"Boot Sign" of Anterior Femoral Condylar Resectional Shape during Total Knee Arthroplasty Is More Frequent in Asian Patients

PURPOSE

There is lack of intraoperative consensus on the distal femur anterior resected surface shape that allows reliable rotational alignment assessment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to evaluate the ratio and prevalence of anterior femoral resection surface intraoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 234 osteoarthritis patients with varus knees and not valgus knees or deformities. After conventional medial parapatellar approach, measured resection technique based on the mechanical axis of the femur and preoperative TEA-PCA angle on CT with anterior reference was used among all the patients. The anteroposterior (AP) lengths after distal femoral resection were measured as the femoral lateral AP (FLAP) and femoral medial AP (FMAP) lengths. Based on the medial (MD) and lateral condyle (LD) vertical distance ratios of the femur anterior resected surface, the groups were classified into "boot sign", "grand-piano", and "butterfly sign" groups. For comparison of the mean values, the data were assessed for normality with the Shapiro-Wilk test. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis using Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test was used to compare the mean values among the groups. The correlations between the MD/LD and variables were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Linear regression analyses were used to find the associated factors to the anterior femoral resection surface shape.

RESULTS

Mean intraoperative femoral rotation and distal femoral cutting angles were 4.9° ± 1.2 and valgus 5.0° ± 0.7, respectively. Mean FLAP was 52.9 ± 4.2 mm. Mean MD/LD (0.61 ± 0.13) was lower than that of typical "grand-piano sign". The morphological shape incidence of the "boot sign" was 62.4%. In the "boot sign" group, the FLAP was found to be smaller than that in the other groups (52.4 ± 4.2 vs. 53.7 ± 4.2 vs. 54.9 ± 2.7; p = 0.02), while the intraoperative femoral rotation angle was found to be larger than in the other groups (5.0 ± 1.2 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.039). The MD/LD-associated factors were FLAP, intraoperative femoral rotation, and distal femoral cutting angles (R2 = 0.268).

CONCLUSION

The femur anterior resection surface shape in TKA was found in the "boot sign" rather than the "grand-piano sign" in Korean ethnics owing to an asymmetric morphology of femoral condyles. Ethnic differences, including distal femoral morphology, should be considered for assessment of the femoral rotation angle using the femur anterior resection surface shape.

Is a Steroid Injection in Both Compartments More Effective than an Injection in the Extensor Pollicis Brevis Subcompartment Alone in Patients with de Quervain Disease? A Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonography (US)-guided steroid injections can improve the accuracy of injection in patients with de Quervain disease, especially in those with an intracompartmental septum. Although the main lesion of de Quervain disease in patients with a septum is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), no report we know of has compared injection into the EPB subcompartment with an injection into both the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and EPB subcompartments. In this randomized trial, we compared the results of US-guided steroid injections targeting both subcompartments and the EPB subcompartment alone in patients with de Quervain disease.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do patients who receive a steroid injection in the EPB subcompartment alone have lower pain scores at 6 weeks and at 3 months after US-guided injection compared with patients who receive an injection in both subcompartments? (2) Do patients who receive a steroid injection in the EPB subcompartment alone experience fewer steroid injection-related complications than patients who receive an injection in both subcompartments?

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was performed at a single center between August 2018 and March 2021. Patients with a diagnosis of de Quervain disease and with a complete intracompartmental septum between the APL and the EPB tendons were included. In total, 112 patients had a diagnosis of de Quervain disease during the study period. Definite, complete subcompartmentalization was seen in 50 patients. Patients were randomly assigned to US-guided injections targeting both subcompartments (n = 25) or the EPB subcompartment alone (n = 25). There were no between-group differences in age, gender, affected wrist, or disease duration, and all patients had US evidence of tendinosis of the EPB, with or without tendinosis of the APL. Although 33% of patients (16 of 48) showed tendinosis of the APL, no patient showed tendinosis of the APL alone. In all patients, a dorsal-to-palmar side injection of 0.5 mL of 2% lidocaine and 0.5 mL of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) was administered by two experienced hand surgeons. In the both-subcompartments group, US-guided injections were performed in each of the APL and EPB subcompartments. In the EPB subcompartment group, US-guided injections were administered in the EPB subcompartment only. All patients underwent the same protocol after the procedure. Four percent (n = 2, 1 in each group) of patients were excluded after randomization because their pain level was not registered. Pre- and postinjection clinical outcome assessments were completed by orthopaedic surgery residents not involved in patient management. Patients were regularly examined at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months to evaluate the intensity of pain. We assessed pain by the VAS score, where 0 indicated no pain and 100 the most pain. At baseline, the VAS score was 67 ± 14 in the both-subcompartment group and 67 ± 16 in the EPB subcompartment group (mean difference 0.17 [95% CI -8.45 to 8.82]; p = 0.97). Complications related to the steroid injection, including numbness, tendon rupture, and skin hypopigmentation, were also recorded at final follow-up examinations. To determine statistical power, the VAS score for pain at 6 weeks after the injection was used as the primary outcome variable. The minimum clinically important difference for the VAS score was deemed to be 20 mm, and we estimated an SD of 23. A sample size calculation indicated that a sample of 21 patients per group would provide 80% power to detect an effect of this size between the groups at the p = 0.05 level using a t-test.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the VAS scores between the both-subcompartment group and the EPB group at 6 weeks (10 ± 6 versus 10 ± 7, mean difference -0.08 [95% CI -4.08 to 3.91]; p = 0.97). The same was true at 12 weeks (12 ± 13 versus 11 ± 15, mean difference 0.38 [95% CI -7.74 to 8.49]; p = 0.09). No adverse events related to treatment (such as tendon rupture, infections, and numbness) occurred in either group. However, skin hypopigmentation occurred at the final follow-up examination in both groups. The proportion of patients experiencing skin hypopigmentation in the EPB subcompartment group was lower than in the both-subcompartment group (33% [8 of 24] versus 67% [16 of 24]; odds ratio 0.25 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.83]; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that a US-guided steroid injection targeting the EPB subcompartment alone is as effective in terms of pain reduction as targeting both subcompartments in patients with de Quervain disease who have complete septation. Furthermore, an injection targeting the EPB subcompartment alone can reduce the dose of steroids used, perhaps thereby decreasing complications related to steroid injections. We recommend using only single-compartment injections in this context, even among patients with an intracompartmental septum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Analysis of Fracture Characteristic and Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Relationships in Terrible Triad Elbow Injuries

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to identify the relationship between fracture characteristics and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in terrible triad injuries of the elbow.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2018, 60 patients who underwent surgery for terrible triad elbow injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments, patients were stratified into those who had intact or low-grade partial MCL tears (low-grade MRI-MCL group) and those who had high-grade partial or full-thickness MCL tears (high-grade MRI-MCL group). We also analyzed patients according to whether they underwent MCL repair surgery. Fractures of the radial head were assessed according to Mason's classification system and measurements of fracture fragment arc on axial cuts. Fractures of the coronoid processes were assessed according to the system of Regan and Morrey and measurements of coronoid process volumes.

RESULTS

Patients in the high-grade MRI-MCL group (28 patients) had a more comminuted and higher fragment arc of radial head fractures than those in the low-grade MRI-MCL group (32 patients) (143º ± 45º vs 119º ± 31º). However, the volume of coronoid fracture fragments was smaller in the high-grade MRI-MCL than in the low-grade MRI-MCL group (359 ± 325 mm³ vs 722 ± 448 mm³). The MCL repair group (22 patients) also had a more comminuted and higher fragment arc in radial head fractures (153º ± 44º vs 117º ± 31º) and a smaller coronoid process fracture volume (236 ± 224 mm³ vs 735 ± 419 mm³) than the non-MCL repair group (38 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that high-grade MCL injuries are associated with comminuted and larger-sized radial head fractures, as well as smaller-sized coronoid process fractures in terrible triad injuries. In making a decision regarding surgical treatment, these fracture characteristics could help to predict the severity for MCL injury in terrible triad injuries.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Prenylflavonoids isolated from Macaranga tanarius stimulate odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and tooth root formation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B pathways

AIM

To identify odontogenesis-promoting compounds and examine the molecular mechanism underlying enhanced odontoblast differentiation and tooth formation.

METHODOLOGY

Five different nymphaeols, nymphaeol B (NB), isonymphaeol B (INB), nymphaeol A (NA), 3'-geranyl-naringenin (GN) and nymphaeol C (NC) were isolated from the fruit of Macaranga tanarius. The cytotoxic effect of nymphaeols on human DPSCs was observed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of nymphaeols on odontoblast differentiation was analysed with Alizarin Red S staining and odontoblast marker expression was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated with Western blot analysis. In order to examine the effect of INB on dentine formation in the developing tooth germ, INB-soaked beads were placed under the tooth bud explants in the collagen gel; thereafter, the tooth bud explant-bead complexes were implanted into the sub-renal capsules for 3 weeks. Tooth root formation was analysed using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM) values of three independent experiments, and results are compared using a two-tailed Student's t-test. The data were considered to have statistical significance when the P-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Three of the compounds, NB, INB, and GN, did not exert a cytotoxic effect on human DPSCs. However, INB was most effective in promoting the deposition of calcium minerals in vitro (P < 0.001) and induced the expression of odontogenic marker genes (P < 0.05). Moreover, this compound strongly induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase B (AKT) (P < 0.05). The inhibition of p38 MAP, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AKT substantially suppressed the INB-induced odontoblast differentiation (P < 0.001). In addition, isonymphaeol B significantly induced the formation of dentine and elongation of the tooth root in vivo (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenylflavonoids, including INB, exerted stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation and tooth root and dentine formation via the MAP kinase and AKT signalling pathways. These results suggest that nymphaeols could stimulate the repair processes for dentine defects or injuries.

Initial Experience With Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy: Training and Clinical Practice as a General Surgeon

BACKGROUND

To analyze our initial results of hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy, executed by a skilled gastrointestinal surgeon.

METHODS

A total of 22 consecutive patients underwent the hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy between December 2014 and January 2017. We retrospectively analyze the patient's perioperative clinical data, which were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

The right kidney was harvested in 12 patients. The mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss was 241.0 ± 43.4 minutes (range, 140-310 min) and 293.2 ± 203.1 mL (range, 50-700 mL), respectively. The mean warm ischemic time was 288.4 ± 103.4 seconds (range, 179-610 s). Postoperative complications included chyle leakage in 2 patients who were left kidney donors and oliguria in 1 patient who was a right kidney donor. All patients recovered with conservative care, and the mean hospital stay was 7.5 ± 1.7 days. The mean creatinine level was 0.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL before surgery, 1.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL at postoperative day (POD) 1, and 1.0 ± 0.2 mg/dL after discharge. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 97.9 ± 18.2 mL/min/1.73 m² before surgery, 60.7 ± 10.4 at POD 1, and 67.3 ± 11.1 after discharge. Operation time was not associated with patient body mass index and case number. No significant differences, other than postoperative complications, were found in the perioperative data for the side of kidney donation.

CONCLUSION

A skilled surgeon with experience in laparoscopic abdominal surgery (such as gastrectomy or colectomy) might safely perform hand-assisted donor nephrectomy. However, we could not identify a clear case number to complete the learning curve.

SUMOylation of nonstructural 5A protein regulates hepatitis C virus replication

Viruses exploit cellular SUMOylation machinery to favour their own propagation. We show that NS5A is a target protein of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and is SUMOylated at lysine residue 348. We demonstrated that SUMOylation increased protein stability of NS5A by inhibiting ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation was also required for protein interaction with NS5B. These data imply that SUMO modification may contribute to HCV replication. Indeed, silencing of UBC9 impaired HCV replication in Jc1-infected cells, and HCV replication level was also significantly reduced in SUMO-defective subgenomic replicon cells. Taken together, these data indicate that HCV replication is regulated by SUMO modification of NS5A protein. We provide evidence for the first time that HCV exploits host cellular SUMO modification system to favour its own replication.

Establishment of isolation and expansion protocols for human cardiac C-kit-positive progenitor cells for stem cell therapy

Although cardiac stem cells (CSCs) have emerged in regeneration research, the number of isolated CSCs is low, making a sufficient supply of functional elements an important consideration in cardiovascular research. In this study, we established an efficient method for CSC isolation. We directly compared cultures of single cells to human cardiac-derived c-kit-positive progenitor cells (hCPCs(c-kit+)). The two protocols employed enzymatically digested hCPCs(c-kit+) (ED-hCPCs) with tissue-expanded hCPC(c-kit+) (TE-hCPCs). Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we showed the concentration of c-kit in TE-hCPCs to be higher than in ED-hCPCs, although the total number of c-kit positive cells resulting from ED-hCPCs was similar to that resulting from TE-hCPCs. The cardiomyocyte-associated proteins, GATA4 and Nkx2-5, which were expressed during hCPCs expansion, did not differ between the isolation methods. Importantly, the expression of the CSC stem cell marker, c-kit, was more efficiently preserved using the ED-hCPCs versus the TE-hCPCs method. In a cell proliferation assay, the ED-hCPCs method produced a significantly greater number of cells. Finally, hCPCs derived using both protocols differentiated into endothelial, smooth muscle, and cardiomyocyte lineages. In conclusion, the single-cell culture protocol using an enzymatic digestion method may be more useful to isolate human cardiac-derived c-kit-positive elements compared with the tissue expansion method.

Suppression of PU.1-linked TLR4 expression by cilostazol with decrease of cytokine production in macrophages from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The present study assessed the effects of cilostazol on LPS-stimulated TLR4 signal pathways in synovial macrophages from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These effects were confirmed in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Expression of TLR4, PU.1, NF-κB p65 and IκBα on synovial fluid macrophages from RA patients was determined by Western blotting, and cytokines were measured by ELISA. Anti-arthritic effects were evaluated in CIA mice.

KEY RESULTS

Intracellular cAMP was concentration-dependently raised by cilostazol (1-100 μM). Cilostazol significantly suppressed LPS-stimulated increase of TLR4 expression by blocking PU.1 transcriptional activity in RA macrophages. In addition, cilostazol decreased LPS-induced myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression, but not that of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Cilostazol also suppressed IkBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Moreover, LPS-induced increase of cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β) was inhibited by cilostazol, an effect which was accompanied by suppression of IκBα degradation, and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. However, expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated by cilostazol and forskolin/IBMX. In mice with CIA, post-treatment with cilostazol (30 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) decreased expression of TLR4 in knee joints in association with decreased recruitment of macrophages. Consequently, synovial inflammation, proteoglycan depletion and bone erosion were significantly inhibited by cilostazol treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Cilostazol down-regulated LPS-stimulated PU.1-linked TLR4 expression and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathways, and then suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in synovial macrophages from RA patients. Also cilostazol markedly inhibited the severity of CIA in mice.

Temperature evolution of itinerant ferromagnetism in SrRuO3 probed by optical spectroscopy

The temperature (T) dependence of the optical conductivity spectra σ(ω) of a single crystal SrRuO(3) thin film is studied over a T range from 5 to 450 K. We observed significant T dependence of the spectral weights of the charge transfer and interband d-d transitions across the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (T(c) ∼ 150 K). Such T dependence was attributed to the increase in the Ru spin moment, which is consistent with the results of density functional theory calculations. T scans of σ(Ω,T) at fixed frequencies Ω reveal a clear T(2) dependence below T(c), demonstrating that the Stoner mechanism is involved in the evolution of the electronic structure. In addition, σ(Ω,T) continues to evolve at temperatures above T(c), indicating that the local spin moment persists in the paramagnetic state. This suggests that SrRuO(3) is an intriguing oxide system with itinerant ferromagnetism.

Reliable polarization switching of BiFeO3

As a room temperature multi-ferroic with coexisting anti-ferromagnetic, ferroelectric and ferroelastic orders, BiFeO(3) has been extensively studied to realize magnetoelectric devices that enable manipulation of magnetic ordering by an electric field. Moreover, BiFeO(3) is a promising candidate for ferroelectric memory devices because it has the largest remanent polarization (P(r)>100 μC cm(-2)) of all ferroelectric materials. For these applications, controlling polarization switching by an electric field plays a crucial role. However, BiFeO(3) has a complex switching behaviour owing to the rhombohedral symmetry: ferroelastic (71°, 109°) and ferroelectric (180°) switching. Furthermore, the polarization is switched through a multi-step process: 180° switching occurs through three sequential 71° switching steps. By using monodomain BiFeO(3) thin-film heterostructures, we correlated such multi-step switching to the macroscopically observed reliability issues of potential devices such as retention and fatigue. We overcame the retention problem (i.e. elastic back-switching of the 71° switched area) using monodomain BiFeO(3) islands. Furthermore, we suppressed the fatigue problem of 180° switching, i.e. loss of switchable polarization with switching cycles, using a single 71° switching path. Our results provide a framework for exploring a route to reliably control multiple-order parameters coupled to ferroelastic order in other rhombohedral and lower-symmetry materials.

Switchable induced polarization in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

Demonstration of a tunable conductivity of the LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) interfaces drew significant attention to the development of oxide electronic structures where electronic confinement can be reduced to the nanometer range. While the mechanisms for the conductivity modulation are quite different and include metal-insulator phase transition and surface charge writing, generally it is implied that this effect is a result of electrical modification of the LaAlO(3) surface (either due to electrochemical dissociation of surface adsorbates or free charge deposition) leading to the change in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density at the LaAlO(3)/SrTiO(3) (LAO/STO) interface. In this paper, using piezoresponse force microscopy we demonstrate a switchable electromechanical response of the LAO overlayer, which we attribute to the motion of oxygen vacancies through the LAO layer thickness. These electrically induced reversible changes in bulk stoichiometry of the LAO layer are a signature of a possible additional mechanism for nanoscale oxide 2DEG control on LAO/STO interfaces.

Giant piezoelectricity on Si for hyperactive MEMS

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating active piezoelectric layers offer integrated actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad implementation of such active MEMS has long been constrained by the inability to integrate materials with giant piezoelectric response, such as Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT). We synthesized high-quality PMN-PT epitaxial thin films on vicinal (001) Si wafers with the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO(3) template layer with superior piezoelectric coefficients (e(31,f) = -27 ± 3 coulombs per square meter) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energy-harvesting systems. We have incorporated these heterostructures into microcantilevers that are actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thin-film piezoelectric properties that rival bulk PMN-PT single crystals. These epitaxial heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical coupling for ultrasound medical imaging, microfluidic control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.

Coherent Brillouin spectroscopy in a strongly scattering liquid by picosecond ultrasonics

In a modification of a picosecond ultrasonic technique, a short acoustic pulse is launched into a liquid sample by a laser pulse absorbed in a semitransparent transducer film and is detected via coherent Brillouin scattering of a time-delayed probe pulse. With both excitation and probing performed from the transducer side, the arrangement is suitable for in vivo study of biological tissues. The signal is collected from a micrometer-thick layer next to the transducer and is not affected by the diffuse scattering of probe light deeper in the sample. The setup, utilizing a 33 nm thick single crystal SrRuO(3) transducer film, is tested on a full fat milk sample, with 11 GHz acoustic frequency recorded.

Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV with hepatitis A can affect clinical feature of childhood hepatitis

AIMS

Some children with acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have concurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation serologically. We studied the frequency of EBV reactivation during HAV infection and determined whether simultaneous occurrence of EBV reactivation and HAV infection affected the clinical features of HAV infection.

METHODS

The medical records of patients under 19 years of age diagnosed with acute hepatitis A between January 1996 and June 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 72 patients with acute hepatitis A, 22 patients (30.6%) had EBV reactivation. A markedly prolonged duration of full recovery from hepatitis was observed in reactivated group. The peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated group were higher than non-reactivated group (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Higher peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated subgroups over 10 years old were observed compared to non-reactivated subgroup (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001, respectively). Duration of recovery showed significant differences between two subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV and HAV infections is common. EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical feature of hepatitis. Therefore, we should keep in mind that the concurrence especially in older children may cause worse injury to the liver.

Ferroelectricity in strain-free SrTiO3 thin films

Biaxial strain is known to induce ferroelectricity in thin films of nominally nonferroelectric materials such as SrTiO3. By a direct comparison of the strained and strain-free SrTiO3 films using dielectric, ferroelectric, Raman, nonlinear optical and nanoscale piezoelectric property measurements, we conclude that all SrTiO3 films and bulk crystals are relaxor ferroelectrics, and the role of strain is to stabilize longer-range correlation of preexisting nanopolar regions, likely originating from minute amounts of unintentional Sr deficiency in nominally stoichiometric samples. These findings highlight the sensitive role of stoichiometry when exploring strain and epitaxy-induced electronic phenomena in oxide films, heterostructures, and interfaces.

Template engineering of Co-doped BaFe2As2 single-crystal thin films

Understanding new superconductors requires high-quality epitaxial thin films to explore intrinsic electromagnetic properties and evaluate device applications. So far, superconducting properties of ferropnictide thin films seem compromised by imperfect epitaxial growth and poor connectivity of the superconducting phase. Here we report new template engineering using single-crystal intermediate layers of (001) SrTiO(3) and BaTiO(3) grown on various perovskite substrates that enables genuine epitaxial films of Co-doped BaFe(2)As(2) with a high transition temperature (T(c,rho=0) of 21.5 K, where rho=resistivity), a small transition width (DeltaT(c)=1.3 K), a superior critical current density J(c) of 4.5 MA cm(-2) (4.2 K) and strong c-axis flux pinning. Implementing SrTiO(3) or BaTiO(3) templates to match the alkaline-earth layer in the Ba-122 with the alkaline-earth/oxygen layer in the templates opens new avenues for epitaxial growth of ferropnictides on multifunctional single-crystal substrates. Beyond superconductors, it provides a framework for growing heteroepitaxial intermetallic compounds on various substrates by matching interfacial layers between templates and thin-film overlayers.

Ferroelastic switching for nanoscale non-volatile magnetoelectric devices

Multiferroics, where (anti-) ferromagnetic, ferroelectric and ferroelastic order parameters coexist, enable manipulation of magnetic ordering by an electric field through switching of the electric polarization. It has been shown that realization of magnetoelectric coupling in a single-phase multiferroic such as BiFeO(3) requires ferroelastic (71 degrees, 109 degrees) rather than ferroelectric (180 degrees) domain switching. However, the control of such ferroelastic switching in a single-phase system has been a significant challenge as elastic interactions tend to destabilize small switched volumes, resulting in subsequent ferroelastic back-switching at zero electric field, and thus the disappearance of non-volatile information storage. Guided by our phase-field simulations, here we report an approach to stabilize ferroelastic switching by eliminating the stress-induced instability responsible for back-switching using isolated monodomain BiFeO(3) islands. This work demonstrates a critical step to control and use non-volatile magnetoelectric coupling at the nanoscale. Beyond magnetoelectric coupling, it provides a framework for exploring a route to control multiple order parameters coupled to ferroelastic order in other low-symmetry materials.

Inhibitory effects of orobol 7-O-D-glucoside from banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) on human rhinoviruses replication

AIMS

The anti-human rhinovirus (HRV) activity of orobol 7-O-d-glucoside (O7G) from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Lythraceae) was evaluated in Hela cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We tested anti-HRV activity of O7G using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method, which exhibited broad-spectrum anti-HRVs activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) ranging from 0.58 to 8.80 microg ml(-1). The 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC(50)) of O7G is more than 100 microg ml(-1), and the derived therapeutic indices are more than 12. Ribavirin didn't possess antiviral activity against HRV15, HRV3 and HRV5, but exhibited weak antiviral activity against HRV2 and HRV3, and showed strong anti-HRV6 and -14 activities.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that O7G is a novel drug class with broad spectrum antiviral activity against HRV species A (HRV1B, HRV2, HRV15 and HRV40) and species B (HRV3, HRV6 and HRV14), as well as pleconaril-resistant virus (HRV5).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Therefore, these findings provide important information for the utilization of Q7G promising broad spectrum for human rhinovirus treatment.

Antiviral activity of raoulic acid from Raoulia australis against Picornaviruses

RNA viruses are a major source of respiratory diseases worldwide. The lack of effective therapeutical treatment underlines the importance of research for new antiviral compounds. Raoulic acid is a principal ingredient of the plant Raoulia australis Hook. F. Antiviral assay using cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method showed that raoulic acid possessed strong antiviral activity against human rhinovirus 2 (HRV2) with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) value of less than 0.1mug/ml, human rhinovirus 3 (HRV3) with a IC(50) value of 0.19 microg/ml, coxsackie B3 (CB3) virus with IC(50) values of 0.33 microg/ml, coxsackie B4 (CB4) virus with IC(50) values of 0.40 microg/ml, and enterovirus 71 (EV71) virus with IC(50) values of less than 0.1 microg/ml. However, the compound did not possess antiviral activity against influenza A (Flu A/PR, Flu A/WS, H1N1) and B viruses at four concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 microg/ml.

Strain-induced polarization rotation in epitaxial (001) BiFeO3 thin films

Direct measurement of the remanent polarization of high quality (001)-oriented epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films shows a strong strain dependence, even larger than conventional (001)-oriented PbTiO3 films. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that a strain-induced polarization rotation mechanism is responsible for the large change in the out-of-plane polarization of (001) BiFeO3 with biaxial strain while the spontaneous polarization itself remains almost constant.

Electrical control of antiferromagnetic domains in multiferroic BiFeO3 films at room temperature

Multiferroic materials, which offer the possibility of manipulating the magnetic state by an electric field or vice versa, are of great current interest. In this work, we demonstrate the first observation of electrical control of antiferromagnetic domain structure in a single-phase multiferroic material at room temperature. High-resolution images of both antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric domain structures of (001)-oriented multiferroic BiFeO3 films revealed a clear domain correlation, indicating a strong coupling between the two types of order. The ferroelectric structure was measured using piezo force microscopy, whereas X-ray photoemission electron microscopy as well as its temperature dependence was used to detect the antiferromagnetic configuration. Antiferromagnetic domain switching induced by ferroelectric polarization switching was observed, in agreement with theoretical predictions.

Patterns of eating and movement that best maintain reduction in overweight

Two studies of the influences of specific patterns of eating and exercising behaviour on body weight in English Midlands women were re-analysed using correlations as the measure of effect size. As predicted from computational modelling of hunger-sating mechanisms, avoiding energy-containing drinks and foods at the ends of and between meals was the behaviour most influencing year-long weight loss. However, although eating between meals is often called snacking, the term 'snack' appeared to be too ambiguous in this culture for its use in helping efforts to control weight. Avoidance of particular sorts of fat-rich foods was also associated with longer-term weight loss. Attempts at severe restriction of intake at mealtimes were associated with weight loss during a period of intensive dieting, but did not contribute to maintenance of that weight reduction. Using diet formulae to attain rapid weight loss was associated with significant weight gain over a year. These results support the suggestion that the first line of defence against weight gain is avoiding all sources of energy during drink breaks, with personally relevant advice on lower fat versions of particular foods also being important. Continued neglect of the behaviour-specific correlational approach to gaining evidence for less fattening habits does nothing to slow the rise in obesity.

Mutational analysis of forkhead transcriptional factor 2 (FOXL2) in Korean patients with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome

We screened for mutations in the forkhead transcription factor gene, FOXL2, in Korean patients with sporadic or familial blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) by polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing. Five of nine BPES families and three of seven sporadic cases were detected to have FOXL2 mutations. We identified four types of FOXL2 mutations, two of which are novel. A new 14 bp deletion (939-952del14) causing a frameshift from G235W and the extension of the predicted protein to 527 amino acids was detected in a BPES family patient. In addition, a novel 845C > A transversion, resulting in a nonsense mutation (S203X), was found in a sporadic case of BPES. The previously reported in-frame 30 bp duplication (909-938dup30) was the most common mutation and was found in eight patients of four BPES families and one sporadic case. A known 17 bp duplication (1080-1096dup17) was observed in a sporadic BPES case. We were unable to find a causal mutation in four BPES families and four sporadic cases. These results suggest that in a fraction of BPES patients, the genetic defect might be associated with a mutation in the non-coding region of the FOXL2 gene or in other genes.

The first atisane diterpenoids from a liverwort: polyols from Lepidolaena clavigera

Two new diterpenoids were isolated from the New Zealand liverwort Lepidolaena clavigera. Spectroscopic studies identified the structures as atisanes 1 and 2, with an unprecedented level of oxygenation. This is the first report of the atisane skeleton from a liverwort. Compound 2 showed cytotoxic and insecticidal activity. [structure: see text]

Temporal regulation of a paired-like homeodomain repressor/TLE corepressor complex and a related activator is required for pituitary organogenesis

Understanding the functional significance of the coordinate expression of specific corepressors and DNA-binding transcription factors remains a critical question in mammalian development. During the development of the pituitary gland, two highly related paired-like homeodomain factors, a repressor, Hesx1/Rpx and an activator, Prop-1, are expressed in sequential, overlapping temporal patterns. Here we show that while the repressive actions of Hesx1/Rpx may be required for initial pituitary organ commitment, progression beyond the appearance of the first pituitary (POMC) lineage requires both loss of Hesx1 expression and the actions of Prop-1. Although Hesx1 recruits both the Groucho-related corepressor TLE1 and the N-CoR/Sin3/HDAC complex on distinct domains, the repressor functions of Hesx1 in vivo prove to require the specific recruitment of TLE1, which exhibits a spatial and temporal pattern of coexpression during pituitary organogenesis. Furthermore, Hesx1-mediated repression coordinates a negative feedback loop with FGF8/FGF10 signaling in the ventral diencephalon, required to prevent induction of multiple pituitary glands from oral ectoderm. Our data suggest that the opposing actions of two structurally-related DNA-binding paired-like homeodomain transcription factors, binding to similar cognate elements, coordinate pituitary organogenesis by reciprocally repressing and activating target genes in a temporally specific fashion, on the basis of the actions of a critical, coexpressed TLE corepressor.

Inhibitory effect on immunoglobulin E production in vivo and in vitro by Siegesbeckia glabrescens

Elevated levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)E are associated with immediate-type allergic reactions. The effect of an aqueous extract of Siegesbeckia glabrescens (Compositae) whole plants (SGWP) on in vivo and in vitro IgE production was studied in mice. SGWP dose-dependently inhibited the active systemic anaphylaxis and serum IgE production induced by immunization with ovalbumin and Bordetella pertussis toxin absorbed to aluminium hydroxide gel. SGWP dose-dependently inhibited IL-4-dependent IgE production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine whole spleen cells. In the case of U266 human IgE-bearing B cells, SGWP also showed an inhibitory effect on IgE production. These results suggest that SGWP has an anti-allergic activity by inhibiting IgE production from B cells.

Effect of Phospholipase C-gamma1 Overexpression on the Protein Level of Waf1, PCNA, and Cyclin B1 Following Ultraviolet C Irradiation

PURPOSE

It has been demonstrated that PLC-gamma1 is overexpressed in many tumor cells, and that overexpression of Phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 is associated with tumor progression. In order to understand the effect of the PLC-gamma1 overexpression on the regulation of cell cycle regulators following DNA damage, we analyzed the expression level of PCNA, cyclin B1, and p21 Waf1 after ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation in PLC-gamma1-transfected PC12 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC12 and 3Y1 cells, transfected with empty vector or rat PLC-gamma1 cDNA, were used for this study. Following UVC irradiation, cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry and protein expression was detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Waf1 protein was markedly down-regulated, whereas PCNA and cyclin B1 was up-regulated in PLC-gamma1 overexpressed-cells as compared to the vector transfected-cells. When the cells were irradiated with UVC, PCNA was slightly increased within 3-hours of the UV irradiation and then was markedly decreased in Vector/ PC12 cells, while it remained high until 37 hour after UVC in PLC-gamma1/PC12 cells. In contrast, cyclin B1 was gradually decreased following UVC irradiation in both cells.

CONCLUSION

The overexpression of PLC-gamma1 affects the expression level of PCNA after UVC irradiation. We proposed that the overexpression of PLC-gamma1 may contribute to the UV-induced genomic instability by up-regulating the expression of PCNA.

Group IIA secretory phospholipase A(2) stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase expression via ERK and NF-kappaB in macrophages

The mammalian group IIA secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) is believed to play an important role in inflammation and cell injury. The present study underlines the importance of group IIA sPLA(2) in the regulation of iNOS. Treatment of cells with sPLA(2) induced protein expression and mRNA accumulation of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. The pretreatment of cells with rho-BPB or SCA, selective sPLA(2) inhibitors, inhibited sPLA(2)-induced iNOS expression. sPLA(2) stimulated the simultaneous activation of two classes of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK and JNK, but did not stimulate p38 MAPK. PD98059, a selective MEK inhibitor, inhibited sPLA(2)-induced nitrite production and iNOS expression as well as ERK phosphorylation. In addition, pretreatment of rho-BPB or SCA also resulted in inhibition of sPLA(2)-induced ERK phosphorylation. The sPLA(2) signaling mechanisms involving the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB were studied in the same cells. That stimulation of cells with sPLA(2) caused NF-kappaB activation in a time-dependent manner was shown by the detection of NF-kappaB-specific DNA-protein binding and by IkappaBalpha degradation. sPLA(2)-induced NF-kappaB activation was prevented in the presence of rho-BPB. Furthermore, the NF-kappaB inhibitor PDTC suppressed sPLA(2)-induced nitrite production and iNOS expression as well as IkappaBalpha degradation. The results strongly suggest that group IIA sPLA(2) induces iNOS in macrophages and that this induction occurs through ERK and NF-kappaB.

Arsenic trioxide induces G2/M growth arrest and apoptosis after caspase-3 activation and bcl-2 phosphorylation in promonocytic U937 cells

Arsenic trioxide has recently been shown to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but little is known about the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects. Here we demonstrate that treatment of promonocytic U937 cells with arsenic trioxide leads to G2/M arrest which was associated with a dramatic increase in the levels of cyclin B and cyclin B-dependent kinase and apoptosis. We further show that apoptosis occurs after bcl-2 phosphorylation and caspase-3 activation followed by cleavage of PARP and PLC-gamma1 degradation and DNA fragmentation. The arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis could be blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. In addition, pretreatment of U937 cells with the DNA polymerase inhibitor aphidicolin also blocked apoptosis, but did not cause the arrest of cells in the G2/M phase. The findings suggest that arsenic trioxide exerts its growth-inhibitory effects by modulating expression and/or activity of several key G2/M regulatory proteins. Furthermore, arsenic trioxide-mediated G2/M arrest correlates with the onset of apoptosis.

Role of protein kinase Cdelta in transmitting hypoxia signal to HSF and HIF-1

An hypoxic microenvironment is an important modulator of gene expression in many pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we show a coordinate activation of heat shock transcription factor (HSF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in RIF tumor cells by hypoxia. Since heat shock protein (hsp) and angiogenic factor genes that are regulated by HSF and HIF-1 are thought to contribute to the malignant progression of hypoxic tumor cells, it was of our major interest to identify the components that are responsible for the activation of both HSF and HIF-1. Our finding that a bioflavonoid quercetin (QCT), a well known inhibitor of hsp gene expression, significantly inhibited the transcriptional activation of HSF and HIF-1 strongly suggests that QCT-sensitive molecule(s) is involved in the transcriptional activation of HSF and HIF-1 by hypoxia. Our results revealed that PCKalpha, delta and epsilon isoforms are expressed in RIF cells, but only PKCdelta was specifically translocated to the membrane by hypoxia. Our results also revealed that the translocation of PKCdelta was completely abrogated by QCT. Moreover, inhibiting the PKCdelta activation, either pharmacologically with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or with bisindolymaleimide II or genetically by transient transfection of a dominant negative PKCdelta, significantly inhibited the transcriptional activation of HSF and HIF-1 by hypoxia. These results strongly substantiate a view that the PKCdelta isozyme is the QCT-sensitive molecule that plays an important role in transmitting hypoxia signals to both HSF and HIF-1. Here we show that the membrane translocation of PKCdelta is dependent on the activation of phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Treatment with PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin or LY294002, abrogated not only PKCdelta translocation but the subsequent transcriptional activation of HSF and HIF-1 by hypoxia. Together, our study shows that the PKCdelta isozyme acts as a shared component in transmitting hypoxia-induced signals to both HSF and HIF-1, and that the upstream regulator of PKCdelta is PI3K.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulates proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P13-kinase) is an enzyme that acts as a direct biochemical link between a novel phosphatidylinositol pathway and a number of proteins containing intrinsic or associated kinase activities. Here we demonstrate that wortmannin, P13-kinase inhibitor, decreases the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and that another structurally unrelated inhibitor of P13-kinase, LY294002. also inhibits the proliferation. These results indicate a possible involvement of P13-kinase in RAW 264.7 macrophages growth regulation. Wortmannin stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages is followed by sustained expression of the mRNA of c-fos and a transient expression of the mRNA of c-jun. We also show that the wortmannin and LY294002 induce a cell cycle arrest in asynchronously growing cells leading to an inhibition of cell proliferation after 12 h of treatment. In addition, wortmannin or LY294002 inhibited the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced macrophages proliferation potently. These results suggest that P13-kinase plays an important role in growth regulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and that protein kinase C is a down stream effector of P13-kinase.

Novel findings in inhibition of mast cell-dependent immediate-type cutaneous reactions by Gahmi-Shini-San

This report describes an inhibitory effect of Gahmi-Shini-San (GSS) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. GSS is an Oriental herbal medication, which has been successfully used in Korea for the treatment of allergic disorders, mainly skin anaphylactic diseases. GSS inhibited the ear swelling response induced by intradermal injection of compound 48/80 in a mouse model on a concentration-dependent basis. The mast cells in mouse ear tissue were stained by alcian blue/nuclear fast red. GSS significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced degranulation from mast cells in ear tissue. GSS dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. We also studied the effect of GSS on mast cell-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by dinitrophenyl IgE antibody. GSS showed inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis following oral administration. These results indicated that GSS has inhibitory effect on mast cell-dependent immediate type cutaneous reactions.

Original sagittal split osteotomy revisited for mandibular distraction

INTRODUCTION

A malformed mandible and an abnormally positioned mandibular foramen make it difficult to plan an ideal osteotomy line for mandibular distraction. In addition, there have been reports of such complications as nonunion, damage and stretch injury of the inferior alveolar nerve and tooth germ damage when conventional osteotomy or corticotomy are used for mandibular distraction. The authors utilized the original sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular distraction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five patients (three unilateral hemifacial microsomia, one bilateral hemifacial microsomia, and one mandibular retrusion) were included in this study of distraction osteogenesis using the sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Extraoral distraction devices were applied to the first four patients. An intraoral device with mono-cortical screw fixation was used for the fifth patient.

RESULT

In all five cases, the results of the distraction were satisfactory. Complications (as listed) of conventional osteotomy when used for distraction were avoided. Satisfactory results were achieved and these were also well maintained postoperatively (mean follow up: 36 months).

CONCLUSION

The authors believe that sagittal osteotomy for mandibular distraction osteogenesis makes it possible, to avoid injury to the inferior alveolar nerve during operation and stretching injury during distraction and to prevent tooth germ injury. It is also possible to diversify the osteotomy line for various force vectors to enlarge the bony contact surface area. Therefore, we suggest that sagittal split ramus osteotomy should be used as a preferred modification of osteotomy for mandibular distraction.

Bone repair of experimentally induced through-and-through defects by Gore-Tex, Guidor, and Vicryl in ferrets: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether improved bone regeneration can be achieved in experimentally induced through-and-through mandibular defects in ferrets and whether there is a quantitative and qualitative difference of regenerated bone with different guided tissue regeneration membranes.

STUDY DESIGN

Through-and-through osseous defects were created at the apices of 16 mandibular premolars of 8 ferrets. The transosseous defects were covered with Gore-Tex, Vicryl, or Guidor membranes. As control, the defects were covered with mucoperiosteal flaps without any membranes.

RESULTS

The control group showed ingrowth of sulcular epithelium into the defect. The Gore-Tex group showed good bone formation, whereas the Vicryl group showed the highest degree of bone formation. Six weeks after the operation, the defect had nearly completely filled with fibered and lamellar bone. Twelve weeks after the operation, mainly lamellar bone was observed. In contrast, the Guidor group was found to have limited bone regeneration.

CONCLUSION

The results of this in vivo study suggest that guided tissue regeneration membranes generally promote and improve bone regeneration in osseous defects of endodontic origin.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a tobacco leaf cDNA encoding a phosphate transporter

Phosphate acquired by roots is translocated to and utilized by the upper part of the plant, where the phosphate transport in the cell is also important in the phosphate metabolism. In order to study the role of the phosphate transporter in the regulation of the phosphate movement across the membranes in leaf cells, we isolated and characterized a 2,059 bp tobacco leaf cDNA clone, NtPT1. The 537 amino acid sequences, deduced from NtPT1, exhibited 93 and 91% identites to one of the high affinity phosphate transporters constitutively expressed in potato and tomato roots, respectively. The NtPT1 contains 12 membrane-spanning domain with a central hydrophilic region. The expression of NtPT1 in the yeast high affinity phosphate transporter mutant strain, NS219, complemented the mutant and promoted cell growth significantly. These results strongly suggest that NtPT1 encodes a functional phosphate transporter and that one of the high affinity phosphate transporters expressed in roots is also expressed in leaves. Southern analysis indicated that tobacco phosphate transporter genes are low copy number genes and members of a small multi-gene family.

Tissue-engineered growth of bone by marrow cell transplantation using porous calcium metaphosphate matrices

In this study we investigated not only osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation on the surface of calcium metaphosphate (CMP) matrices in vitro but also bone formation by ectopic implantation of these cell-matrix constructs in athymic mice in vivo. Interconnected porous CMP matrices with pores 200 microm in size were prepared to use as scaffolds for rat-marrow stromal-cell attachment. Cell-matrix constructs were cultured in vitro, and cell proliferation and ALPase activities were monitored for 56 days. In addition to their being cultured in vitro, cell-matrix constructs were implanted into subcutaneous sites of athymic mice. In vitro these porous CMP matrices supported the proliferation of osteoblastic cells as well as their differentiation, as indicated by high ALPase activity. In vivo the transplanted marrow cells gave rise to bone tissues in the pores of the CMP matrices. A small amount of woven bone formation was detected first at 4 weeks; osteogenesis progressed vigorously with time, and thick lamellar bones that had been remodeled were observed at 12 weeks. These findings demonstrate the potential for using a porous CMP matrix as a biodegradable scaffold ex vivo along with attached marrow-derived mesenchymal cells for transplantation into a site for bone regeneration in vivo.

Alternative splicing in 5'-untranslational region of STK-15 gene, encoding centrosome associated kinase, in breast cancer cell lines

Centrosomes maintain genomic stability by establishing the bipolar spindles during cell division and, execute accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. In this study, we have demonstrated that there are three forms of STK-15 gene in breast cancer cell lines. Alternative splice positions are located in 5'-untranslated region of STK15 gene. The results of in vitro translation experiments revealed that the alternative splicing in the 5'-untranslated region of STK15 had no effect on protein translation. The differential expression patterns of these alternatively spliced STK15 in breast cell lines and primary tumors therefore suggest that STK15 gene transcription may be differentially regulated or stabilized in these cells.

Extra-articular pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: case report and review of the literature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder of the synovial tissue, that usually affects the knee, ankle and other major joints. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint is, however, very rare. We describe a new case of recurrent PVNS arising from the temporomandibular joint that was classified as diffuse extra-articular type and was successfully treated surgically. The etiology and clinical features of PVNS are discussed and the previously reported cases in the literature are reviewed.

Assessment of the relationships among posture, maxillomandibular denture complex, and soft-tissue profile of aesthetic adult Korean women

The objective of this study was to assess the relationships among the posture, the maxillomandibular denture complex, and the soft-tissue profile of aesthetic adult Korean women. From an initial group of 346 women, the authors examined 28 beautiful adult Korean women who had normal vertical and sagittal skeletal relationships and normal occlusion. There were no differences in the inclinations of the incisors to the occlusal planes in the maxilla and the mandible in the data for Korean women vs. Arnett's data for white women. However, the overbite and overjet in Korean women were slightly smaller than in white women. AB to maxillary occlusal plane angle (MxOP) represented the anteroposterior denture base discrepancy to the occlusal plane. Angulation of the maxillary occlusal plane to the Frankfurt (FH) plane and the true vertical line at submasale (TVL) (Sn) was a little steeper in Korean women than in white women. The FH plane was almost parallel to the true horizontal line in Korean women who had normal vertical and sagittal skeletal relationships and normal occlusion. With regard to soft-tissue variables, the upper lip length (Sn-Stms), interlabial gap, upper incisor exposure, nasolabial angle, lip and nose tip projection value, and TVL (Sn)-to-upper lip line (UL) angle showed interracial differences. The results of this study can assist in the diagnosis and treatment planning of orthognathic surgery.

Detection and characterization of a type IIA secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitory protein in human amniotic fluid

Two types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitory protein (PLIP-I, PLIP-II) were detected and isolated from human amniotic fluid by Sephacryl S300 gel filtration chromatography. The lower molecular weight-fraction (PLIP-II) was further purified by Sephadex G75 gel filtration and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Its molecular weight was estimated to be approximately 18 kDa, and it was sensitive to heat treatment. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 (sPLA2 type IIA) by PLIP-II occurred in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 about 0.82/microm), and the effect was stronger on sPLA2 IIA than on pancreatic sPLA2 (IC50 about 3.11 microL). The ratio of the inhibitions of the sPLA2 IIA by PLIP-II remained consistent over an entire range of substrate concentrations. Furthermore, addition of excess Ca2+ at concentrations of up to 10 mm did not antagonize the inhibitory activity of PLIP-II.

Effect of Vitex rotundifolia on immediate-type allergic reaction

We investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Vitex rotundifolia (L.) (Verbenaceae) fruits (VRFE) on the immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro. VRFE (10(-4)-1.0 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. When VRFE was employed in a systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. VRFE (5x10(-1) and 1.0 g/kg) inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. VRFE (10(-3)-1.0 mg/ml) also dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, VRFE (10(-3) mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results suggest that VRFE may be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type allergic reaction.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induces alteration in mucin gene expression and biological properties of colon cancer cells

Phorbol esters such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) have been reported to modulate diverse cellular responses through signal transduction pathways including the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of PMA on mucin gene expression and on the biological properties of a human colon cancer cell line, HM3. The cells were treated for 8 and 24 h with various concentrations of PMA and total RNA was extracted and Northern and slot blot analyses were carried out using MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5AC mucin cDNA probes to assess the steady state levels of mRNA. Spent media were collected and the level of cancer associated carbohydrate antigens (T, Tn, sialyl Tn, sialyl Lex, and sialyl Lea) and matrix-degrading metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity were examined. Trypsinized cells were used for assessing in vitro invasion, motility and adhesion to matrigel. Our results showed that PMA caused upregulation of steady state mRNA levels of MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5AC which was inhibited after treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors. Calphostin C, a highly specific inhibitor of protein kinase C significantly inhibited the PMA induced induction of mRNA levels of MUC2, MUC3, and MUC5AC. The levels of all cancer-associated mucin carbohydrate antigens examined in the media were increased by PMA treatment. PMA also caused an increase in MMPs activity and in in vitro invasion and motility properties, but did not affect adhesion of HM3 cells to matrigel. Thus, PMA caused a significant increase in the expression of all three mucin genes through signaling pathways involving protein kinase C and increased secretion of mucin associated carbohydrate antigens. These changes were associated with increases in MMP activity as well as by increases in the invasive and motility properties of HM3 colon cancer cells. These data suggest that protein kinase C signaling pathways may be involved in mucin gene regulation and in modulating the invasive and metastatic properties of colon cancer cells.

Regulation of IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 gene in NCI-H292 human airway epithelial cells

This study demonstrates for the first time the effects of IL-1beta on the regulation of protein production as well as MUC2 gene transcription in cultured human airway epithelial cells. The effect of IL-1beta on the regulation of MUC2 protein was determined by flow cytometric analysis. The expression level of MUC2 induced by IL-1beta increased in a dose-dependent manner. MUC2 transcripts were detected after 2 h of exposure to IL-1beta and reached maximal level after 8 h. Actinomycin D experiments indicated that the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 expression was controlled by transcriptional regulation. Both RT-PCR and FACS analysis showed that budesonide concomitantly attenuated IL-1beta mediated MUC2 gene as well as protein production levels. Use of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU-486, restored the inhibitory effect of budesonide on the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 protein as well as gene. The data suggest that IL-1beta up-regulates MUC2 gene by transcriptional regulation and that budesonide suppresses the IL-1beta-medicated MUC2 expression via decreased transcriptional activation.

Overexpression of phospholipase Cbeta-1 protects NIH3T3 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death

Oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide range of cellular damage which includes DNA oxidation, membrane lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis. In our study, we found that overexpression of PLC-beta1 in NIH3T3 fibroblasts protected them from cell death occuring in response to oxidative stress. Cell death caused by treatment with prooxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH), H2O2, or CdCl2 was considerably suppressed in PLC-beta1 overexpressed NIH/beta1-14 cells in comparison to control NIH/neo cells. However, overexpression of PLC-beta1 failed to protect the cells from toxicity by diamide or KCN. In addition, while accumulation of c-fos mRNA was observed within 30 min of TBH treatment in vector transfected NIH/neo cells, TBH-induced c-fos mRNA generation was completely suppressed in NIH/beta1-14 cells, while that of c-jun and GAPDH was not affected. These findings suggest that PLC-beta1 may play a role in process that can protect cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death.

Secretory phospholipase A2-potentiated inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by macrophages requires NF-kappa B activation

The effect of secretory group II phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) on the expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and the production of NO by macrophages was investigated. sPLA2 by itself barely stimulated nitrite production and iNOS expression in Raw264.7 cells. However, in combination with LPS, the effects were synergistic. This potentiation was shown for sPLA2 enzymes from sPLA2-transfected stable cells or for purified sPLA2 from human synovial fluid. The effect of PLA2 on iNOS induction appears to be specific for the secretory type of PLA2. LPS-stimulated activation of iNOS was inhibited by the well-known selective inhibitors of sPLA2 such as 12-epi-scalaradial and p-bromophenacyl bromide. In contrast, the cytosolic PLA2-specific inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate and arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone did not affect LPS-induced nitrite production and iNOS expression. Moreover, when we transfected cDNA-encoding type II sPLA2, we observed that the sPLA2-transfected cells produced two times more nitrites than the empty vector or cytosolic PLA2-transfected cells. The sPLA2-potentiated iNOS expression was associated with the activation of NF-kappa B. We found that the NF-kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prevented nitrite production, iNOS induction, and mRNA accumulation by sPLA2 plus LPS in Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, EMSA analysis of the activation of the NF-kappa B involved in iNOS induction demonstrated that pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prevented the NF-kappa B binding by sPLA2 plus LPS. Our findings indicated that sPLA2, in the presence of LPS, is a potent activator of macrophages. It stimulates iNOS expression and nitrite production by a mechanism that requires the activation of NF-kappa B.

Reduced IL-2 but elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE serum levels in patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage

Cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS) may play an important role in functioning as intercellular signals that orchestrate the response to injury. Whether this is a cause or result of the brain disease process is uncertain. We investigated IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IgE in the sera of 38 patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage and 10 normal controls using an originally devised sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that serum levels of IL-2 derived from T helper 1 (Th1) cells were slightly reduced in patients with cerebral infarction, whereas serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells were elevated significantly. IL-4 induces synthesis of IgE in human B cells. Endogenous IL-6 plays an obligatory role in IL-4-dependent human IgE synthesis. We observed that serum IgE levels were elevated significantly in patients with cerebral infarction. However, serum IFN-gamma levels were not elevated significantly in cerebral infarction patients. These findings suggest that elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE levels in the human serum may be an important factor in cerebral infarction during the acute stage. Decrease of IL-2 levels in the serum of patients with cerebral infarction may be a regulatory mechanism.