Differences in syncytia formation by SARS-CoV-2 variants modify host chromatin accessibility and cellular senescence via TP53

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a significant public health threat due to the ability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants to evade the immune system and cause breakthrough infections. Although pathogenic coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV lead to severe respiratory infections, how these viruses affect the chromatin proteomic composition upon infection remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we use our recently developed integrative DNA And Protein Tagging methodology to identify changes in host chromatin accessibility states and chromatin proteomic composition upon infection with pathogenic coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces TP53 stabilization on chromatin, which contributes to its host cytopathic effect. We mapped this TP53 stabilization to the SARS-CoV-2 spike and its propensity to form syncytia, a consequence of cell-cell fusion. Differences in SARS-CoV-2 spike variant-induced syncytia formation modify chromatin accessibility, cellular senescence, and inflammatory cytokine release via TP53. Our findings suggest that differences in syncytia formation alter senescence-associated inflammation, which varies among SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Differences in syncytia formation by SARS-CoV-2 variants modify host chromatin accessibility and cellular senescence via TP53

COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat due to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 variants to evade the immune system and cause breakthrough infections. Although pathogenic coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV lead to severe respiratory infections, how these viruses affect the chromatin proteomic composition upon infection remains largely uncharacterized. Here we used our recently developed integrative DNA And Protein Tagging (iDAPT) methodology to identify changes in host chromatin accessibility states and chromatin proteomic composition upon infection with pathogenic coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces TP53 stabilization on chromatin, which contributes to its host cytopathic effect. We mapped this TP53 stabilization to the SARS-CoV-2 spike and its propensity to form syncytia, a consequence of cell-cell fusion. Differences in SARS-CoV-2 spike variant-induced syncytia formation modify chromatin accessibility, cellular senescence, and inflammatory cytokine release via TP53. Our findings suggest that differences in syncytia formation alter senescence-associated inflammation, which varies among SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Evaluation of a biotin-based surrogate virus neutralization test for detecting postvaccination antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants in sera

A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) was used to determine the degree of inhibition of binding between human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein by neutralizing antibodies in a biosafety level 2 facility. Here, to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the commercial sVNT, we developed a new biotin based sVNT using biotinylated RBD and HRP conjugated streptavidin instead of HRP conjugated RBD for direct detection in an ELISA assay that strongly correlated to the FDA approved cPass sVNT commercial kit (R² = 0.8521) and pseudo virus neutralization test (R² = 0.9006) (pVNT). The biotin based sVNT was evaluated in 535 postvaccination serum samples corresponding to second and third boosts of AZD1222 and BNT162b2 vaccines of the wild type strain. We confirmed that the neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants in second vaccination sera decreased after a median of 141.5 days. Furthermore, vaccination sera from BNT162b2-BNT162b2 vaccines maintained neutralizing antibodies for longer than those of AZD1222 only vaccination. In addition, both vaccines maintained high neutralizing antibodies in third vaccination sera against Omicron BA.2 after a median of 27 days, but neutralizing antibodies significantly decreased after a median of 141.5 days. Along with the cPass sVNT commercial kit, biotin based sVNTs may also be suitable for specifically detecting neutralizing antibodies against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants; however, to initially monitor the neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated sera using high throughput screening, conventional PRNT could be replaced by sVNT to circumvent the inconvenience of a long test time.

NAMPT suppresses glucose deprivation-induced oxidative stress by increasing NADPH levels in breast cancer

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in NAD+ biosynthesis. Although NAMPT has emerged as a critical regulator of metabolic stress, the underlying mechanisms by which it regulates metabolic stress in cancer cells have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we determined that breast cancer cells expressing a high level of NAMPT were resistant to cell death induced by glucose depletion. Furthermore, NAMPT inhibition suppressed tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft model. Under glucose deprivation conditions, NAMPT inhibition was found to increase the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, leading to cell death. This cell death was rescued by treatment with antioxidants or NAD+. Finally, we showed that NAMPT increased the pool of NAD+ that could be converted to NADPH through the pentose phosphate pathway and inhibited the depletion of reduced glutathione under glucose deprivation. Collectively, our results suggest a novel mechanism by which tumor cells protect themselves against glucose deprivation-induced oxidative stress by utilizing NAMPT to maintain NADPH levels.

Multi-step prediction of physiological tremor for robotics applications

The performance of surgical robotic devices in real-time mainly depends on phase-delay in sensors and filtering process. A phase delay of 16-20 ms is unavoidable in these robotics procedures due to the presence of hardware low pass filter in sensors and pre-filtering required in later stages of cancellation. To overcome this phase delay, we employ multi-step prediction with band limited multiple Fourier linear combiner (BMFLC) and Autoregressive (AR) methods. Results show that the overall accuracy is improved by 60% for tremor estimation compared to single-step prediction methods in the presence of phase delay. Experimental results with the proposed methods for 1-DOF tremor estimation highlight the improvement.

Effect of bacteriophage supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and fecal microbial shedding in growing pigs

A total of 144 ((Duroc×Yorkshire)×Landrace)) pigs with an average initial BW of 28.85±0.63 kg were used in this 6-wk growth trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments in a completely random block design. Each dietary treatment consisted of 9 replicate pens, with 4 pigs per replicate. Dietary treatments included: i) NC (basal diet), ii) PC (NC+apramycin 0.5 g/kg), iii) BPT1 (NC+bacteriophage 0.25 g/kg) and iv) BPT2 (NC+bacteriophage 0.5 g/kg). The inclusion of antibiotics and bacteriophages did not affect the (p>0.05) ADG, ADFI and G:F compared with the basal diet. Dietary antibiotics and bacteriophages supplementation led to a higher (p<0.05) DM digestibility than the NC treatment. Pigs fed the bacteriophage supplemented diet increased (p<0.05) the N digestibility compared with those fed NC treatment. Supplementation of antibiotics led to a higher (p<0.05) energy digestibility than the NC treatment. No difference (p>0.05) was observed in the RBC, WBC, lymphocyte concentration and fecal moisture among treatments. Pigs fed PC and BPT2 treatments reduced (p<0.05) the E. coli concentration compared with those fed NC treatment. The inclusion of BPT2 treatment led to a higher (p<0.05) lactobacillus concentration compared with NC and PC treatment. Dietary antibiotic and bacteriophage supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the Salmonella concentration compared with NC treatment. In conclusion, our study suggested that bacteriophage at the level of 0.5 g/kg could be used as an antibiotics alternative for growing pigs.

Effect of Medium-chain Triglyceride (MCT) on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Characteristics in Weanling Pigs

One hundred and twenty weanling pigs in experiment 1 (Exp. 1) (6.91±0.99 kg; 21 d of age) and Exp. 2 (10.20±1.09 kg; 28 d of age) were used in two 42-d and 35-d experiments to evaluate the effect of medium-chain-triglyceride (MCT) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and blood profile. In both of Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, the same dietary treatments were utilized as follows : i) negative control (NC), ii) positive control (PC), NC+antibiotics (40 mg/kg Tiamulin, 110 mg/kg Tylosin, and 10 mg/kg Enramycin, iii) MCT3, NC+0.32% (phase 1, 2 and 3) MCT, and iv) MCT5, NC+0.55% (phase 1), 0.32% (phase 2 and 3) MCT. In Exp. 1, the pigs fed MCT5 diets had higher (p<0.05) ADG compared to NC treatment during the first 2 wk. From d 15 to 28, the ATTD of energy was improved (p<0.05) by MCT3 compared to the PC treatment. No effect has been observed on the blood profiles [red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), immunoglobulin-G (IgG), lymphocyte concentration] measured in this study. In Exp. 2, the ADG were increased (p<0.05) by the MCT5 treatment than the PC treatment from d 0 to 14. Pigs fed PC treatment diet had lower ADFI (p<0.05) and better FCR (p<0.05) than NC treatment, whereas no differences were shown between MCT treatments and NC or PC treatment from d 15 to 35 and overall phase. The ATTD of DM and nitrogen were improved (p<0.05) by the effect of MCT5 related to the NC and PC treatment at the end of 2nd and 5th wk. The pigs fed MCT3 had higher (p<0.05) energy digestibility than PC treatment. No effects were seen in the blood profiles we measured (WBC, RBC, lymphocyte and immunoglobulin-G). In conclusion, the addition of MCT in the weanling pigs diet can improve the ADG and digestibility during the earlier period (first 2 wks), but had little effect on the blood characteristics.

Evaluation of the effect of low dietary fermentable carbohydrate content on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and meat quality in finishing pigs

A total of 96 pigs (49.23±3.20 kg) were used in an 11 wk growth trial to evaluate the effect of fermentable carbohydrate (FC) content on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrient, blood profile, and meat quality. The dietary treatments were: i) negative control (NC), basal diet, ii) positive control (PC), NC+antibiotics (positive control diet with 5 ppm flavomycin), iii) PCL, PC-13% lower FC, and iv) NCL, NC-13% lower FC. The growth performance (average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain/feed) didn’t differ among treatments through the whole experiment. These pigs fed the PCL diet had the greater (p<0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter than those from PC and NC treatment at the end of the experiment. No differences were observed in white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and lymphocyte concentration among different treatments. After the feeding period, meat samples were collected from the pigs at slaughter. The pigs in NCL and PCL treatments had greater (p<0.05) backfat thickness and lower lean percentage. The color value of loin was higher (p<0.05) in NCL treatment compared to PCL treatment. Also, the NCL treatment had higher (p<0.05) marbling value than PC treatment. The drip loss was depressed by PCL and NCL treatment comapared to NC treatments. The water holding capacity (WHC) was higher (p<0.05) in NC and PCL treatment. In conclusion, the low FC can improve digestibility and meat quality of finishing pigs.

Prognostic significance of Ki-67 expression in rectal carcinoid tumors

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Rectal carcinoid tumors can be resected with endoscopy, and it is important to assess their prognostic factors. We evaluated the potential of Ki-67 expression as a prognostic factor in rectal carcinoid tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 37 patients with rectal carcinoid tumors who got endoscopic resection from January 2001 to January 2011 at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. We analyzed their endoscopic and histologic findings, Ki-67 expression, clinical outcome, and prognosis.

RESULTS

The mean age (±SD) of the patients was 56.3±10.7 years, and the male : female ratio was 3.6 : 1. The mean tumor size was 0.5±0.4 cm, 33 patients showed grade 1 tumors (89.2%) and the average Ki-67 expression was 0.7±1.2%. Thirty five patients underwent endoscopic mucosal resection, and two required endoscopic submucosal dissection. Eight patients had positive margins after resection, but no cases of lymphovascular invasion were identified. The median follow-up duration was 21.4±25.4 months, and no recurrences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In low grade rectal carcinoid tumors which are lack of central depression on colonoscopy, the expression of a molecular marker of malignant potential, Ki-67, was low. Therefore, endoscopic resection seemed to be a safe and effective treatment for these tumors.

The evaluation of soybean meals from 3 major soybean-producing countries on productive performance and feeding value of pig diets

This study was conducted to evaluate 1) the effects of soybean meal (SBM) from 3 major SBM-producing countries (United States, Brazil, and India) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs and 2) the feeding value of the evaluated SBM as a feedstuff for growing-finishing pigs. Soybean meal representative of each country was purchased on the open market. A total of 144 barrows with the average BW of 23.77 (SD = 1.52 kg) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 12 replicate pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. The US SBM used in this trial had greater CP and total AA contents, greater KOH protein solubility, and less crude fiber than SBM from either Brazil or India. Diets were formulated to be isolysinic and isocaloric. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM were heavier (P < 0.05) than pigs fed diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM at 12 and 18 wk. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F throughout the overall period when compared with pigs fed SBM produced in Brazil or India. The DM and N digestibility were greater for US SBM (P < 0.05) than Brazilian and India SBM at 6, 12, and 18 wk. Pigs were slaughtered at the end of 18 wk, and no differences were observed on meat quality (backfat thickness, LM area, pH, meat color, water holding capacity, and drip loss) among the treatments, except lean percentages were less and backfat thickness was greater in pigs fed Brazilian and Indian SBM than US SBM. The cost per kilogram of BW gain of the experimental diet containing US SBM was less than that of diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM, but it would depend on the relative prices of each SBM. Based on the results of the current experiment, the productivity and feeding value of US SBM seems to be greater than the SBM produced in Brazil and India.

Chlorpromazine attenuates pancreatic beta-cell function and mass through IRS2 degradation, while exercise partially reverses the attenuation

We investigated the effect and mechanism of exercise and chlorpromazine (CPZ), a conventional anti-psychotic drug, on beta-cell function and mass in 90% pancreatectomized (Px) male rats. The diabetic Px rats were divided into two groups, one of which was provided with exercise whereas the other was not. Both groups were subdivided into the three groups and administered with 0, 5 or 50 mg CPZ per kg body weight (control, low dosage of chlorpromazine (LCPZ), high dosage chlorpromazine (HCPZ)) for 8 weeks. LCPZ did not modulate glucose homeostasis. HCPZ impaired acute phase and second phase insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamp. Apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells increased in the HCPZ group, and proliferation decreased, contributing to reduced beta-cell mass. Exercise partially improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and beta-cell mass in HCPZ-treated rats. Interestingly, insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2) protein levels in islets decreased by increased degradation in the HCPZ group, whereas exercise partially reversed this trend by induction of IRS2 expression. In isolated islets, 50 microM CPZ decreased IRS2 expression by promoting ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, which had been prevented by proteasome inhibitors. Furthermore, similar to the effect of HCPZ treatment, a high dosage of rottlerin, a protein kinase C-delta inhibitor, reduced IRS2 levels in the islets. In conclusion, exercise partially recovered the diabetic symptoms exacerbated by HCPZ through enhancement of beta-cell function and mass in diabetic rats. This modulation by HCPZ and exercise was associated with increasing intracellular IRS2 protein levels in independent pathways.

Long-term consumption of fermented soybean-derived Chungkookjang attenuates hepatic insulin resistance in 90% pancreatectomized diabetic rats

Soy protein and isoflavonoids in soybeans exhibit the improvement of insulin resistance. Our previous IN VITRO study showed that Chungkookjang (CKJ), fermented unsalted soybeans, had better antidiabetic actions than cooked unfermented soybeans (CSB) by increasing isoflavones aglycones and small peptides. We investigated whether 40% fat diets with different protein sources such as CSB, CKJ, and casein modulated peripheral insulin resistance in 90% pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic rats. The Px rats weighing 209+/-14 g were freely provided casein, CSB, or CKJ diets for 8 weeks. Both CKJ and CSB increased whole body glucose disposal rates and glucose uptake into skeletal muscles of Px rats as much as rosiglitazone plus casein treated rats during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. In addition, CKJ and CSB decreased hepatic glucose output at hyperinsulinemic clamped states, compared to the Casein group. The reduction of hepatic glucose output was greater in CKJ than CSB. This reduction was associated with enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 and serine (473) phosphporylation of Akt, indicating improved hepatic insulin signaling. This improved signaling led to decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression to reduce hepatic glucose output. In conclusion, fermented soybeans mainly with BACILLUS SUBTILIS improved hepatic insulin sensitivity better than unfermented soybeans by enhancing hepatic insulin signaling cascade in diabetic rats.

Estimation of zeta potential of electroosmotic flow in a microchannel using a reduced-order model

A reduced-order model is derived for electroosmotic flow in a microchannel of nonuniform cross section using the Karhunen-Loève Galerkin (KLG) procedure. The resulting reduced-order model is shown to predict electroosmotic flows accurately with minimal consumption of computer time for a wide range of zeta potential zeta and dielectric constant epsilon. Using the reduced-order model, a practical method is devised to estimate zeta from the velocity measurements of the electroosmotic flow in the microchannel. The proposed method is found to estimate zeta with reasonable accuracy even with noisy velocity measurements.

Estimation of the zeta potential and the dielectric constant using velocity measurements in the electroosmotic flows

In this paper we develop a method for the determination of the zeta potential zeta and the dielectric constant epsilon by exploiting velocity measurements of the electroosmotic flow in microchannels. The inverse problem is solved through the minimization of a performance function utilizing the conjugate gradient method. The present method is found to estimate zeta and epsilon with reasonable accuracy even with noisy velocity measurements.

The effects of wind speed on the relative relationships between different sized-fractions of airborne particles

The concentrations of three different size fractions of particulate matter (PM) including PM2.5, PM10, and TSP were determined continuously at hourly intervals from four different sites in Seoul, Korea during the spring of 2001. To learn the effects of wind speed change on PM fractionation, the entire data sets were initially sorted into three particle fractions such as: fine (F: PM2.5), coarse (C: PM10-PM2.5), and giant (G: TSP-PM10). The inter-fraction relationships of PM were then explored by linear regression analysis of the data divided into four wind speed regimes. The results of this analysis, when examined in terms of either relative dominance between different PM fractions (i.e., in terms of their slope values) or strength of correlations, indicate the existence of diverse inter-fraction patterns. Most importantly, the physical influence of wind speed is seen to be reflected most efficiently between fine and coarse particle fractions, as the relative contribution of coarse fraction to the mass concentration of total particles (e.g., PM10) changes proportionally with changes in wind speed. However, such systematic patterns decrease noticeably between fine and giant fractions, as they can be affected more sensitively by such factors as the nature of their sources or the surrounding environmental conditions. The results of our comparative analysis thus confirm that wind speed is a useful barometer to distinguish and predict the behavior of different particle fractions in relation to each other.

Defining the risk of developing grade 2 proctitis following 125I prostate brachytherapy using a rectal dose-volume histogram analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rectal tolerance for developing Grade 2 radiation proctitis after 125I prostate implantation based on the rectal dose-volume histogram.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Two hundred twelve patients with T1-T2 prostate cancer underwent 125I implantation without external beam irradiation. One month after the procedure, all patients underwent CT-based postimplant dosimetry (3-mm abutting slices). The rectal volumes, defined by an inner and outer wall, were determined from 9 mm above the seminal vesicles to 9 mm below the prostate apex. All doses were calculated by TG43 formalism. The prostate prescription dose was 160 Gy. A dose response analysis was undertaken for volumes of rectal tissue receiving a given dose. Dose levels examined were 80 Gy, 100 Gy, 120 Gy, 140 Gy, 160 Gy, 180 Gy, 200 Gy, 220 Gy, and 240 Gy. Grade 2 proctitis was defined as rectal bleeding occurring at least once a week for a minimum period of one month. The risk of proctitis was calculated using actuarial methods. For each dose level, a critical volume cutpoint was chosen to define a low and high volume group of patients. The cutpoint was determined based on two goals: minimizing thep value and finding a < or =5% risk of proctitis in the low volume group. Patients were followed from 12 to 61 months (median: 28 months) after implantation.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients developed Grade 2 proctitis: 14% within the first year, 72% between the first and second year, and 14% during the third year after the implant date. After the third year postimplantation, no cases of proctitis were reported. Proctitis was found to be significantly volume dependent for a given dose. The prescription dose (160 Gy) delivered to < or =1.3 cc of rectal tissue resulted in a 5% rate of proctitis at 5 years vs. 18% for volumes >1.3 cc (p = 0.001). Similar results were found for all doses examined. As the rectal volume receiving the prescription dose (160 Gy) increased, so did the proctitis rate: 0% for < or =0.8 cc, 7% for >0.8-1.3 cc, 8% for >1.3-1.8 cc, 24% for >1.8-2.3 cc, and 25.5% for >2.3cc (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal dose-volume histogram analysis is a practical and predictive method of assessing the risk of developing Grade 2 proctitis after 125I prostate implantation. Delivered dose should be kept below defined rectal volume thresholds to minimize this risk. This information can allow one to decrease rectal morbidity by modifying prostate implant technique.

Zinc tetrakis(N-methyl-4'-pyridyl) porphyrinato is an effective inhibitor of stimulant-induced activation of RAW 264.7 cells

One proposed mechanism for the development of silica-induced fibrosis is prolonged pulmonary inflammation and lung damage resulting from the secretion of reactive mediators from alveolar macrophages. Metalloporphyrins have antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities. However, the molecular basis for the antiinflammatory action of zinc tetrakis(N-methyl-4'-pyridyl) porphyrinato (ZnTMPyP) has not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to determine whether ZnTMPyP exhibited the ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activation of NF-kappaB, or the secretion of IL-1 in RAW 264.7 cells, and whether such inhibitory activity was related to the ROS-scavenging ability of ZnTMPyP. The results indicate that, although ZnTMPyP is not cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 cells, it is a potent inhibitor in ROS production by RAW 264.7 cells in response to various stimulants, such as silica, zymosan, or phorbol myristate acetate. ZnTMPyP is also effective in reducing stimulant-induced DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB and silica-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha. ZnTMPyP also inhibits LPS-induced IL-1 production. However, ZnTMPyP exhibits relatively weak ability to directly scavenge hyroxyl or superoxide radicals. On the basis of effective concentrations of ZnTMPyP, these results suggest that ZnTMPyP directly acts as an inhibitor of cellular activation in addition to exhibiting an antioxidant effect. Therefore, it is suggested that further studies concerning the effects of ZnTMPyP using in vivo oxidative stress models or its effects on the cytotoxic process of human diseases associated with lung inflammation and injury are warranted. In addition, ZnTMPyP may be a useful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in stimulant-induced signal pathways.

Silica induces nuclear factor-kappa B activation through tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha in RAW264.7 macrophages

It was previously reported that protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) but not protein kinase C or A plays an important role in silica-induced activation of NF-kappa B in macrophages. The question is raised whether PTK stimulation and NF-kappa B activation in silica-stimulated macrophages are directly connected through tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha. Results indicate that stimulation of macrophages with silica led to NF-kappaB activation through tyrosine phosphorylation without serine phosphorylation. Specific inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase, such as genistein and tyrophostin AG126, prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha in response to silica. I kappa B-alpha protein levels remained relatively unchanged for up to 60 min after silica stimulation. Moreover, inhibition of proteasome proteolytic activity did not affect NF-kappa B activation by silica. Antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), blocked tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha induced by silica, suggesting reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be important regulatory molecules in NF-kappa B activation through tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha. The results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha represents a proteasome proteolytic activity-independent mechanism for NF-kappa B activation that directly couples NF-kappa B to cellular tyrosine kinase in silica-stimulated macrophages. This proposed mechanism of NF-kappa B activation induced by silica could be used as a target for development of antiinflammatory and antifibrosis drugs.

Smooth muscle distribution in the extrahepatic bile duct: histologic and immunohistochemical studies of 122 cases

The distribution of smooth muscle fibers in the extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) wall is not well characterized. We analyzed 101 consecutive Whipple's operation specimens and 21 autopsy specimens for the pattern of smooth muscle distribution in EBD using the Masson-trichrome stain and the desmin immunohistochemical stain. The patterns were categorized as continuous, interrupted, scattered, and no muscle layer. EBDs were divided into lower, middle, and upper portions, and the distribution pattern of smooth muscle fibers was analyzed separately in each portion. Because most surgically resected specimens contained the middle and lower EBDs with only a portion of the upper EBD, only the length of the middle and lower EBDs (common bile duct, CBD) was measured. The mean length of CBD in surgically resected specimens was 6.4 +/- 1.4 cm (men, 6.6 +/- 1.3 cm; women, 6.1 +/- 1.5 cm). The mean length of CBD in autopsy specimens was 6.8 +/- 1.0 cm. The predominant patterns of the lower third of the EBD were interrupted (49%) and continuous (43%). The predominant patterns of the middle third of the EBD were scattered (63%) and interrupted (23%). Those of the upper third of the EBD were no muscle fiber (58%) and scattered (39%). In conclusion, different patterns of smooth muscle distribution were observed in different portions of the EBD. Because scattered muscle fibers or no muscle fibers were the main features of the upper third of the EBD, understanding of this pattern may be helpful for assessment of the depth of invasion or staging of carcinoma of the upper third of the EBD.

Clinicopathologic analysis of 124 biopsy-proven peripheral nerve diseases

We reviewed dinical, histological and ultrastructural findings of 124 cases of sural nerve biopsy specimens to delineate the trends of peripheral nerve diseases in our institute. Eighty-one were men and 43 were women. We categorized them into five groups: specific diagnosis (66 cases, 53.2%), axonal degeneration type (47 cases, 37.9%), demyelinating type (4 cases, 3.2%), mixed axonal degeneration-demyelinating type (6 cases, 4.8%) and normal (1 case, 0.9%). Cases with specific diagnosis included 21 inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (15 chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, 6 Guillain-Barre disease), 13 hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (7 Charcot-Marie-Tooth type I, 6 Charcot-Marie-Tooth type II), 10 vasculitis, 6 toxic neuropathy, 4 leprosy, 3 diabetic neuropathy, 2 alcoholic neuropathy, 1 Fabry's disease and other specific diseases (5 cases). In our cases, the proportion of specific diagnoses was higher, while the proportion of demyelinating peripheral neuropathies and normal were lower than those of Western series. The results of this study indicate that 1) a dose clinicopathologic correlation is important to make a precise diagnosis of peripheral nerve biopsy, 2) Biopsy under strict indication may reduce unnecessary histologic examination, 3) There is no difference in disease pattern of peripheral neuropathy between Western people and Koreans.

A case of myasthenia gravis proven by ultrastructural study

Although light microscopic features of muscle are not pathognomonic in most cases of myasthenia gravis (MG), careful examination of neuromuscular junction by electron microscopy (EM) can reveal important clues for this disease. We report here a case of MG confirmed by EM study to emphasize that tissue diagnosis is still the best adjuvant to confirm the diagnosis. An 18-year-old female visited our hospital complaining of progressive muscle weakness for 3 years. She had difficulty in running, going upstairs and doing routine activities. Symptoms were aggravated with continuous work and resolved after rest. She had weakness of bilateral masseter and facial muscles and proximal portions of extremities without definite diurnal variation. Electromyography showed myopathic changes in proximal muscles of extremities. MG was considered but tensilon test was equivocal. Repetitive nerve stimulation tests revealed 20-30 percent decrease in responses to low and high rate stimulation. Muscle biopsy revealed selective type 2 atrophy. Ultrastructurally, abnormalities of neuromuscular junctions, i.e., wide primary synaptic cleft, and wide and shallow secondary synaptic clefts with mild myopathic features were present. These findings were pathognomonic for MG. Later, her symptoms were improved completely 3 months after thymectomy. The histologic finding of thymus was follicular hyperplasia.

Keratosis lichenoides chronica: marked response to calcipotriol ointment

Keratosis lichenoides chronica (KCL) is a rare dermatosis characterized by a distinctive seborrheic dermatitis-like facial eruption, together with violaceous, papular, and nodular lesions on the extremities and trunk, typically arranged in a linear and reticulate pattern. KLC is resistant to therapy, although spontaneous remission has been reported. We describe a 35-year-old woman with KLC who had the typical features of widespread violaceous, reticulate, and striae-like eruptions with a prominent keratotic component over a nine-year period and who responded well to treatment with calcipotriol ointment. The immunohistochemical profiles are presented in addition to typical histopathologic features.

Chondroblastoma of the temporal bone: a clinicopathologic study of five cases

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor. It commonly affects the epiphysis of long bones during the second and third decades of life. Chondroblastoma of the temporal bone is extremely rare. We reviewed five cases of chondroblastoma arising in the temporal bone. Four cases were female and one was male. The ages ranged from 41 to 60 years (mean, 53.6 years). All cases involved the temporal bone. Three involved the left side and two the right. Chief complaints were long-standing localized pain and hearing difficulty. A sharply demarcated lobulated mass was the main radiological finding. Microscopic findings were those of chondroblastoma of usual locations. Two cases showed aneurysmal bone cyst-like areas. Immunohistochemical studies for CD34, CD99, S-100 protein and cytokeratin were performed. Tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein in three cases and weakly positive for cytokeratin in one case. CD34 and CD99 were negative in all cases. In summary, chondroblastoma of the temporal bone is rare and occurs in older age group than reported cases of chondroblastoma of the usual location in the literature.

Clear cell carcinoma arising in a Cesarean section scar endometriosis: a case report

Endometriosis of a surgical scar is rare and occurs mainly when a hysterectomy or Cesarean section was performed. We describe a 54-year-old woman with a large suprapubic mass as a definite case of a endomerioid carcinoma developing within the scar endometriosis following Cesarean section. Scar endometriosis, as well as endometriosis at other sites, can turn malignant. Endometrioid carcinoma is the most common histological pattern of malignant tumor arising in endometriosis. But clear cell carcinoma is very unusual. A case of primary clear cell carcinoma in endometriosis of a Cesarean section scar is described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of endomerioid carcinoma developing within the scar endometriosis in Korea.

Growth inhibition and differentiation of the human colon carcinoma cell line, Caco-2, by constitutive expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3

The human colon carcinoma cell line, Caco-2, produces insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), the secretion of which correlates with markers of enterocyte differentiation. To investigate whether IGFBP-3 inhibits proliferation or induces differentiation, Caco-2 cells were stably transfected with an IGFBP-3 cDNA expression construct or pcDNA3 vector as a control. Accumulation of IGFBP-3 mRNA and secretion of the protein into conditioned medium 9 days after plating were readily detected in the transfected cells, whereas these parameters were undetectable in pcDNA3-transfected cells. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3-expressing cells grew at a rate similar to the controls for 6 days after plating, but achieved a much lower final density between days 10 and 12. By day 9 of culture, accumulation of sucrase-isomaltase mRNA, a marker of enterocytic differentiation of Caco-2 cells, was evident in the IGFBP-3-expressing cells, but was undetectable in the controls. These results indicate that IGFBP-3 may inhibit proliferation and induce early differentiation of Caco-2 cells.

Farnesylcysteine methyltransferase activity and Ras protein expression in human stomach tumor tissue

The processing pathway of G-proteins and Ras family proteins includes the isoprenylation of the cysteine residue, followed by proteolysis of three terminal residues and alpha-carboxyl methyl esterification of the cysteine residue. Farnesylcysteine methyltransferase (FCMT) activity is responsible for the methylation reaction which play a role in the membrane attachment of a variety of cellular proteins. Four kinds of Ras protein (c-Ha-ras, c-N-Ras, c-Ki-Ras, pan-Ras) expression were detected in adenocarcinoma of human tissue by immunohistochemical method, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The level of Ras protein in human stomach tumor tissues was much higher than in normal and peritumoral regions of the same biopsy samples. The FCMT activities of each cellular fractions were high in mitochondrial fraction followed by microsomal fraction, whole homogenate and cytosolic fraction. The inhibitory effect on FCMT activity on stomach tumor tissue was determined after treatment with 0.25 microM of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine. S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine inhibited FCMT activity from 11.2% to 30.5%. These results suggested that FCMT might be involved in Ras proteins activity.

Alpha-fetoprotein producing renal cell carcinoma: a case report

We report a case of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing renal cell carcinoma. A 53-year-old man with fever was found to have a left renal mass on computed tomography. No mass was detected in the liver. Serum AFP was 1,460 ng/ml. Radical nephrectomy showed a 10 cm mass in the upper half. A half of the tumor was whitish yellow and firm whereas another half was soft and bright yellow with hemorrhagic and necrotic areas. Histologically, the two areas were different. The lower part consisted of the clear cell renal cell carcinoma and the upper part consisted of granular cells. On immunohistochemistry, the granular tumor cells only were positive for AFP. Serum AFP level dropped abruptly to 383 ng/ml on the 6th postoperative day and gradually returned to normal during the 6 months. Multiple metastatic nodules were found in the lungs, liver and bone in 9th postoperative month and the AFP was less than 1 ng/ml. This suggest metastatic lesions are non-AFP producing clear cell type. It can be concluded that serum AFP elevation was due to synthesis by the renal cell carcinoma in the absence of liver neoplasm. Although AFP producing renal cell carcinoma is a rare entity, serum AFP can be a useful marker for the detection of the tumor.

Family life satisfaction, age, length of residency: predicting alcohol and cigarette use among Korean adolescents in Australia

A total of 203 Korean adolescent students, ages 14 to 18 years, participated in the present study designed to investigate the predictive value of adolescent scores on the Adolescent Family Life Satisfaction Index relative to those of parents and siblings, their length of residency in Australia, and age on alcohol and cigarette use. For boys, age was the only significant predictor of both alcohol and cigarette use. However, for girls three variables were identified as significant predictors of alcohol use. Parent-related Life Satisfaction, age, and length of residency in Australia accounting for 26.11% of the total variance. Two variables, Parent-related Life Satisfaction and length of residency in Australia, were significant predictors of cigarette use for girls, explaining 21.96% of the total variance. Results were discussed in terms of the different relationships between scores on the Adolescent Family Life Satisfaction Index and alcohol and cigarette use for adolescent boys and girls.

The relationship of satisfaction with life to personality characteristics

We administered a self-report questionnaire to 1,749 adult Australians between 17 and 40 years old to examine the predictive values of self-esteem, depression, locus of control, trait anger, religiosity, psychological reactance, and age in relation to life satisfaction. Results of independent regression analyses showed that all but psychological reactance were significant predictors of life satisfaction. In the stepwise analysis, self-esteem, depression, trait anger, locus of control, and religiosity were significant, and together accounted for 26.3% of the total variance of life satisfaction. In both the stepwise and independent analyses, self-esteem and depression affected levels of satisfaction more than any other variables.

Making love: Australian adults' rating of its importance as a romantic act in a relationship

A personal opinion survey was administered to 1207 adults assessing attitudes towards 13 romantic acts with regard to age and gender. The present study focused upon attitudes towards the perceived importance of making love as a romantic act in a relationship. The sample was divided into three age groups, 18 to 25 years, 26 to 35 years, and 36 to 45 years. Analysis showed that 600 men's mean rating on a 5-point scale for importance was higher than the 607 women's rating; however, no significant difference was found among age groups and the interaction of age and gender was nonsignificant.

Psychological reactance: effects of age and gender

A self-report, attitudinal questionnaire was administered to 1,717 adult Australians between 18 and 40 years old to examine the effects of age and gender on psychological reactance. Analysis yielded a significant age effect: As age increased, the level of reactance tended to decrease. No significant differences in reactance emerged in relation to gender. A significant interaction between age and gender was found.

Effects of age, sex, and university status on life-satisfaction

Diener, et al.'s 1985 Satisfaction With Life Scale was administered to 1749 adult Australians to examine differences between men and women, university students and nonuniversity students, and among 17- to 22-, 23- to 29-, and 30- to 40-yr.-olds. No significant differences in life-satisfaction emerged in relation to sex or university status, but age showed a significant effect as higher life-satisfaction characterized older subjects. No interactions were found for any combination of the three variables. The results are interpreted in terms of egalitarian sex-role ideologies regarding sex, status-specific criteria in the assessment and conceptualisation of life-satisfaction for university status, and maturity trends in viewing life events concerning age.

Are university students more depressed than nonuniversity students?

Rimon's Brief Depression Scale was administered to examine the associations of university status and gender on depression among 1728 subjects ages 17 to 40 years and residing in Sydney, Australia. Analysis showed the 912 women were significantly more depressed than the 816 men; however, no significant difference was found between 744 university students and 984 nonstudents. These findings were interpreted in terms of various theories proposed in the literature.

A single injection of adrenergic agonists enhances pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pineal gland of Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti) responds to adrenergic agonists with an increase in melatonin production, and, if it does, whether the sensitivity of the pineal gland to agonists would differ throughout the dark phase. Adult Turkish hamsters weighting 110-210 g received a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO, 1 mg/kg B.W.) or norepinephrine (NE, 1 mg/kg B.W.) at different times of night. Animals exposed to LD 16:8 responded to ISO or NE with increased pineal melatonin content only when injected at dawn, when endogenous melatonin is at basal or near-basal levels. When the 8 hr scotophase was entirely replaced with light, the responsiveness to ISO injections at dawn disappeared. In animals exposed to light from 30 min prior to injection to the time of sacrifice, ISO injections increased pineal melatonin content (P < 0.005, three-way ANOVA), which varied, depending on the specific time of injection (effect of time of night, P < 0.05, three-way ANOVA). These results demonstrate that (1) adrenergic agonists enhance the production of pineal melatonin in Turkish hamsters, (2) this stimulatory effect takes place late, but not early in the 8 hr scotophase, and (3) the adrenergic induction of pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters requires priming by darkness during the appropriate circadian phase.

Self-esteem: the effects of life-satisfaction, sex, and age

A self-report questionnaire was administered to 1726 subjects to examine the effects of life-satisfaction, sex, and age on self-esteem. Subjects were grouped into 3 age groups, 17-22, 23-29, and 30-40 years. Analysis yielded significantly higher self-esteem for men than women, amongst older subjects, and for those with high life-satisfaction. These findings were interpreted in terms of various theories.

Some determinants of fear about AIDS among Australian college students

An 18-item questionnaire assessing attitudes toward AIDS and homosexuality was administered to 420 Australian tertiary students. The predictive power of attitudes toward homosexuality, empathy toward AIDS sufferers, knowledge about AIDS, church attendance, age, and sex was tested using independent and stepwise multiple-regression analyses. In the stepwise analysis attitudes toward homosexuality and empathy toward AIDS sufferers were the major contributors to fear about AIDS. Church attendance and age improved the over-all prediction significantly, but only slightly. In the independent analysis all variables, except church attendance, were significant predictors. Educational programmes on AIDS should address the relationship between homosexuality and fear of AIDS.

Termination of gonadal refractoriness in Turkish hamsters, Mesocricetus brandti

The Turkish hamster (Mesocricetus brandti) is a photoperiodic species. In this investigation, we characterized the photoperiodic requirements for termination of gonadal refractoriness, defined as the inability of the animal to respond to short-day treatment with gonadal regression. Paired testes weights were reduced to less than 20% of their original weight by 10 wk of 12L:12D treatment. This was followed by spontaneous testicular recrudescence (completed by Week 25 of 12L:12D treatment), the overt indication of refractoriness to short photoperiods. Next, the period of long-day exposure sufficient for termination of refractoriness was determined. Refractory males were exposed to 16L:8D for 5 to 20 wk. Ten weeks of 16L:8D treatment was enough for the animals to regain the sensitivity to a second challenge of 12L:12D treatment. Fifteen weeks of 20L:4D or 16L:8D terminated refractoriness in female Turkish hamsters; 20L:4D therefore was not interpreted as a short day by refractory hamsters. This was unexpected because in photosensitive animals this photoperiod acts like a short day, causing gonadal regression. These results suggest that Turkish hamsters are similar to Syrian hamsters in that both species require two or more months of long days in summer to recover sensitivity to the short days of the following fall.

Factor structure of the Depression-Proneness Rating Scale

The Zemore Depression-Proneness Rating Scale was administered to 208 university students. A principal components analysis with varimax rotation identified three factors representing Negative Self-attitude, Performance Difficulty, and Lack of Appetite. Some similarity between the present factors and those of the Beck Depression Inventory was discussed. Because the scale overemphasizes cognitive components, attention to items on the somatic aspects of depression was suggested. However, it should be noted that depression-proneness appears to be the feature of Zemore's scale that sets it apart from other depression scales.

Detailed diurnal rhythm of sensitivity to melatonin injections in Turkish hamsters, Mesocricetus brandti

A diurnal rhythm of sensitivity to exogenous melatonin was defined in adult male Turkish hamsters, Mesocricetus brandti. Melatonin was administered daily by subcutaneous injections (15 micrograms in 0.1 ml 10% ethanolic saline) for 10 weeks in animals exposed to 16 L:8 D. As in golden and Djungarian hamsters, two periods of melatonin sensitivity were identified. The first, in late afternoon, persisted for 6 hr, from 7 hr to 1 hr before lights off. The second period was briefer, of only 2 hr duration in the late night, terminating at the time of lights on. Melatonin injections given during these sensitive periods promoted testicular regression in most animals; melatonin administered at other times of the day was without effect on testicular function in most animals of these groups. Gonadal regression induced by properly timed melatonin injections was rapid, in many groups nearly complete in 6 to 7 weeks. The results are discussed in relation to the function of pineal melatonin in photoperiodic time measurement in hamsters.

Functional maturation of the gonads of Turkish hamsters under various photoperiods

The golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, is the only photoperiodic rodent to date that has been shown to fail to respond to inhibitory (i.e., short, less than 12.5 h/day) photoperiods until after pubertal onset. In other photoperiodic hamsters, mice, and voles, short photoperiods greatly retard gonadal maturation. The Turkish hamster, Mesocricetus brandti, is a photoperiodic rodent that as an adult is reproductively competent only on photoperiods of 15-17 h of light per day; photoperiods of less than 15 or greater than 17 h of light promote gonadal regression. In this report we addressed two questions: a) are prepubertal M. brandti photoperiodic, and b) if so, is gonadal maturation enhanced or suppressed by exposure to photoperiods of greater than 17 h of light per day? Turkish hamsters were raised on photoperiods of 12, 16, 20, or 24 (= LL) h of light per day. Testicular growth was retarded for 16 wk by 12L:12D. Very long days, 20L:4D, or LL did not retard testicular development. In females, pubertal onset, as indicated by first vaginal estrus, was delayed in young raised on 12L:12D and in 2 of 18 and 4 of 19 young raised on 20L:4D and LL, respectively. These results demonstrate that prepubertal Turkish hamsters are photoperiodic, but respond differently from adults to photoperiods greater than 17 h of light per day.

Maintenance of testicular function in Turkish hamsters: interaction of photoperiod and the pineal gland

Adult male Turkish hamsters maintained testicular function when exposed to photoperiods of 15, 16, or 17 h of light per day. Photoperiods of less than 15 or greater than 17 h of light per day induced a rapid and complete testicular regression. As pinealectomy had been shown by others to induce testicular regression in long-day Turkish hamsters, we thought that regression on 18 or more h of light might be based on the inability of the pineal to generate a daily rhythm of melatonin in production and release. This proved not to be the case. Animals exposed to 14-18 and 20 h of light per day had a robust nocturnal melatonin rhythm.

Australian attitudes towards homosexuality: a comparison with college students

The Heterosexual Attitudes Towards Homosexuality scale, previously undertaken by college students in an Australian provincial city, Toowoomba, was administered to 689 members of the general public in the same city. As in the college student sample, two factors were identified, Acceptance and Normality. Sex, age, church attendance, and education variables were found to be significant on the Acceptance factor only; the female, younger, more educated, and less frequent church attenders held more accepting attitudes. For all categories of analysis, prevailing attitudes on Acceptance were less conservative, while attitudes towards Normality of homosexuality remained uniformly restrictive. When compared with college students, the results revealed far more conservative attitudes. Attitudes towards homosexuality, therefore, involve multidimensional concepts; the effects of personal characteristics on these dimensions and with different populations should be discussed separately.

Trait anger, locus of control, religiosity, and authoritarianism as related to trait anxiety

To clarify the relationship of trait anxiety to trait anger, religiosity, locus of control and authoritarianism, high and low trait-anxiety groups, identified from 121 high school students, were compared on the four variables. Only trait anger yielded a significant t ratio, indicating that the high trait-anxiety group appeared to have a higher level of trait anger than low trait-anxiety group.