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Objectives This study investigated the relationship between oral hygiene conditions, activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive ability in older Korean patients in long-term care facilities. Methods Ninety older persons (65+) were randomly sampled from a possible 112 residents in a single facility. They participated in a 2-month-long survey. The Korean Modified Barthel Index was used to measure the ADL, and cognitive ability was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Korean version. Oral hygiene status was measured using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and the Tongue Coating Index (TCI). Results Older participants with complete dependence manifested significantly poorer oral hygiene ( P < 0.05). Scores on the TCI were significantly higher in participants who were dentulous with partial dependence ( P < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis showed that dependence and being dentulous significantly predicted poorer oral hygiene ( P < 0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that older participants with complete dependence had poor oral hygiene on tooth surfaces, while participants with partial dependence had poor tongue hygiene. In addition, dentulous older participants had poorer tongue hygiene than edentulous ones. This indicates the need to assess tooth status and provide oral care services via ADL in long-term care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs ( miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, which can be measured in cells, tissues, and body fluids including plasma. Differences in miRNA expression levels suggest an epigenetic mechanism and changed expression levels are emerging as a novel biomarker for various diseases. We attempted to identify circulating miRNAs associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE) in the Korean population and elucidate their significance for clinical phenotype. An expression profiling analysis using miRNA polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) array was conducted with pooled miRNA from 10 patients with SLE and 10 healthy controls ( HCs). Nine miRNAs were differentially expressed between the SLE and HC. To verify this, we performed quantitative PCR for various miRNA from SLE patients ( n = 70) and HCs ( n = 40). The hsa- miR-30e-5p, hsa- miR-92a-3p, and hsa- miR-223-3p were significantly up-regulated in plasma of SLE patients ( P = 0.048, P = 0.039, and P = 0.046, respectively). Especially, the hsa- miR-223-3p was significantly associated with oral ulcer ( P < 0.001) and lupus anticoagulant ( P = 0.031). Thus, plasma hsa- miR-30e-5p, hsa- miR-92a-3p, and hsa- miR-223-3p may be promising novel biomarkers in the diagnosis and clinical manifestation of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The Korean Cosmetic Act regulates the use of functional cosmetics) by the law. Four functional cosmetic groups, whitening, anti-wrinkle, UV protection and combination of whitening and anti-wrinkle, were categorized according to the Korean Cosmetic Act and Functional Cosmetics Codex. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) coupled with photodiode array detection ( DAD) was employed for the simultaneous detection of arbutin (and its decomposition product, hydroquinone), niacinamide, ascorbyl glucoside, ethyl ascorbyl ether and adenosine in functional cosmetic products such as creams, emulsions and lotions. Methods Separation by HPLC- DAD was conducted using a C18 column with a gradient elution of 5 m m KH2 PO4 buffer (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) and methanol (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid). The wavelengths for the detection of arbutin, hydroquinone, niacinamide, adenosine, ascorbyl glucoside and ethyl ascorbyl ether were 283, 289, 261, 257, 238 and 245 nm, respectively. Results This method exhibited good linearity ( R2 ≥ 0.999), precision (expressed as relative standard deviation ( RSD) < 2%) and mean recoveries (89.42-104.89%). The results obtained by monitoring 100 market samples showed that the detected levels of the tested materials are within the acceptable authorized concentration. Conclusion The method developed herein is simple and can be used for market survey and quality control of functional cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective Arbutin is an effective agent for the treatment of melanin disorders. Arbutin may be converted to hydroquinone under conditions of high temperature, ultraviolet ( UV) radiation and dilute acid. The aim of the current study was to develop an analytical method to determine the levels of arbutin and hydroquinone in whitening cosmetic products using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection ( HPLC- DAD). In addition, we investigated the effects of high temperature and pH on the decomposition of arbutin. Methods Samples extracted using two-step sonications were separated on a C18 column using a gradient mobile phase consisting of water and methanol. A 60-mm (40 μL) DAD cell was used to enhance the sensitivity of hydroquinone determination. Thermal decomposition of arbutin was evaluated at temperatures ranging from 60 to 120°C for 1-36 h. Results The method showed good linearity ( R2 ≥ 0.9997), precision (relative standard deviation, RSD < 5%) and acceptable extraction recovery (90-102.6%). The limits of quantitation for arbutin and hydroquinone were 0.0085 and 0.0119 μg mL−1, respectively. One sample of 21 cosmetic products tested contained arbutin at a concentration 1.61 g 100 g−1 cream and 0.12 g 100 g−1 cream of hydroquinone. Arbutin (327.18 ppm) decomposed after 6 h at 120°C and produced 10.73 ppm of hydroquinone. Conclusion The developed method is simple to detect both arbutin and hydroquinone simultaneously in cosmetic products, at an adequate level of sensitivity. Notably, temperature and pH did not influence the decomposition of arbutin to hydroquinone in a 2% arbutin cream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following Ref. , this technical note presents a method to predict the thermal ageing effect on fracture toughness of cast stainless steel CF8M from the small punch test using finite element (FE) damage analysis. A procedure is given to extract tensile properties and multi-axial fracture strain locus of aged CF8M from the small punch test using FE analysis. It is further shown that fracture toughness of aged CF8M can be predicted from the small punch test using FE damage analysis. Comparison with experimental data shows good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method to predict the thermal ageing effect on fracture toughness of CF8M cast stainless steel. The proposed method is based on multi-axial fracture strain combined with finite element damage analysis to simulate ductile tearing. Multi-axial fracture strain loci of un-aged and aged CF8M are determined by analyzing notched bar tensile test. It is shown that the thermal ageing effect on multi-axial fracture strain loci can be characterized by one constant. It is further shown that J-resistance curves of un-aged and aged CF8M can be predicted well from finite element damage analysis using multi-axial fracture strain loci. Implication of present results to practical application of crack assessment of aged cast stainless steels is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously‐reported purely‐organic microelectromechanical relays suffer from a high on‐state resistance above 1 GΩ, which makes them unsuitable for relay‐based organic integrated circuits. This letter demonstrates partially‐organic relays that employ a metal and/or a metal oxide for their contacts to alleviate the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the relationships between the antibacterial activity of Na OCl and treatment time and biofilm age in early Enterococcus faecalis biofilms using a linear fitting procedure. Methodology Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were formed on hydroxyapatite discs. To investigate the relationship between the antibacterial activity of Na OCl and biofilm age, 22-, 46-, 70- and 94-h-old biofilms were exposed to Na OCl (0-3%) for 5 min. To investigate the relationship between the antibacterial activity of Na OCl and treatment time, 70-h-old biofilms were exposed to Na OCl (0-3%) for 1, 3, 5 and 7 min. After treatment, colony-forming units ( CFUs) were counted. To determine the relationships between these variables, linear fitting was performed. Results The change in the minimum biofilm eradication concentration ( MBEC) of Na OCl followed a linear pattern of biofilm age ( R = 0.941, R2 = 0.886) or treatment time dependence ( R = −0.948, R2 = 0.898). Below the MBEC, the fitting lines for bacterial CFU count versus Na OCl concentration ( R ≤ −0.973, R2 ≥ 0.948) in the 22-, 46-, 70- and 94-h-old biofilms implied that the antibacterial activity of Na OCl decreased as the biofilm age increased. The fitting lines for bacterial CFU count versus Na OCl concentration ( R ≤ −0.970, R2 ≥ 0.942) in the 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-min treatments implied that the antibacterial activity of Na OCl increased with treatment time. Conclusions These results suggest that the antibacterial activity of Na OCl against early E. faecalis biofilms in root canals may follow a linear pattern depending on biofilm age or treatment time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm activity of brief cetylpyridinium chloride ( CPC) treatments during early and mature Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Methods Streptococcus mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks. The biofilms were treated with CPC twice daily (1 min/treatment) from 0 to 50 h or from 48 to 98 h. Acidogenicity, dry weight, viability, and water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharides of the biofilms were analyzed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy ( CLSM) images were obtained to confirm the antibiofilm activity during mature biofilm formation and to evaluate the relationship between treatment time and the antibiofilm activity. Results CPC showed complete antibiofilm activity during early biofilm formation at 0.025% to 0.1%. During mature biofilm formation, CPC inhibited dry weight, viability, and acidogenicity at 0.075% and 0.1%. CLSM images showed an increase in dead cells at 0.075% and 0.1% CPC. The antibiofilm activity during mature biofilm formation increased as the concentration of CPC increased. Images from the CLSM study also showed that antibiofilm activity increased as treatment time increased. Conclusion Our findings suggest that brief CPC treatments have strong anti- S. mutans biofilm activity. The antibiofilm activity was dependent on the stage of biofilm formation, CPC concentration, and treatment time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CC chemokine eotaxin contributes to epithelium-induced inflammation in airway diseases such as asthma. Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′,6′-trimethoxyflavone), a bioactive component of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae), is reported to inhibit the adhesion of eosinophils to bronchial epithelial cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of eupatilin-induced attenuation of bronchial epithelium-induced inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of eupatilin on expression of eotaxin-1 ( CCL11), a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils. Eupatilin significantly inhibited eotaxin expression in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with TNF-α, while NF-κB and IκBα kinase ( IKK) activities declined concurrently. Eupatilin also inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase ( MAPK) activity; however, all of these anti-inflammatory activities were reversed by MAPK overexpression. In contrast, eupatilin did not affect the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 ( STAT6) signalling in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with IL-4. Furthermore, eupatilin significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced eosinophil migration. These results suggest that the eupatilin inhibits the signalling of MAPK, IKK, NF-κB and eotaxin-1 in bronchial epithelial cells, leading to inhibition of eosinophil migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated changes in concentrations of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and bradykinin in blood during passage through a cell salvage device and a leucocyte depletion filter, with or without application of subatmospheric pressure across the filter. Blood samples from 19 healthy women undergoing scheduled caesarean section showed concentrations of cytokines and bradykinin in blood filtered under gravity flow that were equal to or significantly lower than those of pre-operative venous blood samples. They were also significantly lower than that in postoperative orthopaedic shed blood, which is commonly reinfused after orthopaedic surgery. A minority of samples taken from blood that had been filtered using subatmospheric pressure showed raised interleukin-6 concentrations. We suggest that use of a leucocyte depletion filter for cell-salvaged blood with gravity flow is likely to be safe with regard to concentrations of cytokines and bradykinin. However, this may not hold true for the filter used with subatmospheric pressure. If transfusion of salvaged blood using a leucocyte depletion filter seems to induce hypotension, elevation of interleukin-6 should be suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human interleukin 6 receptor consists of two membrane-bound glycoproteins ( IL-6 Rα, IL-6RA and gp130/ IL-6 Rβ, IL-6RB) interacting with IL-6, which is a multifunctional cytokine essential to the regulation of the immune response and acute-phase reactions. We have genotyped a single-nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP) of the IL-6 RA in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE) ( n = 300) and normal controls ( NC, n = 299). Three SNPs were identified in the IL-6 RA gene; -208 G≥A ( NM_000565.3:c.-208G≥A, rs4845617) in the promoter region, 48841 T≥A ( NM_000565.3:c.1067-17T≥A, rs4845374) in the intron 8 region and 48864 A≥C ( NM_000565.3:c.1073A≥C, rs2228145) in the exon 9 region. There were no differences between the SLE and the NC in the genotype and haplotype frequencies. The 48864 A>C polymorphism was significantly associated with rash ( P = 0.008). Also, the frequency of rash ( P = 0.037), leucopenia ( P = 0.033) and lymphopenia ( P = 0.027) was significantly higher in patients with SLE having the haplotype HT2 [ ATC]. These data suggest that genetic polymorphisms of IL-6 RA gene may be associated with disease phenotypes of SLE in Korean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study evaluated the 5-year cumulative survival rate and complication rates of a 4·0-mm internal connection implant (MicroThread™ Osseospeed™, Astra Tech) installed for single-tooth restoration. The patients who were treated at Asan Medical Center between 2006 and 2007 were included in this study. A life table analysis was used to calculate the 5-year cumulative survival rate. Comparisons of cumulative survival rates among implant position (anterior, premolar and molar), jawbone (maxilla, mandible), gender and prosthesis type (screw-retained, cement-retained) were performed using the log-rank test. Post-loading complications were analysed using Fisher's exact test. Twelve of 136 implants (anterior; 22, premolar; 25, molar; 89) were lost during the loading period, and 11 were removed due to coronal fracture of fixture. The 5-year cumulative survival rate of the whole arch was 91·9%, and that of the molar region was 87·6%. Statistically significant differences were observed in cumulative survival rates among implant position ( P = 0·037), whereas no statistically significant differences were observed among gender, jawbone, prosthesis type. Forty-seven of 114 (41·2%) implants in the posterior region showed post-loading complications, including coronal fracture of fixture and abutment screw loosening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Haematological traits play important roles in disease resistance and defence functions. The objective of this study was to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the associated positional candidate genes influencing haematological traits in an F2 intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs. Eight blood-related traits (six erythrocyte traits, one leucocyte trait and one platelet trait) were measured in 816 F2 progeny. All experimental animals were genotyped with 173 informative microsatellite markers located throughout the pig genome. We report that nine chromosomes harboured QTL for the baseline blood parameters: genomic regions on SSC 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 17. Eight of twenty identified QTL reached genome-wide significance. In addition, we evaluated the KIT locus, an obvious candidate gene locus affecting variation in blood-related traits. Using dense single nucleotide polymorphism marker data on SSC 8 and the marker-assisted association test, the strong association of the KIT locus with blood phenotypes was confirmed. In conclusion, our study identified both previously reported and novel QTL affecting baseline haematological parameters in pigs. Additionally, the positional candidate genes identified here could play an important role in elucidating the genetic architecture of haematological phenotype variation in swine and in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a systematic design method for ultra broadband power amplifiers using an optimized feedback network. Based on the analysis using the network parameters for the open-loop circuit and feedback network, a design and optimization procedure was established. To make the gain response as flat as possible throughout the broad operating frequency band, the optimized component values of the feedback network were found using an optimization program which was built based on the least-mean-square-error algorithm in MATLAB. Single-ended broadband power amplifiers were implemented to verify the optimization results for various target gains, as well as source and load impedance sets. One of the single-ended amplifiers was selected for use as part of the push-pull power amplifier which includes broad-band 1:1 transmission line transformers. For the operational bandwidth from 8 to 800 MHz, the ultra broad-band push-pull power amplifier exhibited a flat gain response of ±0.331 dB from 17.2 dB, a P1dB of more than 40.5 dBm, and high PAE from 26.7 to 45 % at each P1dB point. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2846-2851, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26372 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2011) , 162-170 The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects and mechanisms of Polygonum cuspidatum root in oral cancer cells. The testing materials were separated by normal-phase silica gel liquid chromatography. The effect of P. cuspidatum root on apoptotsis and its mechanism were performed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-20yl)-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) assay, western blot analysis, RT-PCR, promoter assay, and (4′-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole) (DAPI) staining . The methanol extract of P. cuspidatum (MEPC) inhibited the proliferation of oral cancer cells by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis. Protein and mRNA expression levels and the transactivation of Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) were markedly decreased in KB cells treated with MEPC. Ethyl acetate fraction (EA) from MEPC was more potent than aqueous fraction (AQ) from MEPC to induce apoptosis. F2, F3, and F4 from EA differentially inhibited the growth of KB cells, and it depends on the amount of Emodin in F2, F3, and F4. Moreover, Emodin inhibited oral cancer cell growth and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis by decreasing Sp1. MEPC also decreased an apoptosis-related downstream target of Sp1 protein, survivin. The results from this study strongly suggest that MEPC, its fraction, and Emodin may be potential bioactive materials to cause apoptosis mechanism via the down-regulation of Sp1 in oral cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are negative regulators of gene expression that play important roles in cell processes such as proliferation, development and differentiation. Recently, it has been reported that miRNAs are related to development of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs associated with terminal immortalization of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) and associated clinical traits. Hence, we performed miRNA microarray approach with early- (p6) and late-passage (p161) LCLs. Microarray data showed that nine miRNAs (miR-20b*, miR-28-5p, miR-99a, miR-125b, miR-151-3p, miR-151:9.1, miR-216a, miR-223* and miR-1296) were differentially expressed in most LCLs during long-term culture. In particular, miR-125b was up-regulated in all the tested late-passage LCLs. miR-99a, miR-125b, miR-216a and miR-1296 were putative negative regulators of RASGRP3, GPR160, PRKCH and XAF1, respectively, which were found to be differentially expressed in LCLs during long-term culture in a previous study. Linear regression analysis showed that miR-200a and miR-296-3p correlated with triglyceride and HbA1C levels, respectively, suggesting that miRNA signatures of LCLs could provide information on the donor's health. In conclusion, our study suggests that expression changes of specific miRNAs may be required for terminal immortalization of LCLs. Thus, differentially expressed miRNAs would be a potential marker for completion of cell immortalization during EBV-mediated tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) is a useful resource for population-based human genetic and pharmacogenetic studies. The principal objective here was to assess expression phenotype changes during long-term subculture of LCLs, and its clinical significance. Materials and methods: We searched for genes that were differentially expressed in 17 LCLs at late (p161) passage compared to early passage (p4) using microarray assay, then validated them by real-time RT-PCR analysis. In addition, we estimated correlations between expression phenotypes of 20 LCL strains at early passage and 23 quantitative clinical traits from blood donors of particular LCL strains. Results: Transcript sequences of 16 genes including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway-related genes (such as PTPN13, HERC5 and miR-146a) and carcinogenesis-related genes (such as XAF1, TCL1A, PTPN13, CD38 and miR-146a) were differentially expressed (>2-fold change) in at least 15 of the 17 LCL strains. In particular, TC2N, FCRL5, CD180, CD38 and miR-146a were downregulated in all 17 of the evaluated LCL strains. In addition, we identified clinical trait-associated expression phenotypes in LCLs. Conclusion: Our results showed that LCLs acquired expression phenotype changes involving expression of NF-κB pathway- and carcinogenesis-related genes during long-term subculture. These differentially expressed genes can be considered to be a gene signature of LCL immortalization or EBV-induced carcinogenesis. Clinical trait-associated expression phenotypes should prove useful in the discovery of new candidate genes for particular traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 204–209 Objectives: The aim of this study was to separate the anti-acidogenic substances against Streptococcus mutans UA 159 from Polygonum cuspidatum. Material and methods: The anti-acidogenic substances were separated by a series of liquid–liquid fractionations followed by normal-phase silica gel liquid chromatography, based on high-performance liquid chromatography and glycolytic pH-drop assay. The effectiveness of the separated substances on the acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans UA 159 was examined using sodium fluoride as a positive control. The chemical composition and quantities of the components of the substances was also assessed by qualitative–quantitative chromatographic analysis. Results: Among the substances separated from P. cuspidatum, F3 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on the acidogenicity of S. mutans UA 159 in a dose-dependent manner without displaying any bactericidal activity. F3 decreased the acidogenicity of S. mutans even at 12.5 μg ml−1 ( P < 0.05). F3 consisted mainly of resveratrol and emodin (C14H12O3 and C14H4O2(OH)3CH3, respectively), which made up approximately 60% of the weight of F3. Conclusion: F3 can be considered as a promising agent for controlling the acidogenicity of S. mutans and subsequent dental caries formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenotransplantation from pigs provides a possible solution to the shortage of human organs for allotransplantation. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are a possible obstacle to using porcine organs in addition to the immunological barriers. Three main types of PERVs (A, B and C) have been previously investigated in diverse pig breeds. To examine the copy numbers of PERVs and their genomic locations in the Korean native pig genome, we screened a BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) library with PERV-specific protease primers for initial recognition of PERV-positive clones and three sets of envelope-specific primers for the identification of PERV types. A total of 45 PERV-positive clones, nine PERV-A and 36 PERV-B, have been identified from the library screening and the BAC contigs were constructed using the primers designed from BAC end sequences (BESs). These primers were also used for SCH (Somatic Cell Hybrid) and RH (Radiation Hybrid) mapping of the PERV-positive clones. The results indicate that 45 PERV-positive BAC clones belong to nine contigs and a singleton. SCH and IMpRH (INRA-Minnesota Porcine Radiation Hybrid) mapping results indicated that there are at least eight separate PERV genomic locations, consisting of three PERV-A and five PERV-B. One contig could not be mapped, and two contigs are closely located on SSC7. Southern blotting indicates there may be up to 15 additional sites. Further investigation of these clones will contribute to a general strategy to generate PERV-free lines of pigs suitable for xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: PEGylation – covalent modification of therapeutic peptides with polyethylene glycol (PEG) – is viewed as an effective way of prolonging the short lifetime of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In this study, we investigated the hypoglycaemic efficacies of PEGylated GLP-1s administered intranasally in type 2 diabetic db/ db mice. Methods: Three types of site-specific (Lys34) PEGylated GLP-1 analogues (PEG molecular weight: 1, 2 or 5 kDa) were synthesized. Their metabolic stabilities were evaluated in nasal mucosa enzyme pools. Oral glucose tolerance test was conducted 30, 60 and 120 min after intranasally administering these analogues in type 2 diabetic db/ db mice. Results: PEGylated GLP-1 analogues were found to have significantly longer half-lives than native GLP-1 in nasal mucosa enzymes (2.4-fold to 11.0-fold, p < 0.005). Non-PEGylated GLP-1 at 100 nmol/kg was not found to have marked efficacy irrespective of nasal administration time [total hypoglycaemic degree (HDtotal) values 2.8–17.3%]. On the contrary, PEGylated GLP-1s (100 nmol/kg) showed obvious efficacies with maximum HDtotal values of >51.8 ± 5.8% (p < 0.005 vs. GLP-1). Conclusion: This study highlights the pharmacological potential of intranasally administered PEGylated GLP-1s in terms of stabilizing postprandial hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of insufficient amounts of insulin in the presence of elevated blood glucose levels is one of the key features of type 2 diabetes. Various lines of evidence indicate that acetylcholine (ACh), the major neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, can enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Studies with isolated islets prepared from whole body M3 muscarinic ACh receptor knockout mice showed that cholinergic amplification of glucose-dependent insulin secretion is exclusively mediated by the M3 muscarinic receptor subtype. To investigate the physiological relevance of this muscarinic pathway, we used Cre/loxP technology to generate mutant mice that lack M3 receptors only in pancreatic β-cells. These mutant mice displayed impaired glucose tolerance and significantly reduced insulin secretion. In contrast, transgenic mice overexpressing M3 receptors in pancreatic β-cells showed a pronounced increase in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and were resistant to diet-induced glucose intolerance and hyperglycaemia. These findings indicate that β-cell M3 muscarinic receptors are essential for maintaining proper insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Moreover, our data suggest that enhancing signalling through β-cell M3 muscarinic receptors may represent a new avenue in the treatment of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Epstein–Barr virus transforms resting B cells into proliferating lymphoblastoid cells, the origin of cell lines. Method and results: Our cDNA microarray analyses led to the identification of 232 up-regulated and 112 down-regulated genes with more than a 3-fold difference in lymphoblastoid cell lines compared to resting B cells. The functional classification of these genes exhibited the distinct expression signature for cell proliferation, cell cycle and an immune response. Among them, we verified the differential expression of several oncogenes such as stathmin 1 ( STMN1), RAB27A, RAB9A, BACH1 and BACH2 using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions or Western blot analysis. Expression of STMN1 (which is involved in regulation of the microtubule filament system, cell growth and S-phase of cell cycle) was increased in lymphoblastoid cell line as well as in 7-day post-Epstein–Barr virus infection B cells, compared to resting B cells. Conclusion: Thus, this study suggests that Epstein–Barr virus infection induces STMN1 expression, which play a role in cell cycle progression and proliferation in the human B lymphocyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated the mRNA expression of NELL2, a neural tissue-specific epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeat domain-containing protein, in the developing and adult rat CNS using in situ hybridization histochemistry and northern blot analysis. The possible candidates that interact with or be regulated by NELL2 were screened with a cDNA expression array in antisense (AS) NELL2 oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)injected rat hypothalami. NELL2 mRNA was detected as early as embryonic day 10, and was predominant in the CNS throughout the pre-natal stages. Its expression gradually increased during embryonic development and its strong expression was observed throughout the CNS until embryonic day 20. It was detected in the ventricular zone of the spinal cord, medulla and pons in 12-day-old-embryos, suggesting that NELL2 plays a role in the neurogenesis of these areas. After birth its expression gradually decreased, but high levels of expression could be observed in the tenia tecta, piriform cortex, hippocampus, dentate gyrus, cerebellar cortex, ambiguus nucleus, and inferior olivary nucleus of adult rat brains. The analysis of cDNA expression arrays revealed that the administration of AS NELL20DN markedly decreased the expression of several Ca[sup 2+]-binding proteins and those involved in the transport and release of vesicles such as EF-hand Ca[sup 2+]-binding protein p22 and rab7. This finding was confirmed by relative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The effect of NELL2 on synaptic vesicle content in median eminence (ME) nerve terminals was determined with synaptophysin levels as a marker protein in the AS NELL2 ODN-injected rat. It was significantly decreased by the AS ODN. These data suggest that NELL2 may play an important role in the development of the CNS as well as maintenance of neural functions, by regulating the intracellular machinery involving Ca[sup 2+] signaling, synaptic transport and/or release of vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a practical approach for the analysis and modelling of preventive maintenance (PM) data for repairable systems which have an increasing failure frequency and/or increasing severity. The concept and testing for the trend of severity of corrective work (CO) and PM are discussed. A framework for statistical analysis of interarrival times and downtimes due to CO/PM is proposed. A generalized non-stationary model for scheduling PM to maximize availability is suggested. The effect of severity on scheduling PM activities is shown through sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo toxicity assays have shown that organophosphate insecticides are less toxic to male than to female Oriental fruit moths Grapholita molesta. While male moths have higher levels of acetylcholinesterase and general esterase activities, female moth acetylcholinesterase enzymes are less sensitive to aromatic and aliphatic organophosphates than male enzymes. Elevated esterase and acetylcholinesterase activities in male moths explain their greater tolerance to aromatic and aliphatic organophosphates. Male and female acetylcholinesterase enzymes are equally tolerant to hetero-aromatic organophosphates, the most widely used of this class of insecticides in G molesta control. This observation, in contrast to the greater sensitivity of male acetylcholinesterases to aromatic and aliphatic organophosphates, shows the potential for the evolution of insensitive target sites in male moths, which would increase male G molesta tolerance to these insecticides. Significant sex-linked differences in insecticide tolerance have not been reported previously in lepidopterans. The practical implications of the observed differences in tolerance in male and female G molesta question the practice of using pheromone traps to monitor populations of these moths in orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The genetic consequences of population differentiation and isolation have been the subject of conservation biology. In this study, we analysed the genetic diversity and structure of Mongolian sheep in China. These animals belong to a traditional local breed with high production, extensive adaption, early maturity and roughage resistance. For this purpose, 26 microsatellites were genotyped for five Mongolian sheep populations. The Bayesian clustering indicated five clusters as the most probable genetic structure of the populations investigated. In addition, a clear genetic structure was revealed in three populations distributed at large geographical scales, while the other cluster encompassed UQ and HLBR sheep that displayed no clear differentiation, probably due to their close and small geographical distributions. Overall, our results are helpful in understanding the interplay of population dynamics in these close genetic lineages of Mongolian sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six YAC clones representing five microsatellite markers from the RN region were mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on pig metaphase chromosomes and their relative order was determined by pairwise multicolour FISH. Two of the microsatellites viz., Sw120 and Sw936 flank RN as well as the remaining three microsatellites Sw1683, Sw2083 and Sw1309. The results assigned the RN locus to the distal part of the 15q25 band. The linear order of the microsatellites was compared with the available linkage mapping data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A capacitive-type MEMS acoustic sensor with a planarised TiN/plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition-Si3N4/TiN diaphragm based on a polyimide sacrificial layer is presented. The multi-layer diaphragm has the effective residual stress of +31.5 MPa. Furthermore, this sensor features a 21% lower parasitic capacitance and a 56% lower air-gap resistance in comparison with those of a sensor fabricated without planarisation. Five photomasks were used. In addition, to evaluate the frequency response, both an effective capacitance model and an equivalent circuit model equipped with a voltage-controlled voltage source are newly proposed and compared with conventional models. The open-circuit sensitivity is modelled to -45.4 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz with 9.6 V, indicating a difference of 0.9 dB in comparison with the open-circuit sensitivity of the conventional model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new smoothing algorithm to obtain surface normals for superpixels in the noisy depth image is proposed. For smoothing surface normals, the plane normal that indicates a surface characteristic is obtained by considering the inherent geometric similarity. This process results in smoothed surface normals which are free from noise of the depth image. The superpixels method with suggested smoothing algorithm outperforms in higher quality than the state-of-the art oversegmentation algorithms. The proposed technique can also be applied to any smoothing algorithms using surface normals for 3D features. Experimental results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed smoothing surface normal technique is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for object-based place recognition, where objects are used as a key intermediate representation of places, is proposed. Places are represented by object graphs and recognised from similarity scores between the generated graphs. An iterative Hungarian method is proposed for aligning graphs, where node and edge differences are used for measuring the similarity. The proposed technique robustly detects places without false positives, as it considers both the appearance and geometric information of places. Experiments are performed with mobile robots in indoor environments verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real-time navigation problem of a holonomic mobile robot in dynamic environments is addressed. The robot's footprint and obstacles are approximated with the smallest enclosing ellipses, known as the Löwner-John ellipses. The robot avoids collisions with obstacles by selecting a translational velocity outside of the ellipsebased velocity obstacle (EBVO) described in this Letter at each time step. Furthermore, the rotational velocity of the robot is controlled to gradually change the EBVO so that the robot can efficiently reach the destination. Finally, the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that investigates the efficacy of allelic ladder in cattle identity testing in Daejon, Korea. Researchers collected samples from cattle which were homozygous and which allele was amplified. They found that allelic ladder is effective in identifying genetics of cattle, thus it is suggested to become the nationwide standard for DNA testing and tracing of Hanwoo.

Eight swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) gene (SLA-1, SLA-2, SLA-3, SLA-6, DRA, DRB1, DQA, DQB1) alleles were identified using sequence-based typing method in three Korean native pigs used for breeding at the National Institute of Animal Science in Korea. Six new alleles in class I genes and three new alleles in class II genes have been identified in this breed and can give valuable information for xenotransplantation and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a brief note on construction of a gene-based radiation hybrid (RH) map of pig chromosome 6q32 region, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatness and meat quality. Information on selection of markers in primer design, two point analysis in RH mapping, and reasonable ratios estimated in the analysis of the QTL region is also presented.

The article presents an abstract of "Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the porcine acyl-coA dehydrogenase, medium (ACADM) chain gene have no effect on fat deposition traits in a pig Iberian x Landrace cross."

Background: PPARα/γ dual agonists are new compounds for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of CKD-501, a novel PPARα/γ dual agonist.Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, single- and multiple-dose, dose-rising study was performed at the Clinical Trial Center of Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. Thirty-six healthy male subjects received single oral doses ranging from 0.5-8 mg CKD-501 or placebo. In the multiple-dose study, 24 subjects were administered 1 mg, 2 mg or 4 mg CKD-501 or placebo once daily for 7 days. Serial blood and urine samples were collected and safety was evaluated throughout the study.Results: No serious adverse events were observed and AEs reported were all of mild severity. In the single-dose study, mean Cmax and AUCinf increased up to 418 ug/L and 6154 ug·h/L at the 8 mg dose level, respectively. Tmax and t1/2 ranged from 0.5-4 hours and 7.8-9.8 hours, respectively. Less than 1% CKD-501 was excreted in urine. After multiple-dose administration, accumulation index was in the range of 1.1-1.4. Mean apparent clearance, Tmax and t1/2 in steady state were independent of dosage and not significantly different from those after first dosing.Conclusions: Single oral doses up to 8 mg CKD-501 and multiple doses up to 4 mg once daily for 7 days were safe and well tolerated. Mean Cmax and AUCinf were mainly dose proportional and there was no remarkable accumulation after multiple dosing.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P39–P39; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.140 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lonicera japonica (LJ) has been applied to treatment of inflammatory diseases in Oriental medicine. We studied safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of rising, single and multiple intravenous doses of aqueous extract from LJ, SKLJI in healthy volunteers.Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, dose-escalation study after single and multiple dosing was conducted. Total 80 subjects (56 for single, 24 for multiple; total 13 times for 4 days) were enrolled. Blood and urine samples were collected and subjects were monitored closely for adverse events throughout the study.Results: Seven and 14 cases of adverse events suspected to be related with SKLJI were reported in the single dose and multiple doses, respectively. They were mild, transient and relieved without an intervention. In single dose, Tmax were 30 min for 30 min-duration infusion, 5 min for bolus injection, respectively. The elimination half-life was 1.4-1.6 h. Linear pharmacokinetic profiles in a dose-proportional manner were shown and interindividual variations were 15%-30% in high dose group. Pharmacokinetics of multiple doses was similar to that of single dose group. The accumulation index ranged from 0.93 to 1.08, and renal clearance was 5-12 L/h.Conclusions: SKLJI was safe and well tolerated as a single dose and multiple doses up to 100 mg. It showed linear pharmacokinetics proportional to dose-escalation, short elimination half-life, little accumulation, and relatively small interindividual variations.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P58–P58; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.211 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Voglibose is alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Due to negligible oral absorption, measuring drug concentration in the blood is impractical. So we proposed the pharmacodynamic assessment method to reflect drug effect and this study aimed to validate this method.Methods: Placebo-controlled, selective two-period clinical study was conducted in 20 healthy male subjects. Period I: Subjects received a single oral dose of placebo on day 1. After 20 min of dosing, subjects had a 400 kcal sucrose-rich fluid meal. Blood samples for evaluation of serum glucose level were taken during 3 hours. On day 2, all procedures were the same as day 1 except administration of 0.3 mg voglibose instead of placebo. Period II: 9 subjects in whom considerable decreases of serum glucose level were observed in Period I participated in a multiple dose study (placebo: 8, 11 pm on day -1, and 9 am on day 1 / voglibose: 2, 8, 11 pm on day 1, and 9 am on day 2).Results: AUEC1h (area under the serum glucose level-time curve to 1h) slightly increased by 2.2% and Gmax(maximum serum glucose level) decreased by 0.5% with large intersubject variability when a single dose was administered. However, after multiple administration, the average percent decreases of AUEC1h and Gmax were 19.6% (P<0.001) and 22.2% (P<0.001), respectively.Conclusions: Significant drug effects of voglibose in healthy subjects were revealed only after multiple doses. Changes of AUEC1h and Gmax compared to placebo may be alternative parameters to AUC and Cmax for equivalence study.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P63–P63; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.226 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]