Bacterial production of recombinant contraceptive vaccine antigen from CatSper displayed on a human papilloma virus-like particle

CatSper is a voltage dependent calcium ion channel present in the principal piece of sperm tail. It plays a crucial role in sperm hyperactivated motility and so in fertilization. Extracellular loops of mouse sperm CatSper were used to develop a vaccine to achieve protection from pregnancy. These loops were inserted at one of the three hypervariable regions of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) capsid protein (L1). Recombinant vaccines were expressed in E.coli as inclusion body (IB), purified, refolded and assembled into virus-like particles (VLP) in vitro, and adsorbed on alum. Four vaccine candidates were tested in Balb/C mice. All the constructs proved immunogenic, one showed contraceptive efficacy. This recombinant contraceptive vaccine is a non-hormonal intervention and is expected to give long-acting protection from undesired pregnancies.

Deep-learning model associating lateral cervical radiographic features with Cormack-Lehane grade 3 or 4 glottic view

Unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy is associated with serious airway-related complications. We aimed to develop and test a convolutional neural network-based deep-learning model that uses lateral cervical spine radiographs to predict Cormack-Lehane grade 3 or 4 direct laryngoscopy views of the glottis. We analysed the radiographs of 5939 thyroid surgery patients at our hospital, 253 (4%) of whom had grade 3 or 4 glottic views. We used 10 randomly sampled datasets to train a model. We compared the new model with six similar models (VGG, ResNet, Xception, ResNext, DenseNet and SENet). The Brier score (95%CI) of the new model, 0.023 (0.021-0.025), was lower ('better') than the other models: VGG, 0.034 (0.034-0.035); ResNet, 0.033 (0.033-0.035); Xception, 0.032 (0.031-0.033); ResNext, 0.033 (0.032-0.033); DenseNet, 0.030 (0.029-0.032); SENet, 0.031 (0.029-0.032), all p < 0.001. We calculated mean (95%CI) of the new model for: R² , 0.428 (0.388-0.468); mean squared error, 0.023 (0.021-0.025); mean absolute error, 0.048 (0.046-0.049); balanced accuracy, 0.713 (0.684-0.742); and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.965 (0.962-0.969). Radiographic features around the hyoid bone, pharynx and cervical spine were associated with grade 3 and 4 glottic views.

Prognostic implication of residual inflammatory risk according to disease status in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Compared with stable angina, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) phenotype is related with the elevated inflammatory activity. However, time-dependent change of inflammatory level and its prognostic implication has not been fully understood according to the disease entity.

Methods

We enrolled total 4,263 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with serial measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) at on-admission and 1-month post-PCI. The risks of MACE (a composite of death, MI or stroke), and major bleeding were evaluated up to 4 years after procedure.

Results

Compared with the non-AMI group (n=1,887), the AMI group (n=2,376) showed the significant decrease of hs-CRP during 1 month (∇0.5 vs. ∇0.1 mg/L; P&lt;0.001). However, 1-month hs-CRP value still was higher in the AMI group than in the non-AMI group (median: 1.0 vs. 0.9 mg/L; P=0.001). During 1-month follow-up, high vs. low inflammatory risk (upper vs. lower tertile of hs-CRP) was significantly associated with increased rate of MACE in the AMI group (HR: 7.66; 95% CI: 2.29–25.59; P&lt;0.001), but not in the non-AMI group (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.12–4.40; P=0.736). From 1-month to 4-years, patients with high inflammatory risk showed the greater rate of MACE compared to those with low inflammatory risk, in both the AMI (HR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.73–3.45; P&lt;0.001) and non-AMI (HR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.80–3.94; P&lt;0.001) groups.

Conclusion

In PCI-treated patients, patients presented with AMI showed the greater values of inflammatory activity and its prognostic implication during the early phase, but combined inflammatory risk appeared similar across the disease entity during the late phase. This result may support that clinical benefit of post-PCI anti-inflammatory treatment would be constant regardless of the disease entity during the stabilized phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

First Report of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei Infection in Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Cultured in Korea

The consumption of cultured crustaceans has been steadily increasing, and Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are major cultivated invertebrates worldwide. However, shrimp productivity faces a variety of challenges, mainly related to outbreaks of lethal or growth retardation-related diseases. In particular, hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis caused by the microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is an important disease associated with growth retardation in shrimp. Here, we report the detection of EHP through histopathological, molecular and electron microscopy methods in the hepatopancreas of Pacific whiteleg shrimp with growth disorder in a South Korean farm. Phylogenetic analysis showed a clade distinct from the previously reported EHP strains isolated in Thailand, India, China and Vietnam. An EHP infection was not associated with inflammatory responses such as hemocyte infiltration. Although EHP infection has been reported worldwide, this is the first report in the shrimp aquaculture in Korea. Therefore, an EHP infection should be managed and monitored regularly for effective disease control and prevention.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with peripheral artery disease and adverse cardiovascular adverse event and bleeding

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) increase the risk of comorbidity and mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objectives

We evaluate influence of PAD on prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We analyzed all consecutive patients included in our dedicated local registry for PCI between January 2011 and December 2016. Presence of PAD was defined by decreased ankle-brachial index (&lt;0.9). Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarct, revascularization, and ischemic stroke. Major bleeding was defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5.

Results

Among the 4,747 patients who underwent the PCI, 12.9% (n=610) of PAD were identified. Old age (&gt;60 years), renal dysfunction, reduced ejection fraction, and presence of PAD were predictors with both MACE and major bleeding event. Among them, presence of PAD was an independent risk factor of MACE and major bleeding (MACE, HR 8.26, 95% CI 2.33- 29.41, p=0.036; major bleeding, HR 3.11, 95% CI 1.10–10.63, p=0.040, respectively). The MACE and major bleeding rate at 5-year was significantly increased in patients with PAD (MACE, 30.0% vs. 15.8%, log rank test p&lt;0.001; major bleeding, 6.7 vs. 3.6%, log rank test p=0.003, respectively) (Figure).

Conclusion

Presence of PAD was strongly associated with higher rate of long-term MACE and major bleeding. These findings could have a clinical relevance in requiring individualized pharmacologic strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of active and stable cancer on survival in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

With advances in treatment of ischemic heart disease and cancer treatment, use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer (AC) is expanding.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of cancer on survival and major cardiovascular events (MACE) in a long-term, single-center cohort of patients treated with PCI.

Methods

Patients treated with PCI between January 2010 and December 2017 were grouped as follows: controls (patients without cancer), stable cancer (SC), and AC. AC was included patients with cancer diagnosed within the past 6 months, patients who had cancer-related therapy within the past 6 months, active metastatic disease, or active recurrence of the cancer. The primary endpoints were 5-year survival and a secondary endpoint was 5-year MACE.

Results

A total of 6,743 patients (age 66±12 years, 68.4% men) treated with PCI were included: 6,404 (95.0%) controls, 245 (3.6%) SC, and 94 (1.4%) AC. Predominant malignancies were gastrointestinal (37.4%), lung (22.7%), and genitourinary cancer (14.7%). No differences were observed between patients with AC, SC and controls regarding 5-year MACE (total MACE, 33.2% vs. 28.1% vs. 17.5%, p=0.072; cardiac death, 13.6% vs. 9.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.066; non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2.9% vs. 7.5% vs. 7.8%, p=0.820; revascularization, 17.9% vs. 17.6% vs. 11.6%, p=0.794, respectively). Patients with AC and SC had reduced 5-year survival compared with controls (62.0% vs. 81.5% vs. 89.8%, p&lt;0.001) (Figure). AC was associated with a 1.76 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.54, p=0.002) fold increased risk of all-cause 5-year mortality in multivariable adjusted models.

Conclusions

Cumulative incidence of 5-year survival was discriminated by concurrent status of cancer following PCI. Individualized decision making is needed in the routine practice of PCI regarding concurrent cancer-specific treatment and prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

P1416 Clinical importance of consecutive transthoracic echocardiography in the patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

nothing

OnBehalf

nothing

Background

prediction of outcomes Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been robustly analyzed with echocardiography. However, there is limited data of serial follow-up (FU) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to predict outcomes in patients with HCM.

Objectives

This study aim is to discover clinical predictors associated with consecutive TTE follow-up in patients with HCM.

Methods

From 2010 to 2016, 162 patients with HCM were enrolled retrospectively. Concentric LVH and others systolic disease related to wall thickness were excluded. Index TTE (baseline) was measured when firstly admitted in our hospital. FU TTE was analyzed at the end of follow-up, defined as the last recorded value in patients who did not develop events or the last recorded value before events developed.

Results

The average of FU TTE and clinical FU period was 3.7 ± 2.0 years. Clinical outcomes were defined as stroke, syncope, heart failure, arrhythmia and death. Interestingly, only baseline TR V max was a predictor for clinical outcome whereas the others echo parameters were not associated with events (Table 1). KM curve showed the TR Vmax ≥2.5m/s was also significant (log rank = 0.008, Fig 1.)

Conclusions Our study showed short-term FU TTE did not bring clinician with clinical benefits in the aspect of prediction for events. Only baseline TR V max was good correlation with cardiovascular outcomes and even in the survival analysis.

Serial TTE and changed values Total N = 162 index TTE (baseline) FU TTE Change of FU per year event no event p-value event no event p-value event no event p-value IVDd, mm 14 ± 4 15 ± 5 0.500 15 ± 5 14 ± 5 0.758 0.23 ± 0.51 -0.07 ± 1.27 0.200 LVIDd, mm 47 ± 5 48 ± 6 0.256 47 ± 7 48 ± 6 0.560 -0.22 ± 2.79 0.10 ± 2.27 0.444 LVEF, % 62 ± 5 61 ± 7 0.379 61 ± 6 61 ± 10 0.927 -0.43 ± 3.10 -0.04 ± 4.94 0.620 LAVI 43 ± 9 43 ± 8 0.879 57 ± 27 58 ± 23 0.849 0.53 ± 14.5 3.11 ± 7.2 0.134 EA ratio 0.9 ± 0.6 0.9 ± 0.6 0.782 1.0 ± 0.8 0.9 ± 0.6 0.595 -0.02 ± 0.76 0.003 ± 0.027 0.594 DT,ms 196 ± 58 201 ± 62 0.603 203 ± 91 217 ± 89 0.370 17 ± 57 5 ± 40 0.154 septal e` 4.4 ± 2.1 4.2 ± 1.6 0.585 4.4 ± 1.6 4.6 ± 1.7 0.438 0.24 ± 0.91 0.05 ± 0.65 0.190 E of e` 17 ± 11 17 ± 23 0.993 15 ± 9 15 ± 6 0.726 -0.48 ± 4.42 -1.66 ± 22.78 0.728 TR velocity 2.6 ± 0.5 2.4 ± 0.4 0.012 2.7 ± 0.6 2.6 ± 0.4 0.604 0.05 ± 0.30 0.04 ± 0.18 0.905 Max wall thickness 17 ± 3 18 ± 3 0.137 17 ± 4 17 ± 3 0.888 -0.01 ± 2.19 -0.18 ± 1.14 0.522

Abstract P1416 Figure. TR Vmax and CV outcomes in the KM curve

P3637Relationship between serial measurements of NT-proBNP and cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

Increased level of natriuretic peptides has been known as an important predictors of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We sought to evaluate clinical implication of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measured at initial and follow-up periods.

Methods

Serial NT-proBNP levels (on-admission and one-month post-PCI) were measured in ACS patients undergoing PCI (n=2,290). High NT-proBNP levels were determined according to the predefined age-specific criteria. Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to NT-proBNP levels (on-admission & one-month): (1) normal-normal group (n=1234, 53.9%); (2) high–normal group (n=257, 11.2%); (3) normal-high group (n=376, 16.4%); and (4) high-high group (n=423, 18.5%). Clinical events were defined as all-cause death and MACE (a composite of CV death, non-fatal MI, and ischemic stroke).

Results

With a median follow-up of 35.9 (IQR: 16.8, 54.5) months, all-cause death and MACE were occurred in 4.1% and 7.2%, respectively. NT-proBNP on-admission vs. at one-month did not differ significantly (median 391.6 [IQR: 143.9, 1402.3] vs. median 619.1 [IQR 240.1, 1616.1]; p=0.622), but the prevalence of high NT-proBNP was increased over time (25.3% to 34.9%; p<0.001). The rates of all-cause death and MACE significantly increased only in the high-high group compared with other groups (log-rank test, all p values <0.001, Figure). After adjustment, the high-high group remained significantly risky in terms with the occurrence of all-cause death (HR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.65 to 5.41; p<0.001) and MACE (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.01; p=0.002).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Serial measurements of NT-proBNP at on-admission and follow-up can help to stratify the risks of all-cause death and adverse CV events following PCI in ACS patients. About two-fifths of patients having high NT-proBNP level during hospitalization can be classified into the low-risk group for all-cause death and adverse CV events.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Comparison of image quality of abdominopelvic CT in paediatric patients: low osmolar contrast media versus less iodine-containing iso-osmolar contrast media at different peak kilovoltages

AIM

To evaluate the effect of iso-osmolar contrast media (IOCM) at different tube voltages on image quality for abdominal computed tomography (CT) in paediatric patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The low osmolar contrast media (LOCM) group and IOCM group consisted of 101 and 102 CT examinations, respectively, in patients <18 years old. Images were reviewed retrospectively. Objective measurement of the contrast enhancement and noise were analysed and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the abdominal aorta, portal vein, and liver were calculated. Four radiologists participated in subjective analysis using a four-point scale system to evaluate degrees of contrast enhancement, image noise, beam-hardening artefact, and overall image quality. Reader performance for correctly differentiating the two kinds of contrast media was evaluated.

RESULTS

Regarding the objective measurement, contrast enhancement was significantly higher in the LOCM group (p<0.05). In subjective analysis, only CT using 120 kVp showed significantly stronger enhancement in the LOCM group (p=0.002), and sensitivity to differentiate the IOCM was 80.6%. Overall sensitivity and specificity for correctly differentiating IOCM were 57.1%, and 56.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The application of IOCM was found to be feasible for performing paediatric abdominopelvic CT with a low tube voltage protocol. Although objective measurements of contrast enhancement were significantly lower in the IOCM group, subjective contrast enhancement and image quality assessments were not statistically different between groups.

Devising negative pressure within intercuff space reduces microaspiration

Background

Microaspiration past the tracheal tube cuffs causes ventilator-associated pneumonia. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether creating negative pressure between the tracheal double cuffs could block the fluid passage past the tracheal tube cuffs.

Methods

A new negative pressure system was devised between the double cuffs through a suction hole in the intercuff space. Blue-dyed water was instilled above the cuff at negative suction pressures of − 54, − 68, − 82, − 95, − 109, − 122, and − 136 cmH₂O, and the volume leaked was measured in an underlying water trap after 10 min. Leakage tests were also performed during positive pressure ventilation, and using higher-viscosity materials. The actual negative pressures delivered at the hole of double cuffs were obtained by placing microcatheter tip between the intercuff space and the artificial trachea.

Results

No leakage occurred past the double cuff at − 136 cmH₂O suction pressure at all tracheal tube cuff pressures. The volume leaked decreased significantly as suction pressure increased. When connected to a mechanical ventilator, no leakage was found at − 54 cmH₂suction pressure. Volume of the higher-viscosity materials (dynamic viscosity of 63–108 cP <cP> and 370–430 cP) leaked was small compared to that of normal saline (0.9–1.1 cP). The pressures measured in the intercuff space corresponded to 3.8–5.9% of those applied.

Conclusions

A new prototype double cuff with negative pressure in the intercuff space completely prevented water leakage. The negative pressure transmitted to the tracheal inner wall was a small percentage of that applied.

High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging for Examination of Early Dental Caries

The extent of dental tissue destruction during the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) increases with the severity of the lesion. If the depth and shape of WSLs can be predicted with a noninvasive diagnostic method before dental caries treatment, more conservative interventions can be planned. Given the superiority of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging in observing the internal structures of the body, the present study aimed to verify the possibility of HFUS imaging to examine the depth and shape of WSLs. We prepared tooth samples and developed a biomicroscopic system with a HFUS transducer to obtain images of normal and WSL regions. HFUS images were compared with conventional ultrasound images and micro-computed tomography images. HFUS distinctly differentiated demineralization within WSL and normal regions. WSL depth calculated in the micro-computed tomography image was similar to that in HFUS. This study revealed that HFUS imaging has the potential to detect early dental caries and offer information on the invasion depth of early dental caries quantitatively.

The association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls among elderly patients seeking treatment for back pain

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls in elderly patients who have sought treatment for back pain. Balanced spinal sagittal alignment is known to be important for the prevention of falls. However, spinal sagittal imbalance can be markedly compensated by the lower extremities, and whole body sagittal balance including the lower extremities should be assessed to evaluate actual imbalances related to falls.

Methods

Patients over 70 years old who visited an outpatient clinic for back pain treatment and underwent a standing whole-body radiograph were enrolled. Falls were prospectively assessed for 12 months using a monthly fall diary, and patients were divided into fallers and non-fallers according to the history of falls. Radiological parameters from whole-body radiographs and clinical data were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 144 patients (120 female patients and 24 male patients) completed a 12-month follow-up for assessing falls. A total of 31 patients (21.5%) reported at least one fall within the 12-month follow-up. In univariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of falls was significantly increased in older patients and those with more medical comorbidities, decreased lumbar lordosis, increased sagittal vertical axis, and increased horizontal distance between the C7 plumb line and the centre of the ankle (C7A). Increased C7A was significantly associated with increased risk of falls even after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusion

Whole body sagittal balance, measured by the horizontal distance between the C7 plumb line and the centre of the ankle, was significantly associated with risk of falls among elderly patients with back pain.

Cite this article: J. Kim, J. Y. Hwang, J. K. Oh, M. S. Park, S. W. Kim, H. Chang, T-H. Kim. The association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls among elderly patients seeking treatment for back pain. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–344. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2016-0271.R2.

First description of programmed cell death10 (PDCD10) in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus): Potential relations to the regulation of apoptosis by several pathogens

In this study, we isolated and characterized programmed cell death10 (PDCD10), which is known to be related to apoptosis, from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). The full-length rock bream PDCD10 (RbPDCD10) cDNA (1459 bp) contains an open reading frame of 633 bp that encodes 210 amino acids. Furthermore, multiple alignments revealed that the six of the α-helix bundles were well conserved among the other PDCD10 sequences tested. RbPDCD10 was significantly expressed in the liver, RBC (red blood cell), gill, intestine, trunk kidney and spleen. RbPDCD10 gene expression was also examined in several tissues, including the kidney, spleen, liver, and gill, under bacterial and viral challenges. Generally, all of the examined tissues from the fish that were infected with Edwardsiella tarda and the red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) exhibited significant up-regulations of RbPDCD10 expression compared to the controls. However, RbPDCD10 expression exhibited dramatic down-regulations in all of the examined tissues following injections of Streptococcus iniae, which is major bacterial pathogen that is responsible for mass mortality in rock bream. Our results revealed that rock bream PDCD10 may be involved in the apoptotic regulation of rock bream immune responses.

Coagulation factor II from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus): First report on the molecular biological function and expression analysis in the teleost

The rapid haemostasis of fish prevents bleeding or infection that could be caused by physical properties of the aquatic environment. Additionally, the innate immune system is the first line of defence against infection and is responsible for the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, which are important for the activation of acquired immune responses. Coagulation factor II (CFII) is an important factor in the coagulation system and is involved in recognition and interaction with various bacterial and extracellular proteins. In this study, we identified and characterised the gene encoding CFII in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) (RbCFII) and analysed its expression in various tissues after a pathogen challenge. The full-length RbCFII cDNA (2079 bp) contained an open reading frame of 1854 bp encoding 617 amino acids. Alignment analysis revealed that a gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-rich domain, two kringle domains, and a trypsin-like serine protease domain of the deduced protein were well conserved. RbCFII was ubiquitously expressed in all tissues examined but, predominantly detected in the liver and skin. RbCFII expression was dramatically up-regulated in the kidney, spleen and liver after infection with Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus iniae, or red seabream iridovirus. The recombinant protein RbCFII (rRbCFII) produced using an Escherichia coli expression system was able to bind all examined bacteria. Interestingly, rRbCFII has agglutination activities towards E. coli and E. tarda, while no agglutination was shown toward Vibrio ordalii and S. iniae. These findings indicate that rRbCFII performs an immunological function in the immune response, and might be involved in innate immunity as well as blood coagulation.

Interrupting gel layer between Double cuffs prevents fluid leakage past tracheal tube cuffs

BACKGROUND

Current tracheal tubes (TTs) cannot guarantee a perfect seal against pulmonary aspiration of upper airway secretions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a gel layer between the tracheal tube with double cuffs (Double cuffs) prevents fluid leakage past TT cuffs.

METHODS

In vitro fluid leakage tests were performed using the Double cuff with or without a gel layer between the two cuffs and four commercially available TTs (Euromedical Standard TT, Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo™, Microcuff, and Mallinckrodt TaperGuard™) when placed in artificial tracheas with three-different internal diameters (ID; 16, 20, and 22 mm). Blue-dyed water (5 ml) was placed above the cuff, and the extent of fluid leakage was observed for 48 h. Each test was repeated five times with new tubes at six different intracuff pressures (15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 cm H2O).

RESULTS

In all of the conventional TTs and the Double cuff without a gel layer, fluid leakage was observed even at clinically acceptable intracuff pressures (25-30 cm H2O). However, in the Double cuff with a gel layer, no fluid leakage was observed for 48 h at all intracuff pressures in three-different sized artificial tracheas. At an intracuff pressure of 20 cm H2O in a 20 mm ID trachea, the average volume of injected gel was 2.0 ml. After removal of the TT, the mean volume of the remaining gel in the trachea was 0.10 ml.

CONCLUSIONS

A prototype TT with gel-layered Double cuffs completely blocked fluid leakage past the cuffs for 48 h in a bench-top model. Clinical studies are required to determine whether this TT reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Assessment of the fatty liver index as an indicator of hepatic steatosis for predicting incident diabetes independently of insulin resistance in a Korean population

AIMS

Fatty liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, both closely associated with insulin resistance. Furthermore, fatty liver disease assessed by ultrasonography is known to be a predictor of the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it remains unclear whether fatty liver disease plays a role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes independently of insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated whether fatty liver disease assessed by the fatty liver index can predict the development of Type 2 diabetes independently of systemic insulin resistance.

METHODS

We examined the clinical and laboratory data of 7860 subjects without diabetes who underwent general routine health evaluations at the Asan Medical Center in 2007 and had returned for follow-up examinations in 2011. Fatty liver index was calculated using an equation that considers serum triglyceride levels, γ-glutamyltransferase, waist circumference and BMI.

RESULTS

During a 4-year period, 457 incident diabetes cases (5.8%) were identified. The odds ratios for the development of Type 2 diabetes were significantly higher in the group with a fatty liver index ≥ 60 (fatty liver index-positive) than in the group with a fatty liver index < 20 (fatty liver index-negative) after adjusting for various confounding variables including homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Odds ratios were significant regardless of the insulin resistance status at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that fatty liver index as a simple surrogate indicator of hepatic steatosis is valuable in identifying subjects at high risk for Type 2 diabetes. In addition, fatty liver disease itself contributes to the development of Type 2 diabetes independently of systemic insulin resistance.

Molecular identification and expression analysis of a natural killer cell enhancing factor (NKEF) from rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus and the biological activity of its recombinant protein

Natural killer cell enhancing factor (NKEF) belongs to the defined peroxiredoxin (Prx) family. Rock bream NKEF cDNA was identified by expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis of rock bream liver that was stimulated with the LPS. The full-length RbNKEF cDNA (1062 bp) contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 594 bp encoding 198 amino acids. RbNKEF was significantly expressed in the gill, liver, and intestine. mRNA expression of NKEF in the head kidney was examined under viral and bacterial challenge via real-time RT-PCR. Experimental challenge of rock bream with Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus iniae, and RSIV resulted in significant increases in RbNKEF mRNA in the head kidney. To obtain a recombinant NKEF, the RbNKEF ORF was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the purified soluble protein exhibited a single band corresponding to the predicted molecular mass. When kidney leucocytes were treated with a high concentration of rRbNKEF (10 μg/mL), they exhibited significantly enhanced cell proliferation and viability under oxidative stress.

Molecular identification and expression analysis of a novel tumor necrosis factor receptor from the black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii

Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamilies play crucial roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. In the present study, we isolated the full-length cDNA for black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) TNFR (BrTNFR). This cDNA is 2405 bp in length and contains a 939-bp open reading frame, a 27-bp 5' untranslated region, and a 1439-bp 3' untranslated region including a polyadenylation signal (AATAAA) and polyadenylation site. The 313-amino-acid predicted BrTNFR sequence is homologous to other TNFR sequences, contains four cysteine-rich domains and a death-effector domain (DED), and lacks a transmembrane region. Expression of BrTNFR mRNA was detected in eight different tissues from healthy black rockfish and was highest in peripheral blood lymphocytes and gills. In analyses of mitogen-stimulated BrTNFR expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes, expression of BrTNFR mRNA was observed between 1 and 24h after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A/phorbol myristate acetate, or poly I:C. Although the data suggest that BrTNFR represents an ancestral member of the TNFR superfamily, the orthology of TNFR in teleost fish is difficult to establish because few TNFRs have been identified in these species.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Leading to Acute Gastric Dilatation in a Woman with Bulimia

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare clinical disease defined as compression of the third part of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. Severe complications of SMA syndrome include acute gastric dilatation which is uncommon but potentially fatal and requires immediate intervention. This report describes a 29-year-old woman with SMA syndrome complicated by acute gastric dilatation. It was diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patient had a history of treatment of bulimia nervosa but defaulted 3 months ago. She presented with severe abdominal distension and extreme abdominal pain due to massive gastric dilatation after an eating binge. Gastric decompression was successful with a modified gastric lavage tube with additional large holes at the tip.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in amorphous ferromagnetic CoSiB/Pt multilayers

Magnetic anisotropy properties of amorphous ferromagnetic CoSiB/Pt multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA, K(u)) were systematically investigated as a function of CoSiB layer thickness (t(coSiB)) and Pt layer thickness (t(Pt)). In two series of [CoSiB t(coSiB)Pt t(P1)]5 multilayers, the perpendicular coercivity (H(c)) increased to reach a maximum and then decreased with further increase in both t(coSiB) and t(Pt), due to intermixing of CoSiB/Pt interfaces. Particularly, using the amorphous soft magnetic CoSiB, the coercivity became very sensitive to the CoSiB thickness. These multilayer films exhibited a high K(u) of 2 x 10(6) erg/cc and a high H(c) of 360 Oe with marked squareness. It was found that even after annealing at 350 degrees C, the CoSiB/Pt multilayers had a high PMA and their H(c) increased.

Early-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients with mitofusin 2 mutations and brain involvement

Mutations of the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene have been reported to be the most common cause of the axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). A prospective brain MRI study was performed on 18 early-onset CMT patients with MFN2 mutations, and a high frequency (39%) of brain abnormalities was found. Early-onset patients showed multiple scattered or confluent brain lesions that involved gray matter as well as white matter. Patterns of brain involvement in early-onset patients differed from those of late-onset patients and other hereditary peripheral neuropathies. In addition, one CMT patient demonstrated a brain lesion before the development of peripheral neuropathy.

A randomised phase II study of modified FOLFIRI.3 vs modified FOLFOX as second-line therapy in patients with gemcitabine-refractory advanced pancreatic cancer

Background:

Only a few clinical trials have been conducted in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer after failure of first-line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Therefore, there is no current consensus on the treatment of these patients. We conducted a randomised phase II study of the modified FOLFIRI.3 (mFOLFIRI.3; a regimen combining 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), folinic acid, and irinotecan) and modified FOLFOX (mFOLFOX; a regimen combining folinic acid, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin) regimens as second-line treatments in patients with gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer.

Methods:

The primary end point was the 6-month overall survival rate. The mFOlFIRI.3 regimen consisted of irinotecan (70 mg m⁻²; days 1 and 3), leucovorin (400 mg m⁻²; day 1), and 5-FU (2000 mg m⁻²; days 1 and 2) every 2 weeks. The mFOLFOX regimen was composed of oxaliplatin (85 mg m⁻²; day 1), leucovorin (400 mg m⁻²; day 1), and 5-FU (2000 mg m⁻²; days 1 and 2) every 2 weeks.

Results:

Sixty-one patients were randomised to mFOLFIRI.3 (n=31) or mFOLFOX (n=30) regimen. The six-month survival rates were 27% (95% confidence interval (CI)=13–46%) and 30% (95% CI=15–49%), respectively. The median overall survival periods were 16.6 and 14.9 weeks, respectively. Disease control was achieved in 23% (95% CI=10–42%) and 17% patients (95% CI=6–35%), respectively. The number of patients with at least one grade 3/4 toxicity was identical (11 patients, 38%) in both groups: neutropenia (7 patients under mFOLFIRI.3 regimen vs 6 patients under mFOLFOX regimen), asthaenia (1 vs 4), vomiting (3 in both), diarrhoea (2 vs 0), and mucositis (1 vs 2).

Conclusion:

Both mFOLFIRI.3 and mFOLFOX regimens were tolerated with manageable toxicity, offering modest activities as second-line treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, previously treated with gemcitabine.

Reduced expression of angiopoietin-1 in Hantaan virus-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cell increases their permeability

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV) is characterized by vascular hemorrhage and acute renal failure. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is a glycoprotein that maintains vessel integrity and reduces endothelial permeability. We found that in HTNV-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) the levels of Ang-1 mRNA and protein were reduced on days 2 and 3 post-infection (p.i.), when endothelial permeability was increased. The HTNV-stimulated permeability was reduced by treatment of HUVECs with Ang-1. The plasma Ang-1 level was lower in HFRS patients than in healthy persons. Paired plasma samples of HFRS patients revealed markedly lower Ang-1 levels during the acute phase of HFRS as compared to the convalescent phase. These findings suggested that HTNV reduced the Ang-1 expression in endothelial cells that might play an important role in the increase of vascular permeability in HFRS.

Atomic scale structure and chemical composition across order-disorder interfaces

Through a combination of aberration-corrected high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional atom probe tomography, the true atomic-scale structure and change in chemical composition across the complex order-disorder interface in a metallic alloy has been determined. The study reveals the presence of two interfacial widths, one corresponding to an order-disorder transition, and the other to the compositional transition across the interface, raising fundamental questions regarding the definition of the interfacial width in such systems.

An optical NMR spectrometer for Larmor-beat detection and high-resolution POWER NMR

Optical nuclear magnetic resonance (ONMR) is a powerful probe of electronic properties in III-V semiconductors. Larmor-beat detection (LBD) is a sensitivity optimized, time-domain NMR version of optical detection based on the Hanle effect. Combining LBD ONMR with the line-narrowing method of POWER (perturbations observed with enhanced resolution) NMR further enables atomically detailed views of local electronic features in III-Vs. POWER NMR spectra display the distribution of resonance shifts or line splittings introduced by a perturbation, such as optical excitation or application of an electric field, that is synchronized with a NMR multiple-pulse time-suspension sequence. Meanwhile, ONMR provides the requisite sensitivity and spatial selectivity to isolate local signals within macroscopic samples. Optical NMR, LBD, and the POWER method each introduce unique demands on instrumentation. Here, we detail the design and implementation of our system, including cryogenic, optical, and radio-frequency components. The result is a flexible, low-cost system with important applications in semiconductor electronics and spin physics. We also demonstrate the performance of our systems with high-resolution ONMR spectra of an epitaxial AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction. NMR linewidths down to 4.1 Hz full width at half maximum were obtained, a 10(3)-fold resolution enhancement relative any previous optically detected NMR experiment.

Functional electrical stimulation cycling improves body composition, metabolic and neural factors in persons with spinal cord injury

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a heightened risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct an analysis of metabolic, body composition, and neurological factors before and after 10 weeks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling in persons with SCI. Eighteen individuals with SCI received FES cycling 2-3 times per week for 10 weeks. Body composition was analyzed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) neurological classification of SCI test battery was used to assess motor and sensory function. An oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin-response test was performed to assess blood glucose control. Additional metabolic variables including plasma cholesterol (total-C, HDL-C, LDL-C), triglyceride, and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP) were also measured. Total FES cycling power and work done increased with training. Lean muscle mass also increased, whereas, bone and adipose mass did not change. The ASIA motor and sensory scores for the lower extremity significantly increased with training. Blood glucose and insulin levels were lower following the OGTT after 10 weeks of training. Triglyceride levels did not change following training. However, levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP were all significantly reduced.

The effect of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery on cerebral oxygenation

During gynaecological laparoscopic surgery, alterations in cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure are frequently reported. These changes affect cerebral perfusion pressure and thus may affect cerebral oxygenation. In this prospective study, the effect of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery on cerebral oxygenation was examined by following the changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSo2). Twenty-four female patients were enrolled. The mean rSo2 was 65.5 +/- 5.4% at baseline before surgery, 60.8 +/- 5.6% when the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg position, 57.1 +/- 9.3% after creation of pneumoperitoneum, and 64.0 +/- 7.3% after the completion of surgery. During the period of pneumoperitoneum, rSo2 fell below 50% in two hypercapnic patients. In comparison with baseline, rSo2 declined significantly in the Trendelenburg position. The creation of pneumoperitoneum itself did not decrease the average rSo2 value further unless the patients were hypercapnic.

Development of novel algorithm and real-time monitoring ambulatory system using Bluetooth module for fall detection in the elderly

Novel algorithm and real-time ambulatory monitoring system for fall detection in elderly people is described. Our system is comprised of accelerometer, tilt sensor and gyroscope. For real-time monitoring, we used Bluetooth. Accelerometer measures kinetic force, tilt sensor and gyroscope estimates body posture. Also, we suggested algorithm using signals which obtained from the system attached to the chest for fall detection. To evaluate our system and algorithm, we experimented on three people aged over 26 years. The experiment of four cases such as forward fall, backward fall, side fall and sit-stand was repeated ten times and the experiment in daily life activity was performed one time to each subject. These experiments showed that our system and algorithm could distinguish between falling and daily life activity. Moreover, the accuracy of fall detection is 96.7%. Our system is especially adapted for long-time and real-time ambulatory monitoring of elderly people in emergency situation.

Increased telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is considered a frequent, benign disease with the ability to undergo neoplastic processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the limitless replication potential of the endometrium in patients with endometriosis by examining human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA expression and telomerase activity.

METHODS

Endometrium samples from 30 endometriosis patients and 30 patients without endometriosis were obtained via endometrial biopsy. The expression of hTERT mRNA was determined by real-time RT-PCR assay, and telomerase activity was measured by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay.

RESULTS

The mean normalized hTERT (N hTERT) mRNA level was significantly higher in the endometriosis than in the control group (P = 0.013). The mean hTERT mRNA levels during the proliferative phase and during the secretory phase were higher in the endometriosis group than in the control group, although the difference was only significant for the secretory phase (P = 0.036). We found a prominent difference in endometrial telomerase activity between moderate-to-severe endometriosis and the control group (P = 0.048). The levels of hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity increased as the disease became more severe (P = 0.038, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the overexpression of hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity in the endometrium of endometriosis patients. These finding suggest that replication potential of endometrial cells may have an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Segmental dilatation of the ileum: A report of two cases

Segmental dilatation of the ileum is one of the uncommon causes of intestinal obstruction. Preoperative diagnosis of segmental dilatation of the ileum is difficult. We report two cases of this condition that were diagnosed preoperatively by contrast studies.

Two different types of hepcidins from the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The cysteine-rich peptide hepcidin is known to be an antimicrobial peptide and iron transport regulator that has been found in both fish and mammals. Recently, we found two different types (designated Hep-JF1 and Hep-JF2) of hepcidin cDNA in the Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, by expressed sequence tag analysis. The identity of amino acid sequences between Hep-JF1 and Hep-JF2 was 51%. The Hep-JF1 and Hep-JF2 genes both consist of three exons and two introns, and both exist as single copies in the genome. The predicted mature regions of Hep-JF1 and Hep-JF2 have six and eight Cys residues, respectively. The first Cys residue of Hep-JF1 was deleted and the second was replaced with Gly. The number and positions of Cys residues in Hep-JF2 are the same as they are in human Hep. Hep-JF1 is specifically expressed in liver while the expression of Hep-JF2 was detected from gill, liver, heart, kidney, peripheral blood leucocytes, spleen and stomach. Gene expression of Hep-JF1 in liver decreased during experimental iron (iron-dextran) overload. Expression of Hep-JF1 in liver was decreased by injecting fish with iron-dextran and increased by injecting lipopolysaccharide. Iron overload did not significantly affect expression of Hep-JF2 in liver but it did increase expression of Hep-JF2 in kidney. Lipopolysaccharide injection increased expression of Hep-JF2 in both liver and kidney. In liver, some cells expressed both Hep-JF1 and Hep-JF2 while some other cells expressed just one of them. Synthesized Hep-JF2 peptide showed antimicrobial activity, while synthesized Hep-JF1 peptide did not against several bacteria including fish-pathogenic bacteria used in this study.

The effect of selected monoterpenoids on the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum NC4

We tested the activity of 11 main compounds identified from Pinus plants on the growth of Dictyostelium discoideum NC4. Four concentrations (1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 microg/microl) of each compound were tested using a disk volatilization technique following germination of D. discoideum NC4 spores. Photographs of D. discoideum NC4 fruiting bodies were taken 2 days after treatment. Fenchone (at 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 microg/microl) and camphene (at 0.01 microg/microl) stimulated growth of D. discoideum NC4. (1S)-(-)-verbenone, (1S)-(-)-alpha-pinene, (+)-beta-pinene, myrcene, (-)-menthone, (-)-bornyl acetate, (S)-(+)-carvone, (-)-camphene, and (R)-(+)-limonene inhibit its growth. All of the compounds at 1 microg/microl had a strong inhibitory effect on cell growth of D. discoideum NC4. Microscopic observation of the fruiting bodies matched the results of growth rate analysis. Most of the inhibitory effects were represented by changes in the shapes of the fruiting bodies. These changes include short sorophores, smaller sized sori, and sori without spores. Our results suggest that inhibition of growth is the most common effect of monoterpenoids on D. discoideum NC4. Nevertheless, some of them, like fenchone and camphene, seem to enhance its growth.

Molecular cloning and characterization of ARS elements from the mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis)

Autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) are thought to occur within, or adjacent to, the matrix attachment regions (MARs). To identify fish ARSs, MARs of the mud loach fish were obtained from nuclear matrices using a modified LIS method. These DNA fragments were screened for their ability to act as ARSs by being cloned into the ARS cloning vector, pURY19, and transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sixteen ARSs were isolated, most of which were more efficient in transformation than the positive control vector, pURY19-2 microm, which contained the 2 microm circle origin of yeast. In particular, one clone, pURY19-ARS223, was 18 times more efficient in back-transforming E. coli than the positive control vector. Therefore, ARS223, which has strong ARS activity in yeast, could be a good candidate for inclusion in expression vehicles that are used to transfect fish cell lines or embryos. A DNA sequence analysis showed that the essential ARS elements contain potential ARS consensus sequences, and are predicted to have hairpin loop structures, or curved or kinked DNA. In addition, the MAR-Finder program suggested that ARSs also contain MAR motifs. These include AT tracts, ORI patterns, kinked DNA, ATC tracts, and Topoisomerase II consensus sequences. The in vitro matrix binding assay confirmed that all of the cloned ARSs could associate with the nuclear matrix. This indicates that ARSs elements may be located in or near the MARs. This is the first study that has identified and characterized ARSs in fish.

Spread of 60Co contaminated steel and its legal consequences in Taiwan

Since 1992, over 200 civilian residential and school buildings in Taiwan have been identified to have contained 60Co contaminated steel rebar emitting excessive gamma-radioactivity in living environments. These buildings were mostly constructed in early 1983 and 1984 by employing steels from one steel mill, which had recycled unknown 60Co orphan sources in northern Taiwan. In 1994, a group of residents who once stayed for a protracted period up to 10 y in the contaminated Ming-Sheng Villa filed a civil action against Taiwan's nuclear regulatory office, the Atomic Energy Council, for state tort compensation of 3.4 M U.S. dollars in equivalent. After three years of court processes, the Taipei District Court handed down a decision in partial favor of the exposed residents. Both parties soon appealed against this judgment to the Taiwan Appellate Court. This article analyzes the main legal issues involved, including government's obligations to prevent and eliminate contamination, to take preventive measures, and to take necessary remedial measures; and plaintiffs' assertion on any legal right against governmental offices. Moreover, discussion issues contain the scope of damage and compensation, causation analysis, absence of effective and efficient regulation over radioactive contamination, limit of tort compensation law and compensation amount, weight of medical evidence as well as role of expert witnesses, and related comparative legal studies.

Analysis of physicochemical factors related to the automatic pellicle removal in Korean chestnut (Castanea crenata)

Analyses were carried out for condensed tannin content, soluble sugar content, color, firmness, and peeling ratio of the pellicle of 14 varieties of Korean chestnut. The correlation between these physicochemical components and the peeling ratio was measured. The total soluble sugar content ranged from 4.20 to 11.83%. Condensed tannin contents in the inner and outer chestnut shells were 7.83-71.42% and 0.31-2.04%, respectively. In the outer shell of chestnut, CIE L* value was 26.98-33.34, CIE a value was 7.56-14.90, and CIE b value was 7.36-15.67. Firmness of chestnut was 4.41-9.20 kg. Peeling ratio of the pellicle by the peeling machine was significantly different with variety. The average peeling ratio was 63.79%, and that of the Okkwang variety was the highest at 85.29%. A negative correlation was found between tannin content of inner shell and peeling ratio (r = -0.57), but the correlation coefficients between other components and the peeling ratio were not significant.

Calcium-dependent cysteine reactivities in the neuronal calcium sensor guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1

Guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP-1) is a Ca(2+)-sensing protein in vertebrate photoreceptor cells. It activates a membrane-bound guanylate cyclase. Three of four cysteines present in wild-type GCAP-1 were accessible to the thiol-modifying reagent 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in the presence of Ca(2+). Only Cys106 became exposed to the solvent after Ca(2+)-chelation. Since Cys106 is located in EF-hand 3, we could determine an apparent K(D) of 2.9 microM for Ca(2+) binding to this site with a fast off-rate (t approximately 2 ms). We conclude that the rapid dissociation of Ca(2+) from EF-hand 3 in GCAP-1 triggers activation of guanylate cyclase in rod cells.

Separation and quantitation of hazardous wastes from abrasive blast media

A sample of glass bead abrasive blasting material (ABM) waste, received from Robins Air Force Base (Georgia), was examined to determine whether the waste could be rendered nonhazardous by separating paint contaminants from the ABM. The sample was analyzed with size distribution and toxicity characteristics leaching procedure. A Microtrac analyzer was used to measure the size of fine particles (-325 Tyler mesh), and scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to identify the nature of the contaminants in the ABM waste. Tests using froth flotation, magnetic separation, desliming, and acid washing were conducted to develop a process for removing the contaminants. A pilot plant test using the developed process rendered 82.1% or the ABM waste material nonhazardous.

Quantification of L-ascorbic acid and total ascorbic acid in fruits and spinach by capillary zone electrophoresis

A standard curve for the quantification of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was established, and the quantification of ascorbic acid and total ascorbic acid in fruits (lemon, Sunkist, and pineapple) and spinach were performed using D-isoascorbic acid (D-IAA) as an internal standard. The minimum detection limits (MDLs) for L-AA and D-IAA were determined to be 1 and 2 microg/mL, respectively, at 265 nm. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in fruits and spinach was quantified in the presence of DL-homocysteine. The recoveries for L-AA in these juices were between 95 and 105%.

Effect of potent antiretroviral therapy on immune responses to Mycobacterium avium in human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects

To characterize the influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), we measured immune responses to M. avium in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals before and during HAART, in subjects with a history of disseminated MAC (DMAC), and in HIV-uninfected control subjects. Forty-seven percent of untreated HIV-infected patients and 78% of control subjects exhibited in vitro proliferative responses to M. avium (P=.03). Proliferative responses to M. avium increased after HAART for 3 months and were present in 77% of subjects after 6 months. Mean interferon-gamma production increased from 199 to 1156 pg/mL after HAART (P=.06). Proliferative responses to M. avium occurred in 76% of DMAC subjects receiving HAART. CD4 and CD8 but not gammadelta T cells expanded in response to M. avium. CMI to M. avium reconstitutes rapidly after HAART and appears sustained even with partial viral suppression.

A novel neuroprotective mechanism of riluzole: direct inhibition of protein kinase C

In addition to its antiexcitotoxic action, the anti-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neuroprotectant riluzole protects against nonexcitotoxic oxidative neuronal injury. In light of evidence that protein kinase C (PKC) mediates oxidative stress in cortical culture, we examined the possibility that riluzole's antioxidative neuroprotection involves PKC inhibition. Riluzole (30 microM) blocked phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced increases in membrane PKC activity in cultured cortical cells. Suggesting a direct action, riluzole also inhibited the activity of purified PKC. Consistently, both PKC depletion and oxidative neuronal death induced by PMA were markedly attenuated by riluzole. The site of action of riluzole on PKC was not likely the diacylglycerol binding site but the catalytic domain, since riluzole did not alter radiolabeled phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate binding, but inhibited PKM, the catalytic domain of PKC. However, increasing ATP concentrations did not alter the inhibition of PKC by riluzole, making it unlikely that riluzole is a competitive inhibitor of ATP binding at PKM. Present results have demonstrated that riluzole directly inhibits PKC, which action may contribute to its antioxidative neuroprotective effects. In addition, it appears possible that PKC inhibition may be able to explain some of its well-known channel inhibitory and neuroprotective effects. Combined with findings that PKC activity is increased in ALS, the present results suggest that PKC may be a potential therapeutic target in ALS.

Anti-oxidative neuroprotection by estrogens in mouse cortical cultures

Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, possibly by ameliorating neuronal degeneration. In the present study, we examined the neuroprotective spectrum of estrogen against excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis of neurons in mouse cortical cultures. 17beta-estradiol as well as 17alpha-estradiol and estrone attenuated oxidative neuronal death induced by 24 hr exposure to 100 microM FeCl2, excitotoxic neuronal death induced by 24 hr of exposure to 30 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and serum-deprivation induced neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, estradiol attenuated neuronal death induced by Abeta25-35. However, all these neuroprotective effects were mediated by the anti-oxidative action of estrogens. When oxidative stress was blocked by an antioxidant trolox, estrogens did not show any additional protection. Addition of a specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780 did not reverse the protection offered by estrogens. These findings suggest that high concentrations of estrogen protect against various neuronal injuries mainly by its anti-oxidative effects as previously shown by Behl et al. Our results do not support the view that classical estrogen receptors mediate neuroprotection.

Isolation of immunoglobulin from egg yolk by anionic polysaccharides

Isolation conditions of immunoglobulin in egg yolk (IgY) were optimized by the addition of various levels of Na-alginate (Alg), lambda-carrageenan (lambda-Cg), Na-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and pectin (PC) to 6-fold diluted yolk. The mixtures were then reacted at pH 4.0-6.0 for 30 min. The optimal isolation conditions of IgY for Alg, lambda-Cg, and CMC were at the 0.1% level and at pH 5.0, while those for PC were at the 0.15% level and at the same pH. The remaining lipid and remaining protein in the supernatants thus obtained was 0.5-3.8% and 10-17%, respectively, and more than 90% of lipoproteins were precipitated. The IgY recovery was determined to be 33-74% by means of single radial immunodiffusion method when IgY was isolated under the optimal conditions. PC showed the best recovery of IgY, while lambda-Cg provided the least. The interactions between polysaccharides and lipoproteins were mainly ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonds as determined by the addition (0-2.0 M) of NaSCN or urea to the polysaccharide-lipoprotein precipitates.

Estrogen affects vascular tone differently according to vasoactive substances in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rat

The favorable effects of estrogen on cardiovascular diseases can be explained by several mechanisms such as changes in serum lipid profiles and thrombogenecity. Estrogen also affects the vascular tone, but there has been no report in which the effect of estrogen was tested comprehensively for several vasoactive substances, especially after long-term administration. Two weeks after bilateral ovariectomy in 8-week old female Sprague-Dawley rats, placebo or 17 beta-estradiol (E2) pellets (0.5 mg; released over 3 weeks) were implanted subcutaneously. Two weeks after pellet implantation, organ chamber experiments were performed using aortae. Compared with control, E2-treated vessels showed impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine. E2 enhanced the contraction to norepinephrine and U46619 and had no effect on endothelin-1-induced contraction. In contrast, the contraction to angiotensin (AT)-II was inhibited by E2. Northern blot analysis for AT1 receptor expression using cultured aortic smooth muscle cells showed no difference between control and E2-treated cells, suggesting that AT1 receptor downregulation is not the likely mechanism. These results suggest that E2 affects the vascular tone variably according to vasoactive substances.