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Background/Aims: This study aimed to review the indications, methods, cooperation, complications, and outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 200 hospitals, of which 62 returned their questionnaires, with a response rate of approximately 30%. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the responses to the questionnaires. Results: In 2019, a total of 1,052 PEGs were performed in 1,017 patients at 62 hospitals. The main group who underwent PEG was older adult patients with brain disease, particularly stroke. Nutritional supply was an important purpose of the PEG procedure. “The pull method” was the most commonly used for initial PEG insertion. The complications related to PEG were mostly mild, with leakage being the most common. Patients who underwent PEG procedures were primarily educated regarding the post-procedure management and complications related to PEG. Preoperative meetings were skipped at >50% of the institutions. Regarding the cooperation between the nutrition support team (NST) and the physician performing PEG, few endoscopists answered that they cooperated with NST before and after PEG. Moreover, the rate of NST certification obtained by physicians performing PEG and the frequency of attendance at NST-related conferences were relatively low. Conclusions: This study shows a similar trend to that found in the previous PEG guidelines. However, it covers new aspects, including team-based work for PEG procedure, nutrition support, and education for patients and guardians. Therefore, each medical institution needs to select an appropriate method considering the medical environment and doctor’s abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and associated risk factors after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Methods: A total of 72 consecutive patients under 13 years old (mean age 6.7 years; 48 boys, 24 girls) with unilateral femur shaft fracture, and a minimum follow-up of 18 months, were included. The amount of LLD was calculated by subtracting the length of the uninjured from that of the injured limb. Risk factors for an LLD = 1 cm and = 2 cm were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Hip spica casting, titanium elastic nailing and plating were performed on 22, 40 and ten patients, respectively. The mean LLD was 7.8 mm (sd 8.8) and 29 (40.3%) had a LLD of = 1 cm, while nine (12.5%) had a LLD of = 2 cm. There were significant differences in fracture stability (p = 0.005) and treatment methods (p = 0.011) between patients with LLD < 1 cm and = 1 cm. There were significant differences in fracture site shortening (p < 0.001) and LLD (p < 0.001) between patients with length-stable and length-unstable fractures. Fracture stability was the only factor associated with LLD = 1 cm (odds ratio of 4.0; p = 0.020) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that fracture stability was significantly associated with LLD after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Therefore, the surgeon should consider the possibility of LLD after length-stable femur shaft fracture in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dairy cattle nutrient requirement systems acknowledge amino acid (AAs) requirements in aggregate as metabolizable protein (MP) and assume fixed efficiencies of MP used for milk protein. Regulation of mammary protein synthesis may be associated with AA input and milk protein output. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanoemulsified methionine and cysteine on the in-vitro expression of milk protein (casein) in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T cells). Methods: Methionine and cysteine were nonionized using Lipoid S 75 by high-speed homogenizer. The nanoemulsified AA particle size and polydispersity index were determined by dynamic light scattering correlation spectroscopy using a high-performance particle sizer instrument. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity effect of AAs with and without nanoionization at various concentrations (100 to 500 µg/mL) in mammary epithelial cells. MAC-T cells were subjected to 100% of free AA and nanoemulsified AA concentration in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12) for the analysis of milk protein (casein) expression by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Results: The AA-treated cells showed that cell viability tended to decrease (80%) in proportion to the concentration before nanogenesis, but cell viability increased as much as 90% after nanogenesis. The analysis of the expression of genetic markers related to milk protein indicated that; as2-casein increased 2-fold, γ-casein increased 5-fold, and the amount of unchanged ß-casein expression was nearly doubled in the nanoemulsified methionine-treated group when compared with the free-nanoemulsified methionine-supplemented group. On the contrary, the non-emulsified cysteine-administered group showed higher expression of genetic markers related to milk protein as2-casein, γ-casein, and ß-casein, but all the genetic markers related to milk protein decreased significantly after nanoemulsification. Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of factors, such nanogenesis of methionine, associated with increasing cysteine and decreasing production of genetic markers related to milk protein (casein) will help guide future recommendations to producers for maximizing milk yield with a high level of milk protein casein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon ruptures of the finger may occur due to various causes around the wrist. Because the malunion of distal radius affects the morphology of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), it may cause an arthritis of this joint. Progression of arthritis of the DRUJ may result in bony spurs, dislocation of ulnar head, or change of inclination of sigmoid notch. These changes can cause the attritional rupture of tendons around the DRUJ. We experienced an attritional rupture of 4/5th flexor tendons in a patient with arthritis of the DRUJ and palmar subluxation of ulnar head caused by malunion of distal radius. Although an attritional rupture of flexor tendons is less common than that of extensor tendons, progression of attritional ruptures and management are similar. However, because there are some differences between the former and the latter in radiologic findings and surgical considerations, we report this case with a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panner's disease, osteonecrosis of the capitellum of the elbow, was first reported by Panner in 1927. The disease occurs mainly in boys between 6 and 15 years old and shows unilateral distribution. Pain, stiffness, localized tenderness over the lateral condyle of the elbow, and decreased range of motion are the typical clinical symptoms. Conservative treatment is generally recommended for patients in the early stage of this disease. A few cases of Panner's disease have been reported and few are related to long-term follow-up results. To the best of our knowledge, all reported cases were over six years. Therefore, we report on a five-year-old boy diagnosed as Panner's disease that showed resorption and regeneration of the humeral capitellum with no limitation of motion over three years. The current study was exempted from review by the institutional review board because it was a single retrospective case report. Informed consent was obtained from the patient's guardian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Label-free and real-time detections of mismatched dsDNAs are demonstrated using MutS-protein-immobilized, single-walled carbon nanotube field effect transistor (SWNT-FET) devices. The E. coliMutS proteins specifically recognizing mismatched dsDNAs are immobilized on SWNT-FET devices that have been fabricated for high sensitivity using a shadow mask lithographic technique to obtain a thin and wide Schottky contact region. The MutS-immobilized SWNT-FETs have successfully detected 40 base pair dsDNAs having single G-T mismatches at the 20th base pair positions by displaying significant electrical conductance drops at as low as 100 pM concentration. Systematic control experiments have revealed that the signal changes indeed originated from specific recognitions of mismatched DNAs by the immobilized MutS proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) is being evaluated as a candidate therapy in support of periodontal regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate cementum and alveolar bone formation, and aberrant healing events following surgical implantation of rhGDF-5 in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier using an established periodontal defect model. Materials and Methods: Bilateral 4 × 5 mm (width × depth), one-wall, critical-size, intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth pre-molar teeth in 15 Beagle dogs. Five animals received 1 μg/defect and five animals 20 μg/defect rhGDF-5 in unilateral defect sites. Contralateral sites received treatments reported elsewhere. Five animals received rhGDF-5/ACS with 0 (buffer control) and 100 μg/defect rhGDF-5 in contralateral defect sites. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks post-surgery for histologic and histometric evaluation. Results: Surgical implantation of rhGDF-5 stimulated significant periodontal regeneration. Cementum formation was significantly enhanced in sites implanted with rhGDF-5 (1 and 100 μg) compared with control ( p<0.05). Similarly, bone formation height was significantly greater in sites receiving rhGDF-5 (1 and 100 μg) compared with control ( p<0.05). There were no significant or remarkable differences in bone and cementum formation within the selected dose interval (1, 20 and 100 μg rhGDF-5). None of the control or the rhGDF-5 sites exhibited root resorption, ankylosis, or other aberrant tissue reactions. Conclusion: Surgical implantation of rhGDF-5/ACS may be used safely to support periodontal wound healing/regeneration in intrabony periodontal defects without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MutL is required to assist the mismatch repair protein MutS during initiation of the methyl-directed mismatch repair (MMR) response in various organisms ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Despite this necessity, the inherent propensity of MutL to aggregate has led to significant difficulties in determining its biological relationship with other MMR-related proteins. Here, we perform analysis on the thermostable MutL protein found in Thermotoga maritima MSB8 (TmL). Size exclusion chromatographic analysis indicates the lack of aggregated forms with the exception of a dimeric TmL. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis reveals that the solution structures of the full-length TmL and its corresponding complexes with nucleotides and ssDNA undergo conformational changes. The elucidated TmL SAXS model is superimposed to the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of Escherichia coli MutL. In addition, the N-terminal SAXS model of TmL exists as monomeric form, indicating that TmL has a structurally flexible N-terminal domain. TmL SAXS analysis can suggest a considerable possibility on a new 3D view of the previously unresolved full-length MutL molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The molecular mechanisms of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system have been uncovered over the last decade, especially in prokaryotes. The results obtained for prokaryotic MMR proteins have provided a framework for the study of the MMR system in eukaryotic organisms, such as yeast, mouse and human, because the functions of MMR proteins have been conserved during evolution from bacteria to humans. However, mutations in eukaryotic MMR genes result in pleiotropic phenotypes in addition to MMR defects, suggesting that eukaryotic MMR proteins have evolved to gain more diverse and specific roles in multicellular organisms. Here, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic MMR systems and describe various new functions of MMR proteins that have been intensively researched during the last few years, including DNA damage surveillance and diversification of antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mice with a homozygous knockout of the jumonji (jmj) gene showed abnormal heart development and defective regulation of cardiac-specific genes, including the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). ANF is one of the earliest markers of cardiac differentiation and a hallmark for cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we show that JMJ represses ANF gene expression by inhibiting transcriptional activities of Nkx2.5 and GATA4. JMJ represses the Nkx2.5- or GATA4-dependent activation of the reporter genes containing the ANF promoter-enhancer or containing the Nkx2.5 or GATA4-hinding consensus sequence. JMJ physically associates with Nkx2.5 and GATA4 in vitro and in vivo as determined by glutathione S-transferase pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays. Using mutational analyses, we mapped the protein-protein interaction domains in JMJ, Nkx2.5, and GATA4. We identified two DNA-binding sites of JMJ in the ANF enhancer by gel mobility shift assays. However, these JMJ-binding sites do not seem to mediate ANF repression by JMJ. Mutational analysis of JMJ indicates that the protein-protein interaction domain of JMJ mediates the repression of ANF gene expression. Therefore, JMJ may play important roles in the down-regulation of ANF gene expression and in heart development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JUMONJI (JMJ) is a nuclear factor that is critical for normal cardiovascular development, evidenced by the analysis of jmj homozygous mutant mice. However, the molecular function of JMJ remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether JMJ is a transcriptional modulator. Reporter gene assays using the GAL4-DNA binding domain fused to JMJ and a reporter gene consisting of the GAL4 binding sites upstream of a luciferase reporter gene indicated that JMJ functions as a powerful transcriptional repressor. The DNA binding motif of JMJ was determined using CASTing experiments by incubating a random oligonucleotide library with the GST-JMJ fusion protein coupled to agarose beads. Among the selected binding oligonucleotides, the high affinity DNA binding sequences were identified by gel retardation assays. JMJ repressed expression of the reporter genes containing the high affinity JMJ binding sequences, indicating that JMJ is a DNA-binding transcriptional repressor. The domains for transcriptional repression, DNA binding, and nuclear localization signal were mapped by mutational analyses using reporter gene assays, gel retardation assays, and immunostaining experiments, respectively. The present data demonstrate for the first time that JMJ functions as a DNA-binding transcriptional repressor. Therefore, JMJ may play a critical role in transcription factor cascade to regulate expression of heart-specific genes and normal cardiac development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify key genes involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions, differentially expressed genes in atherosclerotic plaques obtained from diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbit aorta were screened using the differential display (DD) RTPCR technique. Aortic RNAs were isolated from rabbits fed cholesterol-supplemented (2% cholesterol in lab-chow, w/w) chow diet for 12 weeks, followed by the synthesis of cDNAs by reverse-transcription using 2- base anchored oligo(dT) (S'-TuVN) as 3'-primers. Synthesized cDNAs were amplified by PCR using arbitrary 10-mers as S'-primers and the same 3'primers used in the reverse-transcription. Amplified cDNAs sized between 0.2 to 0.5 kb obtained from control and cholesterol-fed rabbit aortas were displayed on the 6% DNA-sequencing gel for comparisons. The cDNA bands showing distinctive differences in patterns of display or in density of the band were extracted from the gel. A total of 66 differentially displayed cDNAs was isolated and subjected to the reverse-Northern and Northern blot analyses in order to confirm the differences. Through the extensive confirming processes, three cDNAs were finally selected (designated CRGRA-l through -3) and their nucleotide sequences were determined. Two of those (CRGRA-l and -2) were determined to be upregulated and the other (CRGRA-3) was downregulated by the cholesterol-feeding. Upon homology search on databases for the identification of the genes, the first cDNA (CRGRA-l) turned out to be a part of a novel gene, the second one (CRGRA-2) was homologous (82 %) to the corresponding segment of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 gene, and the last one (CRGRA-3) was identified to be homologous (94%) to a segment of human small GTPbinding protein (Rab7) gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketonesare regioselectively α-alkylated with trialkylamines in tolueneat 120 °C in the presence of Pd/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic IL-23/Th17 pathway-associated skin disease. An increased expression of lesional CCL20 can recruit CCR6+ Th17, and lesional cytokine milieu persistently activates keratinocytes to produce CCL20. Lipid-lowering drugs, statins, are known to possess immune-modulating functions. In this study, we explored an inhibitory effect of statins on CCL20/CCR6 interaction. We demonstrated that IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A significantly increased CCL20 production from HaCaT cells. However, these increments were markedly inhibited by fluvastatin and simvastatin, but not by pravastatin. In the chemotaxis migration assay, pretreatment with fluvastatin and simvastatin inhibited the migration of human CD4+ T cells towards CCL20. However, the level of CCR6 surface expression in memory CD4+ T cells was not affected. Our results suggest that not all, but specific types of statins may be of benefit in alleviating psoriasis partially via interrupting CCL20/CCR6 chemotactic interaction, the mechanism which may eventually lessen the infiltration of Th17 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND. Pemphigus, a rare autoimmune bullous disease mediated by antidesmoglein autoantibodies, can be controlled with systemic medication like rituximab and high-dose systemic corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants. However, some patients continue to experience chronically recurrent blisters in a specific area and require long-term maintenance systemic therapy. METHODS. Skin with chronic blisters was obtained from patients with pemphigus. Immunologic properties of the skin were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining, bulk and single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing, and a highly multiplex imaging technique known as CO-Detection by indEXing (CODEX). Functional analyses were performed by flow cytometry and bulk RNA-Seq using peripheral blood from healthy donors. Intralesional corticosteroid was injected into patient skin, and changes in chronically recurrent blisters were observed. RESULTS. We demonstrated the presence of skin tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) with desmoglein-specific B cells in chronic blisters from patients with pemphigus. In the skin TLSs, CD4+ T cells predominantly produced CXCL13. These clonally expanded CXCL13+CD4+ T cells exhibited features of activated Th1-like cells and downregulated genes associated with T cell receptor–mediated signaling. Tregs are in direct contact with CXCL13+CD4+ memory T cells and increased CXCL13 production of CD4+ T cells through IL-2 consumption and TGF-β stimulation. Finally, intralesional corticosteroid injection improved chronic blisters and reduced skin TLSs in patients with pemphigus.. CONCLUSION. Through this study we conclude that skin TLSs are associated with the persistence of chronically recurrent blisters in patients with pemphigus, and the microenvironmental network involving CXCL13+CD4+ T cells and Tregs within these structures plays an important role in CXCL13 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work aimed to investigate the protective effects of saponin-based nanoemulsions of vitamin A and E against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in AML-12 cells. Saponin nanoemulsions of vitamin A (SAN) and vitamin E (SEN) were prepared by high-pressure homogenization and characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. SEN and SAN protect AML-12 cells against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage more efficiently via scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reducing DNA damage, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation. These results provide valuable information for the development of nanoemulsion-based delivery systems that would improve the antioxidant properties of vitamin A and E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of diets of broiler chickens with hot-melt extruded CuSO4 (HME-Cu) on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, small intestinal morphology, meat quality, and copper (Cu) bioavailability. Methods: A total of 225 broilers (Ross 308), one-day old and initial weight 39.14 g, were weighed and distributed between 15 cages (15 birds per cage) in a completely randomized experimental design with 3 treatments (diets) and 5 replicates per treatment. Cages were allotted to three treatments including control (without supplemental Cu), IN-Cu (16 mg/kg of CuSO4), and HME-Cu (16 mg/kg of HME processed CuSO4). Results: The HME-Cu treatment tended to increase the overall body weight gain (p<0.10). The apparent digestibility of Cu was increased by supplementation of HME-Cu at phase 2 (p<0.05). The Escherichia coli count in cecum tended to decrease with the supplementation with Cu (p<0.10). In addition, the HME-Cu treatment had a higher pH of breast meat than the control and IN-Cu treatments (p<0.05). Significant increases in the cooking loss, waterholding capacity, and lightness in the breast were observed in the HME-Cu treatment compared to the control (p<0.05). The Cu content of excreta increased with the Cu supplementation (p<0.05). The concentration of excreta Cu in broilers was decreased in the HMECu compared to the IN-Cu in phase 2 (p<0.05). The Cu concentration in the liver was increased with the HME-Cu supplementation, compared with the control diets (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that HME-Cu supplementation at the requirement level (16 mg/kg diets) in broiler diets did not affect the growth performance and the physiological function of Cu in broilers. However, supplementation of Cu in HME form improved the meat quality and the bioavailability of Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MutS2 homologues have received attention because of their unusual activities that differ from those of MutS. In this work, we report on the functional characteristics and conformational diversities of Thermotoga maritima MutS2 (TmMutS2). Various biochemical features of the protein were demonstrated via diverse techniques such as scanning probe microscopy (SPM), ATPase assays, analytical ultracentrifugation, DNA binding assays, size chromatography, and limited proteolytic analysis. Dimeric TmMutS2 showed the temperature-dependent ATPase activity. The non-specific nicking endonuclease activities of TmMutS2 were inactivated in the presence of nonhydrolytic ATP (ADPnP) and enhanced by the addition of TmMutL. In addition, TmMutS2 suppressed the TmRecA-mediated DNA strand exchange reaction in a TmMutL-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of dimeric TmMutS2 exhibited nucleotideand DNA-dependent conformational transitions. Particularly, TmMutS2-ADPnP showed the most compressed form rather than apo-TmMutS2 and the TmMutS2-ADP complex, in accordance with the results of biochemical assays. In the case of the DNA-binding complexes, the stretched conformation appeared in the TmMutS2-four-way junction (FWJ)-DNA complex. Convergences of biochemical- and SAXS analysis provided abundant information for TmMutS2 and clarified ambiguous experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Patients with facial atopic dermatitis (AD) experience psychological and social distress. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients with facial AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients (9 men, 2 women; aged 14–39) with mild to moderate refractory facial AD were included in this study. In three separate sessions at 2-week intervals, the whole face was exposed to an IPL device using a 590-nm cut-off filter. Objective clinical response was examined using the Eczema Severity Score (ESS), a polarization color imaging system, and two dermatologists' evaluations. Data on quality of life were evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS The ESS in 11 patients with facial AD was significantly lower 4 weeks after the third treatment ( p=.005). Scaling ( p=.003); edema, induration, and papules ( p=.011); erythema ( p=.009), and lichenification ( p=.008) improved significantly. The erythema scale, examined using the polarization color imaging system, also decreased significantly ( p=.04). No patients showed any noticeable side effects. Mean DLQI score improved significantly after the completion of therapy (from baseline to 4 weeks after the last IPL treatment; p=.005). CONCLUSION IPL treatment could be used as an adjunct modality for the treatment of refractory facial AD with minimal side effects. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a large-scale retrospective cohort study of psychological stress in patients with alopecia areata cccording to the frequency of intralesional steroid injection. The study included young patients with and without AA. The study found that patients with alopecia totalis showed an increased adjusted HR for psychiatric clinic visits compared with patients with localized AA.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting young children during the spring to fall seasons. Recently, serious outbreaks of HFMD were reported frequently in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and Korea. The symptoms of HFMD are usually mild, comprising fever, loss of appetite, and a rash with blisters, which do not need specific treatment. However, there are uncommon neurological or cardiac complications such as meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis that can be fatal. HFMD is most commonly caused by infection with coxsackievirus A16, and secondly by enterovirus 71 (EV71). Many other strains of coxsackievirus and enterovirus can also cause HFMD. Importantly, HFMD caused by EV71 tends to be associated with fatal complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect against EV71 infection. Development of vaccines against EV71 would be the most effective approach to prevent EV71 outbreaks. Here, we summarize EV71 infection and development of vaccines, focusing on current scientific and clinical progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RHBDL4 is an active rhomboid that specifically recognizes and cleaves atypical, positively charged transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) substrates. Interaction of valosin-containing protein (p97/VCP) and RHBDL4 is crucial to retrotranslocate polyubiquitinated substrates for ERAD pathway. Here, we report the first complex structure of VCP-binding motif (VBM) with p97 N-terminal domain (p97N) at 1.88 Å resolution. Consistent with p97 adaptor proteins including p47-ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX), gp78-VCP-interacting motif (VIM), OTU1-UBX-like element, and FAF1-UBX, RHBDL4 VBM also binds at the interface between the two lobes of p97N. Notably, the RF residues in VBM are involved in the interaction with p97N, showing a similar interaction pattern with that of FPR signature motif in the UBX domain, although the directionality is opposite. Comparison of VBM interaction with VIM of gp78, another a-helical motif that interacts with p97N, revealed that the helix direction is inversed. Nevertheless, the conserved arginine residues in both motifs participate in the majority of the interface via extensive hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions with p97N. We identified novel VBMbinding mode to p97N that involves a combination of two types of p97-cofactor specificities observed in the UBX and VIM interactions. This highlights the induced fit model of p97N interdomain cleft upon cofactor binding to form stable p97-cofactor complexes. Our mutational and biochemical analyses in defining the specific interaction between VBM and p97N have elucidated the importance of the highly conserved VBM, applicable to other VBM-containing proteins. We also showed that RHBDL4, ubiquitins, and p97 co-operate for efficient substrate dislocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate some identities of Bell polynomials associated with special polynomials which are derived from p-adic integral on Zp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate some identities of Bell polynomials associated with special polynomials which are derived from p-adic integral on Zp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open reduction and internal fixation using volar plating for the treatment of distal radial fractures (DRFs) is becoming an increasingly popular method. Tenosynovitis of extensor tendons causes delayed extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture which known as complication following screw penetration of the dorsal cortex after volar plating for DRFs. As the reconstructive procedure for a closed ruptured EPL tendon in minimal displaced DRF, extensor indicis proprius (EIP) transfer is widely used. However, tendon injuries of the fourth compartment, which includes the extensor digitorum communis or EIP, can be caused by screw irritation after volar plating for DRFs. We encountered a rare case of failed EIP tendon transfer for delayed EPL tendon rupture after volar plating for a DRF. Because the EIP tendon can also be damaged by screw penetration, care must be taken to use EIP tendon for treatment of delayed EPL rupture after volar plating for DRFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background context The hyoid bone is used as a landmark in anterior upper cervical spine operations and is supposed to represent the level of C3 body. However, this correspondence between hyoid bone position and cervical level is not static and changes during surgery (extension after anesthesia). Purpose To find the cervical level corresponding to the position of hyoid bone before and after anesthesia and to evaluate the adequacy of its usage as a surgical landmark. Study design A retrospective study. Patient sample One hundred twenty-eight patients with degenerative cervical diseases who had undergone anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Outcome measure Radiologic measure. Methods For each patient, preanesthesia neutral, preanesthesia extension, and postanesthesia induction extension C-spine lateral image were obtained. The level of cervical vertebra that midline of hyoid bone indicated was measured by radiological method. A cervical vertebra was divided into three segments, consisting of upper half, lower half, and disc space, and each of these segments was considered as one level. The differences between pre- and postanesthesia induction hyoid positions were classified as minimal change (one level or less) and significant change (two levels or greater). Relationship between positional change of hyoid bone to gender, obesity, and age were respectively investigated. Results There were 20 cases of one-level distal displacement of the hyoid bone, 40 cases of two-level distal displacement, 34 cases of three-level distal displacement, 16 cases of 4-level distal displacement, and two cases of five-level distal displacement. In eight cases, there was no level change, and in the remaining 8 cases, the hyoid bone had been displaced proximally. There were 34 cases of minimal change. The remaining 94 cases (73.4%) had significant changes. No respective relationship was found between sex, obesity, age and pre-and postanesthesia induction positional change of hyoid bone. Conclusions Among the 128 cases studied, 73.4% hyoid bone positions had changed by more than one cervical vertebra body between the pre- to postanesthesia induction X-ray images. Sex, age, and body mass index were not associated with statistically significant differences in these positions. The hyoid bone should not be trusted as a landmark for upper cervical operations, and the cervical level to be operated should be confirmed by a radiological method before a skin incision is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Codman's paradox reveals a misunderstanding of geometry in orthopedic practice. Physicians often encounter situations that cannot be understood intuitively during orthopedic interventions such as corrective osteotomy. Occasionally, unexpected angular or rotational deformity occurs during surgery. This study aimed to draw the attention of orthopedic surgeons toward the concepts of orientation and rotation and demonstrate the potential for unexpected deformity after orthopedic interventions. This study focused on three situations: shoulder arthrodesis, femoral varization derotational osteotomy, and femoral derotation osteotomy. Methods First, a shoulder model was generated to calculate unexpected rotational deformity to demonstrate Codman's paradox. Second, femoral varization derotational osteotomy was simulated using a cylinder model. Third, a reconstructed femoral model was used to calculate unexpected angular or rotational deformity during femoral derotation osteotomy. Results Unexpected external rotation was found after forward elevation and abduction of the shoulder joint. In the varization and derotation model, closed-wedge osteotomy and additional derotation resulted in an unexpected extension and valgus deformity, namely, undercorrection of coxa valga. After femoral derotational osteotomy, varization and extension of the distal fragment occurred, although the extension was negligible. Conclusions Surgeons should be aware of unexpected angular deformity after surgical procedure involving bony areas. The degree of deformity differs depending on the context of the surgical procedure. However, this study reveals that notable deformities can be expected during orthopedic procedures such as femoral varization derotational osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of idiopathic planovalgus decreases with age among children and adolescents. Previous studies have provided averages of radiographic indices for different age groups but not information about the rate of spontaneous correction and the affecting factors. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of spontaneous improvement of radiographic indices of idiopathic planovalgus through the application of a linear mixed model. Methods: We included patients with idiopathic planovalgus who were no older than the age of fifteen years, who had had two or more weight-bearing foot radiographs made, and who were followed for more than one year. The talonavicular coverage angle, the anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle, the calcaneal pitch angle, and the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle were measured on the radiographs. The rate of angular correction was adjusted by multiple factors with the use of a linear mixed model, with sex and laterality as the fixed effects and age and each subject as the random effects. Results: A total of 568 feet were included in this study, and a total of 3284 radiographs were measured. The talonavicular coverage angle was found to have decreased by 1.7° per year (p < 0.001); the anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle, by 2.1° per year (p < 0.001); and the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle, by 0.7° per year (p = 0.034). The spontaneous improvement of the calcaneal pitch with aging was not significant. Conclusions: The talonavicular coverage angle and the anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle on anteroposterior radiographs and the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle on lateral radiographs improved as patients with idiopathic planovalgus grew older. These findings can assist in the prediction of the radiographic improvement of idiopathic planovalgus. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new double cropping potato cultivar 'Goun' was developed by Highland Agriculture Research Center, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2007. This cultivar was obtained from the cross between 'Chubaek' and 'Lemhi russet' in 1998. The seedling and line selections were performed from 1999 to 2000, preliminary and advanced yield trials were carried out from 2001 to 2004, and the regional yield trials were conducted at three locations from 2005 to 2006. 'Goun' has white flower, green wide leaflet and petiole, short oval tuber with beige skin and white flesh. This cultivar has mid resistance to common scab and potato leaf roll virus. The dry matter content were 20.4 and 21.4% in spring and autumn season, respectively, which were similar with those of 'Atlantic' and higher than 'Dejima'. Also, the potato chip color of 'Goun' was similar with that of 'Atlantic' in spring and autumn season. The dormancy of 'Goun' was 60∼70 days after harvest, which was 5∼10 days longer than 'Dejima'. The average yield of tubers in spring and autumn season were 33.2 and 26.3 ton/ha in the regional yield trials, which were 13% and 14% lower in spring and autumn season, respectively compared to 'Dejima'. 'Goun' can be used for the potato chip processing and table stock after autumn cultivation in potato double cropping area of Korea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QAPRTase) is a key enzyme in NAD biosynthesis; it catalyzes the formation of nicotinate mononucleotide (NAMN) from quinolinate and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate. In order to elucidate the mechanism of NAMN biosynthesis, crystals of Sus scrofa QAPRTase (Ss-QAPRTase) purified from porcine kidney in complex with NAMN were obtained and diffraction data were collected and processed to 2.1 Å resolution. The Ss-QAPRTase-NAMN cocrystals belonged to space group P321, with unit-cell parameters a=119.1, b=119.1, c=93.7 Å, γ=120.0°. The Matthews coefficient and the solvent content were estimated as 3.10 ų Da-1 and 60.3%, respectively, assuming the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]