Search

Background Gadoxetic acid and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is increasingly used for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is relevant to refine the diagnostic parameters for HCC, using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Purpose To validate usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI for diagnosis of small HCC by differentiation from dysplastic nodule (DN) or regenerative nodule (RN) in cirrhotic patients with strongly suspected small HCC. Material and Methods One hundred and eight patients with 102 HCCs and 29 benign nodules including 21 DNs and two large RNs (≤ 2.0 cm), and 40 patients with no HCC underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI. All patients also underwent MDCT. Index MR criteria for HCC were: (i) arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) with hyperintensity on DWI; (ii) hypovascular nodule with hyperintensity on DWI; (iii) arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on HBP without hyperintensity on DWI; (iv) arterial hyperenhancement and either iso- or hyperintensity on HBP, with hyperintensity on DWI; and (v) hyperintensity only on DWI. According to these criteria, MRI findings for HCCs and benign nodules were independently classified by two reviewers. Results On multidetector-row computed tomography, 64 HCCs (62.7%) showed typical features for HCC while 13 (12.8%) were not identified. On MRI, 84 HCCs (82.4%) showed arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on HBP, and hyperintensity on DWI. Eight HCCs were regarded as hypovascular HCCs with hyperintensity DWI (category 2). One HCC (0.6 cm in diameter) was demonstrated only by DWI. For each observer, 101 (99.0%) and 100 HCCs (98.0%) were discernible when applying all MRI criteria for HCC, respectively. Three DNs also fit the HCC criteria, thus the specificity was 90.9% for both observers. Conclusion With the HCC criteria based on combined gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI, it is possible to reliably diagnose small HCC including hypovascular HCCs.

Presently, commercially available porous bone substitutes are manufactured by the sacrificial template method, direct foaming method, and polymer replication method (PRM). However, current manufacturing methods provide only the simplest form of the bone scaffold and cannot easily control pore size. Recent developments in medical imaging technology, computer-aided design, and solid freeform fabrication (SFF), have made it possible to accurately produce porous synthetic bone scaffolds to fit the defected bone shape. Porous scaffolds were fabricated by SFF and PRM for a comparison of physical and mechanical properties of scaffold. The suggested three-dimensional model has interconnected cubic pores of 500 μm and its calculated porosity is 25%. Whereas hydroxyapatite scaffolds fabricated by SFF had connective macropores, those by PRM formed a closed pore external surface with internally interconnected pores. SFF was supposed to be a proper method for fabricating an interconnected macroporous network. Biocompatibility was confirmed by testing the cytotoxicity, hemolysis, irritation, sensitization, and implantation. In summary, the aim was to verify the safety and efficacy of the scaffolds by biomechanical and biological tests with the hope that this research could promote the feasibility of using the scaffolds as a bone substitute.

Summary Changes in disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors during storm events have not been intensively studied to date despite their dramatic impact on downstream drinking water supplies. For this study, variations in dissolved organic matter (DOM) spectroscopic properties and DBP formation potentials (DBPFPs), and the correlations among these various parameters, were investigated in river water samples collected under two contrasting storm event conditions (a strong summer storm versus a weak fall event). Fluorescence excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) combined with parallel factor analysis revealed that a combination of two humic-like components (C1 and C2) dominated the EEM data of the storm samples. Measured DOM characteristics and DBPFPs varied over a wider range during the more intense summer storm, exhibiting higher values of specific ultraviolet absorbance and C1/C2 ratio at high flow conditions. Variations in the fluorescence index were less pronounced during the two storm events. The spectroscopic changes were well explained by the input of terrestrial DOM sources from the surrounding catchments during the storms. Different trends of the formation potentials for trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids on the recession limb of the hydrographs suggest that the structures responsible for DBP precursors during storm events may not be the same for the two classes of DBPs. The ultraviolet light-absorbing moieties in DOM appear to play major roles in generating DBPs, as evidenced by their strong positive correlations with DBPFPs. Higher correlations with DBPFP for C1 versus C2 suggest that humic-like substances associated with more aromatic and condensed structures have a greater proclivity to generate DBP upon chlorination.

Purpose To compare the image quality between T1 high-resolution isotropic volume examination using the multi-echo Dixon technique (mDixon-eTHRIVE) and that using spectrally adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR-eTHRIVE) in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI, and to evaluate the detectability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on mDixon-eTHRIVE. Materials and Methods Seventy patients with 117 HCCs underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI using mDixon-eTHRIVE. All patients also underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI using SPAIR-eTHRIVE (mean interval of 96 days). Two radiologists performed a consensus review of MRIs for image quality, homogeneity of fat suppression, artifact, and anatomic sharpness using a four-point scale. The detectability for HCC with mDixon-eTHRIVE was assessed using alternative-free response receiver operating characteristic. Results All mDixon-eTHRIVE images received higher scores for homogeneity of fat suppression and image quality (P 0.05). Diagnostic accuracy (Az) and sensitivity for detecting HCCs with mDixon-eTHRIVE images were mean 0.954 and 93.2%, respectively. Conclusion For gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI, mDixon-eTHRIVE showed improved homogeneity of fat suppression and overall image quality compared with SPAIR-eTHRIVE. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:401–410. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

To evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in differentiation of an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) from a small (3 cm) solid pancreatic tumor.This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was waived. Twenty patients with IPAS and 22 patients with small solid pancreatic tumors were included. All patients underwent abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with DW and gadoxetic acid-enhanced imaging. Qualitative (signal intensity) and quantitative (signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) evaluations were performed by two observers. Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparing groups.Compared with the spleen, the IPAS showed isointensity more frequently than did small pancreatic tumors on T2-weighted images (95% [19 of 20] vs 41% [nine of 22]), arterial phase images (100% [20 of 20] vs 18% [four of 22]), portal phase images (100% [20 of 20] vs 23% [five of 22]), late phase images (100% [20 of 20] vs 41% [nine of 22]), and DW images with b value of 0 sec/mm(2) (100% [20 of 20] vs 9% [two of 22]), b value of 100 sec/mm(2) (95% [19 of 20] vs 27% [six of 22]), and b value of 800 sec/mm(2) (100% [20 of 20] vs 27% [six of 22]), with significant differences (P.01). The means of the absolute value of relative signal intensity and ADC ratio on DW images of IPAS were significantly lower and closer to zero than those of pancreatic tumors (P.05). Visual assessment of the similarity between pancreatic lesion and spleen on DW images for diagnosis of IPAS yielded diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 95% (40 of 42), 100% (20 of 20), 91% (20 of 22), 91% (20 of 22), and 100% (20 of 20), respectively, for observer 1 and 90% (38 of 42), 95% (19 of 20), 86% (19 of 22), 86% (19 of 22), and 95% (19of 20), respectively, for observer 2.In addition to conventional morphologic MR imaging, DW imaging can be used as a tool for differentiating IPAS from solid pancreatic tumors.http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12112765/-/DC1.

In human intestinal epithelial cells, IFN-γ induces BAFF expression through the signaling pathway of JAK/STAT and GAS, in the promoter region of the BAFF gene. BAFF plays an important role in the development of B cells. Here, we investigated the effect of IFN-γ on BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells. IFN-γ induced soluble and membrane-bound BAFF production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IFN-γ-induced BAFF release from polarized intestinal epithelial cells was observed in apical and basolateral compartments. JAK I inhibitor suppressed IFN-γ-induced BAFF expression. Moreover, IFN-γ enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation and expression of IRF-1. Transient transfection and reporter gene assay showed that the BAFF promoter region spanning −750 to −500 bp from the translation initiation site was crucial for IFN-γ-induced BAFF expression. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a GAS element in the promoter region. ChIP assay confirmed the enhanced binding of phosphorylated STAT1 to the BAFF promoter region at −800 to −601 bp. Furthermore, IFN-γ enhanced DNA binding to GAS and its transcriptional activation, as determined by the EMSA and reporter gene assay. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN-γ induces BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells through JAK/STAT signaling pathways that might activate the GAS and IRF-1-binding element in the BAFF promoter.

Biodegradation-induced changes in the characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the subsequent effects on disinfection byproduct formation potentials (DBPFPs) were investigated using six different sources of DOM (algae, leaf litter, reed, compost, paddy water, and treated municipal sewage effluent). Microbial incubation of the DOM samples increased the specific ultraviolet absorbance and humic-like fluorescence but decreased the protein/tannin-like fluorescence and relative distribution of smaller-sized DOM components. Comparison of the original versus biodegraded DOM samples using resin fractionation and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that the biodegradation-induced changes were highly dependent on DOM sources and exhibited no consistent trends among the different sources. Changes in DBPFPs also differed with DOM source. Vascular plant-derived DOM (leaf litter and reed) demonstrated an enhancement in specific DBPFP after biodegradation, whereas little change or even a slight decrease was observed for the other DOM sources. Correlations that were significant between specific DBPFPs and the aromatic content or humic-like fluorescence for the original DOM samples were no longer significant after microbial degradation. The relative abundance of hydrophobic to hydrophilic structures in DOM is suggested to be a general indicator for the formation potential of trihalomethanes irrespective of DOM source and the state of biodegradation.

The interplay between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts is essential for balanced bone remodeling. In this study, we evaluate the ability of ethyl-2, 5-dihyrdoxybenzoate (E-2, 5-DHB) to affect both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation for bone regeneration. Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was quantified by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition. To evaluate osteoclast differentiation, we investigated the effect of E-2, 5-DHB on RANKL-activated osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells. E-2, 5-DHB enhanced ALP activity and inhibited RAW 264.7 cell osteoclastogenesis in vitro. To assess the in vivo activity of E-2, 5-DHB, hMSCs were delivered subcutaneosuly alone or in combination with E-2, 5-DHB in an alginate gel into the backs of nude-mice. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation showed significantly higher calcium deposition in the E-2, 5-DHB group. Osteocalcin (OCN) was highly expressed in cells implanted in the gels containing E-2, 5-DHB. Our results suggest that E-2, 5-DHB can effectively enhance osteoblast differentiation and inhibit osteoclast differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Understanding the dual function of E-2, 5-DHB on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation will aid in future development of E-2, 5-DHB as a material for bone tissue engineering.

Osteoprogenitor cells play a significant role in the growth or repair of bones, and have great potential as cell sources for regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering, but control of their specific differentiation into bone cells remains a challenge. Graphene-based nanomaterials are attractive candidates for biomedical applications as substrates for stem cell (SC) differentiation, scaffolds in tissue engineering, and components of implant devices owing to their biocompatible, transferable and implantable properties. This study examined the enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles (NPs), and rGO NPs was prepared by reducing graphene oxide (GO) with a hydrazine treatment followed by annealing in argon and hydrogen. The cytotoxicity profile of each particle was examined using a water-soluble tetrazolium-8 (WST-8) assay. At different time-points, a WST-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and alizarin red S (ARS) staining were used to determine the effects of rGO NPs on proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, respectively. The results suggest that graphene-based materials have potential as a platform for stem cells culture and biomedicalapplications.

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-gal A), resulting in deposition of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3; also known as ceramide trihexoside) in the vascular endothelium of many organs. A gradual accumulation of Gb3 leads to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal dysfunction. Endothelial cell dysfunction leads to renal complications, one of the main symptoms of Fabry disease. However, the pathological mechanisms by which endothelial dysfunction occurs in Fabry disease are poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with the renal pathogenesis of Fabry disease. We found that the protein expression levels of renal thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), TGF-β1 and VEGF were higher in the kidneys from Fabry mice compared to wild-type mice. The expression levels of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and phospho-p38 (P-p38) were also higher in the kidneys from Fabry mice compared with wild-type mice. Activities of cysteine aspartic acid protease (caspase)-6 and caspase-9 were higher in kidneys from Fabry than from the wild-type mice. These results suggest that overexpression of TGF-β1 and VEGF in the Fabry mouse kidney might contribute to Fabry disease nephropathy by inducing apoptosis. To test whether Gb3 accumulation can induce apoptosis, we incubated bovine aortic endothelial cells with Gb3 and found increased expression of TGF-β1, VEGFR2, VEGF, FGF-2 and P-p38. The combination of increased expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF caused by Gb3 accumulation may allow upregulation of FGF-2, VEGFR2 and P-p38 expression, and these changes may be associated with Fabry disease nephropathy by inducing apoptosis.

The objective was to determine imaging features that distinguish small (≤3cm) solid pancreatic adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) on gadoxetic-acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI).Twenty-four adenocarcinomas, 10 NETs and 8 SPTs were retrospectively included. Two radiologists analyzed morphologic features, signal intensity of the tumors on MR images including DWI (b=800) and dynamic enhancement pattern with consensus. Tumor-to-parenchyma ratio and tumor apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were quantitatively assessed.All adenocarcinomas had an ill-defined margin and irregular shape, and more frequently had pancreatic duct dilatation compared with other tumors (P.05). All SPTs and all but one of the adenocarcinomas (95.8%) had no arterial enhancement with progressively increased enhancement, whereas seven NETs (70%) had arterial enhancement with progressively decreased enhancement (P.01). The mean value of tumor-to-parenchyma ratio on arterial and portal phases was significantly higher for NETs, and the mean value of tumor ADCs was significantly lower for SPTs than for other tumors (P.05).Gadoxetic-acid-enhanced MRI may aid in differentiation between small adenocarcinomas, NETs and SPTs based on morphologic features with dynamic enhancement pattern in adenocarcinomas, dynamic enhancement pattern with tumor-to-parenchyma ration on arterial and portal phases in NETs, and dynamic enhancement pattern with lower ADC value in SPTs.

In this study, the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of Ag NPs (average diameter: 2-5 nm) against CHO-K1 cells was determined via WST-8 assay, and their genotoxicity was examined via Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay (Ames test). The acute toxicity and intracutaneous reactivity of Ag NPs were evaluated using animal models of mice and rabbits, respectively. The antibacterial effects of Ag NPs on the Gram (-) bacterial strains of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and on the Gram (+) bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p and Bacillus subtilius ATCC 6633 were determined by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations. The Ag NPs were highly cytotoxic to the L-929 cells at over 2 ppm but were non-cytotoxic at lower than 1 ppm. Moreover, the Ag NPs at 1 ppm or lower did not show genotoxicity, acute toxicity and intracutaneous reactivity. It was also found that the Ag NPs exerted effective antimicrobial activities on both the Gram (-) and (+) bacterial strains within the range from 0.06 to 0.98 ppm for 50% MIC.

A major challenge in the use of electrospun scaffolds for tissue generation is that tightly packed layers of nanofibers can block cell infiltration into the scaffold, resulting in non-homogeneous cell distribution. This can cause incomplete extracellular matrix deposition and failure to generate tissue. In this study, we developed a cell seeding method that supports cell infiltration and distribution within a three-dimensional (3D) flexible and shape-controllable electropun scaffold. Cells were seeded on the scaffold layer-by-layer and cell growth rate 7 days post seeding was compared to cell growth after traditional cell seeding. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the shape-controlled scaffold consist of microfibers with uniform thickness. In using the layer-by-layer seeding method, we observed that the cells were distributed uniformly throughout the 3D scaffold. In contrast, use of the traditional cell seeding method resulted in the cells remaining on the surface of the scaffold. These results suggest that a layer-by-layer cell seeding method can improve cell distribution within a 3D scaffold and effectively facilitate tissue formation. Open image in new window

Background As diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is routinely incorporated into the standard clinical protocol, it is clinically relevant to determine whether DWI after gadoxetic acid is comparable to pre-contrast DWI, with regard to the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. Purpose To compare DWI before and after administration of gadoxetic acid in the detection and characterization of small (≤2.5 cm) focal hepatic lesions. Material and Methods One hundred and fifty-eight patients with 237 focal hepatic lesions (≤2.5 cm) (124 HCCs, 50 metastases, 2 cholangiocarcinomas, 43 hemangiomas, and 18 cysts) were included. DWIs were obtained before and after administration of gadoxetic acid. Non-breath-hold DWI was performed with b values of 0, 100, and 800 s/mm2. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lesion-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the liver and lesion were calculated. Lesion detection with each DWI was evaluated with alternative free-response receiver-operating characteristic analysis by two observers. The sensitivity of the characterization of focal hepatic lesions as solid (malignancy) or non-solid (benignity) with each DWI was calculated using a five-point confidence scale. Inter-observer agreement regarding lesion detection and characterization was evaluated using kappa statistics. Results SNRs of the liver on post-contrast DWI were significantly lower than on unenhanced DWI at b = 800 s/mm2 ( P < 0.05). SNRs, CNRs, and ADCs of focal hepatic lesions were not significantly different between two DWIs ( P > 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy (Az) for lesion detection and the sensitivity for lesion characterization did not show significant difference between two DWIs ( P > 0.05). With regard to the detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions, the kappa values for two DWIs indicated good and excellent inter-observer agreement, respectively. Conclusion Gadoxetic acid-enhanced DWI showed comparable diagnostic capability to unenhanced DWI for the detection and characterization of small focal hepatic lesions.

Considering the various pharmacological activities of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) including anticancer, and anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and so forth, relatively less attention has been paid to the antiaging effect of EGCG on primary cells. In this study, the preventive effects of EGCG against serial passage-induced senescence were investigated in primary cells including rat vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and human articular chondrocytes (HACs). The involvement of Sirt1 and acetylated p53 was examined as an underlying mechanism for the senescence preventive activity of EGCG in HDFs. All cells were employed with the initial passage number (PN) between 3 and 7. For inducing senescence, the cells were serially passaged at the predetermined times and intervals in the absence or presence of EGCG (50 or 100 μM). Serial passage-induced senescence in RVSMCs and HACs was able to be significantly prevented at 50 μM EGCG, while in HDFs, 100 μM EGCG could significantly prevent senescence and recover their cell cycle progression close to the normal level. Furthermore, EGCG was found to prevent serial passage- and H2O2-induced senescence in HDFs by suppressing p53 acetylation, but the Sirt1 activity was unaffected. In addition, proliferating HDFs showed similar cellular uptake of FITC-conjugated EGCG into the cytoplasm with their senescent counterparts but different nuclear translocation of it from them, which would partly account for the differential responses to EGCG in proliferating versus senescent cells. Taking these results into consideration, it is suggested that EGCG may be exploited to craft strategies for the development of an antiaging or age-delaying agent.

To prospectively and intraindividually compare liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using single-source and dual-source parallel radiofrequency (RF) transmissions at 3.0-T for image quality, lesion detectability, and lesion contrast.Ninety-nine patients with 139 liver lesions underwent liver MRI at 3.0-T. Two radiologists performed a consensus review of T2-weighted images (T2WI), heavily T2WI (HT2WI), gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary images, and diffusion-weighted imaging using single-source and dual-source RF transmissions with regard to image quality and lesion detectability. Contrast ratios between liver lesions and liver parenchyma were also calculated.Image quality was better with dual-source than with single-source at T2WI and HT2WI (P0.05), but lesion detectabilities were similar for all sequences. There was no significant difference in mean contrast ratios for all sequences (P0.05).Dual-source RF transmission provides a better image quality with T2WI and HT2WI than with single-source. However, 2 techniques showed similar lesion detectability.

RAS-driven tumors are often difficult to treat with conventional therapies and therefore, novel treatment strategies are necessary. The present study describes a promising targeted therapeutic strategy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KRAS mutations, which has intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibition. Results showed that intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibition occurred via high AKT expression by PI3K activation as a bypass pathway. The HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 suppressed PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RAF-MEK-ERK, and rendered cells sensitive to trametinib (GSK1120212). Synergy from the combination of the two drugs was observed in only sub-therapeutic concentrations of either drug. Dual inhibition of the HSP90 and MEK signaling pathways with sub-therapeutic doses may represent a potent therapeutic strategy to treat KRAS-mutant NSCLC with intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibition and to resolve the toxicity observed upon dual inhibition of AKT and MEK at therapeutic doses in clinical trials.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase imaging and high-b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for distinguishing well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from benign hepatocellular nodules in patients with chronic liver disease using 3-T MRI.Forty-five patients with 46 well-differentiated HCCs (mean, 2.3 cm) and 21 patients with 24 benign hepatocellular nodules (five large regenerative nodules and 19 dysplastic nodules; mean, 1.8 cm) were included in this study. Diagnosis of well-differentiated HCCs and benign hepatocellular nodules was made histopathologically by percutaneous biopsy (n = 12 and n = 11, respectively) or surgical resection (n = 34 and n = 13, respectively). Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was performed for all patients, and DWI (b values of 0 and 800 s/mm(2)) was performed for 31 well-differentiated HCCs and 11 benign hepatocellular nodules. Two radiologists performed a consensus review of the MRI scans for signal intensity compared with that of the surrounding liver parenchyma on hepatobiliary phase images and DWI (b value, 800 s/mm(2)) for qualitative analysis. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and relative contrast enhancement of lesions on hepatobiliary phase images and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were assessed for quantitative analysis.In the qualitative analysis, 39 well-differentiated HCCs (85%) and 14 benign hepatocellular nodules (58%) were hypointense on hepatobiliary phase images, and seven well-differentiated HCCs (15%) and 10 benign hepatocellular nodules (42%) were iso- or hyperintense (p = 0.04). Twenty-five well-differentiated HCCs (81%) and three benign hepatocellular nodules (27%) were hyperintense on DWI, with b value of 800 s/mm(2), and six well-differentiated HCCs (19%) and eight benign hepatocellular nodules (73%) were iso- or hypointense (p = 0.01). When lesion hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase images or hyperintensity on DWI were considered signs of HCC in cirrhotic liver, our results yielded sensitivities of 85% and 81% and specificities of 42% and 73%, respectively. In the quantitative analysis, the mean (± SD) relative contrast enhancement ratio of the well-differentiated HCCs (0.76 ± 2.30) was significantly higher than that of benign hepatocellular nodules (0.25 ± 0.97) (p = 0.02). The lesion-to-liver CNRs and the mean ADC values were not significantly different between the two groups (p0.05).Hypointensity on gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase images and hyperintensity on high-b-value DWI to surrounding liver parenchyma suggest well-differentiated HCCs rather than benign hepatocellular nodules in chronic liver disease.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in the generation and the maintenance of mature B cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased BAFF expression through the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent signal transduction. Here, we investigated the mechanism of action on mouse BAFF (mBAFF) expression by cAMP production in Raw264.7 mouse macrophages. mBAFF expression was increased by the treatment with a cAMP analogue, dibutyryl-cAMP which is the activator of protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP effector protein. PKA activation was measured by the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) on serine 133 (S133). cAMP production and CREB (S133) phosphorylation were augmented by LPS-stimulation. While mBAFF promoter activity was enhanced by the co-transfection with pS6-RSV-CREB, it was reduced by siRNA-CREB. PKA inhibitor, H-89, reduced CREB (S133) phosphorylation and mBAFF expression in control and LPS-stimulated macrophages. Another principal cAMP effector protein is cAMP-responsive guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Epac), a Rap GDP exchange factor. Epac was activated by the treatment with 8-(4-chloro-phenylthio)-2'-O-methyladenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (CPT), Epac activator, as judged by the measurement of Rap1 activation. Basal level of mBAFF expression was increased by CPT treatment. LPS-stimulated mBAFF expression was also slightly enhanced by co-treatment with CPT. In addition, dibutyryl-cAMP and CPT enhanced mBAFF expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). With these data, it suggests that the activation of PKA and cAMP/Epac1/Rap1 pathways could be required for basal mBAFF expression, as well as being up-regulated in the TLR4-induced mBAFF expression.

Plasma surface modifications of polymer scaffolds using biomolecules such as oxygen, nitrogen, and other active grafting molecules have been studied to enhance biological responses such as cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. According to the reports, nitrogen grafting requires corrosive or mixture gas environment, or post treatment. This study aimed to evaluate a simple atmospheric pressure plasma surface modification in order to graft nitrogen derivatives and to promote biological responses. In this study, a polycarprolactone (PCL) film was modified within 10 min by argon atmospheric pressure discharge (Ar-APGD). Excited argon atoms, nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, and hydroxyl functional groups were observed from the optical emission spectra of the discharge. Decreased carbonyl functional groups and ether functional groups were observed; notably, immobilized nitrogen was observed on the PCL surface after the Ar-APGD treatment. Promoted neonatal Human Dermal Fibroblast (nHDF) growth patterns were observed on the Ar-APGD-treated surface.

A novel porous scaffold designed for application as a bone substitute, with a structure containing three-dimensional (3D) pore channels in a hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold, was fabricated using a combination of a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) and cast in a mold using freezing casting method. This study was performed to evaluate the physical and biomechanical properties of the HA scaffolds fabricated by SFF and using polymer replication method (PRM), one of the conventional methods. Although the phase composition and porosity of these two scaffolds are similar, their external shape and mechanical property were different. All of the fabricated scaffolds showed similar patterns through X-ray diffraction. The difference between porosities of two HA scaffolds were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, the average compressive strength of the scaffold fabricated by SFF was 14.6 MPa, and that of the scaffold fabricated using polymer replication was 3.56MPa (P

Gastric cancer is a common deadly cancer worldwide. The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is one of the most commonly used staging systems, and is accepted and maintained by the International Union against Cancer (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The TNM system is well known to effectively predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The latest revision of TNM staging was presented in the 7th edition of the AJCC in 2009. Multi-detector row CT (MDCT) is a powerful test for non-invasive evaluation and can assess metastatic and locoregional staging simultaneously. Current MDCT with isotropic imaging and 3D images has increased the accuracy of T and N staging in patients with gastric cancer. Multi-planar reformatted images permit the radiologist to select the optimal imaging plane to accurately evaluate tumor invasion depth of the gastric wall and perigastric infiltration to identify a fat plane between a tumor and adjacent organs, to avoid partial volume averaging effects, and to differentiate lymph nodes from small perigastric vessels. Thus, MDCT provides a useful all-in-one diagnostic method for the pre-operative evaluation of patients with known, or strongly suspected, gastric cancer according to the 7th AJCC TNM staging system.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), which is produced by microbial fermentation, is a biodegradable, hydrophilic and non-toxic biomaterial. γ-PGA has many carboxyl groups that makes it a polyanionic biopolymer with swelling ability, biocompatibility and anticoagulant activity. On the other hand, few studies have examined the effect of γ-PGA on the cellular activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The present study evaluated the effects of γ-PGA and fabricated γ-PGA/PU composite films on the attachment and proliferation of HUVECs after treatment with microwave plasma at atmospheric pressure. The results confirmed that γ-PGA is capable of increasing the proliferation and differentiation of HUVECs to form capillary tubes with enhanced alignment and organization. Moreover, the microwave plasma modified γ-PGA/PU composite film was more hydrophilic and the surface roughness was enhanced. In addition, the attachment and proliferation of the HUVECs were increased by the plasma treatment. These results suggest that γ-PGA and surface modified γ-PGA/PU composite can be applied as bioactive and biocompatible materials in vascular tissue engineering but further testing of γ-PGA and γ-PGA/PU composite films will be needed to confirm the potential effects for use in vascular applications. Open image in new window

To investigate the effects of (-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main polyphenol in green tea, on cell growth, cell cycle and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (pNF-κB) expression in neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs).The proliferation and cell-cycle of nHDFs were determined using WST-8 cell growth assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The apoptosis was examined using DNA ladder and Annexin V-FITC assays. The expression levels of pNF-κB and cell cycle-related genes and proteins in nHDFs were measured using cDNA microarray analyses and Western blot. The cellular uptake of EGCG was examined using fluorescence (FITC)-labeled EGCG (FITC-EGCG) in combination with confocal microscopy.The effect of EGCG on the growth of nHDFs depended on the concentration tested. At a low concentration (200 μmol/L), EGCG resulted in a slight decrease in the proportion of cells in the S and G(2)/M phases of cell cycle with a concomitant increase in the proportion of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase. At the higher doses (400 and 800 μmol/L), apoptosis was induced. The regulation of EGCG on the expression of pNF-κB was also concentration-dependent, whereas it did not affect the unphosphorylated NF-κB expression. cDNA microarray analysis showed that cell cycle-related genes were down-regulated by EGCG (200 μmol/L). The expression of cyclins A/B and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 was reversibly regulated by EGCG (200 μmol/L). FITC-EGCG was found to be internalized into the cytoplasm and translocated into the nucleus of nHDFs.EGCG, through uptake into cytoplasm, reversibly regulated the cell growth and expression of cell cycle-related proteins and genes in normal fibroblasts.

Objectives This study is part of the ongoing development of treatment methods for metabolic syndrome (MS) project, which involves monitoring daily physical activity. In this study, we have focused on detecting walking activity from subjects which includes many other physical activities such as standing, sitting, lying, walking, running, and falling. Specially, we implemented an integrated solution for various physical activities monitoring using a mobile phone and PC. Methods We put the iPod touch has built in a tri-axial accelerometer on the waist of the subjects, and measured change in acceleration signal according to change in ambulatory movement and physical activities. First, we developed of programs that are aware of step counts, velocity of walking, energy consumptions, and metabolic equivalents based on iPod. Second, we have developed the activity recognition program based on PC. iPod synchronization with PC to transmit measured data using iPhoneBrowser program. Using the implemented system, we analyzed change in acceleration signal according to the change of six activity patterns. Results We compared results of the step counting algorithm with different positions. The mean accuracy across these tests was 99.6 ± 0.61%, 99.1 ± 0.87% (right waist location, right pants pocket). Moreover, six activities recognition was performed using Fuzzy c means classification algorithm recognized over 98% accuracy. In addition we developed of programs that synchronization of data between PC and iPod for long-term physical activity monitoring. Conclusions This study will provide evidence on using mobile phone and PC for monitoring various activities in everyday life. The next step in our system will be addition of a standard value of various physical activities in everyday life such as household duties and a health guideline how to select and plan exercise considering one's physical characteristics and condition.

In order to prevent restenosis after angioplasty or stenting, one of the most popular targets is suppression of the abnormal growth and excess migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with drugs. However, the drugs also adversely affect vascular endothelial cells (VECs), leading to the induction of late thrombosis. We have investigated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the proliferation and migration of VECs and VSMCs. Both cells showed dose-dependent decrease of viability in response to EGCG while they have different IC(50) values of EGCG (VECs, 150 mM and VSMCs, 1050 mM). Incubating both cells with EGCG resulted in significant reduction in cell proliferation irrespective of cell type. The proliferation of VECs were greater affected than that of VSMCs at the same concentrations of EGCG. EGCG exerted differential migration-inhibitory activity in VECs vs. VSMCs. The migration of VECs was not attenuated by 200 mM EGCG, but that of VSMCs was significantly inhibited at the same concentration of EGCG. It is suggested that that EGCG can be effectively used as an efficient drug for vascular diseases or stents due to its selective activity, completely suppressing the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, but not adversely affecting VECs migration in blood vessels.

Animal tumor bioassays and in vitro cell culture systems have demonstrated that epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the predominant catechin in green tea, possesses anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on various cancer cells and tumors. In this study, we investigated the effects of EGCG on cell growth, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis in human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. The involvement of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, caspases, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was examined as a mechanism for the anti-cancer activity of EGCG. Time-dependent intracellular trafficking of EGCG was also determined using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated EGCG (FITC-EGCG). Our data show that EGCG treatment caused dose-dependent cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase, and DNA fragmentation suggesting the induction of apoptosis in HT-1080 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the expression of p53, caspase-7 and -9 as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein increased significantly with higher EGCG concentrations and longer incubation times. Moreover, expression of phosphorylated NF-κB/p65 in HT-1080 cells was inhibited by EGCG treatment in a dose-dependent manner, while that of unphosphorylated NF-κB/p65 remained unaffected. Here we also reveal time-dependent internalization of FITC-EGCG into the cytosol of HT-1080 cells and its subsequent nuclear translocation. These results suggest that EGCG may interrupt exogenous signals directed towards genes involved in proliferation and cell cycle progression. Taken together, our data indicate that HT-1080 apoptosis may be mediated through the induction of p53 and caspases by the pro-oxidant activity of internalized EGCG, as well as suppression of Bcl-2 and phosphorylated NF-κB by the antioxidant activity of EGCG.

To determine the quantitative difference between an intact complete discoid lateral meniscus (CDLM) and a torn CDLM on MR imaging.Between May 2005 to November 2009, 137 patients with a CDLM (107 intact CDLM and 30 torn CDLM) and 92 patients with a normal meniscus were included in this study. The evaluated parameters were the height of the posterior horn of the lateral and medial menisci on the sagittal images and their ratio as assessed by two observers twice at an interval of 1 month. Each parameter was analyzed based on the Kruskal Wallis test, and the analysis using the mixed model. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the interobserver reliabilities at session 2.The mean heights of the posterior horn of the lateral and medial menisci on the sagittal images for an intact CDLM, a torn CLDM, and a normal meniscus were 6.5, 7.3, 5.7 and 6.6, 6.4, 6.7 mm at session 1, respectively. The mean heights of the posterior horn of the lateral and medial menisci on the sagittal images for an intact CDLM, a torn CDLM, and a normal meniscus for both observers were 6.5, 7.2, 5.7 and 6.6, 6.3, 6.8 mm at session 2, respectively. The ratio of the height of the lateral to the height of the medial meniscus for an intact CDLM at both sessions for both observers was 1.0. The ratios were 1.2 and 0.8 for a torn CDLM and for a normal meniscus, respectively, at both sessions for observer 1. The ratios were 1.2 and 0.9 for a torn CDLM and for a normal meniscus, respectively, at session 2 for observer 2. The heights of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus on the sagittal images and the ratios of the heights of the lateral to the medial menisci in all three groups were statistically significantly different for both sessions (p 0.0001). The interobserver ICCs for each parameter of both an intact CDLM and a torn CDLM at session 2 showed high correlations (p 0.0001).The height of the lateral meniscus and the ratio of the height of the lateral to the height of the medial meniscus for a torn CDLM were significantly higher than those for an intact CDLM.

The effect of polar solvent and Zn 2+ molar concentration on structure and morphology of sol–gel derived ZnO thin films has been investigated. Zinc oxide thin films are fabricated by spin coating technique on p-Si (1 0 0) substrate using a homogeneous sol having polar and nonpolar composition. The thin films are obtained by pre-firing at 200 °C and subsequently annealing at higher temperatures. Phase and morphology analysis of the thin films is carried out by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy respectively. Crystal orientation and pure phase evolution temperature of ZnO thin films was observed to be affected due to the presence polar solvent. The size of crystallites and thickness of the polycrystalline thin films were observed to be influenced by initial precursor concentrations. FTIR analysis suggested hydrolysis of zinc species in precursor sol. Optical property and material quality of the thin films were characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. Strong UV luminescence along with negligible deep level emission was observed from the thin films.

Despite the importance of glucose for fetal growth, placental gene expression related to the glycolytic pathway has not been studied. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin are known to play a critical role in fetal growth. In our study, we identified differentially expressed genes related to the glycolytic pathway using oligonucleotide microarray analysis and confirmed these genes with quantitative real-time PCR between uncomplicated pregnancies and pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We also compared the concentrations of insulin and IGFs in cord blood between the two groups. Microarray experiments identified increased expression of glycolytic enzyme-related genes, including lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), 6 phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2), oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, phosphorylase, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II and decreased expression of IGF-I in placentas from pregnancies with IUGR (p

Tissue engineering represents an innovative approach for the development of novel clinical modalities for the reconstruction of adipose tissue defects. Each year a variety of medical procedures are required for the repair of adipose tissue traumas and abnormalities, including cosmetic facial reconstructions of the cheek, chin and jaw. Currently, there has been a growing interest in in vitro differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into adipogenic, myogenic, neurogenic and osteogenic cells among other cell types. The fast growing interest in the use of adipose precursor cells in tissue engineering applications creates a need for more research in the development of scaffolds that can support the attachment and proliferation of these adult stem cells in vitro and in situ. Cell-based approaches utilizing adipogenic progenitor cells in combination with biomaterial carriers for fat tissue engineering have been developed and were reported to repair defect sites. Plasma treatment has the advantage of modifying the surface region to a depth of only a few nanometers without affecting the bulk properties. A commonly used method is to introduce hydrogen peroxides at the surface either by inert gas plasma treatment followed by exposure to oxygen or by corona discharge treatment. This advantage can benefit the fabrication of scaffolds with interpenetrating porous structure for tissue engineering. Plasma technique can be easily used to induce the desired groups or chains onto the surface of a material, so it has a special application to improve the cell affinity of the scaffold. β-Glucans are polymers of glucose that mainly construct the outer cell wall of fungi and certain bacteria. They have been demonstrated to have immune stimulatory activity, especially to enhance wound healing by increasing macrophage infiltration into the injury sites and stimulating tissue granulation and re-epithelialization. The present study concentrated on enhancing the cellular responses of ADSCs on the surface-modified composites of β-glucan and PLGA by microwave-induced argon plasma treatment.

Silk fibroin scaffolds were examined as a biomaterial option for tissue-engineered cartilage-like tissue. In tissue engineering for cartilage repair using a scaffold, initial chondrocyte-material interactions are important for the following cell behaviors. In this study, the surface of nanofibrous silk fibroin (NSF) meshes was modified by a microwave-induced argon plasma treatment in order to improve the cytocompatibility of the meshes used as cartilaginous grafts. In addition, the effects of a plasma treatment on the cellular behavior of chondrocytes on NSF were examined. The plasma treatment resulted in an increase in the hydrophilicity of NSF meshes suggesting that the cytocompatibility of the mesh might be improved. Furthermore, the human articular chondrocytes showed higher viability on the surface-modified NSF meshes. These results suggest that the surface modification of NSF meshes by plasma can enhance the cellular behavior of chondrocytes and may be used in tissue engineering.

Polyurethane (PU) is widely used as a cardiovascular biomaterial due to its good mechanical properties and hemocompatibility, but it is not adhesive to endothelial cells (ECs). Cell adhesive peptides, GRGDS and YIGSR, were found to promote adhesion and spreading of ECs and showed a synergistic effect when both of them were used. In this study, a surface modification was designed to fabricate an EC-active PU surface capable of promoting endothelialization using the peptides and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer, The modified PU surfaces were characterizedin vitro. The density of the grafted PEG on the PU surface was measured by acid-base back titration to the terminal-free isocyanate groups. The successful immobilization of peptides was confirmed by amino acid analysis, following hydrolysis, and contact angle measurement. The uniform distribution of peptides on the surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). To evaluate the EC adhesive property, cell viability test using human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) was investigatedin vitro and enhanced endothelialization was characterized by the introduction of cell adhesive peptides, GRGDS and YIGSR, and PEG spacer. Therefore, GRGDS and YIGSR co-immobilized PU surfaces can be applied to an EC-specific vascular graft with long-term patency by endothelialization.

The quality assurance (QA) is of utmost importance in biobanks when archived biomaterials are distributed to biomedical researchers. For sample authentication and cross-contamination detection, the two fundamental ele-ments of QA, STR genotyping is usually utilized. Howev-er, the incorporated number of STR markers is highly redundant for biobanking purposes, resulting in time and cost inefficiency. An index to measure the cross-con-tamination detection capability of an STR marker, the mixture probability (MP), was developed. MP as well as other forensic parameters for STR markers was vali-dated using STR genotyping data on 2328 normal Koreans with the commercial AmpFlSTR kit. For Koreans, 7 STR marker (D2S1338, FGA, D18S51, D8S1179, D13S317, D21S11, vWA) set was sufficient to provide discrimination power of ∼10 −10 and cross-con-tamination detection probability of ∼1. Interestingly, similar marker sets were obtained from African Ameri-cans, Caucasian Americans, and Hispanic Americans under the same level of discrimination power. Only a small subset of commonly used STR markers is suffi-cient for QA purposes in biobanks. A procedure for se-lecting optimal STR markers is outlined using STR gen-otyping results from normal Korean population.Keywords: Biobank, cross-contamination detection, quali-ty assurance, sample authentication, short tandem re-peat

Polyurethanes (PUs) are widely used in cardiovascular and other biomedical applications due to their good biocompatibility as well as mechanical properties. However, PUs are poor substrates in supporting the adhesion and growth of vascular endothelial cells. In this study, the surface of PU films was modified by microwave-induced argon plasma treatment in order to improve the hemocompatibility of the films used as cardiovascular prostheses including vascular grafts and stents. The modified surface of PU films was characterized by water contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Plasma treatment resulted in an appreciable increase in the surface roughness of PU films with a concomitant decrease in the contact angle of the films, suggesting that the hydrophilicity of the film surface might be subsequently enhanced. Furthermore, the cellular behaviors of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells, such as attachment, growth and proliferation, were significantly increased onto the surface-modified PU films. In conclusion, the surface modification of PU films by microwave-induced plasma could enhance the behaviors of endothelial cells and the method would be usefully applied to cardiovascular tissue engineering.

Biodegradable poly( d , l -lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been widely used as a scaffold in tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility. However, PLGA scaffolds become structurally deformed during the sterilization process since they were hydrolytically unstable. In this study, the effects of hydrogen peroxide gas (HPG) were investigated on the deformation, sterilization and cytocompatibility of porous PLGA scaffolds and compared with those of ethylene oxide (EO) gas. Also, the effects of HPG treatment on the cellular responses of human articular chondrocytes were examined. HPG treatment resulted in neither deformation of PLGA nor its chemical modification, different from EO gas treatment. PLGA scaffolds inoculated with diverse strains of microorganisms were completely sterilized by HPG treatment. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of residual HPG occurring upon HPG treatment completely decreased as ventilation time increased. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the proliferation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis of chondrocytes between EO gas-treated and HPG-treated PLGA scaffolds. These results suggest that HPG can be used as an alternative method for sterilizing various polymeric scaffolds and medical devices without structural deformation.

Since many old cultural assets, such as clothes, pictures and books, remain in the state of silk fabrics or papers, it is very difficult as well as important to retain their original form. Microbial contamination induces surface deformations and strength degradation of silk fabrics by invading deeply into the fibers. In this study, the sterilization effects of microwave-induced argon plasma at atmospheric pressure were investigated on the microorganisms in silk fabrics. Also, the influence of the plasma treatment was examined on the physical properties of the fabrics. Argon plasma treatment completely sterilized the silk fabrics inoculated with various strains of either bacteria or fungi. It was also found that the plasma treatment did not affect the ultimate tensile strength and surface morphology of the fabrics because it took advantage of relatively low temperature. As increase in the plasma treatment, however, the lightness of silk fabrics decreased with concomitant increased in the color intensities of green and yellow. These results suggest that microwave-induced argon plasma can be effectively used as an alternative method for sterilizing and protecting cultural assets out of silk fabrics without any deterioration of the tensile strength and surface morphology.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility rate and the reasons for infeasibility of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) at planning sonography.We retrospectively evaluated 248 patients who had been referred for planning sonography at our department between October 2005 and February 2006. We reviewed the radiologic reports of 256 planning sonography examinations in terms of the rate of feasible cases and the reasons for infeasibility. The reasons for infeasibility were classified in six categories: an inconspicuous tumor, an inadequate electrode path, an organ vulnerable to collateral thermal damage, a tumor that was too large or too many tumors, and a high risk of the heat sink effect. In addition, we assessed the treatment modality for the patients who were determined to have HCCs for which percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was not feasible.In 141 (55%) of the 256 planning sonography examinations, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was feasible. The remaining 115 (45%) planning sonography examinations revealed that radiofrequency ablation was not a feasible procedure. The reasons for infeasibility included an inconspicuous tumor in 77 patients (55.8%), an inadequate electrode path in 33 patients (23.9%), an organ vulnerable to collateral thermal damage in 14 patients (10.1%), a tumor that was too large or too many tumors in eight patients (5.8%), a high risk of the heat sink effect in five patients (3.6%), and a portal vein thrombosis in one patient (0.7%). One reason for infeasibility was found in 96 patients, two reasons in 19 patients, and four reasons in one patient. Seventy (61.9%) of 113 patients for whom radiofrequency ablation was not feasible underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as an alternative treatment.In approximately half of the patients for whom percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of HCC is requested, the procedure is not feasible, mainly due to inconspicuous tumors, at planning sonography. Additional objective criteria for assessing the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation and therapeutic strategies according to the reasons for infeasibility should be investigated further.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of perceived product characteristics (i.e. involvement, product type, and switching cost) and consumer value consciousness on private brand purchase intent.Design/methodology/approach – A college student sample was surveyed to measure product characteristic perceptions for six product categories and to evaluate private brand purchase intent. Analysis of covariance was conducted for hypothesis testing.Findings – Support existed for the significant effects of all three product characteristics on the intent to purchase private brands. A moderating effect by value consciousness on the product type (search versus experience) emerged.Practical implications – It is critical that retailers identify appropriate product categories as they develop private brands. Private brand marketing strategies should be designed to reduce the level of product involvement and switching cost, and to increase consumer perception of search properties.Originality/value...

Adhesions are abnormal attachments between tissues, caused by an inflammatory stimulus or trauma. It was generally used physical barriers and various agents to prevent from adhesions formation. In this study, we made an experiment on animals with wound covering material of substance to prevent tissue adhesion. It was performed in sub-acute toxicity, and tested local effects after implantation.

Tissue-engineering must be either manufactured aseptically or sterilized after processing. To extend protection of medical devices against microbial contamination, various sterilization methods have been suggested. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization has been applied in hospitals worldwide for almost a decade. In this study, we investigated the sterilization efficacy of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer with porous polyurethane sample. The result is suggested that hydrogen peroxide gas plasma can be applicable to the sterilization of polymer scaffold for tissue engineering materials.

Poly (D,L-latic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been used as the artificial scaffold for blood vessel formation. In order to hinder smooth muscle cell (SMC) angiogenesis, new scaffold design method of loading Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG) on PLGA film was introduced. PLGA and EGCG were dissolved in acetone and film-shape scaffold was manufactured. Antiangiogenetic effect of EGCG released on scaffold was analyzed for SMC and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and method for selective inhibition from the difference of growth of SMC and HUVEC was suggested.

Glucans have been reported to stimulate immunity and to promote wound healing. Adult human dermal fibroblast (aHDF) cultured in serum free (serum-starvation). Proliferation of aHDF was measured at various concentrations of β-glucan by MTT assay, and migration was observed for 36h on microscope. The result of fibroblast bioassay, β-glucan had positive influence. In this study, the direct effects of β-glucan on proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts were examined in vitro. That means β-D-glucan has the effect to enhance proliferation and aHDF migration speed, and has the potential as a wound healing agent.

β-Glucan, a heterogeneous group of glucose polymers, modulates wound healing via macrophages, which are stimulated to release growth factors and cytokines, as well as via glucan receptors on fibroblasts, which are activated to migrate and synthesize collagen. The placement of β-glucan/collagen onto an arm of a young child with a scald burn improved healing of a partial-thickness burn wound. In this study, the effects of (1 → 3), (1 → 6)-β- d -glucan on the cytokine release in a macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, were investigated. The effects of β-glucan on the proliferation and migration of adult human dermal fibroblasts (aHDFs) were also examined. When RAW 264.7 cells were treated with β-glucan, TNF-α secretion was stimulated in a dose-dependent manner, but IL-6 secretion was not. On the other hand, β-glucan treatment to aHDFs with 1 mg/ml resulted in a significant ( p

Identification of cytokines secreted by macrophages and assessment of macrophage function in response to biomaterials is an important aspect of the host response to biomaterials. In the present study, differential cytokine responses of murine macrophage J774A.1 cells to stainless steel (SS) coated with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) were investigated. HA-coated SS was prepared through the deposition of thin (1 μm thick) calcium phosphate film by electron beam evaporation. SEM micrographs show that the surface of HA-coated SS was smoother than that of SS. Cell growth of J774A.1 macrophages onto HA-coated was about 1.5 times better than that onto intact SS. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the mRNA of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, was relatively less expressed in J774A.1 macrophages grown onto HA-coated SS. These results suggest that HA coatings may influence the expression of inflammatory cytokine in macrophages and improve the surface properties of metallic materials.