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IBRUTINIB PLUS BR OR R-CHOP IN PREVIOUSLY TREATED PATIENTS WITH FOLLICULAR OR MARGINAL ZONE LYMPHOMA: THE PHASE 3 SELENE STUDY B Introduction b : For patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), chemoimmunotherapy (CIT; bendamustine and rituximab [BR] or rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP]) is recommended by international clinical practice guidelines. B Results b : A total of 403 (FL, I n i = 347; MZL, I n i = 56) patients were randomized to ibrutinib + CIT ( I n i = 202) or placebo + CIT ( I n i = 201). [Extracted from the article]

Patients with ALK-positive ALCL, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, and mycosis fungoides/sezary syndrome were not included in the study. CHOP was favored over ICED in AITL patients, whereas ICED was favored over CHOP in EATL/HSTL patients. B Purpose: b Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and their prognoses are still poor because of frequent relapses and the absence of optimal standard therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The temperature dependences of the electrical conductivity σ(T), Seebeck coefficient σ(T), and heat capacity Cp(T) of polycrystalline samples of Bi2Te3, Bi2Te3+1%CuI, and Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) are investigated in the temperature range below room temperature. Based on the temperature dependences of all investigated physical properties, it is discovered that phase transition occurs at 120–200 K. Investigation of single crystals shows that anomalies in the electrical resistivity (ρ(T)=1/σ(T)) occur only across the crystal growth axis (across the well‐conducting Bi–Te plane). Investigation of the low‐temperature dependence of electrical conductivity shows that all polycrystalline samples exhibit quasi‐two‐dimensional electron transport. Additionally, quasi‐two‐dimensional transport is detected in single crystals based on anisotropy analysis ρ⊥(T)/ρ‖(T):10 (where ρ‖(T) is the resistivity along the crystal growth axis, and ρ⊥(T) is resistivity across the crystal growth axis) and temperature dependence ρ(T):T2 below 50 K. The Fermi energy EF is estimated using the temperature dependence of S(T). It is discovered that an increase in EF at T > 200 K is associated with the phase transition. For single‐crystal samples, the maximum thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, as observed along the crystal growth axis, increases with doping. A maximum ZT value of ∼1.1 is observed for the Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) sample at room temperature (T=300K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous growth of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) is of concern for its potential role in global warming and future stratospheric ozone destruction. Climate feedbacks that enhance N2O emissions in response to global warming are not well understood, and past records of N2O from ice cores are not sufficiently well resolved to examine the underlying climate‐N2O feedbacks on societally relevant time scales. Here, we present a new high‐resolution and high‐precision N2O reconstruction obtained from the Greenland NEEM (North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling) and the Antarctic Styx Glacier ice cores. Covering the N2O history of the past two millennia, our reconstruction shows a centennial‐scale variability of ~10 ppb. A pronounced minimum at ~600 CE coincides with the reorganizations of tropical hydroclimate and ocean productivity changes. Comparisons with proxy records suggest association of centennial‐ to millennial‐scale variations in N2O with changes in tropical and subtropical land hydrology and marine productivity. Plain Language Summary: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse and ozone‐depleting gas. The growing level of N2O in the atmosphere is of global concern, and records of past N2O variations can provide an important context for understanding the links between N2O and climate change. In this study, we report new, high‐quality N2O records covering the last two millennia using ice cores obtained from Greenland and Antarctica. Our N2O records show rapid centennial‐scale changes in atmospheric N2O and confirm a pronounced minimum near 600 CE. Comparison with climate records suggests that hydroclimate change on land and changes in marine productivity contribute to centennial‐ to millennial‐scale N2O variations. Key Points: We report records of N2O concentration for the last 2,000 yr from the Styx ice core in Antarctca and NEEM ice core in GreenlandThe data accurately reveal the timing and magnitude of N2O variations on centennial time scalesVariations in N2O are associated with changes in tropical and subtropical land hydrology and marine productivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of intended gait speed is crucial for facilitating volitional muscle activity during robot-assisted gait training. Considering that most patients find it difficult to perform gait at relatively high speeds, it is also imperative that the prediction model performs well at slow gait speed. Furthermore, ample time for signal processing should be given prior to robot assistance such that the patient is not subjected to unwanted resistance or lag. Here, the authors propose to predict the intended speed of the contralateral limb via kinematics of the current swing limb. Three lower-limb positions were evaluated using an inertial measurement unit sensor during treadmill gait sessions. The results suggest that the authors' model performs well even during slow gait speeds $\lpar \le 2\, {\rm km}/{\rm h}\rpar $(≤2km/h) with $R^2$R2 values as high as 0.86. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most influential risk factors of dementia in older adults. However, its potential association with neurodegeneration is not well established. The association between HL and cortical thickness in cognitively normal older adults was evaluated. Methods: In all, 982 cognitively normal older adults (age ≥65 years) were identified from the Health Promotion Center at the Samsung Medical Center from September 2008 to December 2014. The participants underwent pure‐tone audiometry and brain magnetic resonance imaging. HL was evaluated according to a four‐frequency (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) pure‐tone average. Participants were divided into three groups according to pure‐tone average (normal hearing ≤15 dB, minimal HL 16–25 dB, mild‐to‐severe HL >25 dB). Cortical thickness in the HL groups was compared with that of the normal hearing group. Results: In women, right ear HL was associated with cortical thinning: the minimal HL group showed cortical thinning in the left frontal and bilateral occipital areas and the mild‐to‐severe HL group showed cortical thinning in the bilateral frontal, right temporal and bilateral occipital areas compared to the normal hearing group. In men, there was no significant association between HL on either side and cortical thickness. Conclusion: In older women, right ear HL is associated with neurodegeneration even in a cognitively normal state. Therefore, managing HL especially in older women may be an effective strategy for dementia prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of patient effort during robot‐assisted gait training (RAGT) is thought to be the main factor behind unsatisfactory rehabilitative efficacy among hemiparetic stroke patients. A key milestone to implement patient‐driven RAGT is to predict gait intent prior to actual joint movement. Here, the authors propose a method of predicting step speed intent via surface electromyogram (EMG) signals from the soleus. Six lower‐limb muscles were initially evaluated on a treadmill, and the results suggest that the soleus EMG signals correlate well with step speed. The authors further propose a simple linear regression model which predicts subsequent step speed via current soleus EMG signals with over‐ground gait sessions, R2 of ∼0.6. The proposed experimental results and simple prediction model should be applicable for RAGT without significant modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among CAR+ T-cells in the anbal-cel product, median CD4:CD8 ratio was 3.6 and CCR7+ memory phenotype CAR T-cells account for 65.8% of CAR-T cells. B Introduction: b Anbal-cel is a novel autologous anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy which has been knocked-down for PD-1 and TIGIT expression using OVIS platform. PHASE 2 STUDY OF ANBAL-CEL, NOVEL ANTI-CD19 CAR-T THERAPY WITH DUAL SILENCING OF PD-1 AND TIGIT IN RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA - INTERIM ANALYSIS RESULT. [Extracted from the article]

The current study met its primary end-point which suggests the feasibility of high-dose MTX plus cytarabine in elderly PCNSL patients, and the positive role of additive rituximab. While the backbone treatment for young patients consist of high-dose methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine, their feasibility has not been widely tested in the elderly. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Despite the increasing population of elderly individuals in Korea, there are no evidence‐based geriatric nursing practice guidelines. Aim: This study aimed to identify and prioritize topics related to the development of evidence‐based geriatric nursing practice guidelines in long‐term care facilities in Korea. Methods: To identify potential topics, 89 nurses responded to a questionnaire on activities that require further evidence and/or standardization in the long‐term care facility setting. To prioritize these topics, 14 geriatric nursing experts completed surveys to prioritize five categories. Results: The collected data included 240 clinical topics, which were classified into 41 subcategories and 18 main categories. According to topic prioritization by the geriatric nursing experts, the following were the most heavily weighted categories: fall prevention, position change and prevention of pressure ulcers. Conclusions: The development of standardized guidelines based on these results may help improve the quality of geriatric care and quality of life of older individuals. The small number of respondents may be a limitation of this study, and further study is needed to expand the population. Implications for nursing and health policy: The development of evidence‐based nursing guidelines based on the present findings will help improve the quality of nursing in long‐term care facilities. Additionally, health policies and systems, such as introduction of a fee for nursing services for older individuals based on the evidence, are worth considering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent, flexible and efficient ferroelectric composite films were fabricated by a simple ultrasonication approach followed by thermal treatment. The enhanced electroactive β‐phase and stabilization of the ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer were analyzed by the substitution of various cations with different oxidation states (Li1+, Al3+) as fillers. The electroactive β‐phase was obtained due to the stretching of −CH2−/−CF2− molecular chains, stress‐induced effects during the sonication process and the interfacial interaction between the molecular chains and the surface charge of foreign elements. Further, a flexible ferroelectric nanogenerator was implemented and subjected to harness the waste biomechanical energy. The PVDF/Al3+ composite film‐based device gave the maximum amount of voltage and current of 189 V and 0.97 μA respectively at 2 N force. This high electrical output is caused by the electrostatic interaction between electronegative fluorine atoms and the surface active, positive charged ions of the fillers. The obtained maximum instantaneous power density of the FF‐CNG device at 20 MΩ load resistance is 1.92 mW/m2. The generated output is used to power up commercial light‐emitting diodes and display devices without using storage components. The proposed approach for enhancing the throughput of ferroelectric polymers can pave the way to develop new smart composite films for efficient energy conversion. Piezoelectric films of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are fabricated by ultrasonication followed by thermal treatment. The electroactive β‐phase is obtained due to −CH2−/−CF2− chain stretching, effects during sonication and interfacial interactions between molecular chains and the charge of substituted cations. Substitution of cations is improving the stabilisation of the electroactive phase by increasing the interfacial polarization of PVDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Korea, MZL accounts for 21% of all B-cell lymphoma and is the second most frequent histologic subtype following diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Therefore we want to make prospective MZL patients' cohort for several observations including clinical presentation, evaluation patters, treatment modality, results, and side effects. B Background: b Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a distinct subgroup of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is typically characterized by an indolent clinical course and long survival duration. [Extracted from the article]

Ibrutinib in Combination with Ifosfamide, Etoposide, and Rituximab Followed by Ibrutinib Maintenance Therapy in Patients with R/R-PCNSL: A Multicenter Phase II Study Of these, complete response (CR) was achieved in 16 patients (53.3%), partial response (PR) in 6 patients (20.0%), and the ORR of induction and maintenance therapy was 73.3% (95% CI, 57.2%-89.4%). A total of 17 patients completed 6 cycles of induction therapy, and maintenance therapy with ibrutinib was initiated in 15 patients. [Extracted from the article]

Objective Brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) plays a crucial role in modulating resilience and vulnerability to stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic regulation of the BDNF gene is a biomarker of post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) development among veterans exposed to combat in the Vietnam War. Methods Using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, combat veterans were grouped into those with ( n = 126) and without ( n = 122) PTSD. DNA methylation levels at four CpG sites within the BDNF promoter I region were quantified in the peripheral blood using pyrosequencing. The effects of BDNF DNA methylation levels and clinical variables on the diagnosis of PTSD were tested using binary logistic regression analysis. Results Subjects with PTSD showed a higher DNA methylation of four CpG sites at the BDNF promoter compared with those without PTSD. High methylation levels at the BDNF promoter CpG site, high combat exposure, and alcohol problems were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis. Conclusions This study demonstrated an association between higher DNA methylation of the BDNF promoter and PTSD diagnosis in combat-exposed individuals. Our findings suggest that altered BDNF methylation may be a valuable biomarker of PTSD after trauma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of bacteriophages (phages) against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 as a therapy against the ETEC infection in post-weaning pigs. Two groups of post-weaning pigs aged 35 days, eight animals per group, were challenged with 3.0 × 1010 colony forming units of ETEC K88, a third group given the vehicle. The unchallenged group and one challenged group were fed a basal nursery diet for 14 days while the remaining challenged group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 × 107 plaque forming units of the phage per kg. Average daily gain (ADG), goblet cell density and villous height:crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio in the intestine were less in the challenged group than in the unchallenged group within the animals fed the basal diet (p < 0.05); the reverse was true for rectal temperature, faecal consistency score (FCS), E. coli adhesion score (EAS) in the intestine, serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations and digesta pH in the stomach, caecum and colon. The ETEC infection symptom within the challenged animals was alleviated by the dietary phage supplementation (p < 0.05) in ADG, FCS, EAS in the jejunum, serum TNF-α concentration, digesta pH in the colon, goblet cell density in the ileum and colon and VH:CD ratio in the ileum. Moreover, the infection symptom tended to be alleviated (p < 0.10) by the phage supplementation in rectal temperature, EAS in the ileum and caecum, and VH:CD ratio in the duodenum and jejunum. However, EAS in the colon, digesta pH in the stomach and caecum, and goblet cell density in the jejunum did not change due to the dietary phage. Overall, results indicate that the phage therapy is effective for alleviation of acute ETEC K88 infection in post-weaning pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective According to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is a heterogeneous category that includes cases with architectural and/or nuclear atypia insufficient to warrant classification as malignant neoplasms. The ambiguous and descriptive characteristics of the AUS/FLUS category mean that the impact of the present guidelines on repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) is unclear. The present study reclassified AUS/FLUS cases into four sub-categories and then correlated them with histological or cytological follow-up data to clarify the risk of malignancy. Methods Ninety-four cases of AUS/FLUS with available follow-up data were reviewed and assigned to one of four sub-categories: (i) AUS-N (nuclear atypia); (ii) AUS-A (architectural atypia); (iii) AUS-O (predominant oncocytic changes); and (iv) AUS-N/A (both nuclear and architectural atypia). The four sub-categories were correlated with subsequent histological or cytological follow-up data, including core needle biopsy, resection, or repeat FNA. Results Malignancy was identified in 34 of 94 cases (36.2%). The upper limit estimate for malignancy was 43.6%, and the lower limit estimate was speculated as 9.8%. The malignancy rate was highest in cases within the AUS-N sub-category (65.8%, range 16.6%-78.1%). Conclusions The present study suggests that cases in the AUS/FLUS category have a higher risk of malignancy than previously thought. Because of the heterogeneous nature of the AUS/FLUS category, further sub-classification might be more effective in achieving appropriate risk stratification and better clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the major causative pathogens of outbreaks or sporadic cases of diarrhoeal diseases worldwide. In this study, we compared the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of C. jejuni isolates of human and food-producing animal origins in Korea and examined the genetic relatedness between these two groups of isolates. Regardless of isolation source, all C. jejuni isolates harboured four virulence genes, cadF, cdtB, ciaB and racR, whereas the wlaN and virB11 genes were more frequently observed in human isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the majority of C. jejuni isolates displayed high-level resistance to fluoroquinolone (95.2%) or tetracycline (76.2%) antibiotics, and 12.4% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (more than three classes of antibiotics tested). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis ( PFGE) of all Campylobacter isolates revealed 51 different SmaI- PFGE patterns and six major clusters containing both human and animal isolates. These results indicate that genetically diverse strains of C. jejuni with antimicrobial drug-resistance and virulence properties have prevailed in Incheon. Nevertheless, some particular populations continue to circulate within the community, providing the evidence for an epidemiological link of C. jejuni infections between humans and food-producing animals. Therefore, the continued monitoring and surveillance of C. jejuni isolates of human and food-producing animal origins are required for public health and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In vivo changes in skin barrier function after chemical peeling with alpha hydroxyacids ( AHAs) have been previously reported. However, the additional effects of physical treatment with chemical agents on skin barrier function have not been adequately studied. This study measured the degree of acute skin damage and the time required for skin barrier repair using non-invasive bioengineering methods in vivo with human skin to investigate the additional effect of a 4% AHA chemical jet accelerated at supersonic velocities. Methods Thirteen female subjects (average age: 29.54 ± 4.86 years) participated in this study. The faces of the subjects were divided into half according to the block randomization design and were then assigned to receive AHA peeling alone or AHA peeling combined with pneumatic pressure on each side of the face. Transepidermal water loss ( TEWL), skin colour and skin blood flow were evaluated at baseline and at 30 min, 2, 5 and 7 days after treatment. Results The TEWL and skin blood flow were significantly increased after 30 min in chemodermabrasion compared with chemical peeling alone ( P < 0.05). The TEWL and skin blood flow recovered to baseline after 2 days, and TEWL was significantly decreased at 7 days compared with chemical peeling alone ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Chemodermabrasion can temporarily impair skin barriers, but it is estimated that it can enhance the skin barrier function after 7 days compared to the use of a chemical agent alone. In addition, chemodermabrasion has a more effective impact in the dermis and relatively preserves the skin barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Epitope spreading is one of valid mechanisms operating in immunopathological processes of infection-induced autoimmune diseases. We hypothesized that the peptide 19 from Porphyromonas gingivalis heat shock protein (HSP) 60 (Pep19) may be the dominant epitope from which epitope-specific immune response to subdominant epitopes may diversify sequentially into autoimmune responses directed at human neoepitopes in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis and autoimmune diseases. However, the exact feature and mechanism on how Pep19 may drive epitope spreading into human autoantigens in chronic periodontitis or P. gingivalis-induced experimental periodontitis has not been clarified. The present study was performed with the following specific aims: (i) to delineate retrospectively the features of epitope spreading by human cross-sectional analysis; (ii) to demonstrate prospectively the epitope spreading into new antigenic determinants in an ordered, predictable and sequential manner in experimental periodontitis; and (iii) to clarify the mechanism on how immunization with Pep19 may mobilize helper T cells or elicit B-cell responses to human autoantigens and neoantigen. Material and Methods The study was devised for two independent investigations - a cross-sectional analysis on clinical subjects and a prospective analysis on experimental periodontitis - each being subdivided further into two additional independent observations. Cross-sectional dot immunoblot pattern against a panel of peptides of P. gingivalis HSP60 and human HSP60 was performed among age-dependent healthy subjects and between healthy subjects, patients with chronic periodontitis and patients with autoimmune disease, to identify epitope spreading. A peptide-specific T-cell line was established for phenotype analysis and for proliferation assay to an array of identical peptides. An identical prospective analysis was performed in P. gingivalis-induced experimental periodontitis or in Pep19-immunized mice. Cross-reactivity of anti-Pep19 monoclonal antibody was also investigated. Results A dominant immune response exclusively to Pep19 prevailed in healthy human subjects (before the age of 40) and mice that persisted in chronic periodontitis and autoimmune diseases without being replaced further by subsequent subdominant epitopes. A sequential epitope spreading provoked by Pep19 to subdominant autoantigen peptide 19 from human HSP60 (Hu19) in most healthy human subjects and mice, and to autoantigen peptide 9 from human HSP60 (Hu9) and neoantigen oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox- LDL) in P. gingivalis-induced chronic periodontitis and autoimmune diseases could be demonstrated in a reproducible and predictable manner. T-cell proliferative activity to multiple autoantigens Hu19, Hu9 and ox- LDL, and cross-reactivity of anti-Pep19 monoclonal antibody to these epitopes may be proposed as cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the phenomenon. Moreover, the predictive value of Pep19 for Hu9 increased remarkably in the disease group when compared with that of the healthy group. Conclusion Taken together, epitope spreading to Hu19, Hu9 and ox- LDL provoked by Pep19 could be proposed as a solid phenomenon observed in P. gingivalis-induced chronic periodontitis and infection-induced autoimmune diseases in a reproducible and predictable manner. T-cell proliferative activity to these peptides and cross-reactivity of anti-Pep19 antibodies to multiple human autoantigens could be proposed as cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics between two types of self-ligating brackets and conventional metal brackets using finite element analysis of a vertically displaced canine model focusing on the desired force on the canine and undesirable forces on adjacent teeth.Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of the maxillary dentition with 1-mm, 2-mm, and 3-mm vertically displaced canines were constructed. Two different self-ligating brackets (In-Ovation C and Smart clip) and a conventional metal bracket (Micro-arch) were modeled. After a 0.016-inch NiTi (0.40 mm, round) wire was engaged, the displacement of each tooth was calculated using x-, y-, and z-coordinates, and the tensile and compressive stresses were calculated.Results: The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine differed little between the three brackets, but the intrusion and minimal compressive stress values of the adjacent teeth differed considerably and were highest in the Smart clip and least in the In-Ovation C. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine in the 3-mm displacement model was less than that in the 2-mm displacement model, and the intrusion and minimal compressive stress of the adjacent teeth increased with the degree of displacement.Conclusions: Self-ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in leveling a vertically displaced canine. A continuous arch wire may not be recommended for leveling of severely displaced canines whether using self-ligating or conventional brackets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Daidzein is an isoflavone abundant in soybeans, kudzu root and red clover, which have been widely studied for its therapeutic potential. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of daidzein on alveolar bone loss and internal microstructures of bone in a rat model of experimental periodontitis by assessing morphological data obtained from micro-computed tomography (micro- CT). Material and Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following three groups comprising eight animals each: the nonligation (NL) group; the ligation (L) group; and the ligation+daidzein (LD) group. To induce periodontitis, a 4-0 braided silk ligature was tied around the cervical area of the lower-right first molars of rats in groups L and LD. Rats in the LD group were given daily doses of daidzein (10 mg/kg of body weight) by intraperitoneal injection immediately after ligature placement. Two weeks after the placement of ligatures, mandibular block biopsies were scanned using a micro- CT system. Results Daily administration of daidzein strongly suppressed the ligature-induced loss of alveolar bone height. In addition, when rats were treated with daidzein, the ligature-induced decrease in the bone volume fraction was significantly recovered. Furthermore, daidzein significantly reversed ligature-induced deteriorations in the microarchitecture parameters of trabecular bone, such as trabecular thickness, bone mineral density, trabecular separation and structure model index. Conclusion The study presented here demonstrates, for the first time, that daidzein effectively reduces alveolar bone destruction resulting from experimental periodontitis in rats. Further studies are necessary for the translation of this compound clinically to improve the outcomes of patients diagnosed with periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has numerous potentially beneficial properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of CAPE on periodontal disease has not been studied before. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of CAPE in ameliorating the production of proinflammatory mediators in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease. Material and Methods LPS from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was isolated by using the standard hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were assayed for nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify inducible NO synthase, IL-1β, IL-6, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 mRNA expression. HO-1 protein expression and levels of signaling proteins were assessed by immunoblot analysis. DNA-binding activities of NF-κB subunits were analyzed by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kits. Results CAPE exerted significant inhibitory effects on P. intermedia LPS-induced production of NO, IL-1β and IL-6 as well as their mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. CAPE-induced HO-1 expression in cells activated with P. intermedia LPS, and selective inhibition of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX attenuated the inhibitory effect of CAPE on LPS-induced NO production. CAPE did not interfere with IκB-α degradation induced by P. intermedia LPS. Instead, CAPE decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and p50 subunits induced with LPS, and lessened LPS-induced p50 binding activity. Further, CAPE showed strong inhibitory effects on LPS-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 phosphorylation. Besides, CAPE significantly elevated SOCS1 mRNA expression in P. intermedia LPS-stimulated cells. Conclusion Modulation of host response by CAPE may represent an attractive strategy towards the treatment of periodontal disease. In vivo studies are required to appraise the potential of CAPE further as an immunomodulator in the treatment of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Alpha hydroxy acids ( AHA) have been recognized as commonly used therapy for acne. Our studies examined whether an additional effect of physical treatment using chemical peeling combined with negative pressure and compared with AHA treatment only occurs in acne-prone subjects. Methods The chemical peeling agent used 4% of an AHA solution (mixture of 1000 mL of carbonated water, 20 mL of glycolic acid and 20 mL of lactic acid). All subjects' faces were randomly divided into test and control groups. The test group was treated with chemical peeling combined with a physical effect, and the control group applied chemical peeling alone. For the 23 healthy females (average age: 30.17 ± 5.06 year), we measured sebum output level by light transmission, pore area and number by optical image analyser, and comedone counting before treatment and at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment. Results Compared to the before treatment, whiteheads and blackheads were significantly decreased at 1, 2 and 4 weeks in the test group ( P < 0.05), but for the control group, whiteheads and blackheads showed a tendency to decrease at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. Also at 1 week, whiteheads and blackheads of the test group significantly decreased compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). Pore area and number significantly decreased at 1 week ( P < 0.05), and the sebum output level was significantly decreased at 4 weeks ( P < 0.05) only in the test group, which did not show any significant group difference for individual parameters. Conclusion 4% AHA solution combined with a physical effect had rapidly improving effects on whiteheads and blackheads synergistically. Combined physical therapy may have more impact on pore size and seborrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter introduces a CMOS depth sensor with a multi‐resolution single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array and area‐efficient filter circuit with a programmable reference for environment‐adaptive noise suppression. Four SPADs compose a macro‐pixel for detecting targets at a short distance with high resolution, whereas 4 × 4 SPADs are reconfigured to a super‐pixel for a long distance with enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratio. To provide environment‐adaptive noise suppression in the miniaturised SPAD array, an area‐efficient filter circuit with a programmable reference is proposed: a digital macro‐filter corresponding to a macro‐pixel and an analogue super filter corresponding to a super‐pixel. The prototype chip was fabricated with a 110 nm CMOS image‐sensor process, including 128 SPAD farm arrays and 128 analogue front‐end circuits. With high background light of over 90 klx and a high dark‐count rate of over 27.1 kHz, the time‐of‐flight could be measured by filtering out invalid pulses from noise without using multiple time‐to‐digital converters per pixel, which enables the implementation of miniaturised LiDAR‐sensor systems on a chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact CMOS linear transconductance (LiT) voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) in 65 nm CMOS process is presented. The proposed LiT technique is realised using NP core without a choke inductor to reduce die area and avoid dual resonance problem. The measured output frequency of the proposed VCO shows 11.18–11.98 GHz and phase noise is −112.62 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency. DC power consumption of the VCO core and the buffer is 5.86 and 6 mW, respectively. It achieves a high figure of merit normalised to the area of 198.6 dBc/Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact CMOS linear transconductance (LiT) voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) in 65 nm CMOS process is presented. The proposed LiT technique is realised using NP core without a choke inductor to reduce die area and avoid dual resonance problem. The measured output frequency of the proposed VCO shows 11.18–11.98 GHz and phase noise is −112.62 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency. DC power consumption of the VCO core and the buffer is 5.86 and 6 mW, respectively. It achieves a high figure of merit normalised to the area of 198.6 dBc/Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Probiotic Lactobacillus brevis CD2 ( CD2) exerts anti-inflammatory properties by preventing nitric oxide synthesis. It is hypothesized that oral application of CD2 can inhibit naturally occurring gingival inflammation. Materials and Methods Thirty-four healthy adults were randomized to receive L. brevis CD2 lozenges or placebo, three times daily for 14 days. The subjects refrained from oral hygiene, the extent of which was determined at various time points. Results In both groups, bleeding on probing scores increased continuously throughout the study except on day 3. In the placebo group, scores increased significantly from 9.50 at baseline to 14.75 and 14.81 on days 10 and 14, respectively ( P < 0.05). No significant change from baseline was observed in the CD2 group. However, scores were consistently higher with placebo, and significant intergroup differences were observed on day 10. Plaque and gingival indices increased from baseline in both treatment groups, but no intergroup differences were observed. Measurements of immune markers in gingival crevicular fluid revealed increased production of nitric oxide in the placebo group ( P < 0.05). Prostaglandin E2 production decreased over time in both groups. Conclusion Lactobacillus brevis CD2 may delay gingivitis development in this model by downregulating an inflammatory cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated awareness in dental hygienists of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw ( BRONJ) in patients with osteoporosis and cancer and assessed the situation in systemic history investigations to broaden the scope of the dental hygienists' BRONJ awareness as a basis for contributing to preventing this disease. The study was carried out through a survey; 217 dental hygienists responded to the survey. They worked at 12 university and general hospitals, 10 dental hospitals and 35 dental clinics, for a total of 57 institutions in Seoul. The survey consisted of 37 questions: general characteristics ( J Oral Maxillofac Surg 65: 2007; 369), systemic history investigations (Ruggiero et al. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 62: 2004; 527) and awareness of BRONJ (Park et al. J Korean Dent Assoc 49: 2011; 389). Among them, 79.7% were aware of BRONJ. Recognition was highest among those from 25 to 35 years old ( P < 0.05). In terms of work experience, those with 5-10 years experience showed the highest awareness ( P < 0.05). In terms of institutions type, dental clinics showed lower awareness than general and dental hospitals ( P < 0.05). It was found that 55.3% of the dental hygienists had been educated about BRONJ. Those aged 25-35 years were the most educated. In terms of institutions, dental clinic staff were the least educated. The degree of understanding about BRONJ was analysed with the average score of 6.14 points. According to these results, dental hygienists working in university hospitals and general hospitals had more opportunity to receive training than those working in dental clinics. Thus, it is considered that the development of professional training programs about BRONJ for all dental hygienists is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue crack growth behaviour of type 347 stainless steel in pressurized water reactor (PWR) conditions was investigated at two different temperatures, 25 and 316 °C. The fatigue crack growth rate was slightly increased at the elevated temperature in air. In the simulated PWR water environment, the fatigue crack growth rate was changed in a rather complicated manner with a change of the dissolved oxygen (DO) content. The DO content did not significantly change the fatigue crack growth rate at 25 °C. With the lower oxygen content of 5 ppb, which is the practical limit of deoxygenated water, the fatigue crack growth rate was similar at both 25 and 316 °C. The fatigue crack growth rate was significantly decreased at 316 °C with the higher oxygen level of 100 ppb. Under 316 °C water conditions, oxides were observed on the fatigue crack surface where the size of oxide particles was about 0.2 µm at 5 ppb and about 1 µm at 100 ppb. The thickness of the oxide layers also increased with the increase of DO. Moreover, the Δ K threshold (Δ Kth) also increased as the DO increased from 5 to 100 ppb. The dissolved hydrogen levels did not affect the measured crack growth rate at the given test conditions. The decrease of the fatigue crack growth rate with higher DO content is attributed to a crack closure resulting from the formation of larger oxides near the crack tip at a rather fast loading frequency of 10 Hz that was used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective To study the permeation of liquiritigenin ( LQG) and liquiritin ( LQ) as licorice flavonoids into the skin, we prepared ceramide liposome-in-cellulose hydrogel complex system. Methods Liposome-in-hydrogel complex systems were developed by incorporating ceramide liposomes into cellulose hydrogels by the swelling method. We evaluated their physical and chemical properties, encapsulation efficiency and skin permeability using Franz Diffusion Cell. It was visually seen by CLSM images analysis. Results The ceramide liposome, consisting of biocompatible lipid membranes, remained stable for over 3 weeks. Encapsulation efficiencies for liquiritigenin and liquiritin-loaded liposome-in-hydrogel were 69.39% and 64.71%, respectively. Liposome-in-hydrogel complex systems ( LQG: 56.55%, LQ: 66.99%) had greater skin permeability than control ( LQG: 4.92%, LQ: 5.30%) or a single liposome systems ( LQG: 43.34%, LQ: 48.97%) and hydrogel systems ( LQG: 38.21%, LQ: 55.07%). Conclusion Liposome-in-hydrogel system can be a potential drug delivery system for topical delivery of antioxidants such as licorice flavonoids to construct antioxidative skin barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose Many studies have been focused on evaluating assessment techniques for facial pores amid growing attention on skin care. Ubiquitous techniques used to assess the size of facial pores include visual assessment, cross-section images of the skin surface, and profilometric analysis of silicone replica of the facial skin. In addition, there are indirect assessment methods, including observation of pores based on confocal laser scanning microscopy and the analysis of sebum secretion and skin elasticity. The aim of this study was to identify parameters useful in estimating pore of surface in normal skin. Methods The severity of pores on the cheek area by frontal optical images was divided on a 0-6 scale with '0' being faint and small pore and '6' being obvious and large pore. After the photos of the frontal cheek of 32 women aged between 35 and 49 were taken, the size of their pores was measured on a 0-6 scale; and the correlation between visual grading of pore and various evaluations (pore volume by 3-D image, pore area and number by Optical Image Analyzer) contributing to pore severity investigated using direct, objective, and noninvasive evaluations. Results The visual score revealed that the size of pores was graded on a 1-6 scale. Visual grading of pore was highly correlated with pore volume measured from 3-D images and pore area measured from 2-D optical images in the order ( P < 0.01). Visual grading of pore was also slightly correlated with the number of pores in size of over 0.04 mm2 ( P < 0.05). Conclusion High correlation between pore score and pore volume can be explained by 3-D structural characteristics of pores. It is concluded that pore volume and area serve as useful parameters in estimating pore of skin surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Collection of sufficient CD34+ cells for autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is frequently failed in patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated the incidence and the predictive factors for poor mobilization. Materials and Methods A total of 205 adult patients (101 lymphoma and 104 MM) were retrospectively included for identifying the incidence of mobilization failure and the predictive factors for poor mobilization in conventional G-CSF-based mobilization regimen. Another 17 patients who used plerixafor for mobilization were included. Results Overall, 14·1% of patients (21·8% of patients with lymphoma, 6·7% of patients with MM) were poor mobilizers. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed an interval from G-CSF administration to PBSC collection exceeding 10 days and peripheral blood mononuclear cells count on the first day of collection were predictive factors for poor mobilization in lymphoma, but not in MM. Among plerixafor-treated patient group, 9 of 11 poor mobilizers who received second-cycle plerixafor mobilization were able to collect higher number of CD34+ cells than that of CD34+ cells during the G-CSF-based first mobilization. All patients who had received initial plerixafor mobilization reached 2·0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg during the four leukaphereses. Conclusion In conventional G-CSF-based mobilization, early PBSC collection after G-CSF administration might enhance CD34+ cell yield. A combination of a new mobilizing agent, plerixafor, would be helpful to harvest sufficient number of CD34+ cells for successful transplantation outcome while reducing the effort of collection procedures in poor mobilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new approach for color transfer between two images. Our method is unique in its consideration of the scene illumination and the constraint that the mapped image must be within the color gamut of the target image. Specifically, our approach first performs a white-balance step on both images to remove color casts caused by different illuminations in the source and target image. We then align each image to share the same 'white axis' and perform a gradient preserving histogram matching technique along this axis to match the tone distribution between the two images. We show that this illuminant-aware strategy gives a better result than directly working with the original source and target image's luminance channel as done by many previous methods. Afterwards, our method performs a full gamut-based mapping technique rather than processing each channel separately. This guarantees that the colors of our transferred image lie within the target gamut. Our experimental results show that this combined illuminant-aware and gamut-based strategy produces more compelling results than previous methods. We detail our approach and demonstrate its effectiveness on a number of examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study investigated the association between bone mineral density ( BMD) and periodontitis in a representative sample of Korean adults. Material and Methods Of 36 188 individuals who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2008, 2009, and 2010, 9977 participants aged ≥40 years were included in this cross-sectional study. The associations of BMD of lumbar spine, total femur, and femoral neck with periodontitis were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Additionally, dose-response relationships with BMD divided into quintiles and the association between osteoporosis and periodontitis were investigated. Results With the set of Community Periodontal Index ( CPI) ≥ 3 as a dependent variable, logistic regression analysis revealed that a decrease of BMD was significantly associated with higher odds of periodontitis [range of adjusted odds ratios ( AORs); 1.15-1.20, P < 0.001 for all BMD sites]. Similarly, these associations were also found in the CPI 4 model. With regard to dose-response relations, the lower the BMD quintile, the higher the AORs appeared with statistical significance in the CPI ≥ 3 model. ( P for trend < 0.001) Participants with osteoporosis had 2.26 and 1.91 times higher odds for CPI ≥ 3 and CPI 4, respectively, than those with normal BMD, indicating a significant association between the two diseases. Conclusions Our results suggest that BMD is significantly associated with periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Interleukin-6 ( IL-6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine that has been considered to be important in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Therefore, host-modulatory agents directed at inhibiting IL-6 appear to be beneficial in terms of attenuating periodontal disease progression and potentially improving disease susceptibility. In the current study, we investigated the effect of the flavonoid isorhamnetin on the production of IL-6 in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in inflammatory periodontal disease, and its mechanisms of action. Material and Methods Lipopolysaccharide from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was isolated using the standard hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL-6. We used real-time PCR to quantify IL-6 and heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1) mRNA expression. The expression of HO-1 protein and the levels of signaling proteins were monitored using immunoblot analyses. The DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κ B) was analyzed using ELISA-based assay kits. Results Isorhamnetin significantly down-regulated P. intermedia LPS-induced production of IL-6 as well as its m RNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. Isorhamnetin up-regulated the expression of HO-1 at both gene transcription and translation levels in cells stimulated with P. intermedia LPS. In addition, inhibition of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX blocked the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin on IL-6 production. Isorhamnetin failed to prevent LPS from activating either c-Jun N-terminal kinase or p38 pathways. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit NF-κ B transcriptional activity at the level of inhibitory κB-α degradation. Isorhamnetin suppressed NF-κ B signaling through inhibition of nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF-κ B p50 subunit and attenuated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling. Conclusion Although further research is required to clarify the detailed mechanism of action, we propose that isorhamnetin may contribute to blockade of the host-destructive processes mediated by IL-6 and could be a highly efficient modulator of the host response in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease. Further research in animal models of periodontitis is required to better evaluate, the potential of isorhamnetin as a novel agent for treating periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In healthy elderly people, silent brain infarctions ( SBIs) have been recognized as common lesions. In this study, we evaluated the association between SBI located outside the perforating artery territory ( PAT) and paradoxical embolism detected by agitated saline transcranial Doppler ( TCD) monitoring in healthy subjects. Methods This was a prospective observational study undertaken by a university health promotion center for healthy subjects and by a university stroke center for acute stroke patients. We defined SBI as evidence on fluid-attenuation inversion recovery ( FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) of one or more infarcts, without history of corresponding stroke or transient ischaemic attack. We also evaluated in all subjects the neuroimaging indicator of microangiopathy leukoaraiosis ( LA). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01429948. Results Amongst 1103 consecutive healthy adults who underwent MRI, 347 (31%) had one or more SBIs located outside the PAT, suggesting embolism. Amongst them, 253 subjects underwent agitated saline TCD monitoring and 128 (51%) had right-to-left shunts ( RLS). The prevalence of RLS was similar to cryptogenic embolic stroke (62.0%, P = 0.056), but higher than in patients with other stroke subtypes (36.2%, P = 0.021). Amongst subjects with SBI, absence of LA was the only factor associated with RLS ( OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.01-3.14; P = 0.046). Conclusion Our results suggest that paradoxical embolism may play an important role in the development of SBI outside the PAT in apparently healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquid film flow on different structured wires and chains is observed experimentally to assess the suitability of a structured packing consisting of vertical wires. The results show that liquid beads as they appear on cylindrical wires are inhibited by certain chain geometries. This increases the flooding gas load up to F = 12 Pa0.5. As the stabilized film shows no liquid bead motion, the liquid velocity at the interface is less which results in lower gas-side mass-transfer coefficients. An estimation of the packing characteristics for different chain geometries with an assumed wire packing density of 40,000 wires/m2 is made. The interfacial area, mass-transfer coefficients, and consequently the separation efficiency strongly depend on the liquid load. However, the proposed gas-side separation efficiencies are slightly lower compared to common structured packings but the advantages are higher load limits, a better liquid distribution, and lower pressure drop. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 295-302, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying medullary infarctions. Our aim in this study was to investigate stroke mechanisms in patients with medullary infarctions and to determine the clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of these patients with different underlying stroke etiologies. Methods Consecutive patients with medullary infarction were analysed. Stroke mechanisms were classified as large artery disease ( LAD), cardiogenic embolism ( CE), small vessel disease ( SVD), arterial dissection or undetermined etiology. Clinical, radiological and laboratory factors were analysed according to the location of the lesion and stroke mechanisms. Results A total of 77 patients were enrolled in this study. Amongst them, 53 (68.8%) patients had lateral medullary infarction ( LMI), 22 (28.6%) had medial medullary infarction ( MMI), and the remaining 2 (2.6%) had hemimedullary infarction. In both LMI and MMI patients, LAD was the most frequently encountered stroke mechanism. Arterial dissection was the second most common cause followed by SVD and CE in patients with LMI, whereas SVD was more frequently observed ( P < 0.001) and dissection and CE were less prevalent ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively) in MMI than in LMI. Regarding differences amongst stroke etiologies, patients with dissection were younger and had a significantly lower incidence of metabolic syndrome ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively) than patients with LAD and SVD. Patients in the LAD (19/34, 60%) and dissection groups (12/14, 75%) had abnormal perfusion-weighted MRI ( PWI) findings, whereas all patients with SVD (9/9) had normal PWI findings ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Stroke mechanisms in medullary infarction differ between LMI and MMI. Clinical and radiological characteristics, especially PWI features, are helpful in discriminating the etiologies of stroke in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated changes in the levels of significant cytokines in relation to neonatal seizures, a pattern of cytokine concentrations serially and the severity of brain insult. The hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy-induced seizure group consisted of 13 patients, and another 15 normal newborns were enrolled as a control group. All of the initial samples were obtained within the first 24 h of admission, and the second samples were obtained between 48 and 72 h in both groups. Only the third samples were taken in the seizure group on the 5th day. During neonatal seizures, the levels of most cytokines increased within 24 h, and, in particular, the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 significantly increased ( P < 0.05). After 48-72 h of seizure onset, the levels of most cytokines decreased, especially, IL-1Ra; however, IL-8 and IL-10 remained increased ( P < 0.05). During the prognosis, one patient who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at 6 months of age presented extreme elevation of IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the initial sample, reflecting the severity of brain damage. A significant increase in IL-8 may serve as a biomarker for earlier detection of brain damage in neonatal seizure, if detected within 24 and 48-72 h of the seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dose requirements of thiopental depend on patient characteristics and infusion rate. We determined thiopental dose requirements for induction of anaesthesia, and the effects of remifentanil on cardiovascular and bispectral index ( BIS) responses to tracheal intubation in spinal cord-injured ( SCI) patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Methods Twenty patients with traumatic complete SCI undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. Twenty patients without SCI served as control. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental, followed by remifentanil 1 μg/kg and rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg, and maintained with 2% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen after tracheal intubation. Thiopental was administered at a rate of 50 mg/15 s until abolition of the eyelash reflex. Thiopental doses, BIS values, systolic arterial blood pressure ( SAP), heart rate ( HR) and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured. Results Total thiopental dose required to abolish the eyelash reflex based on total body weight ( BW) (5.26 ± 0.87 vs. 3.91 ± 1.07 mg/kg, P < 0.001) or lean BW (6.56 ± 1.37 vs. 5.24 ± 1.36 mg/kg, P < 0.01) were significantly smaller in the SCI group than in the control. SAP was decreased by induction of anaesthesia with thiopental and remifentanil, and increased by tracheal intubation in both groups. However, the peak SAP after intubation was smaller in the SCI patients. HR increased significantly above baseline values following intubation in both groups with no significant intergroup differences. Hypertension was more frequent in the control group. Norepinephrine concentrations remained unaltered following intubation in both groups. Conclusions These results suggest that the dose requirements of thiopental for induction of general anaesthesia and subsequent tracheal intubation are reduced in the SCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choi E-Y, Jin J-Y, Lee J-Y, Choi J-I, Choi IS, Kim S-J. Anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of action of daidzein in murine macrophages stimulated with Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 204-211. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Host modulatory agents directed at inhibiting specific proinflammatory mediators could be beneficial in terms of attenuating periodontal disease progression and potentially enhancing therapeutic responses. The aim of this study was to investigate whether daidzein could modulate the production inflammatory mediators in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease, and to delineate underlying mechanisms of action. Material and Methods: LPS was extracted from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 cells by the standard hot phenol-water method. The amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted into the culture medium were assayed. A real-time PCR was performed to quantify inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-6 mRNA expression. We used immunoblot analysis to characterize iNOS protein expression, phosphrylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, degradation of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α), nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). The DNA-binding activity of NF-κB was assessed by using ELISA-based kits. Results: Daidzein significantly inhibited the production of NO and IL-6, as well as their mRNA expression, in P. intermedia LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. The JNK and p38 pathways were not involved in the regulation of LPS-induced NO and IL-6 release by daidzein. Daidzein inhibited the degradation of IκB-α induced by P. intermedia LPS. In addition, daidzein suppressed NF-κB transcriptional activity via regulation of the nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p50 subunit and blocked STAT1 phosphorylation. Conclusion: Although additional studies are required to dissect the molecular mechanism of action, our results suggest that daidzein could be a promising agent for treating inflammatory periodontal disease. Further research in animal models of periodontitis is necessary to better evaluate the potential of daidzein as a novel therapeutic agent to treat periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Cardiac evaluation is routinely conducted in patients with ischaemic stroke because embolisms originating from the heart are an important cause of stroke. We compared the prevalence of cardioaortic sources of cerebral embolism (CSCE) in patients with ischaemic stroke detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and/or multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT). Additionaly, we investigated the frequency and severity of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who underwent MDCT. Methods: We prospectively recruited patients with non-atrial fibrillation-related stroke who had no history of cardiac disease. Patients underwent cardiac evaluation using TTE alone ( N = 243, during the early phase of this study - TTE period), TTE and MDCT ( N = 62, midphase - transitional period) and MDCT alone ( N = 138, late phase - MDCT period). CSCE were defined according to the original and revised TOAST classifications. CAD was defined as 50% or more stenosis of the coronary artery. Results: Patients' characteristics did not differ amongst groups; however, CSCE were more frequently detected in the MDCT period than in the TTE period (18.1% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.001). In the transitional period, there were 16 patients (25.8%) who were found to be CSCE by MDCT but not TTE, whilst three patients (4.8%) were found to be CSCE by TTE but not MDCT ( P = 0.004). Amongst the patients who underwent MDCT, 72 (36.0%) had asymptomatic CAD, invasive coronary angiography was needed in 21 (10.5%) and 10 (5.0%) patients finally underwent coronary intervention. Conclusion: Multidetector cardiac computed tomography proved to be complementary to TTE for the identification of CSCE and can detect asymptomatic CAD, one of the major causes of vascular death in patients with stroke, in patients with non-atrial fibrillation-related stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We tested the hypothesis that an upregulation of antioxidant proteins [ Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase ( SOD), Mn SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase] plays a role in the delayed protection against myocardial stunning produced by isoflurane preconditioning ( ISOPC). Findings were compared with late ischemic PC ( IPC). Methods Fourteen mongrel dogs were chronically instrumented to measure coronary blood flow and myocardial wall thickening ( WT) in conscious state. In Group 1, dogs underwent IPC, induced by a 10-min coronary artery occlusion ( CAO); after 24 h of reperfusion, they were subjected to a second 10-min ischemia CAO-reperfusion. In Group 2 ( ISOPC), dogs inhaled one minimum alveolar concentration ( MAC) ISO (1.4% in O2 ) for 60 min, allowed to recover for 24 h, and then subjected to CAO ischemia-reperfusion. Recovery of WT following the initial 10-min CAO in Group 1 served as control response for both ISOPC and IPC. Expression and activity of antioxidant proteins were measured using Western blotting and spectrophotometric techniques, respectively. Results Two to three hours of reperfusion were required for recovery of WT following either ISOPC or IPC; in contrast, without PC, WT remained markedly reduced (30% below baseline) at this time point and required more than 6 h of reperfusion for recovery. Neither IPC nor ISOPC affected expression of Cu-Zn SOD, Mn SOD, or catalase. However, ISOPC increased activity of Mn SOD (+40%), catalase (+39%), glutathione peroxidase (+37%), and glutathione reductase (+93%) ( P < 0.05); IPC had similar effects. Conclusion ISOPC had powerful, delayed anti-stunning effect that was associated with an enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 1098-1105 Summary Background The eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy have declined due to antibiotic resistance worldwide. Aim To compare the eradication rate of the 10-day sequential therapy for H. pylori infection with that of the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy. Methods This was a prospective, randomised, controlled study. A total of 409 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either the 10-day sequential therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) plus amoxicillin (1000 mg) twice a day for 5 days, then pantoprazole (40 mg) with clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (500 mg) twice a day for another five consecutive days or the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) with amoxicillin (1000 mg) and clarithromycin (500 mg) twice a day for 14 days. The pre- and post-treatment H. pylori status were assessed by rapid urease test, urea breath test, or histology. Successful eradication was confirmed at least 4 weeks after finishing the treatment. Results In the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rates of the 10-day sequential therapy and of the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy were 85.9% (176/205) and 75.0% (153/205), respectively ( P = 0.006). In the per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 92.6% (175/205) and 85% (153/204), respectively ( P = 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference between the two investigated groups regarding the occurrence of adverse event rates (18.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.143). Conclusion The 10-day sequential therapy achieved significantly higher eradication rates than the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Kaempferol, a dietary flavonoid and phyto-oestrogen, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Microglial activation has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. Anti-inflammatory effects of kaempferol and the underlying mechanisms were investigated by using LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells.Experimental Approach: Cell viability was measured using MTT and neutral red assays. elisa, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay were used to analyse NO, PGE(2) , TNF-α and IL-1β production, inducible NOS (iNOS), COX-2 expression and the involvement of signalling pathways such as toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), MAPK cascades, PKB (AKT) and NF-κB. Accumulation of reaction oxygen species (ROS) was measured by nitroblue tetrazolium and 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. Matrix metalloproteinase activity was investigated by zymography and immunoblot assay. Phagocytotic activity was assessed by use of latex beads.Key Results: Kaempferol significantly attenuated LPS-induced NO, PGE(2) , TNF-α, IL-1β and ROS production and phagocytosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Kaempferol suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, MMP-3 and blocked the TLR4 activation. Moreover, kaempferol inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation and p38 MAPK, JNK and AKT phosphorylation.Conclusion and Implications: Kaempferol was able to reduce LPS-induced inflammatory mediators through the down-regulation of TLR4, NF-κB, p38 MAPK, JNK and AKT suggesting that kaempferol has therapeutic potential for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines pepper esterase (PepEST) gene in creeping bentgrass or Agrostis stolonifera. It states that PepEST proteins show valuable function in preventing fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2 (IIIB). Moreover, it says that PepEST prevents hyphae which might lead to plant's fungal infection.

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the essential catalytic enzyme for viral genome replication. It initiates minus-strand RNA synthesis from a highly conserved 98-nt sequence, called the X-RNA, at the 3′-end of the plus-strand viral genome. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral effects of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting the X-RNA. Our in vitro RdRp assay results showed that PNAs targeting the three major stem-loop (SL) domains of X-RNA can inhibit RNA synthesis initiation. Delivery of X-RNA-targeted PNAs by fusing the PNAs to cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) into HCV-replicating cells effectively suppressed HCV replication. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the PNA targeting the SL3 region at the 5′-end of X-RNA dissociated the viral RdRp from the X-RNA. Furthermore, delivery of the SL3-targeted PNA into HCV-infected cells resulted in the suppression of HCV RNA replication without activation of interferon β expression. Collectively, our results indicate that the HCV X-RNA can be effectively targeted by CPP-fused PNAs to block RNA-protein and/or RNA-RNA interactions essential for viral RNA replication and identify X-RNA SL3 as an RdRp binding site crucial for HCV replication. In addition, the ability to inhibit RNA synthesis initiation by targeting HCV X-RNA using antisense PNAs suggests their promising therapeutic potential against HCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]