Search

Objectives: To investigate the internal structure of the nasomaxillary complex, including the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity and nasal septum according to the facial asymmetry pattern and to evaluate its correlation with external maxillomandibular asymmetry in Class III patients based on cone‐beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Facial asymmetry was analysed in a total of 100 Class III patients aged 16 years or older using CBCT scans. Patients were categorized into subgroups based on asymmetry pattern. Measurements of the nasomaxillary complex were obtained from the CBCT scans, including the volume and width of the maxillary sinuses and nasal cavities on deviated and non‐deviated sides, as well as the displacement of the nasal septum. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the internal nasomaxillary variables within and between groups, and regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between facial asymmetry and the internal nasomaxillary variables. Results: Group comparisons showed that there were no significant differences in the volume of the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. However, the direction and extent of nasal septum deviation, as well as the width of the nasal cavity, varied depending on the maxillary asymmetry pattern. Regression analysis indicated a correlation between nasal septum deviation and the difference in maxillary height, while the difference in nasal cavity width was correlated with the difference in maxillary width. Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation of the internal nasal anatomy is vital for understanding the intricate relationship between nasal structure and maxillary growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common ocular complication caused by diabetes mellitus and is the main cause of visual impairment in working‐age people. Reactive gliosis and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by Müller cells contribute to the progression of DR. Melatonin is a strong anti‐inflammatory hormone, mediating the cytoprotective effect of a variety of retinal cells against hyperglycemia. In this study, melatonin inhibited the gliosis activation and inflammatory cytokine production of Müller cells in both in vitro and in vivo models of DR. The melatonin membrane blocker, Luzindole, invalidated the melatonin‐mediated protective effect on Müller cells. Furthermore, melatonin inhibited Müller cell activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by upregulating the long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3/miR‐204/sirtuin 1 axis. In conclusion, our study suggested that melatonin treatment could be a novel therapeutic strategy for DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) are fabricated using n-type and bipolar extra emission layer with structure of ITO/TAPC (700 Å)/mCP:FIrpic-8% (250 Å)/mCP:x:FIrpic-8% (50 Å, x: CDBP, TPBi, TmPyPB)/TPBi (300 Å)/LiF (20 Å)/Al (1200 Å). The electrical and optical characteristics of blue PHOLEDs with different extra emission layer (EEL) material located between EML and ETL such as current density, luminous efficiency, efficiency roll-off, and EL spectra are observed and proven that the extra emission layer material trapped charge carrier. The blue PHOLED with TPBi EEL improved driving voltage, luminous efficiency, and efficiency roll-off compared to reference blue PHOLED without EEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus ( HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic nucleos(t)ide analogues ( NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who are hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure ( CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709 HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed. Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy-associated hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [ OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.07-0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups ( OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a higher risk for tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate ( YMDD) motif mutations than patients with nonprophylaxis ( OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01-39.60, P=.05). Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with lamivudine-resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human leucocyte antigen ( HLA) system is the most polymorphic genetic system in humans, and HLA matching is crucial in organ transplantation, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We investigated HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA- DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies at allelic level in 10 918 Koreans from bone marrow donor registry in Korea. Intermediate resolution HLA typing was performed using Luminex technology (Wakunaga, Japan), and additional allelic level typing was performed using PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism method and/or sequence-based typing (Abbott Molecular, USA). Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated by direct counting and maximum likelihood methods, respectively. A total of 39 HLA-A, 66 HLA-B and 47 HLA- DRB1 alleles were identified. High-frequency alleles found at a frequency of ≥5% were 6 HLA-A ( A*02:01, *02:06, *11:01, *24:02, *31:01 and *33:03), 6 HLA-B ( B*15:01, *35:01, *44:03, *51:01, 54:01 and *58:01) and 8 HLA- DRB1 ( DRB1*01:01, *04:05, *04:06, *07:01, *08:03, *09:01, *13:02 and *15:01) alleles. At each locus, A*02, B*15 and DRB1*14 generic groups were most diverse at allelic level, consisting of 9, 12 and 11 different alleles, respectively. A total of 366, 197 and 21 different HLA-A-B- DRB1 haplotypes were estimated with frequencies of ≥0.05%, ≥0.1% and ≥0.5%, respectively. The five most common haplotypes with frequencies of ≥2.0% were A*33:03-B*44:03- DRB1*13:02 (4.97%), A*33:03-B*58:01- DRB1*13:02, A*33:03-B*44:03- DRB1*07:01, A*24:02-B*07:02- DRB1*01:01 and A*24:02-B*52:01- DRB1*15:02. Among 34 serologic HLA-A-B- DR haplotypes with frequencies of ≥0.5%, 17 haplotypes revealed allele-level diversity and majority of the allelic variation was arising from A2, A26, B61, B62, DR4 and DR14 specificities. Haplotype diversity obtained in this study is the most comprehensive data thus far reported in Koreans, and the information will be useful for unrelated stem cell transplantation as well as for disease association studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children with complex chronic medical conditions benefit from early introduction of palliative care services and advanced care planning for symptom management and to support quality of life and medical decision-making. This study evaluated whether introducing palliative care during primary care appointments (1) was feasible; (2) increased access and improved knowledge of palliative care; and (3) facilitated advanced care planning. Methods Pilot study of a multi-modal intervention including targeted education for primary care providers (PCPs), an informational packet for families and presence of a palliative care team member in the outpatient clinic. PCPs completed pre- and post-surveys assessing experience, knowledge and comfort with palliative care. Enrolled families received an information packet; a subset also met a palliative care team member. All families were encouraged to make an appointment with the palliative care team, during which the team assessed palliative care needs and goals of care. Upon study completion, the investigators assessed family and PCP satisfaction and collected feedback on project feasibility. Results Twenty families were enrolled and received the information packet; 15 met a palliative care team member. Of the 17 participating families who were reached and completed a post-study survey, 11 families had never heard of palliative care and 13 were unaware that the palliative care team existed. Most families perceived palliative care information as 'very helpful' and 'very important'. All would recommend palliative care team services to others. Nine families followed up with the palliative care team, but none was prepared to complete an advanced care plan. PCPs reported lack of training in communicating bad news and conducting goals of care discussions. However, they felt increasingly comfortable introducing palliative care to families and supported program continuation. Conclusions Initiating palliative care services in the outpatient primary care setting is logistically challenging but increases access to palliative care for children with complex chronic medical conditions and improves palliative care knowledge and comfort for PCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective The physiological characteristics of the skin are varied greatly, depending on gender, age, region and race, and many dermatologic researches have been performed through various research methods. This study aimed to examine how Korean men's skin conditions were influenced by temperature or humidity changes caused by seasonal rotations. Methods A total of 100 healthy Korean men, age range 20-59 years, participated in the study for both summer and winter. We compared on the characteristics of skin between summer and winter. The skin hydration, skin pH and TEWL were evaluated on the forehead, cheek and forearm. The skin sebum content of the glabella, nasal ala and cheek was measured using Sebumeter® (SM810, Courage+Khazaka, Germany). Cutometer® ( MPA 580 Courage+Khazaka, Germany) the elasticity was measured by on the cheeks, and PRIMOS lite® (Phase shift Rapid in vivo Measurement of Skin, GFMesstechnik GmbH, Germany) was used to evaluate wrinkles on crow's feet. Lastly, in addition, the skin pore of the face was measured using the Janus® ( PSI, Korea) which is a facial analysis system. Results The results were as follows: the comparison of hydration in summer and winter shows significant differences in their forehead, cheeks and forearm. The pH values of the skin surface were generally higher in winter, and significantly different on each site, and the sebum content was higher in summer than in winter. As a result of the pore measurement, the summer showed more pores compared to the winter, and there was a statistically significant difference in skin pores between summer and winter. The sensitivity measured by stinging test increases significantly more in winter than in summer. However, there were no seasonal differences in wrinkles and skin brightness. Conclusion The skin surface pH, TEWL, sebum content, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, skin pore and skin sensitivity vary with seasons and body regions in Korean men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Umbilical cord blood ( UCB) is a source of stem cells used for allogeneic transplantation, in addition to bone marrow and peripheral blood. Limited numbers of stem cells in a single UCB unit is associated with slow haematopoietic recovery and high risk of graft failure, particularly in adult patients. UCB stem cells can be expanded ex vivo; however, rapid differentiation reduces their regenerative potential. We have recently shown that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is down-regulated in ex vivo-expanded stem cells; therefore, we propose that re-activation of Wnt signalling using GSK-3β inhibition may act to improve regenerative potential of these ex vivo-expanded stem cells. Materials and methods Immunocompromised mice were employed in transplantation studies to determine stem-cell engraftment. Flow cytometry was used to phenotype the engrafted human cells. Retroviral gene transfer was used to examine the role of Myc gene up-regulated by GSK-3β inhibition, in ex vivo-expanded stem cells. Results Treatment with GSK-3β inhibitor, 6-bromoindirubin 3′-oxime ( BIO) improved early human cell engraftment in the mice and elevated the numbers of myeloid progenitor cells in cytokine-stimulated culture. BIO up-regulated β-catenin and c-myc in ex vivo-expanded stem cells. Ectopic expression of Myc acted to increase clonogenic potential and to delay differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells, suggesting the potential mechanism to improve regenerative potential of ex vivo-expanded grafts. Conclusions Pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β provided a novel approach to improve early engraftment of ex vivo-expanded haematopoietic progenitor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies on income convergence estimate the convergence equation derived for autarkic economies using data from the world that is increasingly integrated. This paper derives a convergence equation for a world integrated by trade from the standard Heckscher- Ohlin model with factor price equalization. The convergence equation for an integrated world differs from the autarkic one in that (1) the growth rate of each economy is increasing in the global growth rate; (2) the rate of convergence is increasing in the global growth rate; and (3) the rate of convergence, under conventional parameter values, is much lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The PROactive study investigated pioglitazone for secondary prevention of macrovascular events in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone showed a 10% (non-significant) relative risk (RR) reduction for the primary composite endpoint and a significant 16% reduction for the main secondary endpoint (death, myocardial infarction, stroke) after a mean 34.5 months. There was no difference in cumulative malignancy incidence, but an imbalance in bladder malignancies (pioglitazone 14, placebo 5). We present a pre-specified 6-year interim analysis of a 10-year observational follow-up. Methods Any patient completing PROactive was eligible. No study treatments were provided. A Cox proportional hazard model compared non-adjudicated macrovascular events (same endpoints as PROactive excluding acute coronary syndrome) based on original randomization. Malignancies were compared using conventional RR ratios. Results Of 5238 randomized patients, 3599 (74%) entered the follow-up. For the follow-up (mean 5.8 years) or combined double-blind and follow-up periods (≤9.5 years, mean 8.7), there were no statistically significant differences in primary or main secondary endpoints. For the combined period, a similar percentage of patients had any diagnosed malignancy ( RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.89, 1.24]) or bladder malignancy ( RR = 1.06, 95% CI [0.59, 1.89]) in the pioglitazone and placebo groups. There were fewer cases of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone (15 [0.6%] vs. 19 [0.7%] for placebo) for the combined period when events diagnosed in the first 365 days were excluded, and fewer cases for the follow-up period alone (10 [0.5%] vs. 17 [1.0%] for placebo). Further analyses of pioglitazone use (including use during follow-up) found no significant difference in bladder malignancies between any and no pioglitazone use for the combined period. Conclusions These data suggest that improved macrovascular outcomes seen with pioglitazone subside without continued pioglitazone treatment. The double-blind period bladder cancer imbalance did not persist in follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cord blood ( CB) has been established to be an alternative source of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells ( HPC) for transplantation. The number of HPC per CB unit is limited, which results in engraftment delay. Ex vivo expansion of HPC improvement must overcome this. Materials and methods Flow cytometry was used to extensively phenotype HPC pre- and post-expansion and CFDA- SE staining was used to track cell divisions. The NSG mouse model was employed in transplantation studies to determine long and short term repopulation in human cells. Gene array analysis was used to evaluate signalling pathways regulated following ex vivo expansion of HPC. Results expansion of CD34+ HPC impaired their regenerative function. In this xenograft transplantation model we showed that repopulating activity of CB cells declined following expansion. Expanded HPC had delayed engraftment at early and late stages post-transplant. High resolution division tracking revealed that the cultured HPC had reduced expansion and self-renewal probability and increased differentiation rate compared to non-expanded cells. Gene expression analysis exposed significant modulation of a complex network of genes and pathways that normally maintain HPC proliferation and limit their differentiation. Conclusions The decline in short-term engraftment is consistent with the loss of rapid SCID repopulating ability r( SRA) by expanded CD34+ CD38+ cells recently reported (1). Our data raise concerns for future clinical applications of expanded HPC alone in transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constructs a general equilibrium model of trade by incorporating Cournot competition in a Ricardian model of trade with a continuum of goods. In this model, the share of intra-industry trade (IIT) in bilateral trade volume decreases as trading partners become more different in terms of the industry distribution of labour productivity. We show that this relationship is a special case of a general accounting identity: the intensity of IIT is decreasing in a specialisation index. The specialisation index is equal to the difference in the industry distribution of labour productivity in our Cournot-Ricardo model, while it is equal to the difference in factor endowments in the well-known monopolistic competition model. As both technologies and factor endowments would play important roles in shaping specialisation patterns, we conjecture that the share of IIT is decreasing in both measures of specialisation. Using the data from Nicita and Olarreaga, we test this conjecture. Our pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) estimations strongly support this conjecture. However, in fixed-effect panel estimations, only the industry distribution of productivity is significant in the entire sample. Subdividing the sample, we find that the difference in the industry distribution of productivity is significant in explaining North-North IIT, while the difference in factor endowments is significant in explaining North-South IIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) distribution in 7096 Korean cord blood (CB) units preserved at the public CB bank was analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) method. A total of 14 HLA-A, 33 HLA-B, 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles and 2470 three-locus haplotypes were identified. The results are generally similar to those from the previous Korean studies, but the frequencies of less frequent haplotypes < 0.1% are more relevant and infrequent haplotypes with strong linkage disequilibrium were newly found because of the large sample size. Our results showed some similarities to those of other Asians but also some differences, suggesting a rationale for an Asian network for a hematopoietic stem-cell donor registry. Results from this large-scale analysis will be useful in Korean and Asian registry planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CD40 ligation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) is able to induce RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis in RASFs, and to identify its mechanism of action in patients with RA. METHODS: CD40 of RASFs was ligated with CD40 ligand (CD40L)-transfected L cells or activated T cells. The formation of osteoclasts in cocultures of CD40-ligated RASFs and T lymphocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, detection of calcitonin receptor, and resorption pit formation assay. The expression of NF-kappaB, IkappaBalpha, ERK-1/2, phospho-ERK-1/2, p38, phospho-p38, and RANKL was examined by immunoblotting and/or semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: CD40 ligation of RASFs by CD40L-transfected L cells or activated T cells induced RANKL expression and enhanced osteoclastogenesis. CD40 ligation of RASFs also induced activation of ERK-1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-kappaB and up-regulation of CD40 ligation-induced RANKL expression, whereas osteoclastogenesis was reduced in RASFs transfected with a dominant-negative mutant of IkappaBalpha or by an NF-kappaB inhibitor. However, specific inhibitors of MAPK/ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK partially blocked the induction of RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis. Monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha partially inhibited CD40 ligation-mediated osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CD40 ligation of RASFs induces RANKL expression mainly via NF-kappaB activation and also results in enhanced osteoclast formation, both of which might play important roles in bone and cartilage destruction in RA. Inhibition of the CD40-CD40L interaction is a potential strategy for the prevention of bone damage in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effects of temporary protection in a model of Cournot competition under the learning curve. We show that when the protected firm can choose among multiple technologies subject to different scopes for learning, protection may hurt the long-run competitiveness of the firm by inducing it to choose a technology with little scope for learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. An anticancer peptide from soy protein was purified and isolated. Defatted soy protein was hydrolyzed with thermoase and hydrophobic peptides were extracted with ethanol. The peptide extract was fractionated by XAD-2 hydrophobic, gel filtration chromatography, and different C18 HPLCs. Anticancer activity of each fraction was assayed by measuring in vitro cytotoxicity on P388D1, a mouse monocyte macrophage cell line. IC[sub 50] value of a peptide fraction from Sephadex G-25 chromatography was 0.16 mg/ml. This peptide fraction at 1 mg/ml significantly affected cell cycle progression by arresting P388D1 at G2/M phases. Finally purified peptide from analytical C18 HPLC was nonapeptide of which molecular weight was 1157 Da and the sequence was X-Met-Leu-Pro-Ser-Tye-Ser-Pro-Tyr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT- We measured serum markers of hepatitis B virus replication in two HBsAg-, HBeAg-positive hepatitis B carriers with chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis. The first of these patients was HBsAg-, HBeAg-, HBV DNA- and HBV DNA polymerase-positive initially and spontaneously lost HBV DNA polymerase and HBV DNA. During the HBeAg-positive, DNA polymerase-negative 'window phase', an increase in viral replication, characterized by the reappearance of HBV DNA and HBV DNA polymerase occurred, together with an aggravation of the underlying chronic hepatitis. In the second HBsAg-, HBeAg-positive carrier, spontaneous fluctuations in HBV replication were associated with clinical deterioration. Delta agent and hepatitis A virus superinfection were excluded. These observations suggest that spontaneous low-grade fluctuations of HBV replication accompanied by an increase in the biochemical activity of the underlying chronic hepatitis can be observed in certain HBV carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the welfare consequences of opening capital markets in the presence of increasing returns driven by externalities in knowledge and capital accumulation. Revealed preference argument in a continuous-time infinite horizon model; Welfare deterioration when foreign interest rates are high and capital outflows are likely; Policy implications.

Examines tariffs and other policies designed to protect the domestic investment good industry in a small open economy. Standard substitution of the domestic for the foreign investment good; Effect of commercial policies on Tobin's q and the aggregate investment demand.

EP01.06: Can mid-trimester cervical length predict the use of vacuum in vaginal delivery? The median gestational age at delivery was 39.4 weeks (range: 37.0-41.6 weeks) and 10.9% (36/331) were delivered with vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. There was no relationship between mid-trimester CL and vacuum-assisted delivery (odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.57-1.62) while nulliparity was associated with higher risk (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.55-8.57). [Extracted from the article]

The new allele, HLA-DRB1*14:136, differs from DRB1*14:05:03 by two nucleotide substitutions at codon 74 with a coding change [ GAG→ CTG (Glu>Leu)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new allele, HLA-A*33:25, differs from A*33:03:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4 (c.778G>A) which results in an amino acid change at codon 236 [GCA→ACA (Ala>Thr)] in β2-microglobulin-binding domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new allele HLA-B*48:01:03 showed one nucleotide difference with B*48:01:01 at codon 269 (CCC->CCT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipocalin-2 is a proinflammatory adipokine upregulated in obese humans and animals. A pathogenic role of lipocalin-2 in hypertension has been suggested. Mice lacking lipocalin-2 are protected from dietary obesity-induced cardiovascular dysfunctions. Administration of lipocalin-2 causes abnormal vasodilator responses in mice on a high-fat diet (HFD)., Methods and Results: Wild-type and lipocalin-2 knockout mice were fed with standard chow or HFD. Immunoassays were performed for evaluating the circulating and tissue contents of lipocalin-2. The relaxation and contraction of arteries were studied using a wire myograph. Blood pressure was monitored with implantable radio telemetry. Dietary obesity promoted the accumulation of lipocalin-2 protein in blood and arteries. Deficiency of this adipokine protected mice from dietary obesity-induced elevation of blood pressure. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that human and murine lipocalin-2 were modified by polyamination. Polyaminated lipocalin-2 was rapidly cleared from the circulation. Adipose tissue was a major site for lipocalin-2 deamidation. The circulating levels and the arterial accumulation of deamidated lipocalin-2 were significantly enhanced by treatment with linoleic acid (18:2n-6), which bound to lipocalin-2 with high affinity and prevented its interactions with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Combined administration of linoleic acid with lipocalin-2 caused vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and raised the blood pressure of mice receiving standard chow. A human lipocalin-2 mutant with cysteine 87 replaced by alanine (C87A) contained less polyamines and exhibited a reduced capacity to form heterodimeric complexes with MMP9. After treatment, C87A remained in the circulation for a prolonged period of time and evoked endothelial dysfunction in the absence of linoleic acid., Conclusions: Polyamination facilitates the clearance of lipocalin-2, whereas the accumulation of deamidated lipocalin-2 in arteries causes vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension.

The protective roles of lipoic acid (LA)/vitamin C (VC) and mesna on preventing cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) were investigated. Swiss mice were divided into five groups randomly. HC was induced by a single dose of CYP injection (150-mg kg(-1) bodyweight). Group I was injected with saline (four times in total) throughout as control group. Group II received CYP and three equal doses of saline. Group III received CYP and three doses of mesna, whereas Group IV (or Group V) received CYP, mesna + two doses of VC (or LA). All injections were performed intraperitoneally. After 24 h of cystitis induction, the bladders were collected for all the experiments. Histological characterization showed that CYP injection resulted in severe HC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances' levels were increased in CYP group. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, e.g. superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, were inhibited significantly in CYP groups, respectively. In addition, activation of c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) may be involved in the mechanism of CYP-induced HC but not extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK). Significant suppression of p38 phosphorylation on Group V suggests that LA and mesna may have synergistic beneficial effect. In Groups III-V, all the parameters of HC and oxidative stress were inhibited significantly. Taking together, we found that these results illustrated that ROS play an important role on CYP-induced HC and the administration of LA/VC with mesna may have therapeutic potential against CYP-induced bladder HC., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

In the title compound, {[Cu(C24H15N2O4)2(H2O)2]·4C3H7NO} n , the Cu(II) ion, lying on an inversion center, is six-coordinated by two N atoms from two 4-[6-(4-carb-oxy-phen-yl)-4,4'-bipyridin-2-yl]benzoate (L) ligands, two deprotonated carboxyl-ate O atoms from two other symmetry-related L ligands and two water mol-ecules in a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Cu(II) atoms are linked by the bridging ligands into a layer parallel to (101). The presence of intra-layer O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π-π inter-actions between the pyridine and benzene rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.808 (2) and 3.927 (2) Å] stabilizes the layer. Further O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the layers and the dimethyl-formamide solvent mol-ecules.

In the title compound, C4H8Cl4NOP, the two chloro-ethyl groups are not related by crystallographic symmetry. The difference in the conformation of the two groups is shown by their N-C-C-Cl torsion angles of 64.57 (15) and 175.62 (10)°.

In the title compound, 2Na(+)·C(6)H(4)O(9)S(2) (2-)·2H(2)O, the benzene rings of the 4,5,6-trihy-droxy-benzene-1,3-disulfonate ions, which are stacked parallel to each other forming rods parallel to the a axis, are slightly deformed (planarity, symmetry) mainly because of the high degree of substitution. The two sodium ions, located within pockets of the anion rods, are coordinated by six and seven O atoms, resulting in octa-hedral and penta-gonal-bipyramidal coordinations, respectively. In addition to these coordinative bonds towards sodium, an extended network of intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds occurs.

Background: Recent in vivo research using magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated that chronic cigarette smoking exacerbates regional chronic alcohol-induced brain injury. Other studies associated cigarette smoking with gray matter volume reductions in healthy adults, with greater brain atrophy in aging, and with poorer neurocognition. Although cigarette smoking is common among alcohol-dependent individuals, previous research did not account for the potential effects of chronic smoking on regional brain volumes in alcoholism., Methods: High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance images from one-week-abstinent, alcohol-dependent individuals and light drinkers were automatically segmented into gray matter, white matter, and cerebral spinal fluid of lobes and subcortical structures. A brief neuropsychological test battery was used to assess cognition in alcohol-dependent individuals. The alcoholic and nondrinking groups were retrospectively divided into chronic smokers and nonsmokers, and the volumetric data were analyzed as a function of alcohol and smoking status., Results: Chronic alcohol dependence was associated with smaller volumes of frontal and parietal white matter, parietal and temporal gray matter, and thalami, accompanied by widespread sulcal but not ventricular enlargements. Chronic cigarette smoking was associated with less parietal and temporal gray matter and with more temporal white matter. Among alcoholics, better visuospatial learning and memory and greater visuomotor scanning speed were correlated with larger lobar white matter volumes in the nonsmoking alcohol-dependent group only., Conclusions: These data provide preliminary evidence that comorbid chronic cigarette smoking accounts for some of the variance associated with cortical gray matter loss and appears to alter relationships between brain structure and cognitive functions in alcohol-dependent individuals.