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Background: The use of germination and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing can improve soyasaponin contents and physiological characteristics. However, no study has sought to identify the active compounds from soyasaponin extracts of black soybean treated by HHP after germination. Therefore, this study was performed to isolate and identify the anti-inflammatory active soyasaponin in black soybean sprouts treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Methods: Black soybeans were germinated for 4 days and subjected to 150 MPa for 24 h. Crude soyasaponin extracts were separated using C18 column chromatography and the active compound was purified by semi-preparative HPLC. After isolating the active compounds, the secretion of inflammatory markers (nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were measured. Result: The anti-inflammatory compounds were identified as Soyasaponin Bb and Bc. The anti-inflammatory compounds were identified as soyasaponin Bb and Bc. Soyasaponin Bc enhanced with increasing HHP treatment time in control. However, enzyme inactivation kept soyasaponin Bc content constantly regardless of HHP treatment time. Therefore, activation of enzyme is a major factor for increasing soyasaponin BC level and anti-inflammatory activity of soybean sprout according to HHP treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Notch1 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in determining cell fate, including cell growth and differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that the antagonistic action of RTK (receptor tyrosine kinase) signaling pathway on the Notch1 signaling pathway is mediated via Ras-PI3K-Akt1. The PI3K-Akt1 signaling pathway was shown to inhibit Notch1 signaling via phosphorylation of RBP-Jk. We observed not only reduced association between Notch1 and RBP-Jk, but also suppression of the Notch1 transcriptional activity. Our results demonstrated that Akt1 functions as a natural inhibitor of the Notch1 signaling pathway via phosphorylation of RBP-Jk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom IrMn-based spin valves through exposure of part of the CoFe pinned layer to O[SUB2] with the structure Ta30/NiFe20/IrMn70/CoFet/oxidation/CoFe(302t)/Cu20/CoFe30/Ta35 (all thickness in angstroms) (oxidation indicates exposure to different O[SUB2] (flows) were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering on thermally oxidized Si (111) substrates. Within the range of O[SUB2] flows (0.4 -2.8 sccm) studied, the value of the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio is seen to be quite low at a relatively large t of .16 Å and a exchange coupling field (H[SUBex]) decreases when the O[SUB2] exposed CoFe surface is too close to IrMn. Under optimal conditions, a MR ratio of 8.6% with (H[SUBex] ∼ 275 Oe for the bottom single spin valve and a MR ratio 12.2% with H[SUBex] ∼ 268/220 Oe for the dual spin valve are obtained. X-ray reflectivity data show smoother interfaces for the spin valves subjected to O[SUB2] exposure. The enhanced MR ratio coupled with the lower interlayer coupling field (H[SUBint]), sheet resistance, and magnetic moment of the specular spin valve can be attributed to an enhanced specularity as a result of smoother interfaces after O[SUB2] exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk factors are well established for Caucasians, but not for Asians. We hypothesized that nutrient intakes, plasma adipokines and/or gestational hormones might be linked to GDM development among pregnant Korean women. This study sought to identify new risk factors for GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to body weight at prepregnancy.Subjects/Methods:All subjects were pregnant women visiting the Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center between June 2006 and March 2009. Non-GDM (n=531) and GDM (n=215) participants were divided into normal-weight and overweight groups according to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) above or below 23 kg/m2 at 24-28th week of gestation. At that time, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, insulin secretory capacity as homeostatic model assessment for β-cell function, anthropometric measurement, nutrient intakes, and plasma levels of adipokines and gestational hormones were determined.Results:GDM women gained more weight in early pregnancy than non-GDM among normal-weight women. GDM was mainly associated with increased insulin resistance in overweight women and decreased insulin secretory capacity in normal-weight women. Plasma visfatin and adiponectin were lower and progesterone levels higher in GDM than non-GDM independent of BMI while plasma resistin levels were higher in non-GDM, but not GDM, overweight women. Energy and saturated fat intakes were higher in GDM independent of body weight, whereas taurine intakes were lower in GDM than non-GDM only in normal-weight women.Conclusions:Low visfatin and adiponectin and high progesterone levels in the circulation and high energy and saturated fat intakes were common risk factors for GDM and pregnancy outcome such as large for gestational age. Daily reference intakes for energy and fat during pregnancy need to be re-evaluated according to prepregnancy BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several methods have been developed to make gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulate in tea, the active ingredients and health benefits vary widely depending on the manufacturing process of tea products. In this study, the levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in tea leaves given the continuous anaerobic condition were investigated. GABA and other free amino acids such as alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, and asparagine were increased in tea leaves after anaerobic treatment, whereas the contents of organic and fatty acids remained almost constant. Compared with untreated tea, anaerobically incubated tea possesses higher (-)- epigallocatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate contents, and lower IC50 values in the 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays, which may indicate that continuous anaerobic incubation enhances antioxidant activity. These results suggest that the continuous anaerobic treatment during manufacturing process may provide high quality GABA tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective:Previous cohort studies examining the association of serum antioxidant levels and risk of colorectal cancer have used a single (baseline) measurement only. In the present study, we assessed the association of serum levels of eight antioxidant nutrients in relation to risk of colorectal cancer, using repeated measurements.Subjects/Methods:Data on a subsample of women in the Women's Health Initiative with repeated measurements of serum retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, lycopene, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol during follow-up were included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:Among 5477 women with baseline serum antioxidant values, 88 incident cases of colorectal cancer were identified over a median follow-up time of 12 years. Serum antioxidants measured at baseline generally showed no association with risk of colorectal cancer, although serum β-carotene at baseline showed a non-significant inverse association with colon cancer alone. Furthermore, using the repeated measurements of β-carotene, the average of all measurements was inversely associated with risk of both colorectal and colon cancer: HRs for highest vs lowest tertile 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.96, and 0.47, 95% CI 0.25-0.88, respectively. No associations were seen with other antioxidant nutrients in the repeated measure analyses.Conclusions:In this study, baseline levels of antioxidant nutrients were not associated with risk of colorectal or colon cancer; however, using repeated measures, a relatively high serum level of β-carotene (average of all measurements) was inversely associated with risk of colon and colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:It is unclear whether circulating insulin or glucose levels are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Few prospective studies have examined this question, and only one study had repeated measurements.Methods:We conducted a prospective study of colorectal cancer risk using the subsample of women in the Women's Health Initiative study whose fasting blood samples, collected at baseline and during follow-up, were analysed for insulin and glucose. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations with colorectal cancer risk in both baseline and time-dependent covariates analyses.Results:Among 4902 non-diabetic women with baseline fasting serum insulin and glucose values, 81 incident cases of colorectal cancer were identified over 12 years of follow-up. Baseline glucose levels were positively associated with colorectal cancer and colon cancer risk: multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) comparing the highest (99.5 mg dl−1) with the lowest tertile (<89.5 mg dl−1): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-3.15 and 2.25, 95% CI: 1.12-4.51, respectively. Serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment were not associated with risk. Analyses of repeated measurements supported the baseline results.Conclusion:These data suggest that elevated serum glucose levels may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study investigated whether chronic exercise suppressed hippocampal neuronal death due to repeated stress followed by i.c.v. kainic acid (KA) injection, and whether cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation contributed to the neuroprotective effect in this experimental paradigm. To achieve the objective, mice were subjected to treadmill running for 8 weeks (19 m/min, 1 h/d, 5 d/wk) followed by seven consecutive days of repeated restraint stress (2 h/d), and then i.c.v. injection of KA (0.05 μg/5 μL). Hippocampal neuronal death was assessed using Nissl staining, and protein levels were measured using Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Hippocampal neuronal loss in mice subjected to restraint stress and KA injection was exacerbated compared with KA injection alone, which was reversed in the hippocampal CA3 region with prior chronic exercise. To further identify the neuroprotective effects of chronic exercise administration on hippocampal insults by repeated stress, levels of stress-related factors were measured. First, there was no significant difference in serum corticosterone and glucocorticoid (Gc) receptor levels in mice with restraint alone and restraint combined with prior chronic exercise. Second, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels were significantly enhanced in restrained mice and were revered in restraint with chronic exercise. However, pCREB levels in the hippocampus in restraint mice with chronic exercise were profoundly increased compared with levels in restraint-alone mice. Among the MAPKs, pERK1/2 levels in restraint mice with chronic exercise were significantly higher than levels in mice with restraint alone. Furthermore, pCaMKII levels in restraint mice with chronic exercise were markedly elevated compared with levels in mice after restraint alone. Prior chronic exercise suppressed KA-induced hippocampal neuronal death in hippocampal CA3 region in restrained mice via declined ROS levels, which was lower MDA and nitrite levels, and activation of CREB, which was mediated by ERK1/2 and CaMKII, suggesting that chronic exercise exerts a protective effect on excitatory neurodegenerative disorders including epileptic seizure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A robust high gain observer for state and unknown inputs/faults estimations for a special class of nonlinear systems is developed in this article. Ensuring the observability of the faults/unknown inputs with respect to the outputs, the faults can be estimated from the sliding surface. Under a Lipschitz condition for the nonlinear part, the high gain observers are designed under some regularity assumptions. In the sliding mode, the convergence of the estimation error dynamics is proven similar to the analysis of high-gain observers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notch1 signaling has a critical function in maintaining a balance among cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Our earlier work showed that the Notch1 intracellular domain interferes with the scaffolding function of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-interacting protein-1 (JIP1), yet the effect of JIP1 for Notch1-recombining binding protein suppressor of hairless (RBP-Jk) signaling remains unknown. Here, we show that JIP1 suppresses Notch1 activity. JIP1 was found to physically associate with either intracellular domain of Notch1 or RBP-Jk and interfere with the interaction between them. Furthermore, we ascertained that JIP1 caused the cytoplasmic retention of RBP-Jk through an interaction between the C-terminal region of JIP1 including Src homology 3 domain and the proline-rich domain of RBP-Jk. We also found that RBP-Jk inhibits JIP1-mediated activation of the JNK1 signaling cascade and cell death. Our results suggest that direct protein-protein interactions coordinate cross-talk between the Notch1-RBP-Jk and JIP1-JNK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ by GW501516, a specific PPARδ ligand, significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This effect of GW501516 was dependent on transforming growth factor-β, and was mediated through the up-regulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist. The inhibitory effect of GW501516 on VSMC proliferation was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G1 to S phase transition, which was accompanied by the induction of p21 and p53 along with decreased cyclin-dependent kinase 4 expression. Inhibition of cell migration by GW501516 was associated with the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in IL-1β-treated VSMCs. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase significantly reduced the GW501516-mediated inhibition of IL-1β-stimulated VSMC proliferation. These results suggest that PPARδ plays an important role in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The growth and development of adipose tissue are thought to be associated with angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. As the composition of the herbal extract called Ob-X has been shown to have both anti-angiogenic and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-inhibiting activities, we hypothesized that growth of adipose tissue can be regulated by Ob-X.Materials and methods:The effects of Ob-X on angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling were measured using in vitro and ex vivo assays. The effects of Ob-X on adipose tissue growth were investigated in nutritionally obese mice.Results:Ob-X inhibited angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation assay in vitro and the rat aortic ring assay ex vivo. Ob-X also suppressed MMP activity in vitro. Administration of Ob-X to high fat diet-induced obese mice produced significant reductions in body weight gain and adipose tissue mass compared with control. The mass of both visceral (VSC) and subcutaneous (SC) fat was reduced in Ob-X-treated mice. The size of adipocytes in VSC and SC adipose tissues was also significantly reduced in Ob-X-treated mice. Ob-X treatment decreased the blood vessel density and MMP activity in VSC adipose tissues of nutritionally obese mice. Ob-X reduced mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF-A and FGF-2) and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9), whereas it increased mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors (TSP-1, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in SC and VSC adipose tissues of nutritionally obese mice.Conclusion:Ob-X, which has anti-angiogenic and MMP-inhibitory activities, reduces adipose tissue mass in nutritionally induced obese mice, providing evidence that adipose tissue growth and development may be prevented by inhibiting angiogenesis. In addition, these data suggest that regulation of adipose tissue growth by inhibiting angiogenesis may alter the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and the MMP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the multiple functions of the mouse lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells in: (i) the development of organized lymphoid tissue, (ii) the generation and maintenance of CD4-dependent immunity in adult lymphoid tissues; and (iii) the regulation of central tolerance in thymus. By contrast with mouse LTi cells, which have been well described, the human equivalent is only just beginning to be characterized. Human LTi-like cells expressing interleukin (IL)-22 have been identified recently and found to differentiate into natural killer (NK) cells. The relationship of LTi cells to NK cells is discussed in the light of several studies reporting a close relationship in the mouse between LTi cells and transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor γt-dependent IL-22 producing NK cells in the gut. We also outline our data suggesting that these cells are present in adult human lymphoid tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein that performs functions in transcriptional regulation and oxidative stress, and the loss of its function is believed to result in the onset of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we report that DJ-1 protects against UV-induced cell death through the suppression of the JNK1 signaling pathway. The results of both binding and kinase studies have revealed that MEKK1 is the direct target of DJ-1. The C-terminus of DJ-1 was crucial to the inhibition of the MEKK1 kinase activity. Wild-type DJ-1 sequesters MEKK1 within the cytoplasm and the L166P mutant facilitates the translocation of MEKK1 toward the nucleus without physical association. Both DJ-1 knockdown and pathogenic L166P mutant were determined to be highly susceptible to the UV-induced activation of the MEKK1-SEK1-JNK1 signaling cascade and cell death. Taken together, our findings show that missense mutation in DJ-1 sensitizes cells to stress-induced cell death through the MEKK1-SEK1-JNK1 signaling pathway, a process, which may trigger the early onset of PD.Cell Death and Differentiation (2008) 15, 1030–1041; doi:10.1038/cdd.2008.26; published online 29 February 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and sapovirus (SaV) induce acute hepatitis and gastroenteritis, respectively, in humans. As pigs have been recognized as an important reservoir for these viruses, we evaluated the infection rates of both viruses using fecal samples collected from post-weaning pigs via RT-PCR methods. In the five swine farms assessed in this study, 3 farms were found to be HEV-positive and 4 farms were SaV-positive. The overall prevalence of HEV and SaV in the pigs was 17.0 and 23.1%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the isolated swine HEVs belonged to genotype 3 and the porcine SaVs belonged to genogroup III. This study proved that both HEV and SaV are prevailing in post-weaning pigs in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:Diazoxide, a well-known opener of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channel, has been demonstrated to exert cardioprotective effect against ischemic injury through the mitoKATP channel and protein kinase C (PKC). We aimed to clarify the role of PKC isoforms and the relationship between the PKC isoforms and the mitoKATP channel in diazoxide-induced cardioprotection.Experimental approach:In H9c2 cells and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, PKC-ɛ activation was examined by Western blotting and kinase assay. Flavoprotein fluorescence, mitochondrial Ca2+ and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by confocal microscopy. Cell death was determined by TUNEL assay.Key results:Diazoxide (100 μM) induced translocation of PKC-ɛ from the cytosolic to the mitochondrial fraction. Specific blockade of PKC-ɛ by either ɛV1-2 or dominant negative mutant PKC-ɛ (PKC-ɛ KR) abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of diazoxide. Diazoxide-induced flavoprotein oxidation was inhibited by either ɛV1-2 or PKC-ɛ KR transfection. Treatment with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) did not affect translocation and activation of PKC-ɛ induced by diazoxide. Transfection with wild type PKC-ɛ mimicked the flavoprotein-oxidizing effect of diazoxide, and this effect was completely blocked by ɛV1-2 or 5-HD. Diazoxide prevented the increase in mitochondrial Ca2+, mitochondrial depolarization and cytochrome c release induced by hypoxia and all these effects of diazoxide were blocked by ɛV1-2 or 5-HD.Conclusions and Implications:Diazoxide induced isoform-specific translocation of PKC-ɛ as an upstream signaling molecule for the mitoKATP channel, rendering cardiomyocytes resistant to hypoxic injury through inhibition of the mitochondrial death pathway.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 1059–1070. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706922; published online 16 October 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the clinical efficacy and technical feasibility of the percutaneously inserted self-expandable nitinol stent (Zilver stent) for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction.Methods: Seventeen patients with malignant tumors involving the intra- or extrahepatic bile duct who presented with obstructive jaundice underwent percutaneous insertion of a self-expandable nitinol stent. We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of patients and evaluated the technical feasibility on stent placement, complications, patient survival, and duration of stent patency.Results: Percutaneous biliary stenting with 27 Zilver stents was performed in 17 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Technical success was 95%. Malposition of the stent was encountered in one patient. Minor technical problems were encountered in two patients: the introducer tip was broken during stent insertion, so endoscopic removal was done. Mean follow-up period for the 17 patients was 182 days (range 29-485 days): nine patients died of progressive disease at a mean follow-up of 151 days (range 61-371days) after stent insertion and eight patients remained alive at the final follow-up of 216 days (range 29-485 days). The median survival period for all patients was 277 days. The stent occlusion rate was 26% and the mean patency period was 280 days. In five patients, seven stents were obstructed by tumor ingrowth and overgrowth. Stent patency rates were 100%, 100%, 75%, 61%, and 41% at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. A late complication, erosive bleeding of the hepatic artery by the stent, developed in one patient.Conclusion: Percutaneous biliary stenting using the nitinol stent is technically feasible and safe and clinically efficacious treatment for malignant biliary obstruction, even with a minor technical problem during stent insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives – To evaluate the respondent burden and patient-perceived content validity of the Parkinson's disease (PD)-specific health status questionnaire PDQ-39, and the linguistic validity of its revised Swedish version. Materials and methods – Eighteen PD patients completed the revised Swedish version of the PDQ-39. Respondent burden was assessed by recording the time taken to complete the questionnaire. Content and linguistic validity was evaluated qualitatively. Results – Patients with mild, moderate and advanced PD needed a mean time of 9.5, 11.3 and 20.1 min, respectively, to complete the PDQ-39. One-third of the patients identified irrelevant items and 50% identified important health-related areas that were missing. Revisions had eliminated previous linguistic problems with the Swedish PDQ-39. Conclusions – Undue respondent burden challenged the appropriateness of the PDQ-39 among patients with more advanced disease. Overall content validity was acceptable but compromised by lack of important content areas. Observations supported the linguistic validity of the revised Swedish PDQ-39. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage kochia (Kochia prostrata ssp. virescens 'Immigrant' is native to the arid and semiarid regions of central Eurasia. It was introduced into the United States in 1966 as PI 314929 and released as a perennial forage shrub in 1984. Kochia americana is a perennial native to the United States, whereas Kochia scorparia is an introduced annual species that became a weed. To assess both the breeding potential and the possibility of genetic contamination, relationships among the 3 Kochia species were analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, sequence tagged site (STS) marker sequences of the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase gene (ndhF), genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (MC-FISH). Seventy decamer random primers yielded 458 polymorphic bands from 9 plants of K. americana, 20 plants of K. prostrata, and 7 plants of K. scoparia. Fifty-four and 55 species-specific RAPD markers were identified for K. americana and K. prostrata, whereas 80 RAPD markers were specific to K. scoparia. Based on the presence or absence of informative RAPD markers, the 3 species always grouped into 3 distinct clusters in a NTSYSpc2.01b-generated dendrogram. The same relationships were found among the 3 Kochia species based on ndhF DNA sequence divergence. Using a set of 7 STS markers that can identify each Kochia species, we did not find a single interspecific hybrid from artificial hybridizations among the 3 Kochia species. In GISH studies, chromosomes of 1 species fluoresced in green only when they were probed by genomic DNA of the same species. Cross-hybridization by genomic DNA of another species was not observed. In FISH studies using pTa71 (for 18S–5.8S–26S rDNAs) and pScT7 (for 5S rDNA) as probes, there were 1, 1 and 3 pTa71 sites and 2, 1, and 1 pScT7 sites in each haplome of K. prostrata, K. americana, and K. scoparia, respectively. It is concluded that these 3 Kochia species are so genomically distinct that gene introgression among them would be extremely rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supernodulation in soybean (Glycine maxL. Merr.) is an important source of nitrogen supply to subterranean ecological systems. Single nucleotide-amplified polymorphism (SNAP) markers for supernodulation should allow rapid screening of the trait in early growth stages, without the need for inoculation and phenotyping. The geneGmNARK(Glycine maxnodule autoregulation receptor kinase), controlling autoregulation of nodulation, was found to have a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) between the wild-type cultivar Sinpaldalkong 2 and its supernodulating mutant, SS2-2. Transversion of A to T at the 959-bp position of theGmNARKsequence results in a change of lysine (AAG) to a stop codon (TAG), thus terminating its translation in SS2-2. Based on the identified SNP inGmNARK, five primer pairs specific to each allele were designed using the WebSnaper program to develop a SNAP marker for supernodulation. One A-specific primer pair produced a band present in only Sinpaldalkong 2, while two T-specific pairs showed a band in only SS2-2. Both complementary PCRs, using each allele-specific primer pair were performed to genotype supernodulation against F2 progeny of Sinpaldalkong 2 × SS2-2. Among 28 individuals with the normal phenotype, eight individuals having only the A-allele-specific band were homozygous and normal, while 20 individuals were found to be heterozygous at the SNP having both A and T bands. Twelve supernodulating individuals showed only the band specific to the T allele. This SNAP marker for supernodulation could easily be analyzed through simple PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Therefore, use of this SNAP marker might be faster, cheaper, and more reproducible than using other genotyping methods, such as a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker, which demand of restriction enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For spatial free vibration of non-symmetric thin-walled circular curved beams, an accurate displacement field is introduced by defining all displacement parameters at the centroidal axis and three total potential energy functionals are consistently derived by degenerating the potential energy for the elastic continuum to that for thin-walled curved beams. The closed-form solutions are newly obtained for in-plane and out-of-plane free vibration analysis of monosymmetric curved beams respectively. Also, two thin-walled curved beam elements are developed using the third and fifth order Hermitian polynomials. In order to illustrate the accuracy and the practical usefulness of the present method, analytical and numerical solutions by this study are presented and compared with previously published results or solutions by ABAQUS'' the shell element. Particularly, effects of the thickness curvature as well as the inextensional condition are investigated on free vibration of curved beams with monosymmetric and non-symmetric cross-sections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of different fuel sources used in grilling on the physicochemical and sensory characterstics of mackerel were investigated. Oak and sawdust charcoals were used as fuel sources. The content of saturated fatty acids was increased during grilling. Histidine was the most predominant amino acid; grilling significantly increased glutamic acid. Mackerel shows a high inosine 5'-monophosphate content that is increased during grilling. Oak charcoal and sawdust charcoal contained high levels of potassium and sodium, respectively. Potassium content was increased at the surface muscle of oak charcoal grilled mackerel (OM). The flavor preference for OM was significantly (p < 0.05%) higher than for sawdust charcoal grilled mackerel. These results indicate that physicochemical and sensory properties of grilled foods can be affected by the fuel source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study on the effectiveness of micromolar concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its non-hydrolyzable analog beta-gamma-methylene ATP on the depolarization of chemorepellents in Tetrahymena thermophila. Background of the study; Materials and methods; Findings; Discussion.

Haemangioma is an extremely rare tumour of the ovary. We describe the CT and MRI findings of a heavily calcified ovarian haemangioma in a 69-year-old woman presenting with adnexal torsion. CT showed a well-circumscribed mass with extensive punctate calcifications, located posterior to the uterus. MR images showed dark signal intensities of the mass on both T1and T2weighted images, with poor enhancement of the mass on contrast-enhanced T1weighted images. MR images also demonstrated a beak-like protrusion from the adnexal mass, representing the adnexal torsion. This is the first case report of a heavily calcified ovarian haemangioma in the English literature. Although rare, ovarian haemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a heavily calcified adnexal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about the case of 28-year old primigravida with uterine sacculation which is further complicated by the presence of large uterine myoma.

Magnetic properties of Ge/MnAs digital heterostructure grown by molecular beam epitaxy are reported. A Ge (1 nm)/MnAs (0.15 nm) digital heterostructure exhibited ferromagnetic ordering below 335 K. More importantly, the Ge (1 nm)/MnAs (0.15 nm) heterostructure shows an n-type conductivity and an anomalous Hall effect at room temperature. Concurrently, the magnetic phase stabilities of the Ge (1 nm)/MnAs (0.15 nm) digital heterostructure have been investigated using the highly precise all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FLAPW) method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). A total energy calculations reveal that the ferromagnetic coupling between the Mn atoms is energetically favored over the antiferromagnetic (100) and (110) coupling. The Ge (1 nm)/MnAs (0.15 nm) digital heterostructure also showed a possible half-metallic ferromagnetic phase with a 0.25 eV band gap for the minority spin channel, which indicates a promising possible spintronic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which fabricated a spin-valve by direct current magnetron sputtering with stacks of tantalum-nickel iron-iridium manganese-cobalt iron--copper-copper iron-nickel iron-tantalum. Experimental procedure; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

A conventional car silencer is incorporated with several plates containing perforations for the deduction of sound waves from a car exhaust gases. Perforations in tubes or plates facilitate in developing a large variety of comprehensive models for sound attenuation. Exhaust gases passing through unimpeded straight perforated pipe forces the sound waves to dissipate the energy, thereby optimizing the performance and minimizing the back pressure exerted on the engine. On the other hand, the poorly designed perforation can deteriorate the engine performance by increasing the flow back pressure. Owing to the fact, in this work, the numerical model is based on the installation of the perforated plate with distinguishable hole sizes in a uniform circular pipe oriented normally to the mean gas flow direction. The essential function of the perforated plate is to route the gas flow in a non-uniform distribution of holes with various diameters and consequently, establishing the fully developed flow regime inside the pipe. The comprehensive description of flow performance according to the various perforated plate shapes are presented and compared to situations with no perforated plate. This work aims in demonstrating the importance of perforated plate by numerically investigating three different models, namely flat, convex and concave framed plates accomplished with pressure drop. Further, the study shows various flow characteristics associated with the velocity and turbulent intensity profiles as well as the flow uniformity depending on the perforated plates adopted. These results offer a practical guide to the best design of pipe with perforated plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case of a neurofibromatosis male patient with Becker's naevus.

Presents a 35 year old Korean man presented with a history of a solitary yellowish nodule on the right palm. Clinical diagnosis; Indication of excision biopsy; Factors that may be responsible for the concentration of intraepidermally scattered melanocytes and melanin columns in skin furrows.

Presents a letter to the editor about plasma cell leukaemia cutis preferentially localized to recent puncture sites.

This article discusses the development and optimization of a portable endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training simulator using 3D printing techniques. The study aimed to determine if trainees could acquire proficiency in ERCP techniques and improve their skill levels using this model. The training model successfully simulated all steps of the ERCP procedure, with high success rates for duodenoscopy, cannulation, and plastic stent insertion. Trainee satisfaction with the model was also high. Overall, the ERCP-training silicone model was found to be durable, easily simulating ERCP techniques, and helping trainees improve their skills. [Extracted from the article]

Background DA-9701 is a novel prokinetic agent formulated with Pharbitis Semen and Corydalis Tuber. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DA-9701 on stress-induced delay in gastric emptying and changes in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and ghrelin levels in rats. Methods Changes in gastric emptying in response to different durations of stress were evaluated. Gastric emptying was compared between the following groups: (i) nonstressed vehicle- or DA-9701-treated group, (ii) nonstressed vehicle- or mosapride-treated group, (iii) 2-h stressed vehicle- or DA-9701-treated group, and (iv) 2-h stressed vehicle- or mosapride-treated group. Water immersion restraint stress was used as the stressor. DA-9701 or mosapride at 3 mg kg−1 was administered to the rats after subjecting them to 2-h stress, and then gastric emptying was measured using the phenol red method. Key Results Gastric emptying was significantly delayed in the 2-h stressed group compared with the nonstressed group. Mosapride administration resulted in significant recovery from the stress-induced delay in gastric emptying. Gastric emptying in the rats that underwent 2-h stress followed by DA-9701 administration was not significantly different from that in the nonstressed group. The plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and active ghrelin levels in the 2-h stressed group were significantly higher than those in the nonstressed group. These increases were significantly inhibited by DA-9701. Conclusions & Inferences The administration of DA-9701 improved delayed gastric emptying and inhibited the hormonal changes induced by stress, suggesting that DA-9701 can be used as a gastroprokinetic agent for the treatment of delayed gastric emptying, particularly that associated with stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "The anti-angiogenic herbal composition Ob-X inhibits adipose tissue growth in obese mice" is presented.

An abstract of the conference paper "Karyotype and outcome of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency above 99th percentile," by J. H. Chung, and colleagues is presented.

Background Alopecia areata ( AA) is characterized by rapid and complete hair loss in one or multiple areas of the scalp. Stress is an important triggering factor in AA. Aim To identify the inhibitory effect of tianeptine on catagen induction in C57 BL/6 mice with AA-like lesions induced by ultrasonic wave stress ( UWS). Methods The mice were divided into four groups. Group 1 received oral tianeptine before and after UWS; group 2 received oral tianeptine only after UWS; group 3 was given UWS treatment only; and group 4 (negative control group) was not given any treatment. Phototrichigraphy and dermatoscopy were used for assessment. Histological analysis was performed using haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Masson trichrome and Verhoeff-van Gieson stains. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed. The level of apoptosis and expression of neuropeptides in the skin were assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling and immunofluorescence assays. Results Mice in group 1 had an increased rate of hair growth and greater hair-shaft thickness compared with mice in groups 2 and 3. In addition, mice in group 1 had a higher number of anagen hair follicles, increased synthesis of collagen and elastic fibres, decreased mast-cell degranulation, reduction in cell apoptosis in hair follicles, and recovery of vitamin D receptor expression. Expression of neuropeptides (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide) was not altered. Conclusions Tianeptine might play a role in suppressing catagen induction in a stress-induced AA mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) can occur irrespective of race. Old age and long-term use of corticosteroid may be a more reliable risk factor than racial characteristics. BRONJ is an increasingly common problem. Most BRONJ occurs following an intravenous administration of bisphosphonate treatment for malignant bone disease and metastatic cancer. As the incidence of BRONJ caused by oral administration of bisphosphonate is quite low, it is believed that this medication is relatively safe and effective in preventing complications of osteoporosis, such as hip or spine fractures. The many known risk factors for BRONJ can be classified as drug-related, local, demographic, and systemic. One demographic and systemic risk factor is race. Most of the case reports of BRONJ present elderly, white women. In this report, we describe five cases of BRONJ caused by oral administration of bisphosphonate in Asian population. All the patients were female and over 65 years old. Three patients had been prescribed with corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis. Irrespective of race, elderly women undergoing steroid therapy have an increased incidence of BRONJ even with oral administration of bisphosphonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of eighteen unrelated Korean families with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is presented. DEB was first diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis was later confirmed by immunofluorescence antigen mapping and electron microscopy if the diagnosis was not definitive based on clinical findings. It is an inherited blistering skin disorder, characterized by mucocutaneous blistering, scarring and nail dystrophy following minor trauma.

Background Although epidermal and dermal T cells play roles in the pathogenesis of fixed drug eruption (FDE), not much is known about keratinocyte death and its precise mechanism in FDE. Objectives Our aim is to elucidate the mechanism that underlies keratinocyte death in FDE, that is, the role of apoptosis and its signalling pathway. Methods We first examined the involvement of apoptosis in the active FDE lesions by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3. We then examined the expressions of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) to deduce the possible upstream signalling pathway of apoptosis, if apoptosis were involved. We finally characterized the infiltrated T-cell subpopulations in the active FDE lesions. Results In the active FDE lesions, TUNEL positivity was strongly observed in the basal keratinocytes, and also weakly observed in the upper dermal infiltrates as well as in a few keratinocytes in the granular layer. The distribution of TUNEL-positive cells was similar to that of the strong staining of active capase-3. Fas was found mainly in the keratinocytes and some infiltrated dermal cells, whereas FasL was identified predominantly in the intraepidermal and dermal infiltrated cells and in some basal keratinocytes. Overlapping expression of Fas and FasL was accompanied by apoptosis in the FDE lesions. Many of the infiltrated mononuclear cells were CD8+. Perforin was rarely observed in the FDE lesions. Conclusions These findings suggest that apoptosis of the keratinocyte is highly likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of FDE, and this cytotoxicity might be predominantly mediated by the FasL of the infiltrating CD8+ T cells, possibly also playing an inflammatory role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including insertion/deletions (indels) serve as useful and informative genetic markers. The availability of high-throughput and inexpensive SNP typing systems has increased interest in the development of SNP markers. After fragments of genes were amplified with primers derived from 110 soybean GenBank ESTs, sequencing data of PCR products from 15 soybean genotypes from Korea and the United States were analyzed by SeqScape software to find SNPs. Among 35 gene fragments with at least one SNP among the 15 genotypes, SNPs occurred at a frequency of 1 per 2,038 bp in 16,302 bp of coding sequence and 1 per 191 bp in 16,960 bp of noncoding regions. This corresponds to a nucleotide diversity (θ) of 0.00017 and 0.00186, respectively. Of the 97 SNPs discovered, 78 or 80.4% were present in the six North American soybean mapping parents. The addition of "Hwaeomputkong," which originated from Japan, increased the number to 92, or 94.8% of the total number of SNPs present among the 15 genotypes. Thus, Hwaeomputkong and the six North American mapping parents provide a diverse set of soybean genotypes that can be successfully used for SNP discovery in coding DNA and closely associated introns and untranslated regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic effects of long‐term narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy have not been well studied in vitiligo patients. An 11‐year nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2007–2017). Objectives: To investigate the effects of long‐term NB‐UVB phototherapy on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in vitiligo patients. Methods: This study included vitiligo patients with ≥100 phototherapy sessions (phototherapy group, n = 3229) and <3 phototherapy sessions (no phototherapy group, n = 9687), in which covariables with age, sex, insurance type and comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were matched by 1 : 3 propensity score matching. The outcomes of interest were cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular events (cerebrovascular infraction and haemorrhage). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between NB‐UVB phototherapy and each event. Results: The risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events was significantly decreased in the phototherapy group compared with the no phototherapy group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.637, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.523–0.776]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of cardiovascular (HR: 0.682, 95% CI: 0.495–0.940) and cerebrovascular events (HR: 0.601, 95% CI: 0.470–0.769) were significantly lower in the phototherapy group than the no phototherapy group, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that long‐term NB‐UVB phototherapy could decrease the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with vitiligo. Linked Commentary: B. Eberlein. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35: 11–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17073. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: As cell‐adapted foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) with H56R mutation in VP3 has reduced thermostability, this study aimed to investigate the effect of thermostabilizers on cell‐adapted FMDV for vaccine production. Methods and Results: We examined the effect of 3% sucrose, 10% (or 25%) glycerol or 10% FBS on cell‐adapted FMDV O/SKR/JC/2014, containing H56R mutation in VP3, as vaccine seed virus at −80, 4, 25 or 37°C for 2, 4 or 7 days. The stabilizing effect of 3% sucrose on O/SKR/JC/2014 was observed at 25, 37°C, and after repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Additionally, we tested the effect of 3% sucrose on the growth of FMDV or cells and did not observe any decrease in either viral growth or cell viability. Conclusions: Our study showed the protective effect of 3% sucrose on FMDV infectivity at various temperatures; this virus stock in 3% sucrose could be used for infecting cells without the removal of sucrose. Significance and Impact of the Study: We suggest that 3% sucrose‐containing medium could be beneficial for the stable storage and transport of cell‐adapted FMDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin selenide (SnSe), which has high thermoelectric (TE) performance due to its low thermal conductivity, is considered as a promising TE material. It is good that TE properties were reported in single crystal form because polycrystalline SnSe exhibits low electrical conductivity compared to that of single crystal SnSe. To improve the electrical conductivity of polycrystalline SnSe, the effects of the pressure applied during spark plasma sintering (SPS) on the electrical charge transport and the TE properties of the polycrystalline SnSe were investigated. Degree of texture was enhanced with increasing sintering pressure from 30 to 120 MPa during SPS, which lead to the increase in carrier mobility, which resulted in the increase in electrical conductivity. Increase in pressure led to a significant increase in thermal conductivity due to an increase in the lattice thermal conductivity, which can be attributed to the decrease in phonon scattering at the grain boundary. A ZT of ∼ 0.7 was obtained at 823 K from the polycrystalline SnSe sintered with a pressure of 60 MPa, which can result from large increase in electrical conductivity with very small increase in the thermal conductivity. This study shows that the TE properties of the polycrystalline SnSe can be enhanced by controlling the degree of texture which can be accomplished by changing the pressure applied during SPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]