handles was developed based on the results of the evaluation. It is recommended that a liquid container provides extra handles to reduce musculoskeletal stress and in turn increase user satisfaction.

Healthy twin birth after autologous islet transplantation in a pancreatectomized patient due to a benign tumor

OBJECTIVE

Autologous islet transplantation has been reported to show favorable outcomes on glucose metabolism. The objective of this study was to describe successful delivery of twins in an islet recipient who had undergone distal pancreatectomy.

PATIENT

A 35-year-old woman who underwent distal pancreatectomy owing to a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm received an autologous islet transplantation (140,000 islet equivalents). After 2.5 years, she unexpectedly became pregnant. Cesarean section was performed at 35 weeks delivering male twins without complications. Plasma glucose and insulin levels, insulinogenic index, and hemoglobin A1c were measured from the preoperative to the postpartum state as the main outcome.

RESULTS

The patient showed impaired glucose tolerance before pancreatectomy, but improved to a normal glucose tolerance after transplantation, maintaining euglycemia until pregnancy. Because her fasting glucose levels were within the normal range during pregnancy, fasting insulin represented insulin resistance. Her fasting insulin levels abruptly increased in the third trimester of pregnancy, but returned after delivery. Insulinogenic index increased over 1 year after transplantation, but gradually decreased thereafter. During pregnancy, it increased again, but could not compensate for the insulin resistance. Therefore, gestational diabetes mellitus developed: glucose homeostasis recovered to normal after delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The current report suggested a successful pregnancy after autologous islet transplantation that did not itself permanently deteriorate graft function.

Optimized THP-1 differentiation is required for the detection of responses to weak stimuli

OBJECTIVES

The differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophages is mainly conducted at a phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) concentration of 10-400 ng/ml. However, this concentration might be high enough to upregulate the expressions of some genes in differentiated macrophages, which could overwhelm gene expression increases induced by other stimuli. The present study was performed to optimize the PMA concentration required to differentiate monocytes whilst minimizing gene upregulation.

METHODS

THP-1 cells were treated with 2.5-100 ng/ml PMA and analyzed for the extent of cell adherence, the surface marker of macrophages, and stable differentiation without undesirable gene upregulation. The stably differentiated THP-1 cells at the minimum PMA concentration were treated with 10 ng/ml LPS or 125 nM amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42)).

RESULTS

The treatment of THP-1 with 5 ng/ml PMA was found to be sufficient to induce stable differentiation without undesirable gene upregulation. These macrophages differentiated at 5 ng/ml responded well to secondary weak stimuli like 10 ng/ml LPS or 125 nM of amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42)).

CONCLUSIONS

This finding suggests that THP-1 cells are well differentiated by 5 ng/ml PMA, and that the resulting differentiated macrophages respond well to secondary weak stimuli without being overwhelmed by undesirable gene upregulation induced by PMA.

Tooth survival and periodontal tissues healing of allogenic-transplanted teeth in the mice

OBJECTIVE

For the successful organ transplantation, immune rejection has to be considered. Autogenic transplantation of human teeth is generally carried out free of clinical difficulty because of the lack of immune reaction, whereas allogenic tooth transplantations easily induce host immune rejection to donor tissues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the replacement of donor tissue by host cells after allogenic tooth transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First molars extracted from lacZ transgenic ROSA26 mice were transplanted into the alveolar socket and the tongue of host wildtype mice, where the first molar had existed.

RESULTS

Donor cells from lacZ transgenic mice were not detected in the periodontal ligament space, but rather in the pulp chamber of the donor tooth. Furthermore, if the pulp chamber was widely open to an affluent blood supply, odontoblasts and fibroblasts in the donor tissue survived in the dental pulp.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental models using lacZ transgenic ROSA26 mice clearly demonstrate that donor periodontal tissue cells are replaced by host cells and that periodontal tissue can regenerate after allogenic tooth transplantation. Furthermore, our models suggest that donor pulpal cells can survive if the vascular supply into the pulp chamber is sufficient.

Activity of some aminoglycoside antibiotics against true fungi, Phytophthora and Pythium species

AIMS

To investigate the in vitro antifungal and antioomycete activities of some aminoglycosides against true fungi and Phytophthora and Pythium species and to evaluate the potential of the antibiotics against Phytophthora late blight on plants.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Antifungal and antioomycete activities of aminoglycoside antibiotics (neomycin, paromomycin, ribostamycin and streptomycin) and a paromomycin-producing strain (Streptomyces sp. AMG-P1) against Phytophthora and Pythium species and 10 common fungi were measured in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and on seedlings in pots. Paromomycin was the most active against Phytophthora and Pythium species with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 1-10 microg ml(-1) in PDB, but displayed low to moderate activities towards other common fungi at the same concentration. Paromomycin also showed potent in vivo activity against red pepper and tomato late blight diseases with 80 and 99% control value, respectively, at 100 microg ml(-1). In addition, culture broth of Streptomyces sp. AMG-P1 as a paromomycin producer exhibited high in vivo activity against late blight at 500 microg freeze-dried weight per millilitre.

CONCLUSIONS

Among tested aminoglycoside antibiotics, paromomycin was the most active against oomycetes both in vitro and in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Data from this study show that aminoglycoside antibiotics have in vitro and in vivo activities against oomycetes, suggesting that Streptomyces sp. AMG-P1 may be used as a biocontrol agent against oomycete diseases.

New antibody immobilization method via functional liposome layer for specific protein assays

A specific protein assay system based on functional liposome-modified gold electrodes has been demonstrated. To fabricate such assay system, a liposome layer was initially grown on top of a gold layer. The liposome layer contained two kinds of functional molecules: biotin molecules for the binding sites of streptavidin and N-(10,12-pentacosadiynoic)-acetylferrocene molecules for the facile redox probe in electrochemical detections. Then, streptavidin was attached on the functional liposme-modified layer using the interaction of streptavidin-sbiotin complex. On the streptavidin-attached surface, antibody molecules, anti-human serum albumin antibodies could be immobilized without any secondary antibodies. AFM imaging of the streptavidin-attached liposome surface revealed a uniform distribution of closely packed streptavidin molecules. In situ quartz-crystal microbalance and electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the wanted antibody-antigen reactions should occur with high specificity and selectivity. Our specific antibody assay system, based on a functional liposome modified electrode, can be developed further to yield sophisticated structures for numerous protein chips and immunoassay sensors.

Genetic polymorphisms in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in the Korean population

AIMS

We examined whether the common polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) gene are associated with Type 2 diabetes or obesity in the Korean population.

METHODS

We genotyped two common PPARgamma polymorphisms (Pro12Ala and 161C > T) and examined their association with the clinical phenotypes found in 684 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 291 non-diabetic control subjects.

RESULTS

The 12Ala allele was less frequent in the Type 2 diabetic patients than in the non-diabetic control subjects (0.036 vs. 0.053, P = 0.024). The allele frequencies of the 161C > T polymorphism did not differ between the control and Type 2 diabetic group (0.158 vs. 0.173). In the non-diabetic controls, those with the T allele had lower BMI and fasting serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations than those with the C/C homozygote (22.7 +/- 2.9 vs. 23.8 +/- 3.2 kg/m2, P = 0.002; 1.45 +/- 0.81 vs. 1.65 +/- 0.83 mmol/l, P = 0.03, respectively). The 12Ala-161T haplotype was associated with a decreased risk for Type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.47, P = 0.009), whereas the 12Pro-161T haplotype was associated with lower BMI and lower fasting serum TG (22.5 +/- 2.8 vs. 23.7 +/- 3.2 kg/m2, P = 0.004; 1.41 +/- 0.87 vs. 1.64 +/- 0.79 mmol/l, P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The PPARgamma 12Ala allele was associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, whereas the PPARgamma 161T allele was associated with lower BMI and fasting serum TG concentrations in the Korean subjects. The subjects with 12Ala-161T haplotypes had a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Identification and first report of Inonotus (Phellinus) tropicalis as an etiologic agent in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease

Although isolates of filamentous basidiomycetes can usually be recognized in a clinical laboratory setting, identification is problematic, as they seldom exhibit diagnostic morphological features formed in nature. This paper is the first report of Inonotus (Phellinus) tropicalis inciting human disease and describes the methods used to support the identification.

A new Hypocrea strain producing harzianum A cytotoxic to tumour cell lines

AIMS

To identify a new fungal strain, Hypocrea sp. F000527 producing a trichothecene metabolite, harzianum A, and to evaluate its cytotoxicity to tumour cell lines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A fungal strain, F000527, with cytotoxic activity was identified as a new Hypocrea strain based on morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacers rDNA sequence data. Harzianum A was isolated from wheat bran culture by 50% acetone extraction, silica gel chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and HPLC. The chemical structures were determined by ESI- or HRFAB-MS and (1)H and (13)C-NMR analyses. Harzianum A showed cytotoxicity to HT1080 and HeLa cell lines with IC(50) value of 0.65 and 5.07 Łg ml(-1) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Harzianum A with a chemical formula of C(23)H(28)O(6) was isolated from a new Hypocrea strain and showed moderate to strong cytotoxicity to human cancer cell lines.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report of the production of cytotoxic harzianum A by a new Hypocrea strain.

Genetic association study of adiponectin polymorphisms with risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korean population

AIMS

To investigate any association between Type 2 diabetes mellitus and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene, T45G and G276T, in the Korean population.

METHODS

We genotyped 427 non-diabetic controls and 493 Type 2 diabetic patients for SNPs T45G and G276T of adiponectin gene, measured plasma adiponectin concentrations, and examined clinical parameters in Koreans.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in allele frequencies of SNPs 45 and 276 comparing control with Type 2 diabetic subjects (T frequency 68.3% vs. 71.6%, P=0.13 for SNP45, G frequency 72.2% vs. 68.9%, P=0.12 for SNP276). The genotype distributions of these SNPs had no association with the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic parameters of insulin resistance. Plasma levels of adiponectin were not statistically different according to T45G and G276T either, in both control and Type 2 diabetic subjects.

CONCLUSION

The T45G and G276T of the adiponectin gene may not be an important determinant of Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance in Korean subjects.

The discomallear ligament and the anterior ligament of malleus: An anatomic study in human adults and fetuses

According to some reports, movement of the malleus, resulting from anterior hypertension on the discomallear ligament (DML), could produce aural symptoms related with damage to middle ear structures. The aim of this study was to examine the topographic relationship of the DML and the anterior ligament of malleus (ALM). Four fetuses and 16 adult hemi-sectioned heads were used to determine the anatomic-clinical relevance of DML and ALM in temporomandibular disorder. In fetal specimens, the DML was distinctly interposed between the malleus and the disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the ALM had a structure apparently composed of the superior and inferior lamellae, running anteriorly in continuation with the sphenomandibular ligament (SML) through the future petrotympanic fissure (PTF). In all adult specimens, the DML was inserted into the malleus, and it expanded broadly toward the disc and capsular region of the TMJ in a triangular shape and inserted into the disc and capsule of the TMJ. The two-lamellae structure of the ALM was not distinguishable in adult specimens. The overstretched ALM resulted in movement of the malleus in five cases, but similar tension applied to the DML did not cause any movement of the malleus. This result provides an indication of the clinical significance of the ALM, a ligamentous structure continuous with the SML. It is apparent that the ALM has the potential to cause aural symptoms as a result of damage to the middle ear structure.

Topographic anatomy of the deep temporal nerves, with references to the superior head of lateral pterygoid

Commonly, the nerve branches from the anterior mandibular nerve trunk pass between the roof of infratemporal fossa and the superior head of lateral pterygoid. However, varied courses of the mandibular nerve branches can be frequently observed. The purpose of this study was to clarify the positional relationships and the clinical relevance of the course variations of the branches of the anterior mandibular nerve trunk with reference to the surrounding anatomical structures. Thirty-six hemi-sectioned heads were studied in detail. In 20 cases, the posterior deep temporal nerve had a common trunk with the masseteric nerve and was then divided anteriorly (15 cases) or posteriorly (five cases). In 16 cases, the posterior deep temporal nerve arose from the mandibular nerve trunk independently. Based on the branching patterns of the middle deep temporal nerve, type A (one twig of the middle deep temporal nerve) was most frequent and occurred in 41.7%. Similarly, type B (two twigs), type C (three twigs) and type D (four twigs) were observed in 36.1%, 16.7%, and 5.5%, respectively. The twigs of the middle deep temporal nerve, which pierced the muscle fibers of the superior head of lateral pterygoid, were found in 21 cases (58.3%). Cases in which the middle deep temporal nerve pierced through all areas of the superior head were most frequent (56.5%). These results suggest that the piercing patterns of the middle deep temporal nerve show there is a possibility that it may be compressed during the actions of the superior head of lateral pterygoid.

Topographic anatomy of the mandibular nerve branches distributed on the two heads of the lateral pterygoid

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the topography of the nerve distribution on the two heads of the lateral pterygoid and to clarify their morphological-functional correlations. The nerve distribution on the lateral pterygoid was studied in 24 hemi-sectioned heads. Both heads of the lateral pterygoid were innervated from the mandibular nerve branches, but with various nerve distribution patterns. The nerves innervating the superior head of the lateral pterygoid originated from the buccal nerve only in 45.8% of cases. In contrast, the nerves innervating the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid originated from both the buccal and mandibular nerve trunk in 58.3% of cases. In the seven distribution categories of the mandibular nerve branches, both the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid had a common source of nerve innervation in only 20.8% of cases, the buccal nerve. In contrast, in 45.9% of cases, additional nerve twigs from the mandibular nerve trunk were distributed on the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid. In summary, besides the buccal nerve described in anatomy textbooks, the nerve branches that originated directly from the mandibular nerve trunk innervated the lateral pterygoid.

Phylogenetic analysis of Antrodia and related taxa based on partial mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequences

Sequences of mitochondrial SSU rDNA were obtained from six species of Antrodia and related fungal taxa to reveal their phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the species of Antrodia did not cluster into a single clade. Brown rot fungi were separated into two main groups through which Antrodia was dispersed. Antrodia sinuosa, A. serialis, A. heteromorpha and A. malicola clustered with Perenniporia, Fomitopsis, Piptoporus, Daedalea and Melanoporia within one group of brown rot fungi, while A. carbonica and A. vaillantii clustered with Oligoporus, Gloeophyllum and Auriporia within the other group of brown rot fungi, indicating that Antrodia is a heterogeneous genus and that brown rot fungi have evolved convergently.

Effect of electroacupuncture on response to immobilization stress

Forced immobilization is a simple and effective stressor which produces large increases in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on BP, HR, and plasma catecholamine levels in rats challenged with immobilization stress. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received electroacupuncture (3 Hz, 0.2 ms pulses, 20 mA) for 30 min after start of immobilization stress (180 min). Needlepoints corresponded to Shaohai (HT3) and Neiguan (PC6) on the heart and pericardium channel. BP and HR were monitored with an indwelling carotid catheter, and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein. Blood (for HPLC determination of NE and EPI), mean BP, and HR were sampled at rest and during the immobilization stress at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min. Electroacupuncture at HT3 and PC6 points but not at control points (TE5, LI11, and tail) significantly reduced the expected increases in BP, HR, and attenuated plasma levels of NE and EPI in response to 3 h of immobilization stress. Results provide strong evidence that electroacupuncture effectively reduces BP and HR increases and plasma catecholamine increases in rats challenged with immobilization stress.

Studies of the central neural pathways to the stomach and Zusanli (ST36)

The purpose of this morphological study was to investigate the relation between the meridian, meridian points and viscera using neuroanatomical tracers. The common locations of the spinal cord and brain projecting to the stomach and Zusanli were observed following injection of CTB (cholera toxin B subunit) and pseudorabies viruses (PRV-Ba, Bartha strain and PRV-Ba-Gal, galactosidase insertion) into the stomach and Zusanli (ST36). After 4-5 days of survival following injection into twelve rats, they were perfused, and their spinal cords and brains were frozen sectioned (30 microm). These sections were stained by X-gal histochemical, CTB and PRV-Ba immunohistochemical staining methods, and examined with the light microscope. The results were as follows: Commonly labeled medulla oblongata regions were dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve (DMV), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and area postrema (AP) following injection of CTB and PRV-Ba-Gal into stomach and Zusanli, respectively. In the spinal cord, commonly labeled neurons were found in thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal segments. Densely labeled areas were found in lamina IV, V, VII (intermediolateral nucleus) and X of the spinal cord. In the brain, commonly labeled neurons were found in the Al noradrenalin cells/Cl adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve, nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema, raphe obscurus nucleus, raphe pallidus nucleus, raphe magnus nucleus, gigantocellular nucleus, locus coeruleus, parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, A5 cell group, central gray matter, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic nucleus, retrochiasmatic hypothalamic nucleus, bed nucleus of stria terminalis and amygdaloid nucleus. Thus central autonomic center project both to the stomach and Zusanli. These morphological results suggest that there is a commonality of CNS cell groups in brain controlling stomach (viscera) and Zusanli (limb).

The DELLA motif is essential for gibberellin-induced degradation of RGA

RGA and GAI are homologous genes that encode putative transcriptional regulators that repress gibberellin (GA) signaling in Arabidopsis. Previously we showed that the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-RGA fusion protein is localized to the nucleus in transgenic Arabidopsis, and expression of this fusion protein rescues the rga null mutation. The GA signal seems to derepress the GA response pathway by degrading the repressor protein RGA. The GA-insensitive, semidominant, semidwarf gai-1 mutant encodes a mutant protein with a 17-amino acid deletion within the DELLA domain of GAI. It was hypothesized that this mutation turns the gai protein into a constitutive repressor of GA signaling. Because the sequences missing in gai-1 are identical between GAI and RGA, we tested whether an identical mutation (rga-Delta 17) in the RGA gene would confer a phenotype similar to gai-1. We demonstrated that expression of rga-Delta 17 or GFP-(rga-Delta 17) under the control of the RGA promoter caused a GA-unresponsive severe dwarf phenotype in transgenic Arabidopsis. Analysis of the mRNA levels of a GA biosynthetic gene, GA4, showed that the feedback control of GA biosynthesis in these transgenic plants was less responsive to GA than that in wild type. Immunoblot and confocal microscopy analyses indicated that rga-Delta17 and GFP-(rga-Delta 17) proteins were resistant to degradation after GA application. Our results illustrate that the DELLA domain in RGA plays a regulatory role in GA-induced degradation of RGA. Deletion of this region stabilizes the rga-Delta 17 mutant protein, and regardless of the endogenous GA status rga-Delta 17 becomes a constitutively active repressor of GA signaling.