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The objective of the study was to investigate aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (AD) according to timing of the procedure.A total of 87 patients with type B AD who underwent TEVAR at 2 centers were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into acute/subacute (≤6 weeks, n = 35), early chronic (6 weeks to 1 year, n = 20), and late chronic (1 year, n = 32) groups according to the timing of TEVAR after symptom onset. Changes in aorta dimensions on serial computed tomography angiograms and clinical outcomes were evaluated.AD complications were the most common indication for TEVAR in the acute/subacute group, whereas aortic expansion was the main reason in the early and late chronic groups. Maximum total aorta diameter (46.6 ± 10.6 vs. 54.8 ± 9.8 vs. 56.7 ± 10.1 mm, P 0.001) and false lumen diameter (30.9 ± 11.0 vs. 35.2 ± 12.0 vs. 39.9 ± 13.4 mm, P = 0.013) were smaller in the acute/subacute group than in the early and late chronic groups. At 1-year follow-up, maximum total aorta diameter was decreased in the acute/subacute and early chronic groups and increased in the late chronic group (-4.3 ± 9.3 vs. -5.2 ± 6.9 vs. 2.5 ± 4.6 mm, P 0.001). Survival free from the major adverse aortic event (death, aortic rupture, or reintervention) at 5 years after TEVAR was lowest in the late chronic group (92.6% vs. 88.2% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.033) but not significantly different between the acute/subacute and early chronic groups (P = 0.680).TEVAR in the acute/subacute and early chronic phases of type B AD resulted in similar aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes, which were more favorable than those with TEVAR performed during late chronic AD. This finding suggests 1 year after the onset of type B AD symptoms as the upper time threshold for TEVAR to achieve optimal aortic remodeling and safety.

Purpose: Many studies have shown that the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols improve postoperative surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects on postoperative inflammatory markers and to explore the effects of a high degree of compliance and the use of epidural anesthesia on inflammation and surgical outcomes.Methods: Four hundred patients underwent colorectal cancer surgery at 2 hospitals during 2 different periods, namely, from January 2006 to December 2009 and from January 2017 to July 2017. Data related to the patient’s clinicopathological features, inflammatory markers, percentage of compliance with elements of the ERAS protocol, and use of epidural anesthesia were collected from a prospectively maintained database.Results: The complication rate and the length of hospital stay (LOS) were less in the ERAS group than in the conventional group (P = 0.005 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The postoperative white blood cell count and the duration required for leukocytes to normalize were reduced in patients following the ERAS protocol (P ≤ 0.001). Other inflammatory markers, such as lymphocyte count (P = 0.008), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.032), and C-reactive protein level (P ≤ 0.001), were lower in the ERAS protocol group. High compliance ( ≥ 70%) was strongly associated with the complication rate and the LOS (P = 0.008 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: ERAS protocols decrease early postoperative inflammation and improves short-term postoperative recovery outcomes such as complication rate and the LOS. High compliance ( ≥ 70%) with the ERAS protocol elements accelerates the positive effects of ERAS on surgical outcomes; however, the effect on inflammation was very small.

Our previous study reported that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in peritoneal fluid were significantly correlated with the prevalence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was a long-term follow up of the author’s previous study, as well as the identification of correlations with the known risk factors of PC and the comparison of the predictive power of PC in CRC. A total of 495 patients without PC who underwent CRC operations at St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, from January 2006 to November 2014 were included in this study. Tumor markers of peritoneal fluid sampled at the beginning of each operation were prospectively analyzed and compared with the known risk factors for PC in CRC. Multivariate analysis of PC revealed that T4 cancer (OR 5.143, 95% CI 1.400–18.897, p = 0.014), T3 mucinous cancer (OR 17.480, 95% CI 1.577–193.714, p = 0.020), obstructed tumors (OR 6.030, 95% CI 1.627–22.343, p = 0.007), and peritoneal fluid CEA above 5 ng/dl (OR 4.073, 95% CI 1.315–12.615, p = 0.015) were significant risk factors. T4 cancer, obstructed tumors, and peritoneal fluid CEA above 5 ng/dl showed correlations with cancer-free survival. Generally, higher CEA levels in peritoneal fluid were correlated with previously known risk factors for PC in CRC. Peritoneal fluid CEA has predictive value for PC and prognostic value in CRC. Therefore, we recommend routinely performing ascites CEA analysis in colorectal cancer surgery.

It has not been adequately studied which biomarkers for cardiovascular risk indicate changes of atherosclerosis by aging process. The current study aimed to investigate the characteristics of metabolic factors related to arterial stiffness in young and old adults. Our cross-sectional study enrolled 851 healthy young adults and 719 old adults. Metabolic biomarkers included glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes. In young adults, additional biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein(a), ferritin, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were measured. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The mean age was 37.8 and 65.1 years old in the young and old groups, respectively. Without adjustment, most parameters were significantly correlated with baPWV in both young and old groups. Mean baPWV was significantly different according to metabolic syndrome (MetS) in both groups (13.1 and 12.1 m/s in the young subjects with and without MetS, respectively; 17.4 and 15.8 m/s, respectively, in the old group). After adjusting for age, sex, and hemodynamic factors, the difference in baPWV according to MetS was significant only in the old group. The relationship between most biomarkers and baPWV was influenced by metabolic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes in old adults. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and apolipoprotein B were significant in young group. In conclusion, the metabolic biomarkers related to arterial stiffness were different between young and old adults. Contrary to old adults, TC, LDLC, and apolipoprotein B were independent biomarkers for arterial stiffness in healthy young adults.

Copper, an essential micronutrient, is required for lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, iron metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Copper deficiency has been linked to alterations in lipid metabolism and various metabolic processes of the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, most of these studies relied on copper measurements in the blood or tissues. In this study, we investigated the association between hair copper concentration and NAFLD in Korean adults, independent of metabolic syndrome status. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including factors of metabolic syndrome, were analyzed in 751 Korean adults divided into quintiles, according to hair copper concentration. Lower hair copper concentration was significantly correlated with higher body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Subjects with NAFLD showed significantly lower hair copper concentrations, and the risk of NAFLD was significantly higher for the lower hair copper quintile groups even after adjusting for metabolic syndrome-related factors. Overall, this study suggests that lower hair copper concentration could be associated with NAFLD, independent of metabolic syndrome factors.

We previously revealed that the Chrysanthemum boreale genome is highly repetitive; however, the types and nucleotide sequences of repetitive DNA in this diploid wild chrysanthemum are not known. Here, we characterized repetitive DNA sequences in the C. boreale genome by analysing genomic sequences obtained by Illumina sequencing and confirmed their repetitive nature by conducting fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses. Annotation of the obtained DNA sequences revealed that microsatellite-containing genomic sequences exhibited similarity with genomic sequences in Chrysanthemum morifolium, indicating sequence conservation of repetitive DNA sequences between the two Chrysanthemum species. Two superfamilies of repetitive DNA, Copia and Gypsy, belonging to the long-terminal repeat (LTR) class of retrotransposons, are abundant in the C. boreale genome. We propose that Copia and Gypsy retroelements contribute to the current genome architecture of C. boreale. Whole genome sequencing, which is currently in progress, will reveal the extent to which these repetitive DNA sequences contribute.

Senna tora is an annual herb with rich source of anthraquinones that have tremendous pharmacological properties. However, there is little mention of genetic information for this species, especially regarding the biosynthetic pathways of anthraquinones. To understand the key genes and regulatory mechanism of anthraquinone biosynthesis pathways, we performed spatial and temporal transcriptome sequencing of S. tora using short RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) technologies, and generated two unigene sets composed of 118,635 and 39,364, respectively. A comprehensive functional annotation and classification with multiple public databases identified array of genes involved in major secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways and important transcription factor (TF) families (MYB, MYB-related, AP2/ERF, C2C2-YABBY, and bHLH). Differential expression analysis indicated that the expression level of genes involved in anthraquinone biosynthetic pathway regulates differently depending on the degree of tissues and seeds development. Furthermore, we identified that the amount of anthraquinone compounds were greater in late seeds than early ones. In conclusion, these results provide a rich resource for understanding the anthraquinone metabolism in S. tora.

ObjectiveTo examine the hypothesis that the association between vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms is dependent upon total cholesterol level in a representative national sample of the South Korean population.DesignThis was a population-based cross-sectional study.SettingThe Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V, 2010–2012).SubjectsWe included 7198 adults aged 20–88 years.ResultsThe incidence of depressive symptoms in individuals with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin DConclusionsThe association between vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms was weakened by high serum total cholesterol status. These findings suggest that both vitamin D and total cholesterol are important targets for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Objectives While weight gain is known as a predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence, it remains controversial whether adipokine levels predict the development of NAFLD. We aimed to investigate the relationship of total adiponectin, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, and leptin with the development and improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) independent of sex and weight change over a maximum of 8.5 years. Methods This prospective study enrolled 2735 participants in a hospital health check-up setting. Adipokine levels were measured at baseline. NAFL was assessed with liver ultrasonography, and the development or improvement of NAFL was determined by repeated ultrasonography at follow-ups. Results Cross-sectional analyses revealed that total and HMW adiponectin levels were inversely associated with NAFL prevalence. In longitudinal analyses, the incidence of NAFL was 5.6 per 100-person-years during the observation period. The hazard ratios (HRs) per 1 μg/mL increase in the levels of total and HMW adiponectin were 0.900 (0.836–0.969) and 0.846 (0.754–0.948), respectively. Sex-stratified analyses showed that total and HMW adiponectin levels were significantly related to NAFL incidence only in women. In the subgroup of minimal weight change, only HMW adiponectin was a significant predictor for NAFL. Leptin predicted NAFL in the subgroup with weight gain. The improvement of NAFL was influenced by weight change, but not by adipokine levels. Conclusions Low levels of total and HMW adiponectin may predict the development of NAFL independent of pathophysiological factors including obesity and insulin resistance. This predictability was evident in women. Leptin was a significant predictor for NAFL in the subjects with weight gain.

The sequencing of Chrysanthemum boreale genome is now in progress. However, the repetitive DNA sequences that dominates greatly in the genome have not yet been elucidated in Chrysanthemum . Therefore, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) by using the mitotic metaphase chromosome of C. boreale with well-identified repeats and C 0 t DNA as probes. The most conserved repeats, rDNAs, as well as telomeric repeats were first observed. Three pairs of 45S rDNA sites were located at the termini of the short arms of chromosomes 3, 7, and 8, while one pair of 5S rDNA signals was observed in the middle of the long arm of chromosome 4. Arabidopsis -type telomeric repeats colocalizing with 45S rDNA sites, were detected at the ends of both chromosome arms. Next, on the basis of DNA reassociation kinetics, three types of C 0 t DNA that exhibited different degrees of repetitive nature were fractionated and used as FISH probes to map the repetitive sequences. Signals from all C 0 t DNAs were successfully observed, but their coverage on the chromosomes was different for C 0 t-1, C 0 t-10, and C 0 t-100. C 0 t-1 FISH signals showed intensity in the telomeric region and were dispersed on both chromosome arms, except for distal regions. C 0 t-10 signals were observed almost in all parts of the chromosome, with greater intensity around pericentromeric regions. Bright C 0 t-100 signals were observed throughout the chromosome excluding some distal parts. C 0 t FISH signals covered the rDNAs and telomeric repeats, thus signifying their repetitive attributes. The relative proportions of repetitive DNA sequences in C. boreale genome is discussed.

Although sub-regional analysis methods of the corpus callosum (CC) have been developed, there has been no in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study on a sub-regional volume analysis of the CC of late-onset depression (LOD). The aim of this study was to investigate the CC volume differences between LOD subjects and healthy elderly controls using a sub-regional analysis technique. Forty subjects with LOD and thirty nine group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3T MRI scanning, and sub-regional volumes of the CC were measured and compared between the groups. The volumes of total (F=5.8, p=0.001), the anterior (F=5.2, p=0.001) and the posterior CC (F=5.1, p=0.001) were significantly reduced in the LOD group as compared to the control group. We measured cognitive functions in several different domains (language functions, verbal learning, visuospatial functions, delayed recall, memory consolidation, recognition memory, and executive functions) through the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease. The anterior CC volume in the LOD group showed significant positive correlation with the Verbal Fluency scores. The posterior CC volume in the LOD group was positively correlated significantly with the Word List Memory, the Word List Recall and the Constructional Praxis scores. This study is the first to elaborate the sub-regional volume differences of the CC between controls and LOD patients. These structural changes in the CC might be at the core of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms in LOD.

DNA methylation is associated with gene silencing in eukaryotic organisms. Although pathways controlling the establishment, maintenance and removal of DNA methylation are known, relatively little is understood about how DNA methylation influences gene expression. Here we identified a METHYL-CpG-BINDING DOMAIN 7 (MBD7) complex in Arabidopsis thaliana that suppresses the transcriptional silencing of two LUCIFERASE (LUC) reporters via a mechanism that is largely downstream of DNA methylation. Although mutations in components of the MBD7 complex resulted in modest increases in DNA methylation concomitant with decreased LUC expression, we found that these hyper-methylation and gene expression phenotypes can be genetically uncoupled. This finding, along with genome-wide profiling experiments showing minimal changes in DNA methylation upon disruption of the MBD7 complex, places the MBD7 complex amongst a small number of factors acting downstream of DNA methylation. This complex, however, is unique as it functions to suppress, rather than enforce, DNA methylation-mediated gene silencing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19893.001

Objectives To correlate Frey's syndrome with subjective symptoms, Minor's starch iodine test results, and infrared thermography measurements, and to discuss the utility of thermography as a quantitative diagnostic method. Methods This study included 59 patients who underwent unilateral parotidectomy. A subjective clinical questionnaire and an objective Minor's starch iodine test were performed to evaluate the incidence of Frey's syndrome. Infrared thermography was performed, and the subjects were divided into seven groups according to the temperature differences between operated and unoperated sites. The thermal differences were correlated with the results from Minor's starch iodine test and the subjective symptoms questionnaire. Results Of the 59 patients, 20 patients (33.9%) reported subjective symptoms after eating; 30 patients (50.8%) tested positive for Minor's starch iodine test, 19 patients (63.3%) of which reported subjective symptoms. Of the 29 patients who were negative for the iodine test, 2 patients (6.9%) reported subjective symptoms. Thus, subjective symptoms were well correlated with Minor's starch iodine test (r=0.589, P

Objective Improving and maintaining performance status is an important part of cancer treatment because it may predict patients' survival. Several cancer-related medical conditions have been known to influence the functional performance of cancer patients. We here examined whether emotional distress would also contribute to performance decline of cancer patients. Methods With consecutive sampling, a total of 880 patients diagnosed as having cancer were recruited and evaluated on cancer-related variables, emotional distress, and performance status using the standardized instruments. Results Approximately 8.9% of participants showed compromised performance rated 2 or more on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scale. Emotional distress was strongly associated with compromised performance after controlling for demographic and cancer-related external risk factors. The effects of emotional distress on performance decline were likely to be remarkably greater in the younger age group (

Dietary phytochemicals as adjuvants have been suggested to play important roles in enhancing chemotherapeutic potential owing to multitargeted chemopreventive properties and lack of substantial toxicity. Here, we investigated the efficacy of the combined treatment of various phytochemicals with the anticancer drug clofarabine in malignant mesothelioma MSTO-211H cells and normal mesothelial MeT-5A cells. The combined treatment of resveratrol and clofarabine produced a synergistic antiproliferative effect in MSTO-211H cells, but not in MeT-5A cells. In MSTO-211H cells, the nuclear accumulation of Sp1 and the levels of p-Akt, Sp1, c-Met, cyclin D1, and p21 were effectively decreased by the combined treatment of them. In combination with clofarabine, the ability of resveratrol to reduce the contents of Sp1 and its target gene products was also evident in a time- and dose-dependent experiment. The inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase using Ly294002 augmented a decrease in the p21 level induced by their combination, but it showed no significant effects on expression of Sp1 and cyclin D1. Taken together, the data provide evidence that the synergistic antiproliferative effect of resveratrol and clofarabine is linked to the inhibition of Akt and Sp1 activities, and suggest that this combination may have therapeutic value in treatment of malignant mesothelioma.

The association between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and arterial stiffness in women is not conclusive. In addition, obesity might also be involved in the relationship between SHBG and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between SHBG and arterial stiffness in association with central obesity in women. This cross-sectional study included 381 women who participated in the health checkup programs in one hospital. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as a marker for arterial stiffness. A negative correlation was observed between SHBG levels and baPWV (rho = −0.281). The relationship was significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (beta = −0.087 in fully adjusted model). After considering the interaction between central obesity and SHBG levels, the significant association was evident only in obese women (Pfor interaction = 0.025). Adjustment for a 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores, instead of each cardiovascular risk factor individually, did not affect the significance of the relationship between SHBG levels and baPWV. Serum levels of SHBG were negatively associated with arterial stiffness independent of cardiovascular risk factors or 10-year ASCVD risk scores in Korean women. The relationship may be potentiated by central obesity.

Slit- and Trk-like (Slitrks) are a six-member family of synapse organizers that control excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation by forming trans-synaptic adhesions with LAR receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Intriguingly, genetic mutations of Slitrks have been associated with a multitude of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, nothing is known about the neuronal and synaptic consequences of these mutations. Here, we report the structural and functional effects on synapses of various rare de novo mutations identified in patients with schizophrenia or Tourette syndrome. A number of single amino acid substitutions in Slitrk1 (N400I or T418S) or Slitrk4 (V206I or I578V) reduced their surface expression levels. These substitutions impaired glycosylation of Slitrks expressed in HEK293T cells, caused retention of Slitrks in the endoplasmic reticulum and cis-Golgi compartment in COS-7 cells and neurons, and abolished Slitrk binding to PTPδ. Furthermore, these substitutions eliminated the synapse-inducing activity of Slitrks, abolishing their functional effects on synapse density in cultured neurons. Strikingly, a valine-to-methionine mutation in Slitrk2 (V89M) compromised synapse formation activity in cultured neuron, without affecting surface transport, expression, or synapse-inducing activity in coculture assays. Similar deleterious effects were observed upon introduction of the corresponding valine-to-methionine mutation into Slitrk1 (V85M), suggesting that this conserved valine residue plays a key role in maintaining the synaptic functions of Slitrks. Collectively, these data indicate that inactivation of distinct cellular mechanisms caused by specific Slitrk dysfunctions may underlie Slitrk-associated neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, and provide a robust cellular readout for the development of knowledge-based therapies.

We previously reported that MSTO-211H cells have a higher capacity to regulate Nrf2 activation in response to changes in the cellular redox environment. To further characterize its biological significance, the response of Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates ARE-containing genes, on the synergistic cytotoxic effect of clofarabine and resveratrol was investigated in mesothelioma cells. The combination treatment showed a marked growth-inhibitory effect, which was accompanied by suppression of Nrf2 activation and decreased expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). While transient overexpression of Nrf2 conferred protection against the cytotoxicity caused by their combination, knockdown of Nrf2 expression using siRNA enhanced their cytotoxic effect. Pretreatment with Ly294002, a PI3K inhibitor, augmented the decrease in HO-1 level by their combination, whereas no obvious changes were observed in Nrf2 levels. Altogether, these results suggest that the synergistic cytotoxic effect of clofarabine and resveratrol was mediated, at least in part, through suppression of Nrf2 signaling. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(11): 647-652]

Introduction Although several studies have explored craving for certain drugs, there is limited data describing the relationship between alcohol and nicotine craving from a multidimensional perspective among individuals with comorbid nicotine dependence (ND) and alcohol dependence (AD). Methods We compared a group of male patients diagnosed with ND and AD (n = 160) to a group of male patients diagnosed with ND only (n = 235). Smoking- and drinking-related clinical features were measured, including craving levels and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), which is a multidimensional questionnaire measuring ND. Subsequently, we studied factors that influenced smoking and alcohol craving in the ND and AD group. Results Regarding the NDSS, the sum, priority and tolerance scores were significantly higher in the ND and AD group compared with the ND only group (P

Recently, the risk of colonic perforation has been increasing with the increased frequency of advanced therapeutic endoscopy. However, guidelines for the management of colon perforations after colonoscopy have not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the indications for nonsurgical management. This study was conducted as a case–control study with 22 patients who were managed for colorectal perforations after colonoscopy from June 2004 to July 2009. Colonoscopy was performed in 12 patients (54.4%) for diagnostic purposes and 10 (45.5%) for therapeutic reasons. The most common site of perforation was the sigmoid colon (77.3%). Five patients underwent nonsurgical treatment, and 17 patients received surgical treatment. The duration of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the two groups. Abdominal pain and fever were significantly more commonly encountered in the surgical management group ( P = 0.043 and 0.011, respectively). All of the patients who were suitable for nonsurgical treatment were diagnosed within 24 hours and received bowel preparation before the colonoscopy. The nonsurgical treatment of colonic perforation after colonoscopy could be feasible in afebrile patients with less severe abdominal pain. Moreover, cases that were diagnosed within 24 hours and received bowel preparation before colonoscopy were associated with better outcomes.

Although a few automated hippocampal subfield segmentation methods have been developed, the effects of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) on the hippocampal subfield volumes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the hippocampal subfield volume changes and their relationships with various neuropsychological tests in aMCI using an automated hippocampal subfield segmentation technique. Forty-five subjects with aMCI and 49 group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3-tesla MRI scanning, and hippocampal subfield volumes were measured and compared. Additionally, we explored the correlation pattern between hippocampal subfield volumes and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) neuropsychological test scores in aMCI subjects. Subjects with aMCI exhibited significant hippocampal volume reductions in the presubiculum, subiculum and cornu ammonis 2-3 areas compared with healthy subjects. In addition, we also found significant positive correlations between presubiculum and subicular area volumes and the CERAD-K verbal and visuospatial delayed recall scores in aMCI. This study was the first to explore the relationships between hippocampal subfield volumes and various types of cognitive performances in aMCI. These structural changes might be at the core of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction in aMCI.

Background: There have been lots of studies about the relationship between chronic use of alcohol and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chronic use of alcohol can be affected by the altered level of ghrelin and leptin which regulate food-seeking behavior having similar mechanism of controlling alcohol-craving behavior. Those peptides are known to be correlated with T2DM. Ghrelin and leptin also have been regarded as possible regulators of glucose metabolism and insulin function. Hence, there is the possibility that ghrelin and leptin can be related with deteriorated pathophysiology of T2DM in alcoholic patients. Methods: Patients with alcohol dependence diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) underwent an 75 g oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT), to classify them to normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 52), pre-diabetes including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose level (IFG) and combination of IGT and IFG (Pre-DM, n = 26) and T2DM (n = 24) groups. Fasting plasma ghrelin and leptin levels were compared among groups. Results: There was no difference of ghrelin concentration among the groups but the leptin concentration was significantly different between NGT and T2DM group (p

To evaluate the clinical safety and effectiveness of foam sclerotherapy using polidocanol for preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) before hemihepatectomy of the liver.From March 2006 to October 2008, foam sclerotherapy using polidocanol was performed in 16 patients (male-to-female ratio of 12:4, age range 48-75 years [mean 62]) for PVE. Patients were diagnosed with Klatskin tumor (n = 13), gallbladder (GB) cancer (n = 2), or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 1). The foam was composed of a 1:2:1 ratio of 3% polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol; Kreussler Pharma, Wiesbaden, Germany), room air, and contrast media (Xenetix 350; Guerbet, Aulnay-Sous-Bois, France). The total amount of polidocanol used (2 to 8 mL [mean 4.6]) varied according to the volume of the target portal vein. We calculated the volume of future liver remnant (FLR) before and after PVE and evaluated complications associated with the use of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy for PVE.Technical success was achieved in all patients. All patients were comfortable throughout the procedure and did not experience pain during sclerotherapy. No periprocedural morbidity or mortality occurred. Patients underwent a liver dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan 2-4 weeks after PVE. FLR increased significantly after PVE using polidocanol foam from 19.3% (range 16-35%) before PVE to 27.8% (range 23-42%) after PVE (p = 0.001). All patients were operable for hemihepatectomy of the liver and achieved effective resection.Foam sclerotherapy using polidocanol is clinically safe and effective for preoperative PVE.

Allergies are an important health problem. In the present study, a web-based allergen platform was developed with an allergen database and allergenicity prediction functions. Drawing from the literature and public databases, 2,939 allergens were identified and categorised according to their origin and known information. This platform provides a function to search allergenic proteins through formats such as keywords, FASTA, BLAST, and provides sequence-based, motif-based and epitope-based methods for allergenicity prediction. Using specific sequence or allergen predictions, the user can find summarised allergen information to link the UniProtKB and the PDB databases.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery by comparing laparoscopic and conventional surgery of right colonic diverticulitis (RCD). Among 124 patients who were treated for RCD from January 1997 to July 2007, we enrolled 54 patients who received resection therapy of RCD. Patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic (LAP; n = 19) and conventional (CON; n = 35) surgery groups according to the respective surgical modality. The diverticulectomy (DIV; n = 46) and right colectomy (COL; n = 8) groups were also compared according to operative methods. There were significant differences between preoperative diagnosis and selection of the operative method and between RCD type and selection of operative method. However, there were no significant differences between preoperative diagnosis and selection of laparoscopic surgery and between RCD type and selection of laparoscopic surgery. The Kaplan-Meier estimated recurrence risk for all patients also showed no significant differences between LAP and CON and DIV and COL ( P = 0.413). The Kaplan-Meier-estimated RCD-free period after surgery was 92.7 months (limited to 100 months). Laparoscopic surgery of RCD is an effective and safety method as a result of no differences in clinical data between conventional and laparoscopic surgery.

It is commonly required that steam generator tubes wall-thinned in excess of 40% should be plugged. However, the plugging criteria are known to be too conservative for some locations and types of defects and its application is confined to a single crack. In the previous study, a crack coalescence model applicable to steam generator tubes with two collinear axial through-wall cracks was proposed and a coalescence evaluation diagram was developed which can be used to determine whether the adjacent cracks detected by NDE coalesce or not. In this paper, a total of 9 local failure models including flow stress model, necking-based model, stress-based model, reaction force model and plastic zone contact model were introduced to determine the optimum local failure model. Plastic collapse tests and finite element analyses using thin plates with two collinear through-wall cracks were performed for the selection of the optimum local failure model. By comparing the test results with the prediction results obtained from local failure models, the reaction force model and plastic zone contact model were determined as the optimum local failure models.

Anthocyanins are a group of secondary metabolite that is responsible for the color in plant and their antioxidant activity has been noticed as a health-promoting material. To identify the genes responsible for anthocyaninenrichment in the black rice grains, we assessed the expression of transcripts in both black and white rice cultivars using the 135K Oryza sativa microarray and found that the 3,728 genes were associated with the production of anthocyanin pigment. Among them, the 573 conserved orthologous genes were identified using the COGs analyses and were compared with the existing flavonoid-pathway network. Enriched-pathway analysis finally resulted in 53 candidates for anthocyanin biosynthesis. These genes were anchored to the chromosomes of the rice genome to identify their genetic-map positions and were subjected to the phylogenetic construction together with their 31 homologous proteins sequences from A. thaliana, using the maximum-likelihood method. Our candidate genes seem to either play a regulatory role in anthocyanin biosynthesis or be related to anthocyanin metabolism.

Stereoselective syntheses of (+/-)-epibatidine analogues 2, which contain the 8-azabicyclo [3.2.1]octane ring system, were achieved by using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction from 4 and the analgesic activity was tested by Mouse writhing antinociceptive assay.

We investigated the effect of a mesh-type GaN/SiO2/Al omnidirectional reflector (ODR) on the light output power of AlGaN/InGaN-based ultraviolet (365 nm) LEDs and compared their performance with that of LEDs with a GaN/ITO/Al reflector. Using the scattering matrix method, the normal incidence reflectance was calculated to be 93.7% for the GaN/SiO2 (62 nm)/Al ODR and 79% for the GaN/ITO (30 nm)/Al reflector. The Ag/Ni/Al/Ni (52 nm/10 nm/200 nm/20 nm) contact showed a specific contact resistance of 3.2 × 10−5 Ω cm2 after annealing at 500 °C for 1 min. The forward-bias voltages at 20 mA of LEDs with ODR were in the range of 3.49–3.54 V, which were similar to that of LEDs with an ITO/Al reflector (3.51 V). The LEDs with ODR had series resistances in the range of 14.8–12.5 Ω, whereas the LED with an ITO/Al reflector showed 11.7 Ω. The LEDs with ODR yielded 9.3–19.9% higher light output power at 20 mA than the LED with an ITO/Al reflector. The improved light output power was attributed to the optimization of the high reflectance of the ODR (reflective area) and contact area.

Background DNA methylation ensures genome integrity and regulates gene expression indiverse eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis, methylation occurs in threesequence contexts: CG, CHG and CHH. The initial establishment of DNAmethylation at all three sequence contexts occurs through a process known asRNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), in which small RNAs bound by Argonaute4(AGO4) guide DNA methylation at homologous loci through the de novomethyltransferase DRM2. Once established, DNA methylation at each of thethree sequence contexts is maintained through different mechanisms. Althoughsome players involved in RdDM and maintenance methylation have beenidentified, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Toaid the comprehensive identification of players in DNA methylation, wegenerated a transgenic reporter system that permits genetic and chemicalgenetic screens in Arabidopsis. Results A dual 35S promoter (d35S) driven luciferase (LUC)reporter was introduced into Arabidopsis and LUCL, a linewith a low basal level of luciferase activity, was obtained. LUCLwas found to be a multi-copy, single-insertion transgene that containsmethylated cytosines in CG, CHG and CHH contexts, with the highestmethylation in the CG context. Methylation was present throughout thepromoter and LUC coding region. Treatment with an inhibitor ofcytosine methylation de-repressed luciferase activity. A mutation inMET1, which encodes the CG maintenance methyltransferase,drastically reduced CG methylation and de-repressed LUC expression.Mutations in AGO4 and DRM2 also de-repressed LUCexpression, albeit to a smaller extent than loss of MET1. UsingLUCL as a reporter line, we performed a chemical screen forcompounds that de-repress LUC expression, and identified achemical, methotrexate, known to be involved in biogenesis of the methyldonor. Conclusion We developed a luciferase-based reporter system, LUCL, which reportsboth RdDM and CG maintenance methylation in Arabidopsis. The lowbasal level of LUCL expression provides an easy readout in geneticand chemical genetic screens that will dissect the mechanisms of RdDM andmethylation maintenance.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD-K), a scale for assessment of depression in dementia. Methods The original CSDD was translated into Korean and the content was verified through back-translation procedures. This study included 59 depressive patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 62 non-depressive patients with AD and 36 healthy elderly controls. The subjects were assessed using CSDD-K, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17), the 15-item Korean version of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) and the Korean version of Mini-mental Status Examination (MMSE-K). Results In the reliability test, Cronbach's α coefficient and test-retest reliabilities were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively, indicating that the CSDD-K has good internal consistency. There were significant differences in CSDD-K total scores between AD patients with depression and AD patients without depression (p

Previous studies have carried out hippocampal shape analysis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients using automated segmentation techniques. However, the relationships between hippocampal deformations and various episodic memory impairments were not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate hippocampal shape changes and their relationships with various episodic memory impairments in aMCI. Hippocampal volumes and deformations were compared between the aMCI and the controls. In addition, we explored the correlation pattern between hippocampal deformations and cognitive dysfunctions in aMCI using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Patients with aMCI exhibited significant hippocampal deformations in the right cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and subiculum areas compared with healthy individuals. Significant correlations were observed between constructional recall scores and the right CA1 and subiculum areas in aMCI. Verbal delayed recall scores were also significantly correlated with the left CA1 and subiculum areas in aMCI. This study was the first to explore the relationships between hippocampal deformations and various types of cognitive performances in aMCI. These structural changes in the hippocampal CA1 and subiculum areas might be at the core of underlying neurobiological mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction and their relevance to verbal and visuospatial delayed recall in aMCI.

Previous studies have shown an association between late-onset depression (LOD) and cognitive impairment in older adults. However, the neural correlates of this relationship are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in both cortical thickness and subcortical volumes between drug-naive LOD patients and healthy controls and explore the relationship between LOD and cognitive impairments. A total of 48 elderly, drug-naive patients with LOD and 47 group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3T MRI scanning, and the cortical thickness was compared between the groups in multiple locations, across the continuous cortical surface. The subcortical volumes were also compared on a structure-by-structure basis. Subjects with LOD exhibited significantly decreased cortical thickness in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, the medial orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the superior and middle temporal cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex when compared with healthy subjects (all p

The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction plays cytoprotective roles against oxidative injury, apoptosis, and anticancer therapy; however, little is known about its regulation in human mesothelioma MSTO-211H cells. In this study, we investigated Nrf2/HO-1 induction in response to sulforaphane and determined the signaling pathways involved in this process. Sulforaphane treatment decreased cell viability and triggered a rapid and transient increase in the intracellular ROS levels. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented sulforaphane-induced cytotoxicity. Erk1/2 was activated within 1h of sulforaphane addition, whereas Akt phosphorylation was suppressed until the first 8h, and was then maintained at an elevated level until 72h, displaying a biphasic regulatory feature. Nrf2 protein levels in both nuclear and whole cell lysates were increased after sulforaphane treatment and were decreased by pretreatment with NAC, actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 system after sulforaphane treatment was suppressed by pretreatment with NAC or Ly294002, a PI3K inhibitor. Knockdown of Nrf2 with siRNA decreased cell viability and attenuated sulforaphane-induced HO-1 up-regulation. Overall, our results indicate that ROS generation and/or activation of PI3K/Akt signaling regulate cell survival and Nrf2-driven HO-1 expression in sulforaphane-treated MSTO-211H cells.

Chronic alcohol consumption contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while decreasing the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF may be an important regulator of glucose metabolism, so it may be associated with an increased risk for T2DM in alcoholism. We evaluated the association of chronic heavy alcohol exposure, T2DM and BDNF level. Ten week-old type 2 diabetic OLETF rats and non-diabetic LETO rats of similar weight were used. The rats were randomized by weight into four treatment groups: (1) OLETF-Ethanol (O-E, n=13), (2) OLETF-Control (O-C, n=15), (3) LETO-Ethanol (L-E, n=11), and (4) LETO-Control (L-C, n=14). The ethanol groups were fed an isocaloric liquid diet containing ethanol while the control groups were fed with the same diet containing maltose-dextran over a 6-week period using a pair-feeding control model in order to regulate different caloric ingestion. After 6 weeks of feeding, an Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IP-GTT) was performed and BDNF levels were analyzed. Prior to IP-GTT, the mean glucose levels in the O-E, O-C, L-E, and L-C groups were 90.38±12.84, 102.13±5.04, 95.18±6.43, and 102.36±4.43mg/dL, respectively. Thirty minutes after intraperitoneal injection, the mean glucose levels were 262.62±63.77, 229.07±51.30, 163.45±26.63, and 156.64±34.42mg/dL, respectively; the increased amount of the mean glucose level in the O-E group was significantly higher than that in the O-C group (p

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), sulfidryl-containing thiol antioxidant, has been heralded as chemopreventive agent, generally because of its ability to scavenge free radicals. It also suppresses the proliferation of many cancer cells; however, the antiproliferative mechanism(s) remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated a growth-suppressive mechanism of NAC action in androgen-independent prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells. NAC (≥ 1mM) inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, NAC treatment suppressed the activation of NF-κB induced by IKK-β as detected by the NF-κB reporter gene assay. NAC exerted a biphasic effect on the intracellular ROS levels depending on incubation time; the antioxidant effect was seen within 2h after NAC treatment, however, a pro-oxidant effect was evident after 48 h treatment. In addition to these effects, NAC treatment elicited a dose- and time-dependent increase in the Cyr61 expression that was accompanied by an increase in its mRNA and blocked by cycloheximide pretreatment. Importantly, NAC treatment caused an early but transient activation of Akt and Erk1/2. The NAC-induced increase in Cyr61 protein levels was suppressed by the PI3K inhibitor (Ly294002) and, to a lesser extent, MEK/Erk1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). Taken together, our data suggest that the antiproliferative effect of NAC is partially mediated by intracellular ROS production, the inhibition of NF-κB activity, and the activation of PI3K- and/or MEK/Erk-related intracellular signaling pathways, which lead to up-regulation of Cyr61 expression.

Background: The relationship between serum homocysteine levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the sex-specific relationship between serum homocysteine level and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Korean population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 men and 132 women who participated in medical examination programs in Korea from January 2014 to December 2014. Patients were screened for fatty liver by abdominal ultrasound and patient blood samples were collected to measure homocysteine levels. Patients that consumed more than 20 grams of alcohol per day were excluded from this study. Results: The homocysteine level (11.56 vs. 8.05 nmol/L) and the proportion of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (60.7% vs. 19.7%) were significantly higher in men than in women. In men, elevated serum homocysteine levels were associated with a greater prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (quartile 1, 43.6%; quartile 4, 80.6%; P=0.01); however, in females, there was no significant association between serum homocysteine levels and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the logistic regression model adjusted for age and potential confounding parameters, the odds ratio for men was significantly higher in the uppermost quartile (model 3, quartile 4: odds ratio, 6.78; 95% confidential interval, 1.67 to 27.56); however, serum homocysteine levels in women were not associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the crude model or in models adjusted for confounders. Conclusion: Serum homocysteine levels were associated with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in men.

Systemic vasculitis involving the lung is a rare manifestation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and secondary vasculitis is considered to have poor prognosis. A 44-year-old man presented with fever and dyspnea of 1 month duration. A chest radiograph revealed bilateral multiple wedge shaped consolidations. In addition, the results of a percutaneous needle biopsy for non-resolving pneumonia were compatible with pulmonary vasculitis. Bone marrow biopsy was performed due to the persistence of unexplained anemia and the patient was diagnosed with MDS. We reported a case of secondary vasculitis presenting as non-resolving pneumonia, later diagnosed as paraneoplastic syndrome of undiagnosed MDS. The cytopenia and vasculitis improved after a short course of glucocorticoid treatment, and there was no recurrence despite the progression of underlying MDS.

Although recent studies demonstrated the relieving effect of gabapentin on neuropathic pain, the effect has not been sufficiently examined. In the present study, we investigated the effect of gabapentin on mechanical, warm and cold allodynia in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy. Under enflurane anesthesia, animals were subjected to the partial injury of the nerves innervating the tail. Behavioral tests for mechanical, cold and warm allodynia on the tail were performed by von Frey hair (2.0 g) stimulation, 4 and 40 °C water immersion, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection of gabapentin (30, 100, 300 mg/kg) significantly alleviated mechanical, warm and cold allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that gabapentin is an effective agent against mechanical, warm and cold allodynia in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy.