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We investigate the calculation method of sunrise and sunset times in the Datongli (Great Concordance Calendar) of the Ming dynasty focusing on Chinese mathematical techniques. Referring to the Mingshi (History of the Ming Dynasty), we found that latitude and obliquity were determined from observations of the transit altitude of the Sun on the winter and summer solstices using the Guibiao (Gnomon) and the Jianyi (Simplified Armillary Sphere) as astronomical instruments. According to the Mingshi, 12 values for the equation of center of the Sun were also determined from observations. However, these values may have been rectified, at least to utilize a cubic equation for interpolating the equation of center. With regard to Chinese mathematical techniques, we found that the Zhaocha (solving the coefficients of a cubic equation), Hushigeyuan (finding approximate solutions of a quartic equation), and Chongcha (proportional property of similar right‐angled triangles) were employed to calculate the sunrise and sunset times together with the Gougu (i.e., the Pythagorean theorem) and Kaifang (i.e., square root extraction) techniques. We reproduce the sunrise and sunset times by the Datongli, and verify the numerical values of the tables in the Mingshi associated with the calculations of these times. We found that the values recorded in the Mingshi agree satisfactorily with those reproduced in this study, except for several cases considered typographical errors. We think that this study will help understand the Datongli, particularly the Chinese mathematical techniques used in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes are at risk of being impaired after rectal surgery, but there has been no large prospective study to thoroughly assess QoL according to surgical approach. We have investigated the impact of laparoscopic and robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) on QoL and functional outcomes. Method: Patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic TME for rectal cancer between 2009 and 2013 were prospectively included in this questionnaire‐based survey of QoL together with variations in urinary and sexual function. A propensity score analysis was retrospectively conducted to compare outcomes between groups in a cohort matched 1:1 for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative chemoradiation status and tumour height. The survey was performed preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: Global health status/QoL was similar between the two groups for 130 matched pairs, but the robotic group showed better role, emotional and social functioning and experienced less fatigue and financial difficulty. International Prostatic Symptom Scores in men increased postoperatively, with significantly less impairment in the robotic group at 6 months. These scores were comparable to preoperative scores at 6 months in the robotic group and at 12 months in the laparoscopic group. Of 48 sexually active men in each group, International Index of Erectile Function‐5 scores decreased postoperatively, returning to preoperative levels at 6 months in the robotic group and at 12 months in the laparoscopic groups. Conclusion: The robotic approach for TME was associated with less impairment of urinary and sexual function; QoL was comparable to the laparoscopic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The Korean Red Cross began nucleic acid amplification testing ( NAT) for HIV and HCV in February 2005, and added HBV NAT beginning in June 2012. The current NAT system utilizes a multiplex assay for simultaneous detection of HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV-1 RNA. For samples that are reactive in the multiplex assay, we do specific tests for each virus. However, there have been cases of non-discriminated reactive ( NDR) results which appear to be the result of non-specific reactions or cross-contamination, although some cases are considered to arise from the presence of low levels of HBV DNA due to occult hepatitis B infection. Materials and Methods We examined the incidence of NDR results in previous donations of some NAT-reactive donors. Additionally, for those donors with NDR results, we performed an HBV core antibody (anti- HBc) assay. Results From November 2015 to March 2016, there were 408 NAT-reactive donors. Of these, nineteen HBV NAT-reactive donors showed a history of NDR results in the past donations. Seven donors showed NDR results more than once. Of 771 NDR donors, 362 (47·0%) were anti- HBc reactive. Conclusion The NDR donors had a substantially higher rate of anti- HBc reactivity than other blood donors indicating that some with anti-HBc reactivity represent donors with occult HBV. Therefore, the incorporation of an anti- HBc testing for NDR donors could improve blood safety testing for the Korean Red Cross. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sugammadex is a new agent that reverses neuromuscular blockade by aminosteroid neuromuscular blocker. This retrospective study compared the effects of sugammadex on post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) with those of a pyridostigmine-glycopyrrolate mixture.Methods: We reviewed the electronic medical records of 7179 patients who had received fentanyl-based, intravenous, patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) at Chung-Ang University Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. We categorized the patients into two groups on the basis of the type of reversal agent to neuromuscular blockade that was used: a traditional reversal agent (pyridostigmine-glycopyrrolate mixture; Group R; n = 7059) and sugammadex (Group S; n = 120). The propensity score matching method was then used to select 408 subjects in Group R and 115 subjects in Group S; on the basis of their covariates, these subjects were then matched with a counterpart in the other group.Results: After propensity score matching, the two groups were well balanced with respect to all baseline covariates. In Group S, the numeric rating scale of nausea on day 0, as well as the number of patients who vomited on day 0, was lower than that in group R. Furthermore, Group S used fewer rescue antiemetics on day 0 and had a higher complete response on day 0.Conclusion: Sugammadex might be more beneficial for PONV compared to pyridostigmine-glycopyrrolate mixture for patients who have received opioid-based IV-PCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Anastomotic leakage is the most serious complication following low anterior resection for rectal cancer and is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The object of the present study was to investigate whether rectal tube drainage can reduce anastomotic leakage after minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. Method Three hundred and seventy-four patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic LAR for tumours located ≤ 15 cm above the anal verge between 1 April 2012 and 31 October 2014 were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 107 with intermediate risk of anastomotic leakage received transanal rectal tube drainage. The rectal tube group was matched by propensity score analysis with patients not having rectal tube drainage, giving 204 patients in the study. Covariates for propensity score analysis included age, sex, body mass index, tumour height from the anal verge and preoperative chemoradiation. Results Patient demographics, tumour location, preoperative chemoradiation and operative results were similar between the two groups. The overall leakage rate was 10.8% (22/204), with no significant difference between the rectal tube group (9.8%) and the nonrectal tube group (11.8%, P = 0.652). Of the patients with anastomotic leakage, major leakage requiring reoperation developed in 11.8% of those without and 3.9% of those with a rectal tube. On multivariate analysis, age over 65 years and nonuse of a rectal tube were found to be independent risk factors for major anastomotic leakage. Conclusion Rectal tube placement may be a safe and effective method of reducing the rate of major anastomotic leakage, alleviating the clinical course of leakage following minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dark circles refer to a symptom that present darkness under the eyes. Because of improvement in the quality of life, the dark circles have been recognized as one of major cosmetic concerns. However, it is not easy to classify the dark circles because they have various causes. Methods To select suitable instruments and detailed evaluation items, the dark circles were classified according to the causes through visual assessment, Wood's lamp test, and medical history survey for 100 subjects with dark circles. After the classification, were newly recruited for instrument conformity assessment. Through this, suitable instruments for dark circle evaluation were selected. We performed a randomized clinical trial for dark circles, a placebo-controlled double-blind study, using effective parameters of the instruments selected from the preliminary test. Results Dark circles of vascular type (35%) and mixed type (54%), a combination of pigmented and vascular types, were the most common. Twenty four subjects with the mixed type dark circles applied the test product (Vitamin C 3%, Vitamin A 0.1%, Vitamin E 0.5%) and placebo on randomized split-face for 8 weeks. The effective parameters (L*, a, M.I., E.I., quasi L*, quasi a* and dermal thickness) were measured during the study period. Result showed that the L* value of Chromameter®, Melanin index (M.I.) of Mexameter® and quasi L* value obtained by image analysis improved with statistical significance after applying the test product compared with the placebo product. Conclusion We classified the dark circles according to the causes of the dark circles and verified the reliability of the parameter obtained by the instrument conformity assessment used in this study through the efficacy evaluation. Also based on this study, we were to suggest newly established methods which can be applied to the evaluation of efficacy of functional cosmetics for dark circles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) influences the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of HBV reactivation on the recurrence of hepatitis B-related HCC after curative resection in patients with low viral load (HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL). We retrospectively analysed a total of 130 patients who underwent curative resection for HBV-related early stage HCC (single nodule; <5 cm/two or three nodules; <3 cm) with pre-operative HBV DNA levels <2000 IU/mL with serial HBV DNA tests. The predictive factors including HBV reactivation for the recurrence of HBV-related HCC after curative resection were investigated. Fifty-three patients (41%) had HBV reactivation after resection among 130 patients. HBV reactivation was observed in 22 of 53 patients with undetectable baseline HBV DNA and in 31 of 77 patients with detectable baseline HBV DNA. Cumulative recurrence rates after resection at 1, 2 and 3 years were 17.0%, 23.3% and 31.4%, respectively. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for the recurrence were the presence of microvascular invasion (hazard ratio (HR) 2.62, P = 0.003), multinodularity (HR 4.61, P = 0.005), HBV reactivation after resection (HR 2.03, P = 0.032) and HBeAg positivity (HR 2.06, P = 0.044). HBV reactivation after curative resection is associated with the recurrence of HBV-related HCC in patients with low viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety of the streamlined liner of the pharynx airway and laryngeal mask airway used in adults during general anaesthesia. We included 14 studies with studies with 1273 patients in total. There was no evidence of a difference between the two devices in insertion success rate on the first attempt (13 studies, 1143 patients), insertion time (seven studies, 576 patients), ease of insertion (five studies, 466 patients), oropharyngeal leak pressure (eight studies, 771 patients) and the quality of the fibreoptic view of the larynx through the device (three studies, 281 patients). The relative risk (95% CI) of bloodstaining of the device (nine studies, 859 patients) was 2.09 (1.46-3.00) for the streamlined liner of the pharynx airway compared with the laryngeal mask airway. Other adverse events were comparable. Subgroup analysis suggested that the insertion by novice users might be faster and more successful with the streamlined liner of the pharynx airway than the laryngeal mask airway; however, this was from only two studies and 186 patients. The method of size selection of the streamlined liner of the pharynx airway device might also affect the speed of insertion: choosing according to the width of the patient's thyroid cartilage, rather than height, may produce better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) thin films were deposited on MgO and sapphire substrates using a pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) method with varying deposition rates. The films deposited with a low deposition rate exhibited highly oriented microstructures with little grain boundaries. The electrical conductivities of these films were higher than those of the films, deposited with high deposition rates, which showed little-oriented polycrystalline microstructure. While the films deposited on the MgO substrates had a stoichiometric composition, those deposited on the sapphire substrates had a high barium deficiency, which was possibly due to the differences in the crystal structure and large lattice mismatch between the sapphire substrate and the BZY film. The electrical conductivity of the highly oriented BZY film, grown on MgO substrate with a low deposition rate, showed little barium deficiency and the highest conductivity value that is higher than the typical conductivity of sintered pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aimed to compare emergence agitation following sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia in adults undergoing orthognathic surgery. The hypothesis was that there might be a difference in the incidence of emergence agitation following sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia considering the difference in blood solubility and speed of recovery between the two. Methods In this prospective randomised double-blind study, 144 adults undergoing orthognathic surgery were randomly allocated to either sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia. The incidence of emergence agitation and possible causative factors were then compared between the groups. Results The incidence of emergence agitation was lower in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group (24% vs. 71%, P < 0.001). In addition, the time intervals between the discontinuation of anaesthetics and the first response, extubation, and discharge from post-anaesthesia care unit were significantly shorter in the desflurane group ( P = 0.002, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). The other variables were similar in the two groups. Conclusions In adults undergoing orthognathic surgery, desflurane anaesthesia was associated with less emergence agitation than was sevoflurane anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of the i-gel® vs different types of laryngeal mask airway in children. We included nine studies. There was no evidence for differences in: rate of insertion at first attempt; insertion time; ease of insertion; or gastric tube insertion. The mean (95% CI) oropharyngeal leak pressure was 3.29 (2.25-4.34) cmH2O higher with the i-gel, p < 0.00001. The relative rate (95% CI) of a good fibreoptic view through the i-gel was 1.10 (1.01-1.19), p = 0.02. There were no significant differences in the rates of complications, except for blood on the airway, relative rate with the i-gel 0.46 (0.23-0.91), p = 0.02. We concluded that the clinical performance of the i-gel and LMA was similar, except for three outcomes that favoured the i-gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eosinophil activation is the key feature of upper and lower airway inflammation in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease ( AERD). Objective To investigate the mechanism of eosinophil activation and identify novel inflammatory mediators using proteomics. Methods Thirty-two asthmatic subjects were enrolled: 18 AERD patients who showed positive responses to the lysine-aspirin nasal provocation test (L- ASA NPT) and 14 aspirin-tolerant asthma ( ATA) patients who showed negative responses to the L- ASA NPT (control group). Nasal lavage fluid ( NLF) was collected before (baseline), at 10, 30 and 60 min (early response), and at 3 h (late response) after the L- ASA NPT. Eosinophil cationic protein ( ECP) and cysteinyl leucotriene (Cys LT) levels were measured using an Immuno CAP system and ELISA respectively. To identify proteins involved in AERD, comparative proteomics was applied using NLFs collected before and after L- ASA NPTs in AERD patients. The clinical relevance of identified novel proteins was evaluated by ELISA using NLFs from the AERD and ATA groups. Results Eosinophil cationic protein and Cys LT levels both increased significantly during the early response in AERD. ECP levels increased until the late response in AERD, while Cys LT levels were not significantly increased during the late response. Proteomic analysis showed up-regulation of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), α2-macroglobulin (α2M) and ceruloplasmin ( CP), with significant increases in NLF of AERD patients, which was significantly higher in AERD patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Significant correlations were noted between ECP and Cys LT, ApoA1, α2M and CP levels during the early response in AERD patients. Conclusion Eosinophil activation occurred in early and late responses after L- ASA NPT in upper airway mucosa of AERD patients, where ApoA1, α2M and CP as well as Cys LT may be involved in eosinophilic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by complex interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. For this reason, new approaches are required to clarify the pathogenesis of asthma by systemic review. Objective We applied a 1H- NMR metabolomics approach to investigate the altered metabolic pattern in sera from patients with asthma and sought to identify the mechanism underlying asthma and potential biomarkers. Method A global profile of sera from patients with asthma ( n = 39) and controls ( n = 26) was generated using 1H- NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Endogenous metabolites in serum were rapidly measured using the target-profiling procedure. Results Multivariate statistical analysis showed a clear distinction between patients with asthma and healthy subjects. Sera of asthma patients were characterized by increased levels of methionine, glutamine, and histidine and by decreased levels of formate, methanol, acetate, choline, O-phosphocholine, arginine, and glucose. The metabolites detected in the sera of patients with asthma are involved in hypermethylation, response to hypoxia, and immune reaction. Furthermore, the levels of serum metabolites from patients with asthma correlated with asthma severity; in particular, lipid metabolism was altered in patients with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage (FEV1%) predicted values. In addition, potential biomarkers showed strong predictive power in ROC analysis, and the presence of asthma in external validation models was predicted with high accuracy (90.9% for asthma and 100% for control subjects). Conclusion & Clinical Relevance These data showed that 1H- NMR-based metabolite profiling of serum may be useful for the effective diagnosis of asthma and a further understanding of its pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disease and a risk factor for allergic asthma. The discovery of new biomarkers for the early detection of AR would improve the clinical outcomes and reduce socio-economic burden. We sought to identify a novel serologic marker for detection of AR using a proteomic approach. Methods To identify the proteins involved in AR, comparative proteomics was applied using nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) taken before and after a nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Dpt) in a subject with AR sensitized to Dpt. The clinical relevance of the identified proteins was evaluated by ELISA using NLFs and sera from the three study groups: Dpt-sensitive AR; asymptomatic Dpt-sensitive controls; and non-atopic healthy controls. The sensitivities and specificities of the candidate proteins for predicting AR were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results In proteomic analysis, lactoferrin expression was up-regulated after NPT. The validation study using ELISA showed a significantly lower serum lactoferrin level in the AR group than those of the other two groups ( P<0.05, respectively). To discriminate between subjects with or without AR, the optimal serum cut-off level of lactoferrin was set at <307 ng/mL using the ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting AR were 81.4% and 58%. When combined with serum Dpt-specific IgE level, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting AR were 76.7% and 79.2%. Conclusion These results suggest that the serum lactoferrin level is associated with the phenotype of Dpt-sensitive AR, and in combination with the serum Dpt-specific IgE level, may be a potential serologic marker for early detection of AR. Cite this as: G.-S. Choi, S.-Y. Shin, J.-H. Kim, H.-Y. Lee, N. S. Palikhe, Y.-M. Ye, S.-H. Kim and H.-S. Park, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 403–410. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cite this article: Palikhe NS, Kim S-H, Cho B-Y, Ye Y-M, Choi G-S, Park H-S. Genetic variability in CRTH2 polymorphism increases eotaxin-2 levels in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease. Allergy 2010; 65: 338–346. Introduction: CRTH2 is expressed on the surface of eosinophils and has been shown to mediate PGD2-induced eosinophil migration in vitro. Eosinophilic infiltration in the upper and lower airways is the key feature of asthma. Considering the fact that eosinophil infiltration is prominent in the upper and lower airways of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) compared to aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) patients, we hypothesized that activation of eosinophils via dysregulation of the CRTH2 gene may play an important role and be an important marker for AERD. Methods: The three study groups – 107 with AERD, 115 with ATA and 133 normal healthy controls (NC) – were recruited from Ajou University Hospital, South Korea. Two polymorphisms of the CRTH2 gene at -466T>C and -129C>A were genotyped using primer extension methods. Results: AERD patients had significantly higher serum eotaxin-2 levels than did those with ATA ( P = 0.034). A significant difference in the genotype frequencies of CRTH2 -466T>C was detected between AERD and ATA patients ( P < 0.05). The serum eotaxin-2 level was significantly higher in AERD patients carrying the TT genotype of CRTH2 -466T>C than those with the CT and CC ( P < 0.05). In vitro functional study demonstrated that the -466T allele had lower luciferase activity ( P < 0.001) and lower mRNA expression with higher production of eotaxin-2 ( P = 0.003) in human lung epithelial cells. EMSA showed that CRTH2 -466T produced a specific band with a higher affinity than CRTH2 -466C had. Conclusion: The CRTH2 -466T>C polymorphism increases serum and cellular eotaxin-2 production through lowered CRTH2 expression, leading to eosinophilic infiltration in AERD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study: Identification of the species and strain of dermatophyte can play an effective role in control of disease outbreaks by establishing the source of infection. Current methods of identification are based on cultural and microscopic methods, often involving weeks before a positive identification are made. A rapid molecular diagnostic method would therefore be an important laboratory technique, but requires confirmation in equine clinical practice. Objectives: To test the sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostic methods applied to a racehorse herd from the Korean Racehorse Authority (KRA). Methods: A total of 57 DNA samples were collected from hairs and crusts of skin lesions in KRA racehorses with histories and clinical signs suggestive of dermatophytosis, which was confirmed by dermatophyte-specific PCR amplification analysis using the primer pair for the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene. Results: Thirty-eight racehorses were definitively diagnosed with dermatophytosis using molecular and traditional diagnostic methods. PCR fingerprinting profiles using simple repetitive (GACA)4 primers showed that all diagnosed horses had the same pattern profile. Oligonucleotide sequencing of CHS1 gene PCR products confirmed Trichophyton mentagrophytes as the infectious agent. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the PCR-based molecular diagnostic method is sensitive and specific and offers fast precise diagnosis of dermatophytosis in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increased vessel number and permeability are important features of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis (AR), and are mediated in part by the cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Eosinophils are the major effector cells in the nasal secretions of patients with AR during the responses to allergen challenges. To evaluate the involvement of VEGF in nasal allergic inflammation, we monitored the levels of VEGF, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and specific antibodies in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) of patients with AR in response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Dpt). Methods Sixty-three subjects with sensitization to Dpt were enrolled: 29 patients with AR (group I) who showed positive responses in a nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt; and 34 asymptomatic controls (group II) who showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT results. NLF samples were collected at baseline, 10, 30, and 60 min, and at 3, 6, and 24 h during the NPT. The ECP levels in the NLF samples were measured using the ImmunoCAP system. VEGF and Dpt-specific IgE, IgA, and IgG in the NLF samples were detected by ELISA. Results The eosinophil counts and ECP levels in the samples were significantly increased in group I, but not in group II, during the early and late responses. Although the baseline VEGF level was not significantly different between groups I and II, increased VEGF production was noted in group I after the NPT, especially during the early response. The level of Dpt-specific IgA was significantly increased in group I during the NPT. A relationship was found between the levels of VEGF and ECP or Dpt-specific IgA in the NLF samples collected at 10 min and at 3–6 h ( P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion Nasal VEGF secretion in response to allergen exposure may augment eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is the first-known cucurbit-infecting tobamovirus. To analyse its biological and molecular diversities, 36 isolates of CGMMV were collected from watermelon ( Citrullus vulgaris) and cucumber ( Cucumis sativus) plants in Korea. The cDNAs of coat protein (CP) and partial movement protein genes of the isolates were synthesized by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and subjected to single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis with 530 bp-synthesized RT-PCR products. CGMMV isolates were categorized into three subgroups by SSCP analysis, designated types I, II and III. All watermelon isolates of CGMMV belonged to types I and II, whereas cucumber isolates were subgrouped into types II and III. These three type isolates of CGMMV were divided by RT-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using full-length cDNAs of three types of CGMMV. Biological properties of each subgroup-type of CGMMV isolates were determined by mechanical inoculation of common host plants of CGMMV. Among the virus isolates, isolate NW-1, belonging to type I, did not infect cucumber (cv. Baegbong), whereas all CGMMV isolates (types II and III) infected the same host species. In addition, all isolates of CGMMV types could infect Nicotiana debneyii, except that isolate KC1-2, subgrouped into type III, failed to infect. Nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of CP gene of CGMMV isolates were compared to those of reported CGMMVs and other cucurbit-infecting tobamoviruses. In phylogenetic tree analyses between CGMMV isolates and other cucurbit-infecting tobamoviruses, CGMMV was subgrouped as a cluster and no remarkable molecular diversity was found among the CGMMV isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is widely used in many industries, there have been few immunological studies of MDI-induced occupational asthma. Objectives We investigated the effects of MDI exposure on the clinical and immunologic condition of workers in a single car upholstery factory. Methods Fifty-eight MDI-exposed workers were studied. Work-related lower-respiratory symptoms (WRRS) were identified using a questionnaire. Serum-specific IgE and IgG antibodies to MDI-human serum albumin conjugate were detected by ELISA. Atopy was evaluated using a skin prick test. MDI-induced occupational asthma was confirmed in the symptomatic workers with a positive result on an MDI-specific inhalation test. Results Thirteen (22.4%) of the subjects complained of WRRS. MDI-induced occupational asthma was confirmed in five (8.6%) of the workers, and occupational eosinophilic bronchitis was confirmed in two (3.5%). The prevalence of specific IgG antibodies (20.7%) was higher than that of specific IgE antibodies (8.6%). The prevalence of MDI-induced occupational asthma/eosinophilic bronchitis was strongly associated with the presence of both WRRS and serum-specific IgG antibodies to an MDI-human serum albumin conjugate ( P<0.01, <0.05, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that MDI could be a causative agent of occupational asthma among MDI-exposed workers. The prevalence of MDI-induced occupational asthma was 8.6%, and MDI-induced eosinophilic bronchitis was confirmed in two workers. The presence of work-related lower-respiratory symptoms and serum-specific IgG antibodies to an MDI-human serum albumin conjugate may be used to predict MDI-induced occupational asthma/eosinophilic bronchitis in MDI-exposed workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To localize ex vivo expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) induced by substance P (SP) in human dental pulps. Methodology Intact caries-free, freshly extracted third molars ( n = 20) were collected from patients (15–25 years old). The teeth were split and pulpal tissue was obtained and stored in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium. Human dental pulp tissue explants were stimulated with SP. Expression of IL-8 in pulp explants was detected and localized by immunohistochemistry. Results Moderated IL-8 immunoreactivities were detected mainly in the cell-rich zone in pulp tissues 12 h after tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulation (positive controls), whereas only weak IL-8 expression was observed in tissues stimulated with SP at the same time interval. These data did not differ from those in negative controls. Increased IL-8 expression in pulp explants after 24 h of SP stimulation was noted compared with negative controls and located in fibroblast-like cells, blood vessel-associated cells and extracellular matrix in the central zone and cell-rich zone of pulp explants. Tissues stimulated with TNF-α for 24 h (positive controls) revealed weak IL-8 immunoreactivities with altered cell morphology. Conclusions Substance P induces IL-8 expression and was located in fibroblast-like pulp cells, blood vessel-associated cells and extracellular matrix of human dental explants. These data support the hypothesis that neuropeptide (SP) coordinates the modulation of pulpal inflammation via up-regulating chemokine IL-8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the cytoplasmic helix of cannabinoid receptor. Structural and functional characteristics of cytoplasmic helix domain of G protein-coupled receptors; Study method; Role of the amphipathic nature of helix 8 in the function and regulation of CB receptors.

The capital adequacy requirement, combined with the flight to quality, contributed to a drastic credit slowdown and a sharp recession in Korea in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Since most banks were placed under the strengthened capital adequacy constraints, they reduced loans to firms with high credit risks. As a result, bank-dependent small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were badly hit, and eventually demand for bank loans fell. The reduction in loans was most visible among banks with poor capital adequacy, yet the overall change in bank portfolios had a disproportionately large negative influence on financial conditions for SMEs. In conclusion, the banks' response to capital adequacy requirements resulted in changes in the loan/bond ratio which, in turn, reduced loans to SMEs and caused a sharp cut in production. The resulting contraction in SME production created a polarized industrial structure and a chronic depression in the traditional sectors of the economy. The introduction of capital adequacy requirements (CARs) in the wake of financial crisis worsened conditions for SMEs and weakened the validity of the CARs that were mainly necessitated by successive failures among larger firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of systemic penicillin after an avulsion injury has been recommended to decrease the occurrence of resorption complications. Tetracycline antibiotic have been reported to possess anti-resorptive properties in addition to their anti-microbial actions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate histologically the effect of systemically administered tetracyclie and amoxicillin on the inhibition of resorption due to attachment damage after replantation of dogs teeth. Thirty-one from the teeth of four beagle dogs were endodontically treated to inhibit subsequent inflammatory root resorption of pulp origin. They were then extracted and left to bench dry for 1 h to ensure severe periodoutal ligament damage before replantation. For the teeth in the experimental groups, two dogs were given tetracycline hydrochloride and the other two dog were given amoxicillin, administered orally, on the day extraction/ replantation and for the following 6 days. The control group were teeth in these animals treated in the same manner but where no antibiotics had been given, After 12-16 weeks, the dogs were sacrificed and histological sections were prepared and evaluated for complete heading, inflammatory and replacement root resorption, and the groups were compared. It was shown that healing in the amoxicillin and the control groups was poor 10.90% and 11.28% respectively , while for the tetracycline group 35.45% showed complete healing. Individual teeth with over 50% complete healing sites were considered having good healing,and significantly of these teeth were found in the tetracycline group 5 of 11 teeth compared to the amoxicillin (1of 11 teeth) or group (1 of 8 teeth). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simultaneous solution algorithm for one-dimensional unsteady flow routing through channel networks. This direct solution algorithm is based on the double-sweep method and utilizes separate recursion equations for continuity, momentum and energy equations for each of the individual components of channel networks. Through separate recursion equations for each of the components, the new algorithm converts the channel network problem into a single-channel problem. The new algorithm is utilized in conjunction with a linearized unsteady flow model using full dynamic flow equations. The required computer storage for the coefficient matrix of the whole system is reduced significantly from the 2 N × 2 N matrix to a 2 N × 4 matrix, where N is the number of cross sections used in the computation of flow variables in the channel network. The algorithm presented in this paper provides an efficient and accurate modeling of unsteady flow events through channel networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on the preservation of the menoblast of white hair follicles while treating the vitiligo lesions.

The article offers information on study related to allergies caused by meat and milk in adults. The authors of the study observed 10 adults, who were exposed to meat and milk, with the history of recurrent food allergy. Skin tests were performed on them after their exposure to milk, beef and pork. It stated symptoms of ingestion and gastrointestinal due to meat and milk, though results of pork and beef were negative.

The article presents the case study of a 34 year old women with propylthiouracil (PTU) induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). She had developed febrile, diffuse erythematous rash and itching after six weeks of consuming propylthiouracil and propranolol. Abnormal liver function and eosinophilia was also diagnosed in the laboratory tests. She was treated with prednisolone and all other medications were stopped. The article discusses that PTU can induce DRESS syndrome.

The article presents case reports of three women and two men with clinical histories of recurrent and immediate-onset allergic symptoms after consuming vegetable worm. All had associated allergic diseases like respiratory allergy, chronic urticaria and food allergy. Conjunctivitis, rhinorrhaea, nasal obstruction, cough and dyspnea symptoms were presented in one patient. The findings suggest individuals with known allergies to silkworm pupae, to be cautious in the consumption of vegetable worm.

The article offers information on the development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to identify the serum-specific antibodies. It mentions that the technique will further useful for screening a large number of nurses working in a university hospital exposed to cefotiam. It reports that skin contact to cefotiam in working place can influence the occupational urticaria and anaphylaxis which are mediated by IgE antibody to hapten of cefotiam.

A letter to the editor is [resented regarding a case of 47-year old man who developed an abdominal skin rash after his fourth course of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for his chronic hepatitis B infection.

The article presents a case study of a male, non-smoker patient who suffered from occupational asthma and rhinitis due to vancomycin powder inhalation in the workplace. It states that vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic and its inhalation can induce drug allergies, such as erythema multiforme and hypersensitivity syndrome. It mentions that a skin prick test and an intradermal test using vancomycin were performed on the patient to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms involved.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Hobnail haemangioma associated with a secondary sexual characteristic," that was published in the previous issue.

The article discusses the anaphylactic shock caused by codonopsis lanceolata (CL), a folk medicine in China. It mentions that the medicine has substance or substances that causes allergic diseases. In addition, it presents the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis to a boy who had CL roots. the authors also say that they used different methods like inhibition test with immunoglobin E to know the cause of the reaction.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case of a 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with intramuscular lipoma of the sternocleidomastoid muscular.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case of 62-year-old Korean woman with pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis with solar elastosis.

The article presents a case study focusing on disseminated bread yeast fungaemia in a 58-year-old baker's wife with acute myeloid leukemia. The patient developed febrile neutropenia after induction therapy, following which abdominal ultrasound, liver biopsy and polymerase chain reaction for fungal 18S ribosomal RNA were performed and confirmed the presence of saccharomyces cerevisiae in the liver of the patient. The symptomatic fungaemia was successfully treated with caspofungin.