Serum vitamin D level correlates with disease activity and health-related quality of life in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The association between vitamin D levels and disease activity has been established in patients with several autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We aimed to examine the association between vitamin D and disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).

METHODS

Fifty-four AAV patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without vitamin D supplements were included. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated during the assessment of vitamin D levels. Two different forms of vitamin D in the sera-25(OH)D, which is the sum of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D3, which only includes 25(OH)D in its D3 form-were measured, and the relationship between vitamin D and the obtained data was assessed. Variations in vitamin D levels relative to the season were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with AAV demonstrated considerably lower 25(OH)D serum levels than healthy controls (16.0 vs. 20.4 ng/mL, p = 0.016), and the proportion of individuals with vitamin D deficiency was higher in patients with AAV than in healthy controls (68.5% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.035). Both serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 were positively associated with the 36-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary and SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) scores. A negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 serum levels and Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), C‑reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count. Linear regression analysis indicated haemoglobin and 25(OH)D levels to be independently associated with BVAS and CRP and 25(OH)D levels with SF-36 MCS score. No seasonal variations were observed in vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study suggest that vitamin D levels could provide clinically useful information in AAV.

Realization of Harmonic Oscillator Arrays with Graded Semiconductor Quantum Wells

The harmonic oscillator is a foundational concept in both theoretical and experimental quantum mechanics. Here, we demonstrate harmonic oscillators in a semiconductor platform by faithfully implementing continuously graded alloy semiconductor quantum wells. Unlike current technology, this technique avoids interfaces that can hamper the system and allows for the production of multiwell stacks several micrometers thick. The experimentally measured system oscillations are at 3 THz for two structures containing 18 and 54 parabolic quantum wells. Absorption at room temperature is achieved: this is as expected from a parabolic potential and is unlike square quantum wells that require cryogenic operation. Linewidths below 11% of the central frequency are obtained up to 150 K, with a 5.6% linewidth obtained at 10 K. Furthermore, we show that the system correctly displays an absence of nonlinearity despite electron-electron interactions-analogous to the Kohn theorem. These high-quality structures already open up several new experimental vistas.

Precise observation of C. elegans dynamic behaviours under controlled thermal stimulus using a mobile phone-based microscope

We investigated the temperature-dependent locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans by using the mobile phone-based microscope. We developed the customized imaging system with mini incubator and smartphone to effectively control the thermal stimulation for precisely observing the temperature-dependent locomotory behaviours of C. elegans. Using the mobile phone-based microscope, we successfully followed the long-term progress of specimens of C. elegans in real time as they hatched and explored their temperature-dependent locomotory behaviour. We are convinced that the mobile phone-based microscope is a useful device for real time and long-term observations of biological samples during incubation, and can make it possible to carry out live observations via wireless communications regardless of location. In addition, this microscope has the potential for widespread use owing to its low cost and compact design.

An atom trap trace analysis system for measuring krypton contamination in xenon dark matter detectors

We have developed an atom trap trace analysis (ATTA) system to measure Kr in Xe at the part per trillion (ppt) level, a prerequisite for the sensitivity achievable with liquid xenon dark matter detectors beyond the current generation. Since Ar and Kr have similar laser cooling wavelengths, the apparatus has been tested with Ar to avoid contamination prior to measuring Xe samples. A radio-frequency plasma discharge generates a beam of metastable atoms which is optically collimated, slowed, and trapped using standard magneto-optical techniques. Based on the measured overall system efficiency of 1.2 × 10(-8) (detection mode), we expect the ATTA system to reach the design goal sensitivity to ppt concentrations of Kr in Xe in <2 h.

Hair greying is associated with active hair growth

BACKGROUND

Hair greying is an obvious sign of ageing in humans. White (nonpigmented) hair is thicker than black (pigmented) hair. The growth rate of white hair is also significantly higher than that of black hair. However, the mechanism underlying this is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between hair greying and hair growth patterns by evaluating expression of the genes or proteins related to hair growth in white and black hairs.

METHODS

Morphological characteristics were observed in eyebrow and scalp hairs. The differential expression of genes was analysed in black and white hairs from human scalp by a microarray analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry for genes and proteins related to hair growth were performed in black and white hairs.

RESULTS

Keratin and keratin-associated protein (KRTAP) genes in white hair were upregulated at least two-fold in comparison with black hair in a microarray analysis. Upregulation of selected keratin genes and KRTAP4 isoform genes in white hair was validated by RT-PCR. Immunoreactivity for KRT6, KRT14/16 and KRT25 was increased in the hair follicle of white hair compared with black hair. Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) was downregulated in white hair compared with black hair. However, gene expression of FGF7 was upregulated in white hair compared with black hair.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of genes and proteins associated with active hair growth is upregulated in white (nonpigmented) hair compared with black (pigmented) hair. These results suggest that hair greying is associated with active hair growth.

Epigenetic memory in induced pluripotent stem cells

Somatic cell nuclear transfer and transcription-factor-based reprogramming revert adult cells to an embryonic state, and yield pluripotent stem cells that can generate all tissues. Through different mechanisms and kinetics, these two reprogramming methods reset genomic methylation, an epigenetic modification of DNA that influences gene expression, leading us to hypothesize that the resulting pluripotent stem cells might have different properties. Here we observe that low-passage induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived by factor-based reprogramming of adult murine tissues harbour residual DNA methylation signatures characteristic of their somatic tissue of origin, which favours their differentiation along lineages related to the donor cell, while restricting alternative cell fates. Such an 'epigenetic memory' of the donor tissue could be reset by differentiation and serial reprogramming, or by treatment of iPSCs with chromatin-modifying drugs. In contrast, the differentiation and methylation of nuclear-transfer-derived pluripotent stem cells were more similar to classical embryonic stem cells than were iPSCs. Our data indicate that nuclear transfer is more effective at establishing the ground state of pluripotency than factor-based reprogramming, which can leave an epigenetic memory of the tissue of origin that may influence efforts at directed differentiation for applications in disease modelling or treatment.

Callus formation is associated with hyperproliferation and incomplete differentiation of keratinocytes, and increased expression of adhesion molecules

BACKGROUND

A callus is a local thickening of skin, characterized by accelerated keratinization and a reduced rate of desquamation. However, the mechanism of callus formation is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the expression patterns, in callused skin, of genes that are implicated in keratinization and adhesion/desquamation.

METHODS

Samples of skin from the dorsum of the foot (DF), centre of the plantar arch (CP) and anterior aspect of the heel (AH) were obtained from fresh cadavers, and protein and gene expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

The stratum corneum in the DF showed a splitting phenotype by conventional haematoxylin and eosin staining, while the stratum corneum was normal in the AH. Cells of the stratum corneum in the AH were nonsquamous. Expression of cornification-related molecules including involucrin, filaggrin, caspase 14 and calcium-sensing receptor was higher in the AH. Similarly, expression of adhesive proteins such as corneodesmosin, desmoglein 1 and desmocollin 1 was increased in the AH. However, protease-activated receptor 2 expression was reduced in the stratum granulosum in the AH. The number of proliferating cells in the stratum basale was significantly increased in the AH, compared with the DF and CP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that calluses form as a result of hyperproliferation and incomplete differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes, and increased expression of adhesion molecules.

Removal of the laryngeal tube in children: anaesthetized compared with awake

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal tube (LT) is a useful airway device in children, but there is no objective evidence that removal of LT in awake state is better than in anaesthetized state. So, we compared the incidence of respiratory adverse events after the removal of LT, either under anaesthesia or on awakening.

METHODS

Seventy healthy children between 1 and 12 yr of age were enrolled in this study. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane. After induction of anaesthesia, patients were randomized into two groups: removal of LT in anaesthetized state (Group A: 2% sevoflurane) and in awake state (Group B). During and within 1 min of the removal of LT, airway complications such as upper airway obstruction, cough, vomiting, teeth clenching, hypersalivation, desaturation <90%, and laryngospasm were recorded.

RESULTS

Cough (37.1 vs 2.9%), hypersalivation (28.6 vs 5.7%), desaturation (20 vs 0%), and LT dislocation during emergence relating to the patient's movement (26.5 vs 0%) occurred more frequently in Group B (P < 0.05). Upper airway obstruction occurred more frequently (68.6 vs 31.4%) in Group A, and it was easily resolved by chin or jaw lifting.

CONCLUSION

LT removal in anaesthetized state reduced cough, hypersalivation, and prevented tube displacement and hypoxia. Upper airway obstruction in the anaesthetized state should be predicted and managed with chin or jaw lifting.

Activin receptor-like kinase 7 induces apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells and beta cell lines

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), a member of the type I receptor serine/threonine kinases of the TGF-beta superfamily, was recently reported to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. We hypothesised that ALK7 may play a role in modulating pancreatic beta cell proliferation and/or apoptosis.

METHODS

We detected ALK7 expression in beta cells using RT-PCR, immunostaining and western blotting. Constitutively active, dominant negative or wild-type ALK7 was introduced into beta cells using adenoviral delivery. Proliferation was assessed using (3)H-thymidine incorporation and apoptosis was quantified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labelling detection, DNA degradation analysis and caspase-3 assays.

RESULTS

Induction of constitutively active ALK7 in beta cells resulted in growth inhibition and enhanced apoptosis; no effect was seen with INS-1 cells expressing wild-type or dominant negative ALK7. Elevated glucose concentrations and fatty acid (palmitate) markedly increased expression levels of ALK7 transcripts and proteins in INS-1 and rat islets and increased beta cell apoptosis. Activation of ALK7 increased Smad2 phosphorylation, reduced protein kinase B (Akt) kinase activity and was associated with increased levels of the bioactive forms of caspase-3, whereas co-expression of constitutively active ALK7 with dominant negative Smad2 or constitutively active Akt significantly diminished ALK7-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in INS-1 cells. Although overexpression of constitutively active Akt significantly reduced ALK7-induced growth inhibition and ALK7-enhanced beta cell apoptosis, ALK7-stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results suggest that the pancreatic beta cell apoptosis induced by ALK7 activation occurs via the activation of two distinct downstream pathways: the suppression of Akt activation and the activation of the Smad2-caspase-3 cascade.

Our algorithm for nasal reconstruction

Nasal reconstruction is always challenging for plastic surgeons. Its midfacial localisation and the relationship between convexities and concavities of nasal subunits make impossible to hide any sort of deformity without a proper reconstruction. Nasal tissue defects can be caused by tumor removal, trauma or by any other insult to the nasal pyramid, like cocaine abuse, developing an irreversible sequela. Due to the special characteristics of the nasal pyramid surface, the removal of the lesion or the debridement must be performed according to nasal subunits as introduced by Burget. Afterwards, the reconstructive technique or a combination of them must be selected according to the size and the localisation of the defect created, and tissue availability to fulfil the procedure. An anatomical reconstruction must be completed as far as possible, trying to restore the nasal lining, the osteocartilaginous framework and the skin cover. In our department, 35 patients were operated on between 2000 and 2002: three bilobed flaps, five nasolabial flaps, two V-Y advancement flaps from the sidewall, three dorsonasal flaps modified by Ohsumi, 19 paramedian forehead flaps, three cheek advancement flaps, three costocondral grafts, two full-thickness skin grafts and two auricular helix free flaps for alar reconstruction. All flaps but one free flap survived with no postoperative complications. After 12-24 months of follow-up, all reconstructions remained stable from cosmetic and functional point of view. Our aim is to present our choice for nasal reconstruction according to the size and localization of the defect, and donor tissue availability.

Reconstruction of Soft-Tissue Defects of the Heel With Local Fasciocutaneous Flaps

Soft tissue heel defects reconstruction represents a challenge for plastic surgeons because of the poor availability of regional tissue to perform the reconstruction. We divide the heel on the anterior or weight-bearing heel and the posterior or non-weight-bearing heel. Our preferences are the fasciocutaneous instep flap for anterior heel defects and the reverse sural flap for posterior heel defects. We have performed 11 reconstructions of the heel. The complications were total necrosis of 1 instep flap in a previously irradiated patient and 1 case of partial tip necrosis in a reverse sural flap. Functional recovery has been very satisfactory for both procedures. Regional island flaps are for us the first therapeutic option because the skin is similar to the lost one and less time consuming than a free-flap reconstruction.

Patterns of changes in temperament and character inventory scales in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder following a 4-month treatment

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the temperament and character patterns in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) following the treatment for obsessive/compulsive and accompanying depressive symptoms.

METHOD

Study subjects were 35 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for OCD. All subjects were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after a 4-month treatment.

RESULTS

Harm Avoidance (HA) scores in OCD subjects before treatment significantly decreased after treatment. However, the Self-Directedness scores, which were significantly lower than healthy comparison subjects before treatment, did not change. In addition, Reward Dependence scores in OCD subjects, which were not significantly different from healthy comparison subjects before treatment, significantly increased after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The TCI pattern of untreated OCD subjects (high HA and low Self-Directedness, relative to healthy comparison subjects) and the decrease of HA scores and no change in Self-Directedness scores following a successful treatment suggest that temperaments are more amenable to treatment than characters.

Efficient prediction methods for the micro-pressure wave from a high-speed train entering a tunnel using the Kirchhoff formulation

The compression wave generated by a high-speed train emerging from the exit portal of a tunnel gives rise to an impulsive noise called a micro-pressure wave. In this study, new methods for the prediction of sonic-boom noise are proposed. The first method combines acoustic monopole analysis and the method of characteristics with the Kirchhoff method. The compression wave from a train entering a tunnel is calculated by an approximate compact Green's function, and the resultant noise at the tunnel exit is predicted by a linear Kirchhoff formulation. The second method couples the Kirchhoff formulation with the Euler equation, which is solved numerically for the generation and propagation of the compression wave. Numerical prediction of the compression wave, the propagation in the tunnel, and the micro-pressure wave obtained by the present methods are compared with measured data. The numerical results exhibit a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The proposed methods in this study are shown to be very useful design tools for the nose shape of trains and the geometry of tunnels, and they can be utilized to minimize the pressure fluctuation in the tunnel and the corresponding booming noise.

cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of the lectin genes of the Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum)

We previously isolated a lectin of the Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum). The cDNA clones that encode the A- or the B-chain of the Korean mistletoe lectin were cloned by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The mRNAs that were extracted from the Korean mistletoe were amplified, ligated into the pGEM-T easy vector, and screened with a Korean mistletoe lectin-specific probe. The probe was prepared by PCR amplification of the Korean mistletoe DNA using a primer set designed on the basis of amino acid sequences of the Korean mistletoe lectin that we had purified and reported. Unlike a recent report, which states that the European mistletoe lectin gene has no isoforms, several different clones of the A- and B-chains of the Korean mistletoe lectin were cloned from the same primer set. Three clones of each were selected for sequencing. The sizes of the A-chains were 762, 762, and 768 bp, respectively. The B-chain sizes were 798, 789, and 789 bp, respectively. Each of the clones showed significant variation in the amino acids sequence, including the N-linked glycosylation sites of the lectin. The sequence analysis of each of the Korean lectin clones, in comparison with the European mistletoe lectin and the other type II ribosome binding proteins, is discussed in the text. In addition, Southern blot analysis of the Korean mistletoe genomic DNA, restricted by different enzymes and hybridized with the lectin DNA, showed multi-bands, supporting the existence of multicopy genes or a gene family. These data suggest that heterogeneity of the mistletoe lectin is not only introduced by post-translational modifications, but also by expression of isotypes of the lectin genes.

Antitumor activities of a newly synthesized shikonin derivative, 2-hyim-DMNQ-S-33

2- or 6-(1-hydroxyiminoalkyl)-5,8-dimethoxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone(2- or 6-hyim-DMNQ) derived from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon was synthesized for the evaluation of antitumor activities. Among those derivatives, 2-hyim-DMNQ-S33 was found to be a potent anticancer agent. This compound suppressed the proliferation of Radiation Induced Fibrosarcoma (RIF) cells in a dose-dependent manner. 2-hyim-DMNQ-S33 significantly prolonged the survival time by 239% as compared with Sarcoma 180 tumor-bearing control mice in vivo. We found that the compound significantly suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) and activated c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha following 4 h-treatment. These findings indicate that 2-hyim-DMSQ-S33 exerts antitumor activities by regulating pERK, JNK and PKC-alpha.

Epidermal grafting after chemical epilation in the treatment of vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo on hairy areas like the scalp and eyebrows is frequently associated with leukotrichia and repigmentation by photochemotherapy is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. Although epidermal grafting to supply melanocytes is very effective for stable vitiligo, hair growth inhibits successful transfer of melanocytes from grafted epidermis in dense hair-bearing regions.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative chemical epilation to improve the results of epidermal graft by suction blister on hairy areas.

METHODS

Two patients who had vitiligo with leukotrichia on the face and scalp were treated with epidermal grafting using suction blister after chemical epilation. Two weeks after the graft they were treated with topical psolaren plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy.

RESULTS

Epidermal grafting was performed successfully, and successful repigmentation of the skin with significant improvement of leukotrichia was observed in each of two patients.

CONCLUSION

Chemical epilation followed by epidermal grafting is a safe, easy, and effective treatment for vitiligo affecting hairy regions.

Papular elastorrhexis in childhood improved by intralesional injections of triamcinolone

Papular elastorrhexis is a rare disease developing asymptomatic skin-colored small papules in adolescence with histopathological loss of elastic fibers. There has been no established treatment for this disease. A 4-year-old Korean boy had multiple, hard, whitish papules on his chest and back for one year. Histopathologic examination revealed focal loss of elastic fibers in the dermis, and X-ray examination showed no bony abnormalities. His skin lesions were improved by intralesional injections of triamcinolone but recurred after four months.

Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by Korean mistletoe lectin is associated with apoptosis and antiangiogenesis

The mistletoe lectins are major active components in the extract of European mistletoes that have been widely used in adjuvant chemotherapy of cancer. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of anticancer and antimetastatic activity of the purified Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. coloratum agglutinin, VCA). C57BL6 mice inoculated with B16-BL6 melanoma cells and treated with VCA were assessed for survival and metastasis. The induction of apoptosis of B16-BL6 cells by VCA was investigated by morphological changes, DNA fragmentation characteristics, and cell cycle analysis. The antiangiogenic activity of VCA was also measured by the CAM (choriallantoic membrane) assay. Length of survival of mice was increased and lung metastasis was inhibited by VCA. Treatment of cells with VCA resulted in growth suppression, nuclear morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and an increased fraction of cells in sub-G1 consistent with apoptosis. Antiangiogenesis of VCA was assessed by CAM assay, where vessel growth induced by fat emulsion was decreased. These results suggest that VCA inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by increasing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Pefloxacin and ciprofloxacin increase UVA-induced edema and immune suppression

BACKGROUND

Quinolone antibiotics are popularly prescribed antibiotics because of their wide antibacterial spectrum and lowered bacterial resistance. Quinolone antibiotics are one of the well-known photosensitizers that induce phototoxicity. Their role in photocarcinogenesis has been suggested in some studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mice were treated with two quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, which is less phototoxic, and pefloxacin, which is more phototoxic) to study the effect of the antibiotics on sunburn and immune suppression by ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. The effects of a combined treatment with UVA and these quinolone antibiotics were measured on back skin swellings, sunburn cell formations, depletion of epidermal Langerhans cells, and local and systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity.

RESULTS

Mice treated with both UVA and quinolone showed significantly increased back skin swellings and decreased epidermal Langerhans cells than mice treated with UVA only. Sunburn cells were increased significantly in mice treated with pefloxacin and 50 J/cm2 of UVA. Combination of pefloxacin and UVA suppressed local contact hypersensitivity significantly, but not systemic contact hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Phototoxic quinolones augmented the effect of UVA by increasing sunburn and apoptosis, depleting Langerhans cells and suppressing local immune response. By affecting apoptosis and immune suppression, they may facilitate photocarcinogenesis caused by UVA.

The p48 subunit of the damaged-DNA binding protein DDB associates with the CBP/p300 family of histone acetyltransferase

DDB has been implicated in DNA repair as well as transcription. Mutations in DDB have been correlated with the repair-deficiency disease, xeroderma pigmentosum group E (XP-E). The XP-E cells exhibit deficiencies in global genomic repair, suggesting a role for DDB in that process. DDB also possesses a transcription stimulatory activity. We showed that DDB could function as a transcriptional partner of E2F1. But the mechanism by which DDB stimulates E2F-regulated transcription or carry out its DNA repair function is not understood. To investigate the mechanisms, we looked for nuclear proteins that interact with DDB. Here we show that DDB associates with the CBP/p300 family of proteins, in vivo and in vitro. We suggest that DDB participates in global genomic repair by recruiting CBP/p300 to the damaged-chromatin. It is possible that the histone acetyltransferase activities of the CBP/p300 proteins induce chromatin remodeling at the damaged-sites to allow recruitment of the repair complexes. The observation offers insights into both transcription and repair functions of DDB.

Identification of the self-interaction of rat TCTP/IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor using yeast two-hybrid system

To further understand the biological function of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also known as IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor (HRF), the yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen interacting molecules. We isolated cDNA clones coding for TCTP/HRF, suggesting that it may have a self-interacting property. Domain mapping of the interaction revealed that the C-terminal region of residue 126-172 is involved in self-interaction. The self-interacting property of TCTP/HRF was further supported by FPLC gel-filtration chromatography and coimmunoprecipitation analysis from transfected COS-7 cells. Our data suggests that TCTP/HRF may have a potential to self-interact through the C-terminal region, and the self-interaction property may be related to its biological function.