Search

Purpose: The study explored the enhanced skin moisturizing capabilities and moisture retention effects achieved by forming a polyion complex using sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), specifically chondroitin sulfate (CS), and amino acids (AA) such as glutamine (Q) and arginine (R). The overall hydration effect of this CS-AA complex was examined., Methods: After analyzing the CS-AA polyion complex structure using spectroscopic methods, the ex vivo moisture retention ability was assessed under dry conditions using porcine skin samples. Additionally, the efficacy of the CS-AA polyion complex in reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improving skin hydration was evaluated on human subjects using a digital evaporimeter and a corneometer, respectively., Results: Validating a systematic reduction in particle size, the following order was observed: CS > CS/AA simple mixture > CS-AA complex based on dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Furthermore, observations revealed that the CS-AA complex exhibits negligible surface charge. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis demonstrated a distinct peak shift in the complex, confirming the successful formation of the CS-AA complex. Subsequently, the water-holding effect through porcine skin was assessed, revealing a notable improvement in moisture retention (weight loss) for the CS-Q complex: 40.6% (1 h), 20.5% (2 h), and 18.7% (4 h) compared to glycerin. Similarly, the CS-R complex demonstrated enhancements of 50.2% (1 h), 37.5% (2 h), and 33% (4 h) compared to glycerin. Furthermore, TEWL improvement efficacy on human skin demonstrated approximately 25% improvement for both the CS-Q complex and CS-R complex, surpassing the modest 12.5% and 18% improvements witnessed with water and glycerin applications, respectively. Finally, employing a corneometer, hydration changes in the skin were monitored over 4 weeks. Although CS alone exhibited nominal alterations, the CS-Q complex and CS-R complex showed a significant increase in moisture levels after 4 weeks of application., Conclusion: In this study, polyion complexes were successfully formed between CS, a sulfated GAG, and AA. Comparisons with glycerin, a well-known moisturizing agent, confirmed that the CS-AA complex exhibits superior moisturizing effects in various aspects. These findings suggest that the CS-AA complex is a more effective ingredient than CS or AA alone in terms of efficacy., (© 2024 The Author(s). Skin Research and Technology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a novel exfoliating material with high efficacy and low irritation by synthesizing the Mandelic acid_Carnitine ion pairing complex (M_C complex) and evaluating its exfoliating properties. Additionally, the study assessed the skin improvement effects of the M_C complex through clinical evaluations., Methods: The M_C complex was synthesized in a 1:1 molar ratio of Mandelic acid and Carnitine. Structural characterization was performed using dynamic light scattering and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Exfoliating efficacy was evaluated on porcine skin, and clinical assessments were conducted on human subjects to measure various skin improvement parameters., Results: The formation of the M_C complex was confirmed through particle size analysis, zeta-potential measurements, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The M_C complex demonstrated superior exfoliating efficacy compared to Mandelic acid alone, especially at pH 4.5. Clinical evaluations showed significant improvements in blackheads, whiteheads, pore volume, depth, density, count, and affected area, as well as skin texture. No adverse reactions were observed., Conclusion: The M_C complex exhibits high exfoliating efficacy and minimal irritation, making it a promising cosmetic ingredient for improving skin health. These findings support its potential as a low-irritation exfoliating material under mildly acidic conditions, contributing to overall skin health enhancement., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Carbon fiber-reinforced shape memory polymer composites (CF-SMPCs) have been researched as a potential next-generation material for aerospace application, due to their lightweight and self-deployable properties. To this end, the mechanical properties of CF-SMPCs, including long-term durability, must be characterized in aerospace environments. In this study, the storage modulus of CF-SMPCs was investigated in a simulation of a low Earth orbit (LEO) environment involving three harsh conditions: high vacuum, and atomic oxygen (AO) and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. CF-SMPCs in a LEO environment degrade over time due to temperature extremes and matrix erosion by AO. The opposite behavior was observed in our experiments, due to crosslinking induced by AO and UV light exposure in the LEO environment. The effects of the three harsh conditions on the properties of CF-SMPCs were characterized individually, using accelerated tests conducted at various temperatures in a space environment chamber, and were then combined using the time-temperature superposition principle. The long-term mechanical behavior of CF-SMPCs in the LEO environment was then predicted by the linear product of the shift factors obtained from the three accelerated tests. The results also indicated only a slight change in the shape memory performance of the CF-SMPCs.

A thermal protection system (TPS) is designed and fabricated to protect a hypersonic vehicle from extreme conditions. Good condition of the TPS panels is necessary for the next flight mission. A loose bolted joint is a crucial defect in a metallic TPS panel. This study introduces an experimental method to investigate the dynamic characteristics and state of health of a metallic TPS panel through an operational modal analysis (OMA). Experimental investigations were implemented under free-free supports to account for a healthy state, the insulation effect, and fastener failures. The dynamic deformations resulted from an impulse force were measured using a non-contact three-dimensional point tracking (3DPT) method. Using changes in natural frequencies, the damping ratio, and operational deflection shapes (ODSs) due to the TPS failure, we were able to detect loose bolted joints. Moreover, we also developed an in-house program based on a modal assurance criterion (MAC) to detect the state of damage of test structures. In a damage state, such as a loose bolted joint, the stiffness of the TPS panel was reduced, which resulted in changes in the natural frequency and the damping ratio. The calculated MAC values were less than one, which pointed out possible damage in the test TPS panels. Our results also demonstrated that a combination of the 3DPT-based OMA method and the MAC achieved good robustness and sufficient accuracy in damage identification for complex aerospace structures such as TPS structures.

Background: In December 2016, WHO released a report stating that in 2015 there were 383,000 deaths caused by asthma and 235 million people suffering from asthma. As there are many adverse effects associated with the currently-used asthma drugs, new anti-asthmatic drugs need to be developed., Purpose: In order to find new drug candidates with safe and low side effects, the anti-asthmatic function and mechanism of C. japonica oil were evaluated, and its active ingredients were analyzed for use in an ovalbumin asthma murine model., Study Design and Methods: The study consisted of six groups: control; ovalbumin group; and dexamethasone group as a positive control; and 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg C. japonica oil treatment groups. In order to measure the anti-asthmatic effect of C. japonica oil, WBC and differential cell count in BALF, IgE in serum, morphological changes in pulmonary system, and gene and protein levels such as IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-6 were all evaluated., Results: C. japonica oil had an anti-asthmatic effect and significantly controlled eosinophil in BALF, Th2-related factors such as GATA-3 that is Th2 cell transcription factor, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and TNF-α in the lung. It also dose-dependently modulated inflammatory cells, T-bet, IL-12p40, and IL-6. Oleci acid was the major gradient (52.89%) in C. japonica oil and also had anti-asthmatic effects such as the downregulation of inflammatory cells, WBC, and eosinophil in BALF, IgE in serum, and morphological changes in the lung., Conclusion: We concluded that C. japonica oil is a new anti-asthmatic drug candidate and that oleic acid is the major anti-asthmatic ingredient in C. japonica oil., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects an estimated 235 million people worldwide, but asthma drugs have many adverse effects. Opuntia humifusa (eastern prickly pear) has been used as a food and traditional medicine worldwide; however, its anti-asthmatic effects have not been reported. We evaluated O. humifusa as a potential therapeutic or preventive component of anti-asthmatic drugs. We divided ovalbumin-sensitized mice into the following groups: normal control, asthma-induced control, dexamethasone-treated group (positive control), 50 mg/kg O. humifusa -treated group, 100 mg/kg O. humifusa -treated group, and 500 mg/kg O. humifusa- treated group. Levels of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines were evaluated using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. O. humifusa dose-dependently suppressed the morphological changes typically observed in asthma, such as goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucous hypersecretion, and relative basement membrane thickening in the respiratory system. These results may be attributable to regulation of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-related factors, especially interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. We conclude that O. humifusa is a potential anti-asthmatic functional food. Abbreviations : O. humifusa: Opuntia humifusa ; Th: helper T; RT-PCR: real-time polymerase chain reaction; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IL: interleukin; WHO: World Health Organization; IFN-γ: interferon gamma; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; IgE: immunoglobulin E; CD: cluster of differentiation; OVA: ovalbumin; DEX: dexamethasone; BALF: bronchoalveolar fluid; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; PAS: periodic acid-schiff; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; BM: basement membrane; cDNA: complementary deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA: ribo nucleic acid; RIPA: radioimmunoprecipitation assay; IHC: immunohistochemistry; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; SD: standard deviation; WBC: white blood cells; APCs: antigen-presenting cells., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

The increasing use of piezoelectric generators to harvest energy from various ambient sources requires the establishment of durability data for piezoelectric materials. In this paper, a d3 mode piezocomposite electricity generating element (PCGE) was tested for its durability under cyclic impact loading. For this purpose, a motor driven lever system was designed to apply constant impact force on PCGEs. To investigate the durability of PCGEs, the output voltage of the PCGEs was observed upon repeated application of an impact force until eventual loss of the generated voltage. The experimental results enabled to determine the number of cycles until which PCGEs can be used without loss of their electricity generation performance with respect to the stress level applied on the PCGEs. At low stress level (around 0.76 MPa or lower), the PCGE showed almost insignificant degradation even after 2 million cycles whereas degradation occurred sooner (after 8 x 10(5) cycles) at higher stress levels (around 0.92 MPa or higher). The effects of impact loading on the durability of the PCGEs were also examined by X-ray photographs of the specimens.

Although the asymmetry in the upward and downward bending of insect wings is well known, the structural origin of this asymmetry is not yet clearly understood. Some researchers have suggested that based on experimental results, the bending asymmetry of insect wings appears to be a consequence of the camber inherent in the wings. Although an experimental approach can reveal this phenomenon, another method is required to reveal the underlying theory behind the experimental results. The finite element method (FEM) is a powerful tool for evaluating experimental measurements and is useful for studying the bending asymmetry of insect wings. Therefore, in this study, the asymmetric bending of the Allomyrina dichotoma beetle's hind wing was investigated through FEM analyses rather than through an experimental approach. The results demonstrated that both the stressed stiffening of the membrane and the camber of the wing affect the bending asymmetry of insect wings. In particular, the chordwise camber increased the rigidity of the wing when a load was applied to the ventral side, while the spanwise camber increased the rigidity of the wing when a load was applied to the dorsal side. These results provide an appropriate explanation of the mechanical behavior of cambered insect wings, including the bending asymmetry behavior, and suggest an appropriate approach for analyzing the structural behavior of insect wings.

In this study, we experimentally studied the relationship between wingbeat frequency and resonant frequency of 30 individuals of eight insect species from five orders: Odonata (Sympetrum flaveolum), Lepidoptera (Pieris rapae, Plusia gamma and Ochlodes), Hymenoptera (Xylocopa pubescens and Bombus rupestric), Hemiptera (Tibicen linnei) and Coleoptera (Allomyrina dichotoma). The wingbeat frequency of free-flying insects was measured using a high-speed camera while the natural frequency was determined using a laser displacement sensor along with a Bruel and Kjaer fast Fourier transform analyzer based on the base excitation method. The results showed that the wingbeat frequency was related to body mass (m) and forewing area (Af), following the proportionality f ~ m(1/2)/Af, while the natural frequency was significantly correlated with area density (f0 ~ mw/Af, mw is the wing mass). In addition, from the comparison of wingbeat frequency to natural frequency, the ratio between wingbeat frequency and natural frequency was found to be, in general, between 0.13 and 0.67 for the insects flapping at a lower wingbeat frequency (less than 100 Hz) and higher than 1.22 for the insects flapping at a higher wingbeat frequency (higher than 100 Hz). These results suggest that wingbeat frequency does not have a strong relation with resonance frequency: in other words, insects have not been evolved sufficiently to flap at their wings' structural resonant frequency. This contradicts the general conclusion of other reports--that insects flap at their wings' resonant frequency to take advantage of passive deformation to save energy.

In keeping with the high interest in micro air vehicles, microfabrication technologies have been developed in an attempt to mimic insect wings via a membrane-vein structure. In this work, we present microfabrication techniques that mimic a beetle wing to construct a realistic vein-membrane structure. Full microfabrication processes as well as sophisticated manipulations are introduced for constructing a realistic artificial wing whose key morphological and mechanical parameters can be achieved close to those of the real wing. Secondly, for wing loading reduction whenever moist air is present, we successfully fabricated superhydrophobic nanopillar forests by conventional nanofabrication techniques, such as ion beam and heat treatments. The creation of the nanopillar forests, which exist on the surface of leaves and insect wings, allowed lowering the dispersive component in a hydrophobic material, and the clustered nanopillars enhanced water repellency.

Introduction: Kudzu root (Radix puerariae) is a rich source of isoflavones that are effective in preventing osteoporosis, heart disease and symptoms associated with menopause. The major isoflavonoids in kudzu root extracts were reported as puerarin, daidzin and daidzein. Recently, an unknown isoflavonoid (compound 1) was detected from one-year-old kudzu root cultivated in Vietnam., Objective: To identify a novel compound 1 in kudzu root extract and determine the structure of the compound by ESI(+) TOF MS-MS, (1)H-, (13)C-NMR and enzymatic hydrolysis., Methodology: Samples were prepared by extraction of one-year-old kudzu root with 50% ethanol and the isoflavonoids were purified using recycling preparative HPLC. Unknown compound 1 was detected using UV-light at 254 nm in TLC and HPLC analyses. The molecular weight of 1 was determined using a TOF mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ion source. The structure of 1 was determined from the (13)C and (1)H NMR spectra recorded at 100.40 and 400.0 MHz, respectively., Results: ESI(+) TOF MS-MS analysis shows that 1 is a puerarin diglycoside. The interglycosidic linkage of diglycoside determined by (1)H-, (13)C-NMR, and enzymatic hydrolysis suggests that 1 has a glucosyl residue linked to puerarin by an alpha-1,6-glycosidic bond. This compound is the first naturally-occurring 8-[alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]daidzein in kudzu root. The concentration of glucosyl-alpha-1,6-puerarin in kudzu root was 2.3 mg/g as determined by HPLC., Conclusion: The results indicate that puerarin diglycoside is one of the major isoflavonoids in kudzu root and has a significant impact on the preparation of highly water-soluble glycosylated puerarin.

Two new secoiridoid glycosides, 4'''-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyltrifloroside 1 and 4'''-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylscabraside 2, along with three known secoiridoids were isolated from the rhizomes of Gentiana scabra (Gentianaceae) in our recent phytochemical study. Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The chemotaxonomic significance of the secoiridoid glycosides is briefly discussed.

Rotavirus NSP4 is a viral enterotoxin capable of causing diarrhea in neonatal mice. This process is initiated by the binding of extracellular NSP4 to target molecule(s) on the cell surface that triggers a signaling cascade leading to diarrhea. We now report that the integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 are receptors for NSP4. NSP4 specifically binds to the alpha1 and alpha2 I domains with apparent K(d) = 1-2.7 muM. Binding is mediated by the I domain metal ion-dependent adhesion site motif, requires Mg(2+) or Mn(2+), is abolished with EDTA, and an NSP4 point mutant, E(120)A, fails to bind alpha2 integrin I domain. NSP4 has two distinct integrin interaction domains. NSP4 amino acids 114-130 are essential for binding to the I domain, and NSP4 peptide 114-135 blocks binding of the natural ligand, collagen I, to integrin alpha2. NSP4 amino acids 131-140 are not associated with the initial binding to the I domain, but elicit signaling that leads to the spreading of attached C2C12-alpha2 cells, mouse myoblast cells stably expressing the human alpha2 integrin. NSP4 colocalizes with integrin alpha2 on the basolateral surface of rotavirus-infected polarized intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells as well as surrounding noninfected cells. NSP4 mutants that fail to bind or signal through integrin alpha2 were attenuated in diarrhea induction in neonatal mice. These results indicate that NSP4 interaction with integrin alpha1 and alpha2 is an important component of enterotoxin function and rotavirus pathogenesis, further distinguishing this viral virulence factor from other microbial enterotoxins.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a community-based group smoking cessation program among adult smokers in a rural community., Method: The study design was quasi-experimental with a pre and posttest. A total of 55 adult smokers participated in the study. They were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after the program to identify the long-term effectiveness of the program. The program consisted of a total of 5 sessions provided twice a week. To test the effectiveness of the program, urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, nicotine dependence, and smoking-related knowledge were used as dependent variables. Data was analyzed with the SPSS 10.0 program with a t-test, paired t-test, and Scheffe test., Result: Urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, and nicotine dependence were significantly decreased after the program. Also, the rates of continuous abstinence were 81.8% at posttest, 65.5% at 1 month, 54.5% at 3 months, and 54.5% at 6 months follow-up., Conclusion: This community-based group smoking cessation program implemented by a nurse and smoking cessation counselors was effective for quitting smoking and decreasing urine creatinine and nicotine dependence. Therefore, this smoking cessation program could be recommended to induce smoking cessation as health promotion management in the rural community.

Rice cake was produced with a thermostable 4-alpha-glucanotransferase from Thermus scotoductus (TS alpha GTase). Starch molecular fine structure, texture, and retrogradation for the enzymatically prepared rice cake were investigated and compared to those for control rice cake. The amylose content in TS alpha GTase-treated rice cakes decreased, whereas branched and linear malto-oligosaccharides ranging from maltose to maltoheptaose increased slightly. The average molecular weight of the enzyme-treated rice starch in rice cake decreased as amylopectin macromolecules were cleaved and reorganized into small amylopectin clusters. The number of shorter side chains (degree of polymerization [DP] < 9) increased, whereas the number of longer side chains (DP > 10) decreased through the disproportionation reaction of TS alpha GTase. After 24 h of storage at 4 degrees C, the enzyme-treated samples demonstrated significantly lower melting enthalpy of retrograded starch (0.4 mJ/mg) compared to that of the control (1.4 mJ/mg). The results indicated that TS alpha GTase treatment effectively inhibited starch retrogradation in rice cakes. It is suggested that the reduction of amylose content, the rearrangement of amylopectin, and the production of malto-oligosaccharides caused by TS alpha GTase treatment are responsible for the ineffective molecular reassociation of rice starch in rice cake.

A bread-baking process was developed using a potential novel enzyme, cyclodextrin glucanotransferase[3-18] (CGTase[3-18]), that had previously been engineered to have enhanced hydrolyzing activity with little cyclodextrin (CD) formation activity toward starch. CGTase[3-18] was primarily manipulated to be displayed on the cell surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. S. cerevisiae carrying pdeltaCGT integrated into the chromosome exhibited starch-hydrolyzing activity at the same optimal pH and temperature as the free enzyme. Volumes of the bread loaves and rice cakes prepared using S. cerevisiae/pdeltaCGT increased by 20% and 45%, respectively, with no detectable CD. Retrogradation rates of the bread and rice cakes decreased significantly during storage. In comparison to the wild type, S. cerevisiae/pdeltaCGT showed improved viability during four freeze-thaw cycles. The results indicated that CGTase[3-18] displayed on the surface of yeast hydrolyzed starch to glucose and maltose that can be used more efficiently for yeast fermentation. Therefore, display of an antistaling enzyme on the cell surface of yeast has potential for enhancing the baking process.

The molecular pathogenesis of infections caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) is not fully understood. We recently reported that a recombinant protein derived from the collagen-like surface protein, Scl1, bound to the human collagen receptor, integrin alpha(2)beta(1). Here, we investigate whether the same Scl1 variant expressed by GAS cells interacts with the integrin alpha2beta(1) and affects the biological outcome of host-pathogen interactions. We demonstrate that GAS adherence and internalization involve direct interactions between surface expressed Scl1 and the alpha2beta(1) integrin, because (i) both adherence and internalization of the scl1-inactivated mutant were significantly decreased, and were restored by in-trans complementation of Scl1 expression, (ii) GAS internalization was reduced by pre-treatment of HEp-2 cells with anti-alpha2 integrin-subunit antibody and type I collagen, (iii) recombinant alpha2-I domain bound the wild-type GAS cells and (iv) internalization of wild-type cells was significantly increased in C2C12 cells expressing the alpha2beta(1) integrin as the only collagen-binding integrin. Next, we determined that internalized GAS re-emerges from epithelial cells into the extracellular environment. Taken together, our data describe a new molecular mechanism used by GAS involving the direct interaction between Scl1 and integrins, which increases the overall capability of the pathogen to survive and re-emerge.

Maltogenic amylases (MAases), a subclass of cyclodextrin (CD)-hydrolyzing enzymes belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 13, have been studied extensively, but their physiological roles in microbes and evolutionary relationships with other amylolytic enzymes remain unclear. Here, we report the biochemical properties of a thermostable archaeal MAase from Thermoplasma volcanium GSS1 (TpMA) for the first time. The primary structure and catalytic properties of TpMA were similar to those of MAases, such as possession of an extra domain at its N-terminal and preference for CD over starch. TpMA showed high thermostability and optimal activity at 75 degrees C and 80 degrees C for beta-CD and soluble starch, respectively. The recombinant TpMA exists as a high oligomer in a solution and the oligomeric TpMA was dissociated into dimer and monomer mixture by a high concentration of NaCl. The substrate preference and thermostability of TpMA were significantly dependent on the oligomeric state of the enzyme. However, TpMA exhibited distinguishable characteristics from those of bacterial MAases. The transglycosylation pattern of TpMA was opposite to that of bacterial MAases. TpMA formed more alpha-1,4-glycosidic linked transfer product than alpha-1,6-linked products. Like as alpha-amylases, notably, TpMA has a longer subsite structure than those of other CD-degrading enzymes. Our findings in this study suggest that TpMA, the archaeal MAase, shares characteristics of both bacterial MAases and alpha-amylases, and locates in the middle of the evolutionary process between alpha-amylases and bacterial MAases.

The dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which links the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, is essential for muscle cell survival, and is defective in a wide range of muscular dystrophies. The DAPC contains two transmembrane subcomplexes-the dystroglycans and the sarcoglycans. Although several extracellular binding partners have been identified for the dystroglycans, none have been described for the sarcoglycan subcomplex. Here we show that the small leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteoglycan biglycan binds to alpha- and gamma-sarcoglycan as judged by ligand blot overlay and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Our studies with biglycan-decorin chimeras show that alpha- and gamma-sarcoglycan bind to distinct sites on the polypeptide core of biglycan. Both biglycan proteoglycan as well as biglycan polypeptide lacking glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains are components of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex isolated from adult skeletal muscle membranes. Finally, our immunohistochemical and biochemical studies with biglycan null mice show that the expression of alpha- and gamma-sarcoglycan is selectively reduced in muscle from young (P14-P21) animals, while levels in adult muscle (> or = P35) are unchanged. We conclude that biglycan is a ligand for two members of the sarcoglycan complex and regulates their expression at discrete developmental ages., (Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify nicotine dependence, smoking-related attitude, and subjective norms across the stages of change for smoking cessation among adult smokers in a rural area., Method: The subjects were 276 current smokers (male=243, female=33). There were 3 stages of change for smoking cessation: pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stage. Data was collected by an interview or self-reporting from February 12th to March 5th 2004, and analyzed with frequency, percentage, chi- square-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA, and Scheffe test using the SPSS-PC program., Result: According to the stages of change, 114(41.3%) current smokers were in pre-contemplation, 110(39.9%) in contemplation, and 52(18.8%) in the preparation stage. There was a higher percentage of males than females (chi- square=8.99, p=.011) in the preparation stage. The mean score of the smoking-related attitude (F=7.43, p=.001) and subjective norm(F=27.41, p=.001) were both lowest in the pre-contemplation stage and increased positively during the stages of change for smoking cessation., Conclusion: Based on these findings, the authors recommend that community-based smoking cessation programs should be developed by considering the intention or motives of current smokers and should be initiated in the preparation stage and primarily for male groups.

Matricellular proteins such as SPARC, thrombospondin 1 and 2, and tenascin C and X subserve important functions in extracellular matrix synthesis and cellular adhesion to extracellular matrix. By virtue of its reported interaction with collagen I and deadhesive activity on cells, we hypothesized that hevin, a member of the SPARC gene family, regulates dermal extracellular matrix and collagen fibril formation. We present evidence for an altered collagen matrix and levels of the proteoglycan decorin in the normal dermis and dermal wound bed of hevin-null mice. The dermal elastic modulus was also enhanced in hevin-null animals. The levels of decorin protein secreted by hevin-null dermal fibroblasts were increased by exogenous hevin in vitro, data indicating that hevin might regulate both decorin and collagen fibrillogenesis. We also report a decorin-independent function for hevin in collagen fibrillogenesis. In vitro fibrillogenesis assays indicated that hevin enhanced fibril formation kinetics. Furthermore, cell adhesion assays indicated that cells adhered differently to collagen fibrils formed in the presence of hevin. Our observations support the capacity of hevin to modulate the structure of dermal extracellular matrix, specifically by its regulation of decorin levels and collagen fibril assembly.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a tilting training program on lower extremities function, depression, and self-efficacy among stroke inpatients., Method: The subjects were 60 stroke patients hospitalized in an oriental medical hospital; 31 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The tilting training program consisted of 3 sessions and was implemented for 30 minutes daily during 3 weeks. Data was collected from Feb to July 2003, and analyzed by percentage, Fisher's exact probability, chi2-test, and t-test using the SPSS/Win 10.0 computerized program., Result: After treatment with the tilting training program, the experimental group was significantly increased in the mean score for function of lower extremities (t=2.72, p=.009) compared to the control group, especially for keeping standing balance (t=2.78, p=.007) and standing by oneself (t=3.32, p=.002). However, in the mean scores of depression and self-efficacy, there were no significant differences between the two groups., Conclusion: The tilting training program was effective for increasing the function of lower extremities and to improve walking ability earlier among stroke inpatients. Therefore, the tilting training program is applicable to increase the balance level in standing and walking ability at the early rehabilitation stage for stroke patients.

We investigated the metabolic defect(s) of four children who presented with isolated cryptogenic chronic liver disease, coagulopathy, and abnormalities of several unrelated serum glycoproteins. Analysis of the patients' serum glycoproteins and fibroblasts suggest they have a novel congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG). All had abnormal transferrin (Tf) isoelectric focusing (IEF) profiles. More detailed analysis of Tf by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) showed a plethora of abnormal glycosylations that included loss of 1-2 sialic acids and 1-2 galactose units, typical of Group II defects. Tf from two patients also lacked 1-2 entire oligosaccharide chains, typical of Group One disorders. Total serum N-glycans were analyzed by HPLC and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and also showed increased proportion of neutral glycan chains lacking sialic acids and galactose units. Analysis of patient fibroblasts eliminated CDG-Ia, through CDG-Ih, -IL and CDG-IId. Our results suggest that a subset of children with clinically asymptomatic, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia and/or liver steato-fibrosis may represent a novel type of CDG-X with an unknown defect(s). Clinicians are encouraged to test such patients for abnormal Tf glycosylation by ESI-MS.

Expression of decorin using the vaccinia virus/T7 expression system resulted in secretion of two distinct glycoforms: a proteoglycan substituted with a single chondroitin sulfate chain and N-linked oligosaccharides and a core protein glycoform substituted with N-linked glycans but without a glycosaminoglycan chain. In this report, we have addressed two distinct questions. What is the rate-limiting step in glycosaminoglycan synthesis? Is glycosylation with either N-linked oligosaccharides or glycosaminoglycan required for secretion of decorin? N-terminal sequencing of the core protein glycoform, the addition of benzyl-beta-d-xyloside, and a UDP-xylose: core protein beta-d-xylosyltransferase activity assay show that xylosylation is a rate-limiting step in chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis. Decorin can be efficiently secreted with N-linked oligosaccharides alone or with a single chondroitin sulfate chain alone; however, there is severely impaired secretion of core protein devoid of any glycosylation. A decorin core protein mutant devoid of N-linked oligosaccharide attachment sites will not be secreted by Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in xylosyltransferase or by parental Chinese hamster ovary wild type cells if the xylosyltransferase recognition sequence is disrupted. This finding suggests that quality control mechanisms sensitive to an absence of N-linked oligosaccharides can be abrogated by interaction of the core protein with the glycosaminoglycan synthetic machinery. We propose a model of regulation of decorin secretion that has several components, including appropriate substitution with N-linked oligosaccharides and factors involved in glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy for obese elementary school children. The program was composed of strategies to modify diet and exercise habits and to increase self-efficacy., Method: The subjects were 57 obese children (experimental group = 28, control group = 29) whose Röhler index was 150 and over. The program was implemented once a week for 12 weeks from September 16 to December 12, 2003. The data was analyzed by Fisher's exact probability, chi (2)-test, t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test., Result: The Röhler index, fat mass and lean body mass of the experimental group positively changed after the intervention more than those of the control group, but there was a significant difference in the Röhler index only (t=2.06, p=.045). In addition, obesity stress significantly decreased (z=-2.86, p=.047) and dietary self-efficacy significantly increased (t=2.35, p=.023) in the experimental group than those of the control group., Conclusion: This study supports that a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy can be effective in decreasing obesity stress and increasing dietary self-efficacy. Parents, school nurses and the other support groups should be encouraged to participate from the planning stage of the program to be effective in weight control of obese elementary school children. Also school-based program should be implemented as an essential course in the curriculum, not as an elective.

In this report we describe the first two US patients with congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ig (CDG-Ig). Both patients presented with symptoms indicating CDG, including developmental delay, hypotonia and failure to thrive, and tested positive for deficient glycosylation of transferrin. Labeling of the patients' lipid-linked oligosaccharides suggested mutations in the hALG12 gene, encoding a mannosyltransferase. Both patients were shown to carry previously unpublished hALG12-mutations. Patient 1 has one allele with a deletion of G29, resulting in a premature stop codon, and another allele with an 824G>A mutation yielding an S275N amino acid change. Patient 2 carries two heterozygous mutations (688T>G and 931C>T), resulting in two amino acid exchanges, Y230D and R311C. An adenoviral vector expressing wild type hALG12 corrects the abnormal lipid-linked oligosaccharide pattern of the patients' cells. In addition to common CDG symptoms, these patients also presented with low IgG and genital hypoplasia, symptoms previously described in CDG-Ig patients. We therefore conclude that a combination of developmental delay, low IgG, and genital hypoplasia should prompt CDG testing.

The mammalian bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1)/Tolloid-related metalloproteinases play key roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biosynthetic processing of various precursor proteins into mature functional enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins involved in initiating the mineralization of hard tissue ECMs. They also have been shown to activate several members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, and may serve to coordinate such activation with formation of the ECM in morphogenetic events. Osteoglycin (OGN), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan with unclear functions, is found in cornea, bone, and other tissues, and appears to undergo proteolytic processing in vivo. Here we have successfully generated recombinant OGN and have employed it to demonstrate that a pro-form of OGN is processed to varying extents by all four mammalian BMP-1/Tolloid-like proteinases, to generate a 27-kDa species that corresponds to the major form of OGN found in cornea. Moreover, whereas wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) produce primarily the processed, mature form of OGN, MEFs homozygous null for genes encoding three of the four mammalian BMP-1/Tolloid-related proteinases produce only unprocessed pro-OGN. Thus, all detectable pro-OGN processing activity in MEFs is accounted for by products of these genes. We also demonstrate that both pro- and mature OGN can regulate type I collagen fibrillogenesis, and that processing of the prodomain by BMP-1 potentiates the ability of OGN to modulate the formation of collagen fibrils.

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the differences of health patterns; health-related characteristics, health behaviors, health problems, and self-care levels of elderly, living alone in an urban area according to age group., Method: The study design was a descriptive survey and the subjects were 1,800 elderly consisting of 937 young old, 704 middle old, and 159 old old. Data was collected from May to July 2003 using the structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi(2)-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA and Scheffe test using SPSS/PC., Result: The health related characteristics which involved body mass index, mental status, use of assistant devices, perceived health, concern of health, and social support were different among the groups and more aggravated by aging. Health behaviors and health problems were also significantly aggravated in the old old group. The self-care levels measured by ADL, physical activity, and self-care ability scores were also significantly decreased in the old old group., Conclusion: For the level of health status, health behaviors and self-care ability were significantly decreased by aging, health care services for the elderly should be planned considering the difference in the health pattern by age group.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop the exercise program based on the Transtheoretical Model, and to identify it's effects on physical and psychological variables in stroke survivors., Method: The subjects of this study were 42 stroke survivors in the preparation and action stages. The stage based exercise program was conducted in the experimental group 8 times for 8 weeks. For data collection, physical conditioning and psychological state were measured and decisional balance and exercise specific self-efficacy were compared within groups., Result: For the physical conditioning, there were significant improvements in shoulder's range of motion and walking speed. For the psychological state, the mean score of self esteem for the experimental group significantly increased in both stages. The pros of decisional balance increased in the preparation stage and the cons of decisional balance increased in the action stage, but the exercise specific self-efficacy scores were not significantly changed in both stages., Conclusion: The stage based exercise program using the Transtheoretical Model influenced on the physical and psychological variables positively for the stroke survivors. It was demonstrated that subjects became more active during the intervention.

Aligned SiC-C coaxial nanocables were synthesized via the direct growth of SiC nanowires from silicon substrates and subsequent carbon deposition using pyrolysis of methane; the average diameter of the SiC nanowire cores is 20 nm; the thickness of the C outer layers is controlled in the range 3-50 nm; the degree of crystalline perfection of the graphitic sheets increases with the thickness.

Congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ic (CDG-Ic) is caused by mutations in ALG6, encoding an alpha 1,3-glucosyltransferase. The most frequent mutation found in this gene (C998T resulting in an A333V substitution) has until now been found only in patients of European origin. Here we describe the first occurrence of this CDG-Ic mutation in patients of Indian origin. Of three Indian patients described in this study, patient 1 was homozygous and patient 2 heterozygous for the A333V mutation. In patient 2 we also found a new mutation, IVS3+2&#95;3insT, just 3bp away from the previously described IVS3+5G>A substitution; both mutations resulted in exon 3 skipping. We screened a panel of >350 genomic DNA samples from an ethnically diverse American population to determine the frequency of the A333V mutation. None of the samples carried this mutation, indicating the frequency of patients carrying this homozygous mutation should be <1 in 5x10(5). The discovery of the common CDG-Ic mutation A333V in an Indian population raises questions as to its ethnic origin.

The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is widely used to produce recombinant mammalian glycoproteins, but the glycosylated end products are rarely authentic. This is because insect cells are typically unable to produce glycoprotein glycans containing terminal sialic acid residues. In this study, we examined the influence of two mammalian glycosyltransferases on N-glycoprotein sialylation by the baculovirus-insect cell system. This was accomplished by using a novel baculovirus vector designed to express a mammalian alpha2,6-sialyltransferase early in infection and a new insect cell line stably transformed to constitutively express a mammalian beta1,4-galactosyltransferase. Various biochemical assays showed that a foreign glycoprotein was sialylated by this virus-host combination, but not by a control virus-host combination, which lacked the mammalian glycosyltransferase genes. Thus, this study demonstrates that the baculovirus-insect cell expression system can be metabolically engineered for N-glycoprotein sialylation by the addition of two mammalian glycosyltransferase genes., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)