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Search for Boosted Dark Matter in COSINE-100. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:201802. [PMID: 38039466 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.201802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
We search for energetic electron recoil signals induced by boosted dark matter (BDM) from the galactic center using the COSINE-100 array of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The signal would be an excess of events with energies above 4 MeV over the well-understood background. Because no excess of events are observed in a 97.7 kg·yr exposure, we set limits on BDM interactions under a variety of hypotheses. Notably, we explored the dark photon parameter space, leading to competitive limits compared to direct dark photon search experiments, particularly for dark photon masses below 4 MeV and considering the invisible decay mode. Furthermore, by comparing our results with a previous BDM search conducted by the Super-Kamionkande experiment, we found that the COSINE-100 detector has advantages in searching for low-mass dark matter. This analysis demonstrates the potential of the COSINE-100 detector to search for MeV electron recoil signals produced by the dark sector particle interactions.
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A randomised controlled trial of the analgesia nociception index for intra-operative remifentanil dose and pain after gynaecological laparotomy. Anaesthesia 2023; 78:988-994. [PMID: 36960477 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of the analgesia nociception index on postoperative pain. We randomly allocated 170 women scheduled for gynaecological laparotomy and analysed results from 159: in 80 women, remifentanil was infused to maintain analgesia nociception indices 50-70; and in 79 women, remifentanil was infused to maintain systolic blood pressure < 120% of baseline values. The primary outcome was the proportion of women with pain scores ≥ 5 (scale 0-10) within 40 min of admission to recovery. The proportion of women with pain scores ≥ 5 was 62/80 (78%) vs. 64/79 (81%), p = 0.73. Mean (SD) doses of fentanyl in recovery were 53.6 (26.9) μg vs. 54.8 (20.8) μg, p = 0.74. Intra-operative remifentanil doses were 0.124 (0.050) μg.kg-1 .min-1 vs. 0.129 (0.044) μg.kg-1 .min-1 , p = 0.55.
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The rocky road to freedom: number of countries transited during defection and risk of metabolic syndrome among North Korean Refugees in South Korea. Public Health 2023; 221:208-215. [PMID: 37490839 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES North Korean Refugees (NKRs) undergo defection, and this has been shown to impact their current health status in South Korea. However, little is understood about how the defection process is related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study regarded the defection process to be a quasi-measurement of traumatic experience and investigated whether defection was a risk factor for MetS among NKRs living in South Korea. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study obtained data from the Korea University Anam Hospital in Seoul. NKRs (N = 847) voluntarily completed questionnaires and underwent at least one medical examination between October 2008 and July 2021. METHODS Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate whether the number of countries transited by NKRs was associated with MetS by controlling for covariates. RESULTS The prevalence of MetS among male and female NKRs in South Korea was 12.3% and 13.3%, respectively. The highest prevalence of MetS (33.4%) was among NKRs who had transited two countries. The number of months in transit countries (mean: 49.9 ± 51.7) and period of residence in South Korea (mean: 40.9 ± 40.9 months) were also considered. NKRs who transited three countries had a higher probability of MetS (odds ratio [OR] 2.660, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.161-6.097) than those who travelled directly to South Korea. NKRs who transited three countries and had only resided in South Korea for a short period had a higher probability of MetS (OR 3.424, 95% CI 1.149-10.208) than those who have lived in South Korea for a longer period. CONCLUSIONS Considering the social vulnerability of NKRs and consequential health problems, there is an urgent need for appropriate support from the government and society.
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Correlations between skeletal maturity and dental calcification stages in Korean children. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 2022; 23:101-105. [PMID: 35722843 DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the relationship between dental calcification and skeletal maturity and to identify the tooth with the highest correlation with skeletal maturity index in Korean children. MATERIALS For 447 children (205 boys and 242 girls) aged between 5 and 13 years, hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken to assess skeletal maturity by Fishman's skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) and Baccetti's cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stages. Dental panoramic radiographs were taken to assess dental maturity of the permanent mandibular canine, first and second premolar, and second molar using the method devised by Dermirjian. CONCLUSION Dental calcification stages determined by panoramic radiographs can be clinically used as useful indices to predict skeletal maturity in Korean children.
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Long-term outcomes of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: An international multicentric propensity score-matched study. Br J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac178.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Long-term outcomes of patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) remain scant. This study aimed to assess disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) after surgical resection of rHCC compared to non-ruptured HCC (nrHCC).
Methods
Patients with rHCC and nrHCC were collected from 8 centers in Europe, Asia, and North America. Resected rHCC patients were matched 1:1 to patients undergoing surgery for nrHCC using propensity score and nearest-neighbor method (matching criteria: age, tumor size, cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, resection status, grade, and microvascular invasion). Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
A total of 2033 patients were included: 226 rHCC patients (172 operated: 68 with upfront surgery and 104 after embolization) and 1807 nrHCC patients. Median DFS and OS of rHCC patients (all treatments confounded) were 10 months (95% CI 7–13) and 22 months (95% CI 13–31). Prognostic factors for worse OS among rHCC patients were absence of preoperative arterial embolization (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.6, p=0.016), cirrhosis Child B/C (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.4, p=0.040), and R1/R2 margins (HR 2, 95% CI 1–5, p=0.049). Survivals were similar between Western and Eastern rHCC patients.
After propensity score matching, 106 rHCC patients and 106 nrHCC patients displayed similar characteristics. Patients with rHCC had shorter median DFS (12 months, 95% CI 7–17 vs. 22 months, 95% CI 12–32, p=0.011), but similar median OS compared to nrHCC patients (43 months, 95% CI 21–65 vs. 63 months, 95% CI 21–105, p=0.060).
Conclusion
In this large dataset including Eastern and Western patients, rHCC was associated with shorter DFS compared to nrHCC, while OS was similar.
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Abstract
The mass of the W boson, a mediator of the weak force between elementary particles, is tightly constrained by the symmetries of the standard model of particle physics. The Higgs boson was the last missing component of the model. After observation of the Higgs boson, a measurement of the W boson mass provides a stringent test of the model. We measure the W boson mass, MW, using data corresponding to 8.8 inverse femtobarns of integrated luminosity collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a 1.96 tera-electron volt center-of-mass energy with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. A sample of approximately 4 million W boson candidates is used to obtain [Formula: see text], the precision of which exceeds that of all previous measurements combined (stat, statistical uncertainty; syst, systematic uncertainty; MeV, mega-electron volts; c, speed of light in a vacuum). This measurement is in significant tension with the standard model expectation.
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Odderon Exchange from Elastic Scattering Differences between pp and pp[over ¯] Data at 1.96 TeV and from pp Forward Scattering Measurements. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:062003. [PMID: 34420329 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.062003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We describe an analysis comparing the pp[over ¯] elastic cross section as measured by the D0 Collaboration at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV to that in pp collisions as measured by the TOTEM Collaboration at 2.76, 7, 8, and 13 TeV using a model-independent approach. The TOTEM cross sections, extrapolated to a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, are compared with the D0 measurement in the region of the diffractive minimum and the second maximum of the pp cross section. The two data sets disagree at the 3.4σ level and thus provide evidence for the t-channel exchange of a colorless, C-odd gluonic compound, also known as the odderon. We combine these results with a TOTEM analysis of the same C-odd exchange based on the total cross section and the ratio of the real to imaginary parts of the forward elastic strong interaction scattering amplitude in pp scattering for which the significance is between 3.4σ and 4.6σ. The combined significance is larger than 5σ and is interpreted as the first observation of the exchange of a colorless, C-odd gluonic compound.
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Introduction - Veterinary Services in a changing world: climate change and other external factors. REV SCI TECH OIE 2021; 40:371-382. [PMID: 34542108 DOI: 10.20506/rst.40.2.3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Probing the Symmetry Energy with the Spectral Pion Ratio. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:162701. [PMID: 33961456 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.162701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many neutron star properties, such as the proton fraction, reflect the symmetry energy contributions to the equation of state that dominate when neutron and proton densities differ strongly. To constrain these contributions at suprasaturation densities, we measure the spectra of charged pions produced by colliding rare isotope tin (Sn) beams with isotopically enriched Sn targets. Using ratios of the charged pion spectra measured at high transverse momenta, we deduce the slope of the symmetry energy to be 42<L<117 MeV. This value is slightly lower but consistent with the L values deduced from a recent measurement of the neutron skin thickness of ^{208}Pb.
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A simple and efficient method of generating HCMV pp65-specific T cells using overlapping peptides. Acta Virol 2020; 64:470-479. [PMID: 33151741 DOI: 10.4149/av_2020_414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The methods for expansion of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-specific T lymphocytes are limited due to the complex culture process, long culture duration, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction. Here, we report that in vitro stimulation with pp65 kDa phosphoprotein (pp65)-derived overlapping synthetic peptides rapidly generates large numbers of HCMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) regardless of HLA type. Treatment of PBMCs from healthy volunteers expressing HLA-A*02:01 or HLA-A*24:02 with 138 pp65 overlapping peptides (OLP) resulted in an expansion of HCMV pp65 NLVPMVATV (NLV) pentamer-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes that expressed interferon (IFN)-γ, but the pp65 NLV peptide did not generate HCMV-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in PBMCs obtained from an HLA-A*24:02 donor due to HLA restriction. The OLP-induced T lymphocytes specific for HCMV derived from PBMCs of HLA-A*02:01- and HLA-A*24:02-expressing donors showed effective cytolytic responses against target cells loaded with OLP or the NLV epitope, but pp65 NLV peptide-induced T lymphocytes did not. Phenotypic analyses demonstrated that OLP increased the frequency of CD3+ CD8+ cells, but not CD3+ CD4+, CD14+, or CD56+ cells, in donor PBMCs. Thus, this study provides evidence that in vitro stimulation with OLP efficiently generates sufficient numbers of HCMV pp65-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapy. Keywords: human cytomegalovirus; cytotoxic T lymphocyte; overlapping peptides; pp65; cytotoxicity.
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Association between body mass index and stroke severity in acute ischaemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1672-1679. [PMID: 32392368 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The objective of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and both initial stroke severity at presentation and functional outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS Patients were categorized on the basis of their BMI into underweight (BMI <18.5, n = 111), normal (18.5 ≤ BMI <25, n = 1036) and overweight to obese (BMI ≥25, n = 472) groups. Initial stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. The differences in stroke severity and functional outcomes were compared between groups using robust log-linear regression with a Poisson distribution and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1619 AIS patients with NVAF from six hospitals were included. Compared with the NIHSS scores [median 5, interquartile range (IQR) 2-14] of normal-weight patients, the NIHSS scores (median 9, IQR 4-19) of underweight patients were more likely to be higher, whereas those of overweight to obese patients were lower (median 4, IQR 1-12) (P < 0.001). In terms of functional outcomes after stroke, underweight patients had a higher risk of poor functional outcomes (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.56, P = 0.01) but overweight to obese patients had no significant difference in functional outcomes compared with normal-weight patients. CONCLUSION An inverse association was found between BMI and stroke severity in AIS patients with NVAF. This suggests the presence of an obesity paradox for short-term outcomes in patients with NVAF.
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Suspected Metallic Embolization Distal to Coiled Intracranial Aneurysms Detectable by Susceptibility-Weighted MR Imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:619-623. [PMID: 32273325 PMCID: PMC7144647 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE After endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysms, round dark parenchymal lesions believed to be particulate metal are sometimes encountered in MR imaging studies of the brain. We used SWI to assess the frequency of such occurrences, in addition to exploring likely causes and clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed 700 MR imaging studies performed between September 2018 and March 2019 at our institution as follow-up monitoring of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Any sizeable (>5 mm) rounded dark-signal lesions encountered were presumed to be metallic. The magnitudes and locations of such lesions were recorded. In patients with these lesions, pertinent procedural documentation was screened for devices used, including coils, microcatheters, microguidewires, and stents. Medical records were also examined to determine whether any related symptoms ensued. RESULTS Twenty patients (2.8%) exhibited a total of 25 lesions on SWI. Diameters ranged from 5 to 11 mm (median, 8 mm). All except 2 lesions were located in brain regions downstream from aneurysms, but all lesions occupied vascular territories of vessels used to place guiding catheters. Other than the Synchro 14, which was routinely deployed, no device was regularly used in patients with SWI-detectable lesions; and none of the affected patients developed focal neurologic symptoms as a consequence. CONCLUSIONS Although the origins remain unclear, distal embolization of particulate metal distal to coiled cerebral aneurysms is occasionally observed on follow-up MR imaging studies. Such lesions, however, seem to have no apparent clinical impact.
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Lung function as a predictor of incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling adults: A longitudinal finding over 12 years from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2019; 46:392-399. [PMID: 31884177 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM Reduced lung function is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there are limited data in East Asian populations on the relationship between them. For this reason, this study investigated the longitudinal relationship of lung function with incident T2D in Korean adults. METHODS The study included 7583 non-diabetic adults aged 40-69 years from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Participants were divided into four groups according to gender-specific quartiles (Q1-Q4) of %PFVC and %PFEV1. Also, HRs with 95% CIs for incident T2D were prospectively analyzed as per American Diabetes Association criteria using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression models. RESULTS During a 12-year follow-up, 1403 (18.5%) participants presented with newly developed T2D. HRs (95% CIs) of incident T2D in Q1 vs. Q4 (reference) of %PFVC were 1.67 (1.35-2.07) for men and 1.77 (1.39-2.24) for women and, of %PFEV1, 1.58 (1.28-1.95) for men and 1.61 (1.27-2.03) for women, after adjusting for age, waist circumference, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise, education levels, monthly household income, family history of diabetes, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION Reduced lung function precedes and significantly predicts the future development of T2D independently of obesity, smoking and inflammation in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly people.
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Effects of Al2O3 Coating on BiVO4 and Mo-doped BiVO4 Film for Solar Water Oxidation. J ELECTROCHEM SCI TE 2019. [DOI: 10.33961/jecst.2019.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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The effect of low body mass index on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mortality. J Intern Med 2019; 286:573-582. [PMID: 31215064 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia may worsen disease progression and lead to poor outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the effect of BMI on the development of COPD and mortality. METHODS We enrolled 437 584 participants registered in the physical health check-up cohort database of the Korean National Health Interview Survey from 2002 to 2003, and we defined COPD diagnosis based on the ICD-10 code and prescribed medication. BMI (kg m-2 ) classified them to five groups (low BMI < 18.5, normal BMI 18.5-23, overweight 23-25, obesity 25-30, severe obesity ≥30) at baseline. RESULTS Participants in the low BMI group had a significantly higher rate of COPD development for 13 years (7.6%) than those in other groups (3.4-4.1%, P < 0.0001). Amongst never or light smokers, COPD development in the low BMI group (5.6-6.7%) was significantly higher than that in other groups (2.8-4.7%). Similarly, amongst participants with a smoking history of ≥30 years, COPD development in the low BMI group (20.1%) was higher than those in other groups (8.4-12.4%). On multivariable analysis, normal or higher than normal body weight was significantly protective against the development of COPD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.609-0.739,) compared to low BMI. COPD-free-survival (HR, 0.491-0.622) and overall survival (HR, 0.440-0.585) were also better in them compared to those with low BMI (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Low BMI is an important risk factor for COPD development and mortality. Maintaining adequate body weight may reduce the risk for COPD development and mortality.
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Inhibitory effects of herbal decoction Ojeoksan on proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 70. [PMID: 31443091 DOI: 10.26402/jpp.2019.2.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of Ojeoksan (OJS) on human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-aα). Thymidine incorporation after TNF-α treatment was increased and this effect was inhibited significantly by OJS treatment. HASMC proliferation and migration by kinetic live cell imaging were also reduced by treatment with OJS. TNF-α induced the expression of cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and reduced the expression of p21waf1/cip1/p27kip1. However, OJS also attenuated the expression of TNF-α-induced cell-cycle regulatory proteins. The results of Western blot analysis demonstrated that the TNF-α treated HASMC secreted gelatinases, probably including MMP-2/-9, which may be involved in the invasion and migration of HASMC. Additionally, OJS suppressed the mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 (MMP-2/-9) in a dose-dependent manner. OJS inhibited the production of TNF-α-induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the formation of DCF-sensitive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, OJS suppressed the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B-α (IκB-α) of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) under TNF-α conditions. Our results demonstrate that OJS exerts inhibitory effects on TNF-α-induced HASMC proliferation and migration, suggesting the involvement of the inhibition of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions, and the downregulation of ROS/NF-κB signaling. Thus, herbal decoction OJS may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis.
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Search for a Dark Matter-Induced Annual Modulation Signal in NaI(Tl) with the COSINE-100 Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:031302. [PMID: 31386435 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.031302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present new constraints on the dark matter-induced annual modulation signal using 1.7 years of COSINE-100 data with a total exposure of 97.7 kg yr. The COSINE-100 experiment, consisting of 106 kg of NaI(Tl) target material, is designed to carry out a model-independent test of DAMA/LIBRA's claim of WIMP discovery by searching for the same annual modulation signal using the same NaI(Tl) target. The crystal data show a 2.7 cpd/kg/keV background rate on average in the 2-6 keV energy region of interest. Using a χ-squared minimization method we observe best fit values for modulation amplitude and phase of 0.0092±0.0067 cpd/kg/keV and 127.2±45.9 d, respectively.
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Effects of α-lipoic acid on chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion in an animal model of vascular dementia. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2019; 23:2587-2595. [PMID: 30964187 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201903_17408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the aging population, the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) is becoming increasingly important. The antioxidant α-lipoic acid (α-LA) protects against neurodegeneration in VaD, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hence, we aimed to identify the effects of α-LA on cognitive function following chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion in a VaD animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were categorized into the sham, bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), or BCAS + α-LA group. The BCAS + α-LA group was intraperitoneally injected (100 mg/kg) once daily with α-LA for 4 weeks after BCAS surgery, while the BCAS and sham groups were injected with saline. After the last injection, we examined cognitive function and exploration behavior using the Morris water maze. Mice brains were then harvested for Western blot analyses. RESULTS The BCAS group, but not the BCAS + α-LA group, showed cognitive dysfunction in the Morris water maze. Apoptosis pathways involving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, phosphorylated-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), phosphorylated-3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1, and phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT) were enhanced in the BCAS group than the α-LA group. The BCAS + α-LA group demonstrated less PARP cleavage and p-mTOR function than did the BCAS group. The activity of autophagy pathways involving LC3B was higher in the BCAS and BCAS + α-LA groups than the sham group, but there were no significant differences between the BCAS and BCAS + α-LA groups. CONCLUSIONS In the BCAS rodent model, cognitive dysfunction and apoptosis mediated by the phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT/mTOR pathway were observed in the hippocampus. However, acting on the mTOR pathway, α-LA improved cognitive function and led to hippocampal cell survival. Thus, α-LA may be useful for treating VaD.
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First Direct Search for Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter with COSINE-100. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 122:131802. [PMID: 31012610 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.122.131802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A search for inelastic boosted dark matter (IBDM) using the COSINE-100 detector with 59.5 days of data is presented. This relativistic dark matter is theorized to interact with the target material through inelastic scattering with electrons, creating a heavier state that subsequently produces standard model particles, such as an electron-positron pair. In this study, we search for this electron-positron pair in coincidence with the initially scattered electron as a signature for an IBDM interaction. No excess over the predicted background event rate is observed. Therefore, we present limits on IBDM interactions under various hypotheses, one of which allows us to explore an area of the dark photon parameter space that has not yet been covered by other experiments. This is the first experimental search for IBDM using a terrestrial detector.
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Prevalence of elevated body mass index condition and its associated demographic variables among adults in urban areas in Johor, Malaysia. THE MEDICAL JOURNAL OF MALAYSIA 2019; 74:145-150. [PMID: 31079126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. It is a major factor for many other metabolic disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of increase body mass index (BMI) and obesity and their associated demographic characteristics among adults in an urban area. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted where data was extracted from the Health Status Screening Form (BSSK) at health clinics in Johor Bahru. Using the World Health Organization (WHO), criteria for obesity, BMI≥30.0 kg/m2 was specified as obese and combination of both BMI ranges for overweight (25.0-30.0kg/m2) and obesity (≥30.0kg/m2) as elevated BMI. RESULTS The overall prevalence of elevated BMI and obesity was 54.6% and 20.1% respectively. Men had a higher prevalence of elevated BMI (57.4%) with odds of 1.28 higher (95%CI: 1.04-1.58). High prevalence of elevated BMI and obesity were seen among the Indians (elevated BMI - 60.2%, obesity - 19.4%) followed by Malays (elevated BMI -57.8%, obesity - 23.1%) and Chinese showed the lowest (elevated BMI - 39.0%, obesity - 8.8%). The odds of elevated BMI and obesity were lower among younger adults as compared to older adults (≥30 years old). CONCLUSION Using WHO criteria, about one in two adults had elevated BMI while one in five were obese. Elevated BMI and obesity disparities were evident in age and ethnicity, but sex differences were encountered in elevated BMI group.
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Correction to: Mite color alteration and acaricidal activity of 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal and its structural analogues against the stored food pest mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:583. [PMID: 31098762 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to an unfortunate turn of events, an incorrect funding note was provided in the original publication as it should have read.
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Abstract PD4-07: PET imaging of PARP-1 expression in breast cancer. Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs18-pd4-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
18F-FluorThanatrace ([18F]-FTT) is a novel radiotracer shown to quantify Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1) expression in vitro and in vivo through a receptor-ligand interaction. A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania in women with ovarian cancer demonstrated in vivo visualization of PARP-1 expression in tumors using this radiotracer that closely correlated with an in vitro assay of PARP-1 in tumor tissue (Makvandi, M. J. Clin. Invest. 128:2116, 2018). A radioligand with PARP-1 specificity, [125I]-KX1, was also developed as a companion tool for ex vivo evaluation of PARP-1 expression and PARP inhibitor (PARPi) drug occupancy by radioligand binding assay (Makvandi, M. Cancer Res. 76:4516, 2016). As the first step in validating this biomarker in breast cancer, we performed a prospective clinical trial comparing in vivo [18F]-FTTuptake and ex vivo PARP-1 expression in women with primary breast cancer.
Methods: 24 patients with Stage I-IV primary breast cancer were imaged with [18F]-FTT prior to any therapy including surgery. We correlated in vivo uptake with ex vivo immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PARP-1 and [125I]-KX1 autoradiography in untreated surgical specimens. Tumors were analyzed for alterations in DNA repair genes, copy number-based as well as mutational signatures indicative of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and mutational burden, using our established protocol (Maxwell, KN, Nature Commun. 8:319, 2017).
Results: [18F]-FTT uptake was visualized above background in all primary breast tumors and known metastases. Two areas of unexpected uptake revealed an unknown contralateral breast cancer and an ovarian carcinoid, respectively. We expected that uptake might be highest in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), where PARPi have been most heavily studied. However, a range of tracer uptake was observed in tumors independent of breast cancer subtype (hormone receptor positive/HER2 negative, TNBC, HER2+) and BRCA status. Uptake ratios (SUVmax tumor/SUV max opposite breast) ranged from 1.2-10.5 with a median 4.0. Ex vivo[125I]-KX1 autoradiography was performed on a subset of untreated primary tumors (n=5) and compared with IHC staining for PARP-1 on sequential sections. This revealed a close spatial correspondence between elevated PARP-1 expression by IHC and regions of elevated [125I]-KX1 binding radiographically. There was also a strong positive correlation between in vivo [18F]-FTT uptake and ex vivo quantitative [125I]-KX1 autoradiography (r=0.78). Genomic analysis of HRD in all tumors is pending and will be reported.
Conclusion: Initial analyses support the ability of [18F]-FTT to visualize and measure PARP-1 expression in breast cancer. This is the first step toward developing an imaging companion diagnostic to help guide PARP inhibitor treatment in breast cancer. Ongoing studies are expanding upon these results, testing the extent to which expression of PARP-1 by [18F]-FTT can predict response to PARP inhibitors and measure target engagement during therapy.
Citation Format: McDonald ES, Carlin S, Maxwell KN, Nayak A, Doot RK, Pantel AR, Farwell MD, Pryma DA, Clark AS, Shah P, DeMichele AM, Ziober A, Schubert EK, Palmer K, Lee HS, Matro J, de la Cruz L, Tchou J, Anderson DN, Feldman MD, Sheffer RE, Knollman H, Schnall MD, Makvandi M, Domchek S, Hubbard RA, Mach RH, Mankoff DA. PET imaging of PARP-1 expression in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD4-07.
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Abstract P1-02-04: Is asymptomatic surveillance after standard treatment beneficial? : A 10yr-survival analysis of recurrent breast cancer patients by detection method of recurrence. Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs18-p1-02-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Surveillance of recurrence after standard treatment of breast cancer (BC) for early detection and it's impact on overall survival are known to differ depending on recurrent site. Current guideline recommends asymptomatic surveillance to only detect loco-regional recurrences. As the evidences depend on historical randomized clinical trials we aimed to address questions whether earlier detection might have impact on survival now that plenty of new treatment strategies can be offered. Also to give answers to heterogeneous surveillance strategy in real-world practice we performed a retrospective 10yr-survival analysis of a large cohort of recurrent BC patients according to their detection method.
From 4188 operable breast cancer patients who completed standard treatment Asan Medical Center from 2006 to 2008 469 patients with recurrent BC were analyzed. Median disease free interval was 35.3 months (range 2.8-97.6) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed as time from initial diagnosis/surgery to death. Among 469 patients who developed recurrence 23.7% were local (ipsilateral breast skin chest wall) 22.6% were regional (ipsilateral axillary internal mammary lymph nodes) and 53.7% developed distant metastasis. 10yr-overall survival was analyzed according to recurrent site and it's detection method.
Detection of recurrence were categorized as 'asymptomatic surveillance (N=162, 34.5%)' and 'symptom-guided (N=307, 65.5%)'. Asymptomatic screening method included mammography breast-ultrasound serum tumor marker (CA15-3) and systemic images (eg. chest X-ray bone scan PET scans). Symptom-guided detection rate for local regional and distant metastasis was 14.9%, 5.5% and 15.1% respectively. Overall asymptomatic vs symptomatic 10yr-OS did not differ (81.3 vs 78.8 months, p=0.778). Among patients with distant metastasis 10ys-OS was not significantly different (70.3 vs 66.7 months p=0.846) and was similar according to stage/subtype. Among patients with local recurrence only 10yr-OS was 95.1 months ('symptomatic' vs 'aymptomatic 94.4 vs 94.5, p=0.809) which may be insufficient number of events to show significant difference. Among regional recurrent BCs, longer OS was observed in asymptomatically detected patients than symptom-guided group (86.1 vs 63.4, p=0.004). In Cox regression analyses asymptomatic detection showed significant better survival (HR=3.9, 95%CI:1.6-9.5) and this observation was more evident in patients with hormone receptor(HR) negative primary BCs (69.9 vs 47.9, p=0.029). Intriguingly, only 8.6% (7/80) of regional recurrence were diagnosed by mammography.
We observed survival benefit with asymptomatic screening in detecting regional recurrence especially in HR-negative primary BC patients. And role of systemic radiology even in advanced high risk breast cancer patients were limited. Although with limitation that surveillance method varied widely we emphasize the role of aymptomatic surveillance of regional nodal evaluation including breast-ultrasound. These findings are to be validated from a prospective clinical study along with using cutting edge modalities other than radiology which enable detection of micro-metastasis.
Citation Format: Lee Y, Lee HS, Ahn SH, Son BH, Kim J, Lee SB. Is asymptomatic surveillance after standard treatment beneficial? : A 10yr-survival analysis of recurrent breast cancer patients by detection method of recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-04.
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Isolation of internal and external sphincter progenitor cells from the human anal sphincter with or without radiotherapy. Colorectal Dis 2019; 21:38-47. [PMID: 30047583 DOI: 10.1111/codi.14351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to isolate and propagate internal and external anal sphincter progenitor cells from the human anal sphincter, with or without radiotherapy, for tailored cell therapy of faecal incontinence. METHODS Sphincter progenitor cells were isolated from normal internal and external anal sphincters collected from 10 patients with rectal cancer who had undergone abdominoperineal resection with (n = 6) or without (n = 4) preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The isolated cells and differentiated muscle fibres were identified using immunofluorescence assay, western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The proliferation of progenitor cells with and without radiotherapy was compared by quantitative 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS The immunofluorescence assay before differentiation confirmed that the internal anal sphincter progenitor cells expressed CD34 and neural-glial antigen 2 (NG2), whereas the external anal sphincter progenitor cells expressed CD34 and PAX7. After differentiation, the internal anal sphincter progenitor cells expressed desmin, calponin and α-smooth muscle actin, whereas the external anal sphincter progenitor cells expressed desmin, myogenic factor 4 and myosin heavy chain. The differential expression profiles of both cell types were confirmed by western blotting and RT-PCR. MTT assays showed that the viability of internal and external anal sphincter progenitor cells was significantly lower in the radiotherapy group than that in the nonradiotherapy group. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the differential harvest internal and external sphincter muscle progenitor cells from human anal sphincters. We confirm that radiotherapy decreases the viability of internal and external anal sphincter progenitor cells.
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Mite color alteration and acaricidal activity of 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal and its structural analogues against the stored food pest mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 76:355-363. [PMID: 30343395 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Acaricidal activities of the active component isolated from Melissa officinalis oil and its structural analogues against Tyrophagus putrescentiae were evaluated using fumigant and contact bioassays. The structure of 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal purified from M. officinalis oil was elucidated with EI-MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, and DEPT-NMR. Based on the LD50 values of 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal analogues in fumigant and contact bioassays, respectively, 2,4-octadienal showed the highest activity (LD50 = 2.09 µg/cm3 and 11.08 µg/cm2), followed by 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal (3.60 µg/cm3 and 29.34 µg/cm2), 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal (6.18 µg/cm3 and 36.17 µg/cm2), 2-octenal (7.45 µg/cm3 and 47.36 µg/cm2) and M. officinalis oil (8.89 µg/cm3 and 23.83 µg/cm2). Comparing the acaricidal activities of the aldehyde group based on the degree of unsaturation, 2,4-octadienal containing two double bonds was more potent than 2-octenal with a single double bond. Based on the acaricidal activities of the methyl group, on the other hand, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal containing a single double bond was more acaricidal than 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal with two double bonds. These results indicate that 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal analogues are useful to control food mites.
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Bioprospecting from marine coastal sediments of Colombian Caribbean: screening and study of antimicrobial activity. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:753-765. [PMID: 29791769 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To isolate micro-organisms associated with marine coastal sediments of Colombian Caribbean Sea and for evaluating its antimicrobial activity in order to identify the most active strains. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and four strains were isolated from sediment samples of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. First at all, an antimicrobial activity screening was made using agar well diffusion method against the pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Seventeen strains showed strong antimicrobial activity and were identified as members of the Streptomyces, Micrococcus and Bacillus genera. Organic extracts were produced by liquid-liquid extraction and HPLC profiles of the most active extracts were obtained. Then, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated with the broth microdilution test, finding antimicrobial activities superior to 90% against S. aureus MRSA and C. albicans. HPLC profiles indicated the presence of different antimicrobial compounds. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the microorganisms isolated from the Colombian Caribbean Sea are possible sources of antimicrobial compounds against pathogenic strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY These results contribute to the knowledge of the biotechnological potential of the Colombian biodiversity for the development of pharmaceutical products that can counteract the increasing problem of pathogen resistance.
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Synergistic effect of cumulative corticosteroid dose and immunosuppressants on avascular necrosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2018; 27:1644-1651. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203318784648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Avascular necrosis (AVN) is one of the most common causes of organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and often causes serious physical disability. The aims of this study were to investigate clinical risk factors associated with symptomatic AVN and to analyze their synergistic effects in a large SLE cohort in Korea. Methods Patients with SLE were enrolled and followed from 1998 to 2014 in the Hanyang BAE Lupus cohort, and damage was measured annually according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). AVN was confirmed by imaging study if patients had symptoms. To determine risk factors for AVN, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic variables were analyzed by logistic regression. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) were calculated to measure interactions between significant variables. Results Among 1219 SLE patients, symptomatic AVN was the most common type of musculoskeletal damage (10.8%, n = 132). SLE patients with AVN showed an earlier onset age, demonstrated AVN more commonly in conjunction with certain other clinical manifestations such as renal and neuropsychiatric disorders, and received significantly higher total cumulative corticosteroid dose and immunosuppressive agents than did patients without AVN. However, in multivariable analysis, only two variables including use of a cumulative corticosteroid dose greater than 20 g (odds ratio (OR) 3.62, p = 0.015) and use of immunosuppressants including cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil (OR 4.51, p < 0.001) remained as significant risk factors for AVN. Patients with cumulative corticosteroid dose > 20 g and immunosuppressant use had a 15.44-fold increased risk for AVN, compared with patients without these risk factors ( p < 0.001). RERI, AP and S, which define the strength of interactions between two risk factors, were 9.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–16.73), 0.58 (95% CI 0.36–0.81) and 2.66 (95% CI 1.42–4.99), respectively, supporting the presence of synergistic interactions in the development of symptomatic AVN in our Korean lupus cohort. Conclusions An individual risk assessment for AVN development should be made prior to and during treatment for SLE, especially in patients with high-dose corticosteroid and immunosuppressant use regardless of clinical manifestations and disease activity.
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Measurement of the Effective Weak Mixing Angle in pp[over ¯]→Z/γ^{*}→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Events. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:241802. [PMID: 29956986 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.241802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We present a measurement of the effective weak mixing angle parameter sin^{2}θ_{eff}^{ℓ} in pp[over ¯]→Z/γ^{*}→μ^{+}μ^{-} events at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV, collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider and corresponding to 8.6 fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity. The measured value of sin^{2}θ_{eff}^{ℓ}[μμ]=0.23016±0.00064 is further combined with the result from the D0 measurement in pp[over ¯]→Z/γ^{*}→e^{+}e^{-} events, resulting in sin^{2}θ_{eff}^{ℓ}[comb]=0.23095±0.00040. This combined result is the most precise measurement from a single experiment at a hadron collider and is the most precise determination using the coupling of the Z/γ^{*} to light quarks.
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Search for the Exotic Meson X(5568) with the Collider Detector at Fermilab. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:202006. [PMID: 29864341 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.202006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A search for the exotic meson X(5568) decaying into the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} final state is performed using data corresponding to 9.6 fb^{-1} from pp[over ¯] collisions at sqrt[s]=1960 GeV recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. No evidence for this state is found and an upper limit of 6.7% at the 95% confidence level is set on the fraction of B_{s}^{0} produced through the X(5568)→B_{s}^{0}π^{±} process.
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Differential Cross Section and Photon-Beam Asymmetry for the γ[over →]p → π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) Reaction at Forward π^{-} Angles for E_{γ}=1.5-2.95 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:202004. [PMID: 29864366 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.202004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the γ[over →]p→π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7<cosθ_{π}^{c.m.}<1 and E_{γ}=1.5-2.95 GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The first-ever high statistics cross-section data are obtained in this kinematical region, and the asymmetry data for 1.5<E_{γ}(GeV)<2.8 are obtained for the first time. This reaction has a unique feature for studying the production mechanisms of a pure uu[over ¯] quark pair in the final state from the proton. Although there is no distinct peak structure in the cross sections, a non-negligible excess over the theoretical predictions is observed at E_{γ}=1.5-1.8 GeV. The asymmetries are found to be negative in most of the present kinematical regions, suggesting the dominance of π exchange in the t channel. The negative asymmetries at forward meson production angles are different from the asymmetries previously measured for the photoproduction reactions producing a dd[over ¯] or an ss[over ¯] quark pair in the final state. Advanced theoretical models introducing nucleon resonances and additional unnatural-parity exchanges are needed to reproduce the present data.
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Influence of human parathyroid hormone during orthodontic tooth movement and relapse in the osteoporotic rat model: A preliminary study. Orthod Craniofac Res 2018; 21:125-131. [PMID: 29671936 DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on tooth movement in ovariectomized (OVX) rats by comparing the tooth movement distance and relapse and by examining the alveolar bone microstructure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty 8-week-old female rats were classified into 3 groups: sham-operated, OVX and ovariectomized rats injected with PTH (PTH). Eight weeks later, a closed-coil spring appliance was placed between the maxillary incisor and the first molar and then activated with 50 cN of force. During tooth movement, 30 μg/kg of PTH was administered 3 times per week in the PTH group. Tooth movement distances were measured weekly. Five rats in each group were killed after 3 weeks for microcomputerized tomographic analysis, and the remaining 5 rats in each group were killed at an additional 3 weeks after the removal of the appliance to measure relapsed distance. RESULTS The OVX group showed significantly greater tooth movement compared to those in the other 2 groups at 2 and 3 weeks (P < .05). The relapse distance and relapse percentage for the OVX group were higher; however, it did not differ significantly from the PTH group. On micro-CT analysis, bone volume/tissue volume ratio and bone mineral density in the PTH group were significantly greater than in the OVX group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Application of PTH did not promote tooth movement in OVX rat, however, did lead to decrease in relapse tendency. Therefore, the application of PTH during orthodontic treatment of patients with osteoporosis should be carefully considered.
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Reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication - a prospective study for up to 10 years. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:380-390. [PMID: 29193217 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are premalignant conditions for gastric cancer. Their reversibility by Helicobacter pylori eradication remains controversial. AIM To evaluate the reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia by H. pylori eradication with long-term follow-up. METHODS 598 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed for up to 10 years. They were categorised as H. pylori-negative (n = 65), H. pylori non-eradicated (n = 91), and H. pylori-eradicated (n = 442). Histological assessment was performed for antrum and corpus by Sydney classification. RESULTS Histological follow-up was performed regularly at 1, 2, 3-4 and ≥5 years, with mean follow-up of 1.07 ± 0.21, 2.29 ± 0.83, 3.93 ± 1.02, and 6.45 ± 1.28 years, respectively. Atrophic gastritis in antrum and corpus gradually and significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) improved only in the H. pylori-eradicated group compared to that at baseline. Significant difference in atrophic gastritis between H. pylori-eradicated and H. pylori-negative groups disappeared from 1-year follow-up. Similarly, intestinal metaplasia in antrum and corpus improved significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) only in the H. pylori-eradicated group in comparison with that at baseline. Significant difference in intestinal metaplasia between H. pylori-eradicated and H. pylori-negative groups disappeared from ≥5 years of follow-up in the antrum and from 3 years of follow-up in the corpus. CONCLUSION H. pylori eradication may be a preventative strategy for intestinal-type gastric cancer by regression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.
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Combined Forward-Backward Asymmetry Measurements in Top-Antitop Quark Production at the Tevatron. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:042001. [PMID: 29437406 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.042001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The CDF and D0 experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron have measured the asymmetry between yields of forward- and backward-produced top and antitop quarks based on their rapidity difference and the asymmetry between their decay leptons. These measurements use the full data sets collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. We report the results of combinations of the inclusive asymmetries and their differential dependencies on relevant kinematic quantities. The combined inclusive asymmetry is A_{FB}^{tt[over ¯]}=0.128±0.025. The combined inclusive and differential asymmetries are consistent with recent standard model predictions.
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Augmentation of Butyrate-induced Differentiation of Human Hepatocyte by Cyclin E Over-expression. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 28:44-50. [PMID: 15742309 DOI: 10.1177/039139880502800108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian cells, cellular differentiation into specific cell types is usually preceded by growth arrest. On the other hand, the induced differentiation may also be preceded by an enhanced G1–S transition of the cell cycle prior to the growth arrest. This suggests that an early increase in proliferation is in some way a prerequisite for subsequent differentiation. We therefore attempted to assess whether we could produce human hepatocytes with further differentiated functions by promoting G1-S transition in a butyrate-treated human hepatocyte cell line. A cyclin E-over-expressing cell line was established by transfecting human cyclin E cDNA. Upon butyrate treatment, the cyclin E-over-expressing cells exhibited a significantly increased albumin-secreting and ammonia-detoxifying capacity when compared to the control cells. In particular, the ornithine transcarbamylase activity was increased in these cells. Collectively, these results implicate that the cyclin E over-expression may augment the hepatocyte-specific functions during the butyrate-induced differentiation process of human hepatocytes by enhancing G1-S cell cycle transition.
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A Preclinical Cadaver Fitting Study of Implantable Biventricular Assist Device - AnyHeart™. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 27:495-500. [PMID: 15293355 DOI: 10.1177/039139880402700608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A multifunctional, Korean-made artificial heart (AnyHeart™) was developed, and prior to its clinical application, a cadaver-fitting study was performed. The study proposed to determine the optimal cannulation approach, implantation technique and route of the cannula to minimize the organ compression of AnyHeart™. The anatomical feasibility and a variety of surgical techniques were evaluated using ten preserved, human cadavers. Implanting AnyHeart™ with ease is possible using various approaches, including a median sternotomy, and a right or left lateral thoracotomy. The lateral thoracotomy approach is shown to be safe and reproducible, especially in patients who have already undergone an operation that used a median sternotomy. The results of this study will guide improvements in the designs of cannulae and AnyHeart™ for future clinical applications.
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Simultaneous Subtotal Pancreatectomy and Streptozotocin Injection for Diabetes Modeling in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Transplant Proc 2018; 49:1142-1149. [PMID: 28583545 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an experimental animal model of islet transplantation, stable induction of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and islet isolation from donor pancreas are essential. Total pancreatectomy for IDDM induction and islet procurement in nonhuman primates leads to unwanted loss of exocrine function and may lead to morbidities associated with IDDM. METHODS IDDM induction with streptozotocin (STZ) is associated with drug toxicity of STZ and necessitates the killing of another animal for islet procurement. In this study, we performed a subtotal pancreatectomy combined with reduced STZ injection to induce IDDM and procure islets in a nonhuman primate model. RESULTS Twelve cynomolgus monkeys received low-dose STZ injections (60 mg/kg) simultaneously with subtotal pancreatectomy. All monkeys recovered from the procedure without complications. IDDM was induced in the animals. 57,691 ± 16,050 islets were isolated from the resected pancreas and transplanted into other monkeys. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous subtotal pancreatectomy and low-dose STZ injection represent an effective and safe method to create an animal model of insulin dependence diabetes, while at the same time providing sufficient amounts of fresh islet cells for allotransplantation without requiring killing of additional animals.
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations and serologic markers. In this study, we analyzed nine polyamine (PA) profiles of plasma from patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs), and the relationship between the PA profiles and disease activity. PA alterations in plasma of 44 patients with SLE and fever were investigated using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring mode using N-ethoxycarbonyl/ N-pentafluoropropionyl derivatives, and compared with those of 43 HCs. Patients with SLE and HCs showed differences in five of nine PA profiles. Among five changed PA levels, four PAs, namely N1-acetylcadaverine, spermidine, N1-acetylspermidine, and spermine, were dramatically decreased. However, the level of cadaverine was increased in patients with SLE. In the partial correlation with PA profiles and disease activity markers of SLE, several disease activity markers and nutritional markers were correlated with cadaverine, spermidine, and N 8-acetylspermidine. Thus, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between PA metabolomics and disease activity markers in patients with SLE.
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Repeated Measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Is Not Essential for Asthma Screening. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2017; 28:98-105. [PMID: 29180311 DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJETIVE Older guidelines recommend that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) should be checked more than twice during the same session to confirm an asthma diagnosis. Recent studies show the excellent reproducibility of FeNO measurements. Objetive: We aimed to determine whether repeated FeNO measurements during the same session are necessary for asthma screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of adult outpatients who visited the respiratory medicine department for diagnosis of asthma and assessed FeNO measurements obtained from June 2016 to July 2017. RESULTS Of the 132 patients enrolled, 79 (59.8%) were diagnosed with asthma. Repeated FeNO measurements taken during the same session showed high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.9; P<.001) and a strong correlation (Pearson coefficient >0.9; P<.001), although reproducibility and correlation were slightly weaker in patients with low FeNO values. The value of repeated measurement was not significant; however, the second FeNO measurement was significantly higher than the first measurement in patients with the worst and best lung function. The predictive power of the first measurement of FeNO (sensitivity, 80.5%; specificity, 85.1%) was not inferior to the second (sensitivity, 76.6%; specificity 85.1%). The same was true of the geometric mean of the two. CONCLUSIONS Repeated FeNO measurement during the same session is not essential for asthma screening in cases where the first acceptable FeNO measurement is performed using the proper method.
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Post-operative corticosteroid irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery: A meta-analysis. Clin Otolaryngol 2017; 43:525-532. [PMID: 29054113 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, topical steroid therapy delivery using high-volume sinonasal irrigations has been used more frequently, following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), to improve drug delivery into the paranasal sinuses. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the efficacy of steroid nasal irrigation on post-operative management of Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) following ESS. METHODS Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database) from inception to March 2017 were independently reviewed by two researchers. Studies that scored CRS endoscopic findings and CRS-related quality of life (QOL) post-operatively before and after steroid nasal irrigation and that compared the effects of steroid nasal irrigation (treatment groups) with saline alone irrigation (control group) were included in the analysis. RESULTS Twelve studies (n = 360) met inclusion criteria. Steroid nasal irrigation significantly reduced the endoscopic score compared with pre-treatment values and also improved QOL. Adverse effects following steroid nasal irrigation such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disturbance were not significant. However, compared with saline alone irrigation, the additional effects of steroid irrigation were not significant in the view of the endoscopic score and disease-specific QOL. CONCLUSION Although steroid nasal irrigation would not induce adverse effects related to systemic steroid absorption, the beneficial effects of additional steroids in saline irrigation were ambiguous in regard to endoscopic score and CRS-related QOL improvement compared with saline alone irrigation. However, further clinical trials with robust research methodologies should be conducted to confirm the results of this study.
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Role of thymoglobulin in matched sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with busulfan and fludarabine conditioning in myeloid malignanicies. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 53:207-212. [PMID: 29084202 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In vivo T-cell depletion using anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is widely used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for prophylaxis of GvHD. We investigated the influence of thymoglobulin dose (an ATG) on GvHD following matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT with a busulfan and fludarabine preparative regimen. Medical records of 180 patients who received MSD HSCT with a conditioning regimen of busulfan, fludarabine, and ATG (BuFluATG) were reviewed retrospectively. The median age was 53 years (range 18-68). Initial diagnoses were acute myeloid leukemia (73.3%) and myelodysplastic syndrome (26.7%). Forty-four and 68 patients (24.4 and 37.7%) experienced acute and chronic GvHD of any grade, respectively. High-dose (⩾4.5 mg/kg) ATG was independently associated with decreased risk of acute GvHD (hazard ratio=0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.84, P=0.019) compared to low-dose ATG (<4.5 mg/kg). Although ATG dose was associated with the risk of acute GvHD, it was not associated with the risk of chronic GvHD in our study. A higher dose (⩾4.5 mg/kg) of ATG decreases the risk of acute GvHD but had no significant impact on disease-free survival in MSD HSCT patients conditioned with BuFluATG. The optimal dose of ATG should be further investigated in a large prospective study context.
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N-acetyldopamine dimers from the edible grasshopper Oxya chinensis sinousa. Am J Transl Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Effectiveness of Combined Tear Film Therapy in Patients with Evaporative Dry Eye with Short Tear Film Breakup Time. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:635-643. [PMID: 28846481 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2017.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined tear film therapy targeted to aqueous, mucin, and lipid layers in patients with refractory evaporative dry eye (EDE) with short tear film breakup time (TBUT). METHODS The patients who had EDE with short TBUT and severe symptoms refractory to artificial tears were treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) 0.15% and diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS) 3% (Group 1), HA and carbomer-based lipid-containing eyedrops (Liposic EDO Gel, LPO) (Group 2), or HA, DQS, and LPO (Group 3). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score, TBUT, Schirmer score, and corneal and conjunctival staining scores were evaluated, and noninvasive tear film breakup time (NIBUT) and tear meniscus height were measured using Keratograph® 5 M before and 1 and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS OSDI scores, VAS scores, TBUT, and NIBUT were improved at 1 and 3 months after treatment in all groups (all P < 0.05). At each follow-up visit, the total OSDI, OSDI symptom, and all VAS scores were significantly lower in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (all P < 0.05). In addition, TBUT and NIBUT were significantly higher in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (all P < 0.05). No significant adverse effects were noted in the groups during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Mucin or lipid-targeting agents combined with aqueous supplements in patients with refractory EDE with short TBUT might improve subjective symptoms and TBUT. Of this, targeting whole tear film layers was most effective in improving ocular symptoms and tear film quality.
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Effect of diquafosol tetrasodium 3% on the conjunctival surface and clinical findings after cataract surgery in patients with dry eye. Int Ophthalmol 2017; 38:2021-2030. [PMID: 28822028 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of diquafosol tetrasodium (DT) 3% on conjunctival impression cytologic findings in addition to clinical symptoms and signs after cataract surgery in patients with preexisting dry eye disease (DED). METHODS Ninety-four eyes of 94 patients with DED who underwent uneventful cataract surgery were included. In total, 50 patients were treated with DT 3% (group A), while 44 patients were treated with sodium hyaluronate 0.1% (group B) postoperatively, along with topical antibiotics and steroids. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Visual acuity, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (TBUT), keratoepitheliopathy score, Schirmer's test, and tear clearance rate were measured at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, and corneal aberration was analyzed at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks. RESULTS The grade of conjunctival squamous metaplasia was lower at 12 weeks, and goblet cell density was higher at 4 and 12 weeks in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, group A showed significantly lower OSDI scores at 4 and 12 weeks, longer TBUT at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, lower keratoepitheliopathy scores at 1 and 12 weeks, and lower total root-mean-square score and spherical aberrations at 4 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS DT 3% eye drops application after cataract surgery was effective in improving conjunctival epithelial morphology and goblet cell density as well as clinical findings in patients with DED.
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Mechanisms of vasorelaxation induced by total flavonoids of Euphorbia humifusa in rat aorta. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017; 68:619-628. [PMID: 29151079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Euphorbia humifusa Willd. (EH), rich in flavonoids, has long been used for the treatment of bacillary dysentery and enteritis in China, and is known to have antioxidant, hypotensive and hypolipidemic properties. However, the vasorelaxant effect of total flavonoids of EH (TFEH) and action mechanisms are not clearly defined yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of TFEH on the vascular tension and its underlying mechanisms. Experiments were performed in rat thoracic aorta using the organ bath system. TFEH (0.01 - 100 μg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, which was dependent on a functional endothelium, and were significantly attenuated by inhibitors of endothelial NO synthase, its upstream signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt, and soluble guanylate cyclase, but not by blockade of KCa channel, KATP channel, cyclooxygenase, muscarinic and β-adrenergic receptors. Extracellular Ca2+ depletion, and pre-treatment with modulators of the store-operated Ca2+ entry channels, Gd3+ and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, significantly attenuated the TFEH-induced vasorelaxation. Our findings suggest that TFEH elicit vasorelaxation via endothelium-dependent NO-cGMP pathway through activation of PI3K/Akt- and Ca2+-eNOS-NO signaling. Further, it is suggested that TFEH-induced activation of the NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cGMP-protein kinase G signaling relaxes vascular smooth muscle cells through an inhibition of the L-type Ca2+ channel activity.
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Paternal age as an independent factor does not affect embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes of testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection in azoospermia. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28703337 DOI: 10.1111/and.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate the independent influence of paternal age affecting embryo development and pregnancy using testicular sperm extraction (TESE)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Paternal patients were divided into the following groups: ≤30 years, 31-35 years, 36-40 years, 41-45 years and ≥46 years. There were no differences in the rates of fertilisation or embryo quality according to paternal and maternal age. However, clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly lower between those ≥46 years of paternal age compared with other age groups. Fertilisation rate was higher in the OA than the NOA, while embryo quality, pregnancy and delivery results were similar. Clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly lower for patients ≥46 years of paternal age compared with younger age groups. In conclusion, fertilisation using TESE in azoospermia was not affected by the independent influence of paternal age; however, as maternal age increased concomitantly with paternal age, rates of pregnancy and delivery differed between those with paternal age <41 years and ≥46 years. Therefore, paternal age ≥46 years old should be considered when applying TESE-ICSI in cases of azoospermia, and patients should be advised of the associated low pregnancy rates.
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects of Camellia japonica on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells and Experimental Dry Eye: In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1196-1207. [PMID: 28245300 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Camellia japonica (CJ) on human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and its therapeutic effects in a mouse model of experimental dry eye (EDE). Methods Camellia japonica extracts of varying concentrations (0.001%, 0.01%, and 0.1%) were used to treat HCE cells. Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) and dihydroethidium (DHE) assays were performed. The production of peroxiredoxin (PRX) 1-6 and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in HCE cells was assessed using Western blot analysis. Furthermore, eye drops containing 0.001%, 0.01%, or 0.1% CJ extract or a balanced salt solution (BSS) were applied to the EDE. Clinical parameters were measured 7 days after treatment. The levels of inflammatory markers and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Results Treatment with 0.01% and 0.1% CJ extracts decreased apoptosis in HCE cells. In addition, band intensities of PRX 1, 4, and 5, as well as MnSOD, after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment showed a significant improvement after pretreatment with 0.01% and 0.1% CJ extracts. Mice treated with 0.1% CJ extract showed significantly improved clinical parameters when compared to those of the EDE control and BSS groups. A significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers and intracellular ROS was observed in the 0.01% and 0.1% CJ extract groups. Conclusions Camellia japonica extracts promoted antioxidative protein expression and suppressed apoptosis in HCE cells. Furthermore, CJ extracts improved clinical signs of dry eye and reduced oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory markers, suggesting that eye drops containing CJ extract could be used as an adjunctive treatment for dry eye.
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Manifestation of meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, non-Sjögren's dry eye, and non-dry eye controls. Int Ophthalmol 2017; 38:1161-1167. [PMID: 28567496 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the manifestation of meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), non-Sjögren's syndrome dry eye (non-SS) patients, and non-dry eye controls. METHODS We recruited 31 participants with SS dry eye, 30 participants with non-SS dry eye, and 35 healthy controls without dry eye symptoms. Noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT) and meibomian gland dropout score (meiboscore) were measured using the Oculus Keratograph 5 M. Meibomian gland expressibility and secretion quality were evaluated via slit lamp biomicroscopy. The correlation between measurements was analyzed. RESULTS NITBUT was lower, and the meiboscore, meibomian gland expressibility, and secretion quality scores were significantly higher in the SS and non-SS groups than in the control group (p < 0.001). NITBUT was lower, and the meiboscore and meibomian gland expressibility were higher in the SS group than in the non-SS group. NITBUT correlated negatively with the meiboscore in both SS and non-SS groups and with meibomian gland expressibility in the SS group. A positive correlation was obtained between meiboscore and meibomian gland expressibility in both the SS and the non-SS groups. CONCLUSION Patients in both SS and non-SS groups exhibited greater impairment in meibomian gland function than the non-dry eye controls. SS patients had more severe meibomian gland dysfunction with poorer mean meiboscore and meibomian gland expressibility than non-SS patients.
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A Case of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Caused by Agromyces mediolanus. Perit Dial Int 2017; 37:346-347. [PMID: 28512166 DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2016.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Comparison of 0.3% Hypotonic and Isotonic Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops in the Treatment of Experimental Dry Eye. Curr Eye Res 2017; 42:1108-1114. [PMID: 28441078 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2017.1297462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy of 0.3% hypotonic and isotonic sodium hyaluronate (SH) eye drops in the treatment of experimental dry eye. METHODS Experimental dry eye was established in female C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous scopolamine injection and an air draft. The mice were divided into three groups (n = 15): control, preservative-free 0.3% isotonic SH, and preservative-free 0.3% hypotonic SH. The tear volume, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured 5 and 10 days after treatment. After conjunctival tissues were excised at 10 days, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IFN-γ inducible protein-10 were determined using the multiplex immunobead assay. In addition, PAS staining and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the counts of conjunctival goblet cells and CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells. RESULTS Mice treated with 0.3% hypotonic SH showed a significant decrease in corneal staining scores (P = 0.04) and the levels of IL-6 (16.7 ± 1.4 pg/mL, P = 0.02) and IFN-γ (46.5 ± 11.5 pg/mL, P = 0.02) compared to mice treated with 0.3% isotonic SH (IL-6; 32.5 ± 8.8 pg/mL, IFN-γ; 92.0 ± 16.0 pg/mL) at day 10. Although no significant difference in CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cell numbers was observed, goblet cell counts were higher in the hyopotonic SH group than in the isotonic SH group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS When compared to 0.3% isotonic SH eye drops, 0.3% hypotonic SH eye drops can be more effective by improving corneal staining scores, decreasing inflammatory molecules, and increasing goblet cell counts for experimental dry eye. These data suggest that hypotonic artificial tears may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for inflammatory dry eye.
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Mantidis ootheca induces vascular relaxation through PI3K/AKT-mediated nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-protein kinase G signaling in endothelial cells. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017; 68:215-221. [PMID: 28614771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mantidis ootheca (Sang Piao Xiao) is well known mantis eggs in a foamy pouch. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the underlying cellular mechanisms of the nitric oxide (NO)-releasing property of the aqueous extract of Mantidis ootheca (AMO) in rat aorta and vascular endothelial cells. AMO was examined for its vascular relaxant effect in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat thoracic aortic rings. The roles of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the AMO-induced effects were tested in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVEC treated with AMO produced higher amount of NO compared to control. However, AMO-induced increases in NO production were blocked by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) or wortmannin. AMO increased in phosphorylation levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Akt in HUVECs, which were attenuated by a NOS and Akt inhibitors. In aortic ring, AMO-induced dose-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted aorta was abolished by removal of functional endothelium. Pretreatment with L-NAME, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-alpha]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and KT5823 inhibited the AMO-induced vasorelaxation. Similarly, wortmannin and LY-294002, an inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), an upstream signaling molecule of eNOS, attenuated the AMO-induced vasorelaxation. Moreover, AMO-induced increases in cGMP production were blocked by pretreatment with L-NAME or ODQ. The vasorelaxant effect of AMO was attenuated by tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, and glibenclamide. We conclude that AMO relaxed vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent activation of PI3K/Akt-mediated NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway and possible involvement of K+ channel.
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