Host Subcellular Organelles: Targets of Viral Manipulation

Viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to manipulate host cell processes and utilize intracellular organelles to facilitate their replication. These complex interactions between viruses and cellular organelles allow them to hijack the cellular machinery and impair homeostasis. Moreover, viral infection alters the cell membrane's structure and composition and induces vesicle formation to facilitate intracellular trafficking of viral components. However, the research focus has predominantly been on the immune response elicited by viruses, often overlooking the significant alterations that viruses induce in cellular organelles. Gaining a deeper understanding of these virus-induced cellular changes is crucial for elucidating the full life cycle of viruses and developing potent antiviral therapies. Exploring virus-induced cellular changes could substantially improve our understanding of viral infection mechanisms.

Kv3.4 regulates cell migration and invasion through TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics. This process induces cell migration and invasion, which are closely related to cancer metastasis and malignancy. EMT consists of various intermediate states that express both epithelial and mesenchymal traits, called partial EMT. Recently, several studies have focused on the roles of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels associated with EMT in cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, we demonstrate the relationship between Kv3.4 and EMT and confirm the effects of cell migration and invasion. With TGF-β treatment, EMT was induced and Kv3.4 was also increased in A549 cells, human lung carcinoma cells. The knockdown of Kv3.4 blocked the EMT progression reducing cell migration and invasion. However, the Kv3.4 overexpressed cells acquired mesenchymal characteristics and increased cell migration and invasion. The overexpression of Kv3.4 also has a synergistic effect with TGF-β in promoting cell migration. Therefore, we conclude that Kv3.4 regulates cancer migration and invasion through TGF-β-induced EMT and these results provide insights into the understanding of cancer metastasis.

Highly Transparent Red Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with AZO/Ag/AZO Multilayer Electrode

Free-form factor optoelectronics is becoming more important for various applications. Specifically, flexible and transparent optoelectronics offers the potential to be adopted in wearable devices in displays, solar cells, or biomedical applications. However, current transparent electrodes are limited in conductivity and flexibility. This study aims to address these challenges and explore potential solutions. For the next-generation transparent conductive electrode, Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and silver (AZO/Ag/AZO) deposited by in-line magnetron sputtering without thermal treatment was investigated, and this transparent electrode was used as a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) anode to maximize the transparency characteristics. The experiment and simulation involved adjusting the thickness of Ag and AZO and OLED structure to enhance the transmittance and device performance. The AZO/Ag/AZO with Ag of 12 nm and AZO of 32 nm thickness achieved the results of the highest figure of merit (FOM) (Φ550 = 4.65 mΩ-1) and lowest roughness. The full structure of transparent OLED (TrOLED) with AZO/Ag/AZO anode and Mg:Ag cathode reached 64.84% transmittance at 550 nm, and 300 cd/m2 at about 4 V. The results demonstrate the feasibility of adopting flexible substrates, such as PET, without the need for thermal treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the development of transparent and flexible electronic devices.

Endoscope-Assisted Hairline Approach for Head and Neck Masses: A Review

Conventional surgery through a transcervical incision is indicated for the treatment of certain tumors in the head and neck. However, this method can cause multiple problems, including scarring and cosmetic concerns. The endoscope-assisted hairline approach, which serves as an alternative to conventional surgical procedures, is gaining popularity due to its excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. However, given the anatomical complexity involved, the endoscope-assisted hairline technique is not frequently employed in head and neck surgery. The evolution of the hairline surgical approach has been influenced by changes in disease conditions and recent advances in surgical tools. This review article discusses the use of endoscope-assisted hairline approaches in the resection of head and neck masses, focusing on the surgical procedure and postoperative clinical outcomes.

In situ fabrication of Ag decorated porous ZnO photocatalyst via inorganic-organic hybrid transformation for degradation of organic pollutant and bacterial inactivation

In this study, in situ silver (Ag) - porous ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized via solvothermal and post-annealing treatment. The formation of the porous ZnO structure due to the removal of organic moieties from the inorganic-organic hybrids Ag-ZnS(en)0.5 during the annealing process. The optimal Ag-ZnO photocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic degradation activity, with 95.5% orange II dye and 97.2% bisphenol A (BPA) degradation under visible light conditions. Additionally, the photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) led to a 97% inactivation rate after 2 h under dark conditions. Trapping experiments suggest that the superoxide anion (O2-) radicals are the main active species to degrade the organic dye. The improved photocatalytic dye degradation activity and inactivation of bacteria were attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag and porous ZnO structure, increased surface area, and efficiently separated the photoexcited charge carriers. This work could provide an effective strategy for the synthesis of porous structures toward organic pollutant degradation and bacterial inactivation in wastewater.

Monitoring trafficking and expression of hemagglutinin-tagged transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channel in mammalian cells

The TRPM4 gene encodes a Ca²⁺-activated monovalent cation channel called transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) that is expressed in various tissues. Dysregulation or abnormal expression of TRPM4 has been linked to a range of diseases. We introduced the hemagglutinin (HA) tag into the extracellular S6 loop of TRPM4, resulting in an HA-tagged version called TRPM4-HA. This TRPM4-HA was developed to investigate the purification, localization, and function of TRPM4 in different physiological and pathological conditions. TRPM4-HA was successfully expressed in the intact cell membrane and exhibited similar electrophysiological properties, such as the current-voltage relationship, rapid desensitization, and current size, compared to the wild-type TRPM4. The presence of the TRPM4 inhibitor 9-phenanthrol did not affect these properties. Furthermore, a wound-healing assay showed that TRPM4-HA induced cell proliferation and migration, similar to the native TRPM4. Co-expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 6 (PTPN6 or SHP-1) with TRPM4-HA led to the translocation of TRPM4-HA to the cytosol. To investigate the interaction between PTPN6 and tyrosine residues of TRPM4 in enhancing channel activity, we generated four mutants in which tyrosine (Y) residues were substituted with phenylalanine (F) at the N-terminus of TRPM4. The YF mutants displayed properties and functions similar to TRPM4-HA, except for the Y256F mutant, which showed resistance to 9-phenanthrol, suggesting that Y256 may be involved in the binding site for 9-phenanthrol. Overall, the creation of HA-tagged TRPM4 provides researchers with a valuable tool to study the role of TRPM4 in different conditions and its potential interactions with other proteins, such as PTPN6.

Influence of CoOx surface passivation and Sn/Zr-co-doping on the photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3 nanorod photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation and photo-Fenton degradation

Hydrothermal and wet impregnation methods are presented in this study for synthesizing CoO_x(1 wt%)/Sn-Zr codoped-Fe₂O₃ nanorod photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants and deactivation of bacteria. A hydrothermal route was used to synthesize self-assembled rod-like hierarchical structures of Sn(0-6%) doped Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs. Additionally, a wet impregnation method was used to load CoO_x onto the surface of photocatalysts (Sn(0-6%)-doped Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs). A series of 1 wt% CoO_x modified Sn(0-6%)-doped Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs were synthesized, characterized, and utilized for the photocatalytic decomposition of organic contaminants, along with the killing of E. coli and S. aureus. In comparison with 0, 2, and 6% Sn co-doped Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs, the CoO_x(1 wt%)/4%Sn/Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs photocatalyst exhibited an E. coli and S. aureus inactivation efficiencies (90 and 98%). A bio-TEM study of treated and untreated bacterial cells revealed that the CoO_x(1 wt%)/4%Sn/Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs photocatalyst led to considerable changes in the bacterial cell membranes' morphology. The optimal CoO_x(1 wt%)/Sn(4%) co-doped Zr-Fe₂O₃ NRs photocatalyst achieved degradation efficiencies of 98.5% and 94.6% for BPA and orange II dye. As a result, this work will provide a facile and effective method for developing visible light-active photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation and organic pollutants degradation.

Photothermal plasmonic microballs for non-contact single-cell calcium ionophore delivery in heterogeneous cells

Hierarchical plasmonic nanostructures comprising gold nanorod (AuNR)-covered microballs via syringe-injection reduction show good potential for selective single-cell calcium ionophore (A23187) delivery and apoptosis induction in heterogenous cancer cells.

Patterns of vestibular function in patients with dizziness after COVID-19 vaccination; dual tertiary referral center study

BACKGROUND

Although dizziness is a common symptom after vaccination, the mechanism, and prognosis are not well understood.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate patients with dizziness after COVID-19 vaccination by analyzing objective information.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients who visited the outpatient clinics of two institutes with a complaint of dizziness occurring within 72 h after a COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

In most cases, patients experienced only a single event of dizziness, and the subjective symptom was relieved after a few weeks. All patients decreased gain of vestibular ocular reflex (VOR). The vestibular function test results showed signs of central vestibulopathy in some cases. We separated patients into two groups; the direction-fixed nystagmus (DFN) group and the direction-changing nystagmus (DCN) group. All patients showed decreased gain on the rotational chair test (RCT). The DFN group showed an 80% decrease in video head impulse test (vHIT) gain, whereas the DCN group only showed a decrease of 25%. In RCT, 66% of the DFN group showed asymmetry compared to 20% showing asymmetry in the DCN group.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

The patients who suffered from dizziness after the COVID-19 vaccination exhibited decreased VOR gain and in some cases signs of central vestibulopathy.

Intermediate valence state in YbB4revealed by resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy

We report the temperature dependence of the Yb valence in the geometrically frustrated compoundYbB4from 12 to 300 K using resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy at the YbLα1transition. We find that the Yb valence,v, is hybridized between thev = 2 andv = 3 valence states, increasing fromv=2.61±0.01at 12 K tov=2.67±0.01at 300 K, confirming thatYbB4is a Kondo system in the intermediate valence regime. This result indicates that the Kondo interaction inYbB4is substantial, and is likely to be the reason whyYbB4does not order magnetically at low temperature, rather than this being an effect of geometric frustration. Furthermore, the zero-point valence of the system is extracted from our data and compared with other Kondo lattice systems. The zero-point valence seems to be weakly dependent on the Kondo temperature scale, but not on the valence change temperature scaleT_v.

Raman Thermometry Nanopipettes in Cancer Photothermal Therapy

Raman thermometry based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been developed using nanopipettes in cancer cell photothermal therapy (PTT). Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are robustly epoxied on glass pipettes with a high surface coverage of ∼95% and less than 10 nm-wide nanogaps for intracellular thermometry and photothermal cancer therapy. The temperature changes could be estimated from the N≡C band shifts of 4-fluorophenyl isocyanide (FPNC)-adsorbed AuNRs on the Raman thermometry nanopipette (RTN) surfaces. An intracellular temperature change of ∼2.7 °C produced by altering the [Ca²⁺] in A431 cells was detected using the RTN in vitro, as checked from fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2 AM) fluorescence images. For in vivo experiments, local temperature rises of ∼19.2 °C were observed in the mouse skin, whereas infrared camera images could not tract due to spatial resolution. In addition, a tumor growth suppression was observed in the PTT processes after an administration of the three AuNR-coated nanopipettes combined with a 671 nm laser irradiation for 5 min in 30 days. These results demonstrate not only the localized temperature sensing ability of FPNC-tagged AuNR nanopipettes in cell biology but also anti-cancer effects in photothermal cancer therapy.

Microglial activation induced by LPS mediates excitation of neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Microglia are known to be activated in the hypothalamic para-ventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats with cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact role of microglial activation in the plasticity of presympathetic PVN neurons associated with the modulation of sympathetic outflow remains poorly investigated. In this study, we analyzed the direct link between microglial activation and spontaneous firing rate along with the underlying synaptic mechanisms in PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Systemic injection of LPS induced microglial activation in the PVN, increased the frequency of spontaneous firing activity of PVN-RVLM neurons, reduced GABAergic inputs into these neurons, and increased plasma NE levels and heart rate. Systemic minocycline injection blocked all the observed LPS-induced effects. Our results indicate that LPS increases the firing rate and decreases GABAergic transmission in PVN-RVLM neurons associated with sympathetic outflow and the alteration is largely attributed to the activation of microglia. Our findings provide some insights into the role of microglial activation in regulating the activity of PVN-RVLM neurons associated with modulation of sympathetic outflow in cardiovascular diseases.

Robust Surface States and Coherence Phenomena in Magnetically Alloyed SmB_{6}

Samarium hexaboride is a candidate for the topological Kondo insulator state, in which Kondo coherence is predicted to give rise to an insulating gap spanned by topological surface states. Here we investigate the surface and bulk electronic properties of magnetically alloyed Sm_{1-x}M_{x}B_{6} (M=Ce, Eu), using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and complementary characterization techniques. Remarkably, topologically nontrivial bulk and surface band structures are found to persist in highly modified samples with up to 30% Sm substitution and with an antiferromagnetic ground state in the case of Eu doping. The results are interpreted in terms of a hierarchy of energy scales, in which surface state emergence is linked to the formation of a direct Kondo gap, while low-temperature transport trends depend on the indirect gap.

The role of the voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv2.1 in prostate cancer cell migration

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are involved in many important cellular functions and play pivotal roles in cancer progression. The expression level of Kv2.1 was observed to be higher in the highly metastatic prostate cancer cells (PC-3), specifically in their membrane, than in immortalized prostate cells (WPMY-1 cells) and comparatively less metastatic prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and DU145 cells). However, Kv2.1 expression was significantly decreased when the cells were treated with anti-oxidants, such as N-acetylcysteine or ascorbic acid, implying that the highly expressed Kv2.1 could detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in malignant prostate cancer cells. In addition, the blockade of Kv2.1 with stromatoxin-1 or siRNA targeting Kv2.1 significantly inhibited the migration of malignant prostate cancer cells. Our results suggested that Kv2.1 plays an important role as a ROS sensor and that it is a promising therapeutic molecular target in metastasis of prostate cancer.

Pharmacological inhibition of Kv3 on oxidative stress-induced cataract progression

Oxidative stress is one of the most important risk factors for cataractogenesis. Previous studies have indicated that BDS-II, a Kv3 channel blocker, plays pivotal roles in oxidative stress-related diseases. This study demonstrates that BDS-II exerts a protective effect on cataractogenesis. Specifically, BDS-II was observed to inhibit lens opacity induced by H₂O₂. BDS-II was also determined to inhibit cataract progression in a sodium selenite-induced in vivo cataract model by inhibiting reduction of the total GSH. In addition, BDS-II was demonstrated to protect human lens epithelial cells against H₂O₂-induced cell death. Our results suggest that BDS-II is a potential pharmacological candidate in cataract therapy.

Identification of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis A through postdonation information in Korea: results of an HAV lookback (2007-2012)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite safety measures to minimize the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, a residual risk remains. To trace and review some such cases, we ask donors to notify the blood centre if they are diagnosed with an infection after they donate blood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed all data on postdonation cases of hepatitis A reported between 2007 and 2012. Archived specimens from these donors were tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) using anti-HAV IgM/IgG and HAV-PCR as markers. If any of the test results were positive, we reviewed the medical records of the recipients and, if necessary, tested them for hepatitis A.

RESULTS

Fifteen blood donors notified the blood centres of having been diagnosed with hepatitis A after donation. All archived samples except for one were HAV-PCR-positive and anti-HAV IgM/IgG-negative. Of the donated components, four RBCs and 14 FFPs had not been transfused to patients and were recalled. Among 26 recipients of the implicated components, fourteen were still alive when they were notified. Two patients showed clinical symptoms of hepatitis A and had positive results with anti-HAV IgM.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis A is rare but exists. To reduce the risk, donors should be told to notify the blood centre if they are diagnosed with blood-borne diseases after they donate blood. Physicians should consider the possibility of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis A if a transfused patient has hepatitis A but no history of travel or route of faecal-oral infection.

The association between subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles and hypertension in the Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, and Tajik populations

Hypertension results from the interaction of genetic and acquired factors. IgG occurs in the form of different subclasses, of which the effector functions show significant variation. The detailed differences between the glycosylation profiles of the individual IgG subclasses may be lost in a profiling method for total IgG N-glycosylation. In this study, subclass-specific IgG Fc glycosylation profile was investigated in the four northwestern Chinese minority populations, namely, Uygur (UIG), Kazak (KZK), Kirgiz (KGZ), and Tajik (TJK), composed of 274 hypertensive patients and 356 healthy controls. The results showed that ten directly measured IgG N-glycan traits (i.e., IgG1G0F, IgG2G0F, IgG2G1FN, IgG2G1FS, IgG2G2S, IgG4G0F, IgG4G1FS, IgG4G1S, IgG4G2FS, and IgG4G2N) representing galactosylation and sialylation are significantly associated with hypertension, with IgG4 consistently showing weaker associations of its sialylation, across the four ethnic groups. We observed a modest improvement on the AUC of ROC curve when the IgG Fc N-glycan traits are added into the glycan-based model (difference between AUCs, 0.044, 95% CI: 0.016-0.072, P = 0.002). The AUC of the diagnostic model indicated that the subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycan profiles provide more information reinforcing current models utilizing age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity, and demonstrate the potential of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles to serve as a biomarker for hypertension. Further research is however required to determine the additive value of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation on top of biomarkers, which are currently used.

Kv3.1 and Kv3.4, Are Involved in Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, including Kv3.1 and Kv3.4, are known as oxygen sensors, and their function in hypoxia has been well investigated. However, the relationship between Kv channels and tumor hypoxia has yet to be investigated. This study demonstrates that Kv3.1 and Kv3.4 are tumor hypoxia-related Kv channels involved in cancer cell migration and invasion. Kv3.1 and Kv3.4 protein expression in A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells increased in a cell density-dependent manner, and the pattern was similar to the expression patterns of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) according to cell density, whereas Kv3.3 protein expression did not change in A549 cells with an increase in cell density. The Kv3.1 and Kv3.4 blocker blood depressing substance (BDS) did not affect cell proliferation; instead, BDS inhibited cell migration and invasion. We found that BDS inhibited intracellular pH regulation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in A549 cells cultured at a high density, potentially resulting in BDS-induced inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Our data suggest that Kv3.1 and Kv3.4 might be new therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis.

Kv3.4 is modulated by HIF-1α to protect SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress-induced neural cell death

The Kv3.4 channel is characterized by fast inactivation and sensitivity to oxidation. However, the physiological role of Kv3.4 as an oxidation-sensitive channel has yet to be investigated. Here, we demonstrate that Kv3.4 plays a pivotal role in oxidative stress-related neural cell damage as an oxidation-sensitive channel and that HIF-1α down-regulates Kv3.4 function, providing neuroprotection. MPP⁺ and CoCl₂ are reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating reagents that induce oxidative stress. However, only CoCl₂ decreases the expression and function of Kv3.4. HIF-1α, which accumulates in response to CoCl₂ treatment, is a key factor in Kv3.4 regulation. In particular, mitochondrial Kv3.4 was more sensitive to CoCl₂. Blocking Kv3.4 function using BDS-II, a Kv3.4-specific inhibitor, protected SH-SY5Y cells against MPP⁺-induced neural cell death. Kv3.4 inhibition blocked MPP⁺-induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial intermembrane space to the cytosol and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, which are characteristic features of apoptosis. Our results highlight Kv3.4 as a possible new therapeutic paradigm for oxidative stress-related diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.

Application of emitter-sample hybrid terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to investigate temperature-dependent optical constants of doped InAs

We investigate temperature-dependent carrier dynamics of InAs crystal by using reflection-type terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, particularly with a recently developed emitter-sample hybrid structure. We successfully obtain the optical conductivity in a terahertz frequency of bulk InAs whose dc conductivity is in the range of 100-150  Ω^-1 cm^-1. We find that both real and imaginary parts of the optical conductivity can be fit well with the simple Drude model, and the free-carrier density and the scattering rate obtained from the fit are in good agreement with corresponding values obtained by using other techniques, such as the Hall measurement and the dc-resistivity measurement. These results clearly demonstrate that the proposed technique of adopting the emitter-sample hybrid structure can be exploited to determine temperature-dependent optical constants in a reflection geometry and hence to investigate electrodynamics of bulk metallic systems.

[A comparative study on characterizations of genetic recombination hotspots in PPARG gene between Kirgiz and Uyghur ethnic groups in Xinjiang]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characterizations of genetic recombination hotspots and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene in Kirgiz and Uyghur ethnic groups.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 100 Kirgiz (50 healthy controls and 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) residents in Halajun County, Artux City, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang in August 2013, and 50 healthy Uyghur residents in Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in May 2012.Thirty-one tagSNPs in PPARG gene were genotyped using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) method.The recombination hotspots and LD patterns within the PPARG gene were estimated by analyzing the SNP genotying data using the Hotspot Fisher program and Haploview software, respectively.

RESULTS

Eighteen tagSNPs (rs1151999, rs1175540, rs1875796, rs1899951, rs2292101, rs2921190, rs2938397, rs2959272, rs2959273, rs2972162, rs3856806, rs4135247, rs4135275, rs709151, rs4135354, rs6805419, rs17036700 and rs4135304) were same with relatively higher recombination rates between the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy controls of Kirgiz ethnic group, and healthy controls of Uyghur ethnic group.Five haplotype blocks with LD coefficient D' value of 1, indicating no genetic recombination occurred within the region, were observed in the healthy controls of Kirgiz ethnic groups, whereas five haplotype blocks with LD coefficient D' value less than 1 were observed in the Kirgiz patients with T2DM, indicating historical recombination events occurred within the region.Four haplotype blocks with LD coefficient D' value of 1 were observed in the Uyghur healthy controls, indicating no genetic recombination occurred within the region.There were significantly different recombination hotspot profiles between the Kirgiz, Uyghur, Utah residents with Northern and Western European ancestry (CEU), Yoruban in Ibadan, Nigeria (YRI) and Han Chinese in Beijing (CHB) and Japanese in Tokyo (JPT) samples.There are six recombination hotspots in the HapMap profile of genetic recombination.The last 5 SNPs within the PPARG gene were shown with lower recombination rates in the Kirgiz, whereas no recombination hotspot was found in the Uyghur.

CONCLUSIONS

Variable recombination rates may be present in certain chromosome region between patients and healthy controls within the same or between the different ethnic groups.There may be presence of recombination hotspots of ethnic specificity and with variable recombination rates.

The Role of KV7.3 in Regulating Osteoblast Maturation and Mineralization

KCNQ (KV7) channels are voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels, and the function of KV7 channels in muscles, neurons, and sensory cells is well established. We confirmed that overall blockade of KV channels with tetraethylammonium augmented the mineralization of bone-marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenic differentiation, and we determined that KV7.3 was expressed in MG-63 and Saos-2 cells at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, functional KV7 currents were detected in MG-63 cells. Inhibition of KV7.3 by linopirdine or XE991 increased the matrix mineralization during osteoblast differentiation. This was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osterix in MG-63 cells, whereas the expression of Runx2 showed no significant change. The extracellular glutamate secreted by osteoblasts was also measured to investigate its effect on MG-63 osteoblast differentiation. Blockade of KV7.3 promoted the release of glutamate via the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-mediated upregulation of synapsin, and induced the deposition of type 1 collagen. However, activation of KV7.3 by flupirtine did not produce notable changes in matrix mineralization during osteoblast differentiation. These results suggest that KV7.3 could be a novel regulator in osteoblast differentiation.

Gold nanoparticles promote osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are attractive materials for use in biomedicine due to their physical properties. Increasing evidence suggests that several nanoparticles induce the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and adipocytes. In this study, we hypothesized that chitosan-conjugated AuNPs promote the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. For the evaluation of osteogenic differentiation, alizarin red staining, an alamarBlue(®) assay, and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. In order to examine specific signaling pathways, immunofluorescence and a western blotting assay were performed. Our results demonstrate that chitosan-conjugated AuNPs increase the deposition of calcium content and the expression of marker genes related to osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells at nontoxic concentrations. These results indicate that chitosan-conjugated AuNPs promote osteogenesis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, chitosan-conjugated AuNPs can be used as a reagent for promoting bone formation.

Inhibition of β-amyloid1-42 internalization attenuates neuronal death by stabilizing the endosomal-lysosomal system in rat cortical cultured neurons

A number of recent studies have indicated that accumulation of β amyloid (Aβ) peptides within neurons is an early event which may trigger degeneration of neurons and subsequent development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. However, very little is known about the internalization and/or subcellular sites involved in trafficking of Aβ peptides into the neurons that are vulnerable in AD pathology. To address this issue we evaluated internalization of fluoroscein conjugated Aβ1-42 (FAβ1-42) and subsequent alteration of endosomal-lysosomal (EL) markers such as cathepsin D, Rab5 and Rab7 in rat cortical cultured neurons. It is evident from our results that internalization of FAβ1-42, which occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner, triggered degeneration of neurons along with increased levels and/or altered distribution of cathepsin D, Rab5 and Rab7. Our results further revealed that FAβ1-42 internalization was attenuated by phenylarsine oxide (a general inhibitor of endocytosis) and sucrose (an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis) but not by antagonists of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. Additionally, inhibition of FAβ1-42 endocytosis not only protected neurons against toxicity but also reversed the altered levels/distributions of EL markers. These results, taken together, suggest that internalization of exogenous Aβ1-42, which is partly mediated via a clathrin-dependent process, can lead to degeneration of neurons, possibly by activating the EL system. Inhibition of FAβ endocytosis attenuated toxicity, thus suggesting a potential strategy for preventing loss of neurons in AD pathology.

The glutamate agonist homocysteine sulfinic acid stimulates glucose uptake through the calcium-dependent AMPK-p38 MAPK-protein kinase C zeta pathway in skeletal muscle cells

Homocysteine sulfinic acid (HCSA) is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine and a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist. However, the metabolic role of HCSA is poorly understood. In this study, we showed that HCSA and glutamate stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 mouse myoblast cells and increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that C2C12 expresses mGluR5. HCSA transiently increased the intracellular calcium concentration. Although α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine, a metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, blocked the action of HCSA in intracellular calcium response and AMPK phosphorylation, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, an AMPA antagonist, did not exhibit such effects. Knockdown of mGluR5 with siRNA blocked HCSA-induced AMPK phosphorylation. Pretreatment of cells with STO-609, a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) inhibitor, blocked HCSA-induced AMPK phosphorylation, and knockdown of CaMKK blocked HCSA-induced AMPK phosphorylation. In addition, HCSA activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Expression of dominant-negative AMPK suppressed HCSA-mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and inhibition of AMPK and p38 MAPK blocked HCSA-induced glucose uptake. Phosphorylation of protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) was also increased by HCSA. Pharmacologic inhibition or knockdown of p38 MAPK blocked HCSA-induced PKCζ phosphorylation, and knockdown of PKCζ suppressed the HCSA-induced increase of cell surface GLUT4. The stimulatory effect of HCSA on cell surface GLUT4 was impaired in FITC-conjugated PKCζ siRNA-transfected cells. Together, the above results suggest that HCSA may have a beneficial role in glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle cells via stimulation of AMPK.

The effects of cognitive training on community-dwelling elderly Koreans

The objective of this study was to apply and test the effects of cognitive training on community-dwelling, elderly Koreans. The cognitive training was applied for 24 weeks to 129 elderly participants. The participants were divided into two groups to receive either cognitive training followed by observational period, or observational period followed by cognitive training. The primary outcome measures were the geriatric depression scale (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korean, GDS-SF-K) and mini-mental status examination (Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version, MMSE-KC) scores. There were no differences between the average GDS-SF-K and MMSE-KC scores of the two groups. However, the participants with cognitive dysfunction (defined as baseline MMSE below the 16th percentile according to age, sex and educational level) who received cognitive training initially had significantly improved MMSE-KC score on weeks 8 and 16, compared with the participants with cognitive dysfunction who were observed first. However, the participants who received cognitive training later did in fact catch up with the other group in terms of MMSE-KC score. Cognitive training by visiting nursing services was more effective in the elderly with cognitive dysfunction.

Extracardiac lesions and chromosomal abnormalities associated with major fetal heart defects: comparison of intrauterine, postnatal and postmortem diagnoses

OBJECTIVES

The clinical outcome of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart defects (CHD) continues to be affected significantly by associated extracardiac and chromosomal abnormalities. We sought to: determine the frequency and type of major extracardiac abnormalities (with impact on quality of life) and chromosomal abnormalities associated with fetal CHD; and compare the extracardiac abnormalities detected prenatally to the postnatal and autopsy findings in affected fetuses, to find the incidence of extracardiac abnormalities missed on prenatal ultrasound.

METHODS

We reviewed the computerized database of the Division of Cardiology of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to identify all cases of major CHD detected prenatally from 1990 to 2002. Medical records, fetal echocardiograms and ultrasound, cytogenetic and autopsy reports were reviewed. The types of CHD detected were grouped into categories and the frequencies of major extracardiac and chromosomal abnormalities in these categories were noted. Prenatal ultrasound findings were compared with those at autopsy or postnatal examination.

RESULTS

Of 491 fetuses with major structural CHD, complete data were obtained for 382. Of these, there were 141 (36.9%) with major extracardiac abnormalities at autopsy or postnatal exam, of which 46 had chromosomal abnormalities and 95 did not. In the absence of chromosomal abnormalities, the organ systems most affected were urogenital (12.2%) and gastrointestinal (11.6%). CHDs with the highest incidence of extracardiac abnormalities (>25%) included: heterotaxy, single left ventricle and tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tetralogy of Fallot. Ninety-four of 334 (28.1%) fetuses tested had chromosomal abnormalities. The most common chromosomal abnormalities were trisomies 21 (43.6%), 18 (19.1%) and 13 (9.6%), monosomy X (7.4%) and 22q11.2 deletion (7.4%). Of 289 extracardiac abnormalities from the complete series, 134 (46.4%) were not identified prenatally. Of the missed extracardiac abnormalities, 65 were considered not detectable at prenatal ultrasound, so 23.9% (69/289) of detectable extracardiac abnormalities were missed prenatally.

CONCLUSIONS

Major extracardiac and chromosomal abnormalities are common in fetuses with major fetal CHD. Many important associated extracardiac abnormalities may be missed prenatally, which should be taken into consideration in the prenatal counseling for fetal CHD.

Lack of association between HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles and the development of SARS: a cohort of 95 SARS-recovered individuals in a population of Guangdong, southern China

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by infection with a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), was the first major novel infectious disease at the beginning of the 21st century, with China especially affected. SARS was characterized by high infectivity, morbidity and mortality, and the confined pattern of the disease spreading among the countries of South‐East and East Asia suggested the existence of susceptible factor(s) in these populations. Studies in the populations of Hong Kong and Taiwan showed an association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms with the development and/or severity of SARS, respectively. The aim of the present study was to define the genotypic patterns of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci in SARS patients and a co‐resident population of Guangdong province, southern China, where the first SARS case was reported. The samples comprised 95 cases of recovered SARS patients and 403 unrelated healthy controls. HLA ‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. The severity of the disease was assessed according to the history of lung infiltration, usage of assisted ventilation and occurrence of lymphocytopenia. Although the allelic frequencies of A23, A34, B60, DRB1*12 in the SARS group were slightly higher, and A33, ‐B58 and ‐B61 were lower than in the controls, no statistical significance was found when the Pc value was considered. Similarly, no association of HLA alleles with the severity of the disease was detected. Thus, variations in the major histocompatibility complex are unlikely to have contributed significantly to either the susceptibility or the severity of SARS in the population of Guangdong.

Serum anti-amyloid-beta antibodies and Alzheimer's disease in elderly Korean patients

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The presence of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide in senile plaques seems to play a central role in the neuropathology of AD. Diagnosis of AD involves neuropsychological examinations or magnetic resonance imaging and, to date, a specific diagnostic marker indicating AD has not been found. This study analysed anti-Abeta antibodies from the serum of 153 patients with AD using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The levels of anti-Abeta antibody from patients in the control group (n=193) were compared with those of patients with AD. Our results showed a significantly lower anti-Abeta antibody level in patients with AD than in the control group. These results showed that the anti-Abeta antibody level in serum could potentially be used to diagnose the presence of AD.

The Role of Central μ Opioid Receptors in Opioid-Induced Itch in Primates

Pruritus (itch sensation) is a significant clinical problem. The aim of this study was to elucidate the roles of opioid receptor types and the site of action in opioid-induced itch in monkeys. Observers who were blinded to the conditions counted scratching after administration of various drugs. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists (fentanyl, alfentanil, remifentanil, and morphine) evoked scratching in a dose- and time-dependent manner. However, the kappa opioid agonist U-50488H [trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-[1-pyrrolidinyl]-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide] and delta opioid agonist SNC80 [(+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-[2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl]-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide] did not increase scratching. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of peptidic MOR agonist [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO, 0.00032-0.01 mg) evoked scratching, but i.v. DAMGO (0.01-1 mg/kg) did not increase scratching. A similar difference between i.t. and i.v. effectiveness was seen with morphine. Antagonist studies revealed that i.v. administration of an opioid receptor antagonist (naltrexone, 0.0032-0.1 mg/kg) dose dependently attenuated scratching induced by i.v. fentanyl (0.018 mg/kg) or morphine (1 mg/kg). However, a peripherally selective opioid antagonist (quaternary naltrexone, 0.0032-0.32 mg/kg) did not block i.v. fentanyl- or morphine-induced scratching. Moreover, a histamine antagonist (diphenhydramine, 0.1-10 mg/kg), failed to attenuate scratching induced by i.t. morphine (0.032 mg) or i.v. morphine (1 mg/kg). Pretreatment with a selective MOR antagonist (clocinnamox, 0.1 mg/kg), but not kappa or delta opioid antagonists (nor-binaltorphimine or naltrindole), blocked i.t. morphine-induced scratching. Together, these data suggest that MOR, not other opioid receptor types or histamine, mediates scratching evoked by opioid analgesics. More important, this study provides in vivo pharmacological evidence that activation of central MOR plays an important role in opioid-induced itch in primates.

Development of Gerontological Nursing Curriculum Model

PURPOSE

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

METHOD

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

RESULT

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

CONCLUSION

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

Orphanin FQ inhibits capsaicin-induced thermal nociception in monkeys by activation of peripheral ORL1 receptors

1. Orphanin FQ (OFQ), an endogenous peptide for ORL1 receptors, has been identified. Although the actions of OFQ have much in common with those of opioid peptides at the cellular level, behavioral studies in rodents seem conflicting. 2. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential pronociceptive or antinociceptive function of peripheral ORL1 receptors in primates. Experiments were conducted to verify whether local administration of OFQ can attenuate capsaicin-induced nociception and whether peripheral ORL1 receptors selectively mediate the local action of OFQ in monkeys. 3. Capsaicin (100 microg) was administered subcutaneously in the tail to locally evoke a nociceptive response (thermal allodynia/hyperalgesia), which was manifested as a reduced tail-withdrawal latency in normally innocuous 46 degreeC warm water. 4. Co-administration of OFQ (1--30 microg) with capsaicin in the tail dose-dependently inhibited thermal nociception. However, a locally effective dose of OFQ (30 microg), when applied in the back, did not inhibit capsaicin-induced nociception. 5. OFQ-induced local antinociception was antagonized by a small dose (10 microg) of J-113397, a selective ORL1 receptor antagonist, in the tail. Similarly, s.c. administration of 10 microg of J-113397 in the back did not antagonize local antinociception of OFQ. 6. In addition, s.c. administration of either OFQ or J-113397 in the tail alone did not change its thermal nociceptive threshold. Local administration of opioid receptor antagonists selective for mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors did not antagonize OFQ-induced local antinociception. Local administration of J-113397 also did not interfere with the local actions of mu, kappa, and delta opioid agonists in the tail. 7. These results provide the first functional evidence that activation of peripheral ORL1 receptors produces thermal antinociception in primates and this action is independent of antinociception produced at classical opioid receptors.

Carboxyl-terminal domain III of the delta' subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme binds DnaX and supports cooperative DnaX complex assembly

The delta' subunit of the DNA polymerase-III holoenzyme is a key component of the DnaX complex; it is required for loading the beta(2) processivity factor onto a primed template. The x-ray crystal structure of delta' indicates a three domain C-shaped structure (Guenther, B., Onrust, R., Sali, A., O'Donnell, M., and Kuriyan, J. (1997) Cell 91, 335-345). In this study, we localized the DnaX-binding domain of delta' to its carboxyl-terminal domain III by quantifying protein-protein interactions using a series of delta' fusion proteins lacking specific domains. The fusion protein corresponding to domain III of delta' bound to DnaX with an affinity approaching that of full-length delta'. In contrast, a construct bearing delta' domains I-II did not bind DnaX at detectable levels. The presence of delta and chi psi strengthened the interaction of DnaX with full-length delta' and delta' domain III. Thus, domain III of delta' not only contains the DnaX-binding site, but also contains the elements required for positive cooperative assembly of the DnaX complex. A domain III-specific anti-delta' monoclonal antibody interfered with DnaX complex formation and abolished the replication activity of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme.

Induction of glucose-regulated protein 78 by chronic hypoxia in human gastric tumor cells through a protein kinase C-epsilon/ERK/AP-1 signaling cascade

The M(r) 78,000 glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) can be induced by physiological stresses such as glucose deprivation and hypoxia. In solid tumors, hypoxia can promote malignant progression and confer resistance to irradiation and chemotherapy by altering gene expression. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathway involved in the late and prolonged induction of the GRP78 gene by hypoxia in a human gastric cancer cell line, MKN28. Nuclear run-on assays and mRNA stability measurements revealed that transcriptional activation, not stabilization of mRNA, contributed to the dramatic induction of GRP78 gene under hypoxia. Induction of GRP78 by chronic hypoxia was completely abolished by pretreatment with PD98059 [a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK1)] or by overexpression of a dominant-negative MEK1 mutant, demonstrating a direct involvement of ERK in the induction of transcription at the GRP78 promoter under these conditions. Furthermore, hypoxia increased the transcriptional activity of a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element-like motif on the GRP78 promoter and increased the abundance and DNA binding activity of AP-1 complex composed of c-Jun and c-Fos. A selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, inhibited the induction of GRP78 gene expression as well as the activities of both ERK and Raf-1. Among six PKC isoforms expressed in MKN28 cells, PKC-epsilon expression level and kinase activity were increased by hypoxia. Transfection of MKN28 cells with a dominant-negative PKC-epsilon blocked the induction of GRP78 through ERK by hypoxia, indicating that PKC-epsilon directly participated in GRP78 induction under hypoxia. Taken together, this study shows that a PKC-epsilon-Raf-1-MEK-ERK-AP1 signaling cascade acts on a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element-like element to mediate hypoxia-induced GRP78 expression in human gastric cancer cells. We also confirmed in vivo the overexpression of GRP78 in surgical specimens of human primary gastric tumors.

Carboxyl-terminal domain III of the delta' subunit of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme binds delta

The delta and delta' subunits are essential components of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, required for assembly and function of the DnaX-complex clamp loader (tau2gammadeltadelta'chipsi). The x-ray crystal structure of delta' contains three structural domains (Guenther, B., Onrust, R., Sali, A., O'Donnell, M., and Kuriyan, J. (1997) Cell 91, 335-345). In this study, we localize the delta-binding domain of delta' to a carboxyl-terminal domain III by quantifying the interaction of delta with a series of delta' fusion proteins lacking specific domains. Purification and immobilization of the fusion proteins were facilitated by the inclusion of a tag containing hexahistidine and a short biotinylation sequence. Both NH2- and COOH-terminal-tagged full-length delta' were soluble and had specific activities comparable with that of native delta'. delta and delta' form a 1:1 heterodimer with a dissociation constant (K(D)) of 5 x 10(-7) m determined by equilibrium sedimentation. The K(D) determined by surface plasmon resonance was comparable. Domain III alone bound delta at an affinity comparable to that of wild type delta', whereas proteins lacking domain III did not bind delta. Using a panel of domain-specific anti-delta' monoclonal antibodies, we found that two of the domain III-specific monoclonal antibodies interfered with delta-delta' interaction and abolished the replication activity of DNA polymerase-III holoenzyme.

The delta and delta ' subunits of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme are essential for initiation complex formation and processive elongation

delta and delta' are required for assembly of the processivity factor beta(2) onto primed DNA in the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme-catalyzed reaction. We developed protocols for generating highly purified preparations of delta and delta'. In holoenzyme reconstitution assays, delta' could not be replaced by delta, tau, or gamma, even when either of the latter were present at a 10,000-fold molar excess. Likewise, delta could not be replaced by delta', tau, or gamma. Bacterial strains bearing chromosomal knockouts of either the holA(delta) or holB(delta') genes were not viable, demonstrating that both delta and delta' are essential. Western blots of isolated initiation complexes demonstrated the presence of both delta and delta'. However, in the absence of chipsi and single-stranded DNA-binding protein, a stable initiation complex lacking deltadelta' was isolated by gel filtration. Lack of delta-delta' decreased the rate of elongation about 3-fold, and the extent of processive replication was significantly decreased. Adding back delta-delta' but not chipsi, delta, or delta' alone restored the diminished activity, indicating that in addition to being key components required for the beta loading activity of the DnaX complex, deltadelta' is present in initiation complex and is required for processive elongation.

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia: diagnostic clues at fetal sonography

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare, life-threatening malformation. We describe a case of bilateral Bochdalek hernia diagnosed prenatally. The sonographic clues to the diagnosis were anterior displacement of the heart with relatively minimal lateral shift. The definitive diagnosis was made by demonstrating the liver in the right thorax and bowel loop and stomach in the left thorax. Color and power Doppler demonstrated the hepatic vessels embracing both sides of the heart from behind.

Different antigenic reactivities of bovine brain glutamate dehydrogenase isoproteins

The structural differences between two types of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) isoproteins (GDH I and GDH II), homogeneously isolated from bovine brain, were investigated using a biosensor technology and monoclonal antibodies. A total of seven monoclonal antibodies raised against GDH II were produced, and the antibodies recognized a single protein band that comigrates with purified GDH II on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot. Of seven anti-GDH II monoclonal antibodies tested in the immunoblot analysis, all seven antibodies interacted with GDH II, whereas only four antibodies recognized the protein band of the other GDH isoprotein, GDH I. When inhibition tests of the GDH isoproteins were performed with the seven anti-GDH II monoclonal antibodies, three antibodies inhibited GDH II activity, whereas only one antibody inhibited GDH I activity. The binding affinity of anti-GDH II monoclonal antibodies for GDH II (K(D) = 1.0 nM) determined using a biosensor technology (Pharmacia BIAcore) was fivefold higher than for GDH I (K(D) = 5.3 nM). These results, together with epitope mapping analysis, suggest that there may be structural differences between the two GDH isoproteins, in addition to their different biochemical properties. Using the anti-GDH II antibodies as probes, we also investigated the cross-reactivities of brain GDHs from some mammalian and an avian species, showing that the mammalian brain GDH enzymes are related immunologically to each other.

Quality of marital life in Korean spinal cord injured patients

The purposes of this study were to assess the quality of marital life and to investigate the most serious problem in the marital relationships of Korean spinal cord injured patients. 30 spinal cord injured (SCI) couples (SCI husbands and their non-disabled wives) who were married prior to injury and 30 able-bodied (AB) couples participated in a questionnaire study. The quality of marital life was measured with three parameters: marital stability, marital adjustment, and marital satisfaction. The results were as follows: (1) The marriage of chronic SCI couples was not noticeably unstable when compared with that of AB couples; (2) There was no significant difference in dyadic adjustment and marital satisfaction between SCI couples and AB couples; (3) There was no significant difference in marital stability, marital adjustment, and marital satisfaction between SCI husbands and their wives; (4) SCI couples had more cohesive marital relationships and SCI husbands expressed less affection to their wives than AB husbands and (5) Sex was the most serious problem in marriages of SCI couples.

IN CONCLUSION

(1) the quality of marital life in chronic SCI couples is not highly different from that of AB couples; (2) There is no significant difference in the quality of marital life between chronic SCI husbands and their non-disabled wives; and (3) It is considered necessary that rehabilitation program for SCI patients should include information on the altered physiology of sexual function of SCI patients and subsequent mutual adaptation to changed sexual function.

Primary glaucoma triple procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: the effect of mitomycin C in patients with and without prognostic factors for filtration failure

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of adjunctive mitomycin C on primary glaucoma triple procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with and without one or more of the prognostic factors for filtration failure of primary glaucoma triple procedure. Those factors include being of African-American race, having a preoperative intraocular pressure of 20 mm Hg or more on maximum tolerated medications, and being on two or more medications preoperatively.

METHODS

Study patients consisted of 197 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who were randomly assigned to receive either no adjunctive mitomycin C (101 eyes of 101 patients) or to receive adjunctive subconjunctival mitomycin C (96 eyes of 96 patients) during the primary glaucoma triple procedure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis comparisons were made between respective subgroups with and without prognostic indicators for filtration failures using a relatively stringent set of criteria for filtration success of primary glaucoma triple procedure.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant (P = .117) difference in filtration success of primary glaucoma triple procedure between the control and mitomycin C groups. Adjunctive mitomycin C significantly (P < .05) improved the filtration outcome of the primary glaucoma triple procedure in the subgroups with each of the three prognostic factors for filtration failure of primary glaucoma triple procedure. On the other hand, in the subgroups without the prognostic factors, adjunctive mitomycin C did not significantly (P > .05) change the filtration outcome of the primary glaucoma triple procedure.

CONCLUSION

These findings establish the basis for selective use of mitomycin C in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing primary glaucoma triple procedure.

Goodness-of-fit tests for the additive risk model with (p > 2)-dimensional time-invariant covariates

This paper presents methods for checking the goodness-of-fit of the additive risk model with p(> 2)-dimensional time-invariant covariates. The procedures are an extension of Kim and Lee (1996) who developed a test to assess the additive risk assumption for two-sample censored data. We apply the proposed tests to survival data from South Wales nikel refinery workers. Simulation studies are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed tests for practical sample sizes.

Comparative study of silicone versus acrylic foldable lens implantation in primary glaucoma triple procedure

OBJECTIVE

To compare silicone versus acrylic foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in primary glaucoma triple procedure (PGTP).

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 79 eyes of 79 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients in need of combined surgery were randomized to a silicone IOL group (36 eyes) and acrylic IOL group (43 eyes).

INTERVENTION

The study eyes underwent PGTP, which consisted of primary trabeculectomy, phacoemulsification, and posterior chamber IOL implantation. Adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) (0.5 mg/ml for 1 minute) was used selectively only in patients with one or more risk factors for filtration failure of PGTP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Snellen visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and number of glaucoma medications were measured, performed, or determined preoperatively and at regular intervals postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the mean number of postoperative glaucoma medications at 1, 2, 3, 4-6, and 9-12 months and at last follow-up (P > 0.05); mean change in corrected visual acuity best attained (P = 0.315) or at last follow-up (P = 0.223) between the silicone and acrylic groups. Both groups had significant decreases in mean IOP and mean number of medications postoperatively at all times (P < 0.05). However, the postoperative IOP > 25 mmHg and IOP spike > 5 mmHg above preoperative IOP during the first month were significantly higher in the acrylic group (P = 0.026). The mean postoperative IOP at 1 month in the acrylic group was also significantly higher than the silicone group (14.1 +/- 5.0, 11.2 +/- 3.9, P = 0.005). Conversely, there were no significant differences in mean postoperative IOP at 2, 3, 4-6, and 9-12 months and at last follow-up between the silicone and acrylic groups (P > 0.05). Suture removal or release occurred significantly more frequently in the acrylic IOL group during the first month and the first 2 months (48.8% and 60.5%) than the silicone group (25.0% and 36.1%, P = 0.030 and 0.031, respectively). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or surgical interventions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During the first year following the PGTP with selective use of MMC, there were no significant differences in the medical dependency or visual outcomes or complications between the silicone and acrylic groups. Both groups attained significant decreases in IOP postoperatively. However, the mean IOP was significantly higher in the acrylic than the silicone group at 1 month postoperatively, and postoperative IOP > 25 mmHg and IOP spike > 5 mmHg above preoperative IOP were significantly greater in the acrylic group. There were significantly more suture releases in the acrylic IOL group than the silicone IOL group in the first 2 months postoperatively.

Essential active-site lysine of brain glutamate dehydrogenase isoproteins

Two soluble forms of bovine brain glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) isoproteins were inactivated by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Spectral evidence is presented to indicate that the inactivation proceeds through Schiff's base formation with amino groups of the enzyme. Sodium borohydride reduction of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-inactivated GDH isoproteins produced a stable pyridoxyl enzyme derivative that could not be reactivated by dialysis. The pyridoxyl enzyme was studied through fluorescence spectroscopy. No substrates or coenzymes separately gave complete protection against pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. A combination of 10 mM 2-oxoglutarate with 2 mM NADH, however, gave complete protection against the inactivation. Tryptic peptides of the isoproteins, modified with and without protection, resulted in a selective modification of one lysine. In both GDH isoproteins, the sequences of the peptide containing the phosphopyridoxyllysine were clearly identical to sequences of other GDH species.